Governor Cox – January 14 Aging with WISE Purpose
After working for several weeks with the Governor’s team to assist in the planning, recruitment of topic specialists, and promoting to stakeholders, the symposium Aging with WISE Purpose was held at the OC Tanner Corporate Offices Conference Center. The event was well attended with around 150-200 participants representing advocates, services, policy, and academia from around the state.
SLCo Mayor Jennie Wilson welcomed everyone and offered remarks about the work in her county. Gov. Cox followed by moderating a keynote panel with Julianne Holt-Lunstad PhD and IHC CEO Rob Allen. They were followed by four topical panels: Wealth – focused on improving net earnings for older adults and touted the Governor’s effort to eliminate the state income tax on Social Security earnings this legislative session. Session included three current or former legislators and was moderated by Casey Cameron of the Dept of Workforce Services; Independence – led by Div of Aging and Adult Services Director Nels Holmgren the panelists talked about necessary services and support systems as well as age-friendly systems to help individuals age in place and in circumstances of their choice. Partner Valerie Greer PhD from the U School of Architecture was a contributing panelist.
After lunch, the Security panel was moderated by the director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection and included representatives from FBI, securities division for fraud, and AARP Utah. The final panel was Engagement moderated by UCOA Executive Director Ence and included Alayne Markland DO, MSc (subbing for Tim Farrell MD), Emily Christensen, MS Gerontology and Music Therapist, founder of the Utah Creative Arts Coalition, and Kyle Case, CEO of the Huntsman World Senior Games. All discussed the essential value of social engagements, active lifestyle, connecting with arts and culture, travel, seeking the opportunities that aging can offer to enrich our life’s journey. Executive Director Ence also briefed the group on the Master Plan for Aging’s most current iteration posted on www.utahaging.org and dashboard work ahead in 2025. Concluding speaker was Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.
Community Partner Engagements.
Working ongoing projects with Utah Broadband Coalition and the Utah Development Opportunity Network partners, working on the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act, WINGs on policy issues with guardianships, Utah Health Improvement Project low income population workgroup, initial meeting with the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program (GIP) Advisory Board. Executive Director Ence presented on the Master Plan to the Davis County Senior Services Advisor Committee on January 9 in Clearfield, UT.
