The 'very old' to be focus of Mississippi State workshop

"Well-Being and Function in the Very Old" is the topic of a 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. program sponsored by the university's Gerontology Committee and the Mississippi Gerontological Association. "Very old" is defined as those 80 years old and above.

The workshop will feature sessions on physical fitness, nutrition, osteoporosis, depression, late-life gender issues, demographics, and common mental health problems. Topics are designed both for individual and institutional care-givers.

"The over-80 age group is both the fastest-growing and one of the most expensive in terms of health care," said Dr. Carolyn Adams-Price, psychology professor and one of the event organizers.

"We often assume that there is little that can be done to maximize health care benefits for this group. But the lives of the very old can be improved. Health care costs can be reduced and the very old can improve their functioning."

The workshop will offer continuing education credits. Registration fees are $25 for those who wish to earn credit; $15 for those who enroll for no credit; and $5 for students and for those over 60.

For more information, contact Adams-Price at 325-7658 or Teresa Gammill, Division of Continuing Education, at 325-8877.