By Libby Scarborough

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program is excited to host its annual Live Well Age Well event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park.

The public event will feature a vendor fair with more than 40 private businesses, health organizations, community partners and other service providers that focus on keeping adults in our community healthy, independent and well connected.

Attendees are invited to explore the many Johnson County agency booths to discover all the ways the county supports aging adults. Johnson County Election Office, Health and Environment, the County Manager’s Office, Aging and Human Services, Johnson County’s K-State Extension Office and Library are just a few you can expect to be on site.

The event will also feature those that provide health screenings such as blood pressure checks as well as pain, joint and hearing screenings.

A lineup of educational sessions will be offered throughout the day. Event partner, Optum Health, will offer a primary care session with Dr. Lee Norman. He served as the Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment between 2019 and 2021. As a well-known, engaging, health care professional Dr. Norman’s presentation is sure to be as informative as it will be popular.

Next up, Michelle Lane, senior director for Community Wellness and Corporate Health at North Kansas City Hospital will talk about “Sleep is a Superpower.” Most adults don’t get enough sleep. With her help, attendees will learn how sleep impacts their health and how to get the zzz’s they need!

Our final presentation will feature Joy Miller, with Johnson County K-State Extension Office who will present “Simple Home Modifications for Aging in Place,” featuring tips to remain in one’s own home safely, independently and comfortably.

Bingo will be played throughout the event for door prizes.

The first 300 attendees will receive an event bag that includes a free pass to the Johnson County Museum valid for entry on Sept. 7. There is no registration required and Live Well Age Well is free to all attendees.

A complete event schedule and more information is available at jcprd.com/livewellagewell.

Libby Scarborough is recreation specialist within the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District