2023 SHOW ME SUMMIT ON AGING & HEALTH
Expanding the Possibilities, September 11-13, 2023 – Columbia, MO
The 18th Show Me Summit on Aging & Health was a resounding success, with over 350 attendees. Governor Parson addressed the Summit, highlighting the importance of the work that Area Agencies on Aging do for older adults across Missouri. The theme of Expanding the Possibilities, featured over 36 workshops along with keynote speaker, Nancy Morrow-Howell of Washington University; Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, Dr. Laura Naught from Department of Health and Senior Services; and bioethicist John Carney.
Melanie Highland, Director of Health and Senior Services, offered a session on Navigating Long-Term Services and Supports; and Mindy Ulstad, Bureau Chief of Senior Services, provided an update on Missouri’s historic Master Plan on Aging. The Summit provided a valuable opportunity for professionals to learn innovative ideas in aging services, to exchange best practices, as well as to network with peers.
The 2023 Summit convened leaders in the aging services network from across the state and country to tackle important issues to Expand the Possibilities for Healthy Aging in Missouri.
The Summit featured dynamic programming with a welcome from Governor Michael Parson who discussed Missouri’s historic Master Plan on Aging. Keynote Speaker, Sandy Markwood, Executive Director of USAging, congratulated Missouri on being one of a handful of states to embark on a Master Plan on Aging; Sandy challenged participants to champion and support the needs of all Missourians across the lifespan. Nancy Morrow-Howell, Washington University, Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, encouraged attendees to counter ageism by reframing the way we think and talk about aging to tell a more complete story of aging. Open, honest, and insightful conversations sparked innovative ideas and fostered collaboration across the state.
