Aging Well Workshop Series

Aging well is a high priority for many older people and their families. They want to learn what they need to have a high quality of life when they grow older. NDSU Extension and SDSU Extension are collaborating to offer “Aging Well Workshops” so individuals and families can learn about important topics related to aging. This series includes three workshops offered on February 18, March 18, and April 15. All presentations are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. CST (9:00 a.m. MT). The first two workshops are one hour each, and the final workshop lasts 90 minutes. They are free to attend, and you can sign up as an individual or invite a group as a watch party host. Ideal watch party hosts include county Extension offices, senior centers, libraries, or community centers. The webinars are archived for later viewing, but participating in the live webinar allows participants to interact with the presenter.

Feb. 18 - Navigating Family Estrangement in Older Adulthood

Presented by Philip Estepp, Extension Gerontology Specialist - North Dakota State University

Workshop Objectives

• Be able to define family estrangement and understand common reasons why it occurs
• Learn how estrangement can affect emotional well-being, support systems, and caregiving as people age
• Learn supportive ways to respond when someone is experiencing family estrangement
• Increase awareness of how community connections can help support well-being when family ties are strained.

Workshop Summary

This webinar will explore what family estrangement is, why it happens, its impact on emotional health and caregiving, and ways to offer support and strengthen community connections for adults.

Mar. 18 - Polypharmacy and Deprescribing: Managing Medications for Health and Safety as We Age

Presented by Teri Undem, Director of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences and faculty member in the School of Pharmacy within the College of Health and Human Sciences - North Dakota State University

Workshop Objectives

• Gain a basic understanding of what polypharmacy is
• Learn what deprescribing means and how it differs from stopping medications on one’s own.
• Recognize common risks with taking multiple medications
• Understand the importance of regular medication review.

Workshop Summary

This webinar offers an overview of polypharmacy, the risks of taking multiple medications, and how planned deprescribing can improve safety and quality of life for older adults.

Apr. 15 - Beyond the Will: The Decisions, Documents, and People that Shape Your Estate Plan

Presented by Bobbi Thury, Attorney at Law who practices in Sioux Falls, SD

Workshop Objectives

• Learn the difference between wills, trusts, and probate.
• Understand who makes financial and healthcare decisions during incapacity.
• Explore guardianship and conservatorship scenarios and when they arise.
• Understand fiduciary duties and why your selections matter.
• Learn about common tax and asset protection considerations that come into play with estate planning.
• Learn how to avoid some common estate planning mistakes.

Workshop Summary

This webinar explains key estate planning documents and decision-makers, clarifies fiduciary roles, and offers strategies to avoid common mistakes and protect your assets.