The Successful Aging Initiative of Morgan and Lawrence County, announces a free public event, “The Changing Face of Aging,” Fri., May 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at BridgeBuilders Church International.

The event sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is held in conjunction with Older Americans Month – Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow. A day full of learning and screenings will equip attendees with the three P’s to a healthier lifestyle – prepare, prevent and protect.

A continental breakfast will be served followed by a panel discussion addressing financial fraud, scams, and identity theft, Medicare fraud and abuse and personal safety and protection. Concurrent breakout sessions will follow covering such topics as medication management and elder law.

Lunch will be provided, followed by the keynote address by Dr. Lawrence Robey of the Madison County Health Department and Mr. Paris Pratt of the Department of Justice.

Health screenings will be available after lunch. Throughout the day those attending will be able to meet with representatives from Social Security, Veterans Administration, Medicaid, NARCOG and Community Action to screen for available services including Medicare premiums and SNAP (food assistance) and other public benefit programs.

Residents are encouraged to clean out old medicine and prescription drugs that are no longer needed and bring them to the event to be safely destroyed by local law enforcement as part of the Take Back Your Drugs program.

All segments of the Changing Face of Aging are offered free of charge to the public. Co-sponsors of the event include: BridgeBuilders Church International (located at 1801 Beltline Road, Suite 300 in Decatur), Mental Health Association, Hospice of the Valley, AARP, Hospice of North Alabama, ASAP, Community Action Partnership, Better Business Bureau of North Alabama, North Alabama Regional Council of Government, Senior Medicare Patrol.

For more information, please contact A. Renee’ Heard at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 256-773-2549.