Conference on aging issues scheduled

Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 | 10:22 a.m.

Nevada's seniors will once again have an opportunity to hear about the issues facing them and services available to them at the annual "Governor's Conference on Aging" Tuesday.

The conference is sponsored by the Nevada Division for Aging Services and organized by the Southern Nevada Area Health Education Center. Keynote speaker will be Jeanette Takamura, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services's Administration on Aging.

Jan Bartley, the health education center's assistant director, said the conference will focus on the needs, issues and services for seniors.

Staffers from Gov. Kenny Guinn's office will also present an overview of the governor's prescription drug program, which has been criticized by Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev. Berkley is defending her 1st Congressional District seat against State Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson.

Porter has used ads featuring Guinn, a fellow Republican, criticizing Berkley on the issue.

But Bartley said most of the conference will avoid political issues.

"We want it to be for seniors, not a mode for politicians to get votes," she said.

Other presentations will focus on nontraditional approaches to health care, grandparents serving as child caretakers, and retirement planning options. In the afternoon, the conference will include a luncheon and a theater presentation of oral histories from seniors.

The cost for the conference is $12. Cost for the luncheon and theater portions of the conference only is $28. Cost for the entire day is $40.

For information, call the Southern Nevada Area Education Center at 671-2382.