Mental Health and Aging Conference draws largest crowd yet

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-People from across South-Central Kentucky were in Bowling Green Wednesday learning more about the mental health issues afflicting the aging population.

Attendees packed into the Knicely Conference Center  to hear from various speakers on topics such as understanding Alzheimer’s, depression and suicide and adult protective custody.

With around 200 registrants, organizers say it’s the largest number of people to ever attend the conference put on by the Barren River Mental Health & Aging Coalition.

Interest in the topic of mental health and aging has grown, as awareness continues to spread across the nation about the issues plaguing the elderly community.

Still, the assistant director at the Barren River Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living explains there is still so much more to learn.

“Alzheimer’s disease is something  that people have heard of before, but we want to spread more information and awareness. It is not a normal part of aging. We want to do things that are going to improve the quality of life for our seniors for as long as possible. Suicide in the elderly is also and issue,” said Alecia Johnson.

The Barren River Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living serves seniors throughout the 10 county region.