Mayor Declares September As Optimal Aging Month

Mayor Greg Fischer today proclaimed September to be Optimal Aging Month in Louisville as part of a national observation of Healthy Aging Month.

The Mayor presented the Optimal Aging Month proclamation to Anna Faul, Ph.D., executive director of the University of Louisville’s Trager Institute for Optimal Aging, at the institute’s annual Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Recognition Luncheon, which recognizes adults who are 85 years or older and lead engaged lives in the areas of physical, spiritual, social, civic, and creative.

“As the home to one of the largest collections of aging care innovation headquarters in the nation, Louisville is at the center of breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge therapies around improving quality of life as we age,” said the Mayor. “We are a compassionate city, and it is our responsibility to ensure every resident can meet their full human potential no matter their age, income or zip code.”

Lifelong Wellness and Aging is one of Louisville’s five key clusters that drive the economy forward. With its critical mass of aging and health care companies, Louisville has a collaborative innovation ecosystem focused on improving health outcomes at all ages. Its momentum is apparent with the strength of the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, Health Enterprise Network, and UofL’s state-of-the-art research facilities.

The UofL Trager Institute strives to give more individuals the opportunity for aging optimally as part of its mission to innovate the aging experience through leading-edge clinical practice, collaborative research and inter-professional education.

The Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic at the UofL Trager Institute opens this week in its renovated space on Market Street.

“We are so excited to invite patients to our new clinic that focuses on a research-based approach, promoting lifestyle changes and preventative medicine that will help people flourish and optimally age,” Faul said.

The clinical services include executive wellness exams, medication management, chronic disease management, optimal aging life planning and mental health.

In recognition of Optimal Aging Month, community partners are hosting the following events:

Saturday, Sept. 7

8:30 a.m., 231 Witherspoon St. – Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 11

7 to 8 p.m., 8023 Catherine Lane – Beer with Scientist Sam Cotton, program manager in Trager Institute’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program at Holsopple Brewery.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

All day, 10617 Taylorsville Road – Trauma-informed Care and Older Adult Symposium. Registration required on Eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

All day, 2100 S. Floyd St. – Health Enterprises Network’s annual CONVERGE conference. Registration required at www.healthentreprisesnetwork.com/events/converge-louisville-2019/.

Friday, Sept. 20

Noon to 1 p.m., 204 E. Market St. – Project ECHO: Care of Older Adults, presentation and discussion about providing patient-centered care, improving chronic health conditions, improving care around Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, and increasing collaborative care.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Louisville Business First Aging Innovation breakfast presented in partnership with the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council. Registration required at https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/event/164433/2019/aging-innovation-breakfast.

Thursday, Sept. 26

8:30 to 10:30 a.m., 1020 E. Burnett Ave – Age-Friendly Louisville Community Progress Report Breakfast with guest speaker Bill Armbruster from AARP National AARP Livable Cities Team at MUSCL Senior Wellness Center.

For more information on aging information and events, subscribe to the Aging & Disabled Citizens’ monthly newsletter or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/of….