Think for a moment about what it might be like to have age-related sensory and functional challenges. Many adults in our community face these challenges in their daily routines as they complete simple tasks or participate in leisure or social activities. The program “Gray for a Day” aims to educate participants on what to expect as a person’s senses become less sensitive. Participants may experience an “Aha” moment as they think about family members experiencing losses or they may better understand their own changes as they age.
There are two educational programs set in the next couple of weeks that will provide a hands-on approach to understanding age related sensory and functional decline. A Stop and Learn session of “Gray for a Day” is set for noon on Wednesday, March 15, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. I will repeat the same information as a community program in Hoisington at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, at the Clara Barton Hospital - Turnbull safe room. Both programs are free and open to everyone.
If you have always wondered what it might be like to experience some of the eye diseases like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy you will learn first-hand what they are like. Cataracts and Glaucoma are also demonstrated. Other activities will simulate what people experience who have lost acuity in hearing, taste and touch.
The main goal of this program is to help participants develop skills necessary to support someone who may be experiencing age-related sensory and functional challenges. A bonus will be to help participants understand how taking steps to improve or maintain your health now will contribute to sensory and functional well-being in the future.
I hope you will join me at one of these interesting community programs. If you have any questions, please give me a call.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.