Left to Right-Josh Chrysler, Maggie Unterseher, and Lisa Engstrom
Wyoming State Library Youth Services Manager Maggie Unterseher attended the Creative Aging Leadership Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, held July 26-27, along with two delegates from other State of Wyoming agencies.
“Lifetime Arts and the Music Man Foundation hosted western states who participate in Creative Aging under their funding and framework,” said Maggie. “The purpose was to get the western states together to hear what works for their programming for older adults, as well as challenges they are facing.”
The one-day conference included presentations by speakers and professionals focused on the importance of programming for older adults.
“The most impactful presentations for me were the state reports,” said Maggie. “Each state gave a brief report of their successes and challenges they have faced since implementing Creative Aging. This was especially important as we heard from experts on the importance of inclusion for older adults for the sake of their physical and mental well being, community building, and finding a purpose.”
As a result of the conference, Maggie and the other two representatives from Wyoming, Josh Chrysler with the Wyoming Arts Council, Lisa Engstrom with the Wyoming Department of Health – Aging Division, will meet and define their roles in Creative Aging programming in Wyoming.
“Once we meet and better understand what we want to do for Wyoming, we will move forward to bring in community partnerships with Wyoming libraries, seniors centers, etc.” said Maggie.
According to statistics shared at the conference, the population of Americans that will be 80 years or older will triple in the next three years as a result of longer life expectancy and access to better health care in the nation. Consequently, Wyomingites in the Baby Boomer Generation will continue to need support through our libraries and senior centers.
“This was the type of conference that serves as a reminder of the important work that people of Wyoming do for their neighbors,” said Maggie. “I think that supporting older adults and making sure we see them is very important.”