ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Individuals aged 65 and older now outnumber children in 11 states, and that number is climbing. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Successful Aging Initiative (SAI) Conference is the best place to find the latest resources for older adults statewide.

This year’s SAI Conference theme, Silver Moments: Golden Goals, celebrates the event’s 25th anniversary and highlights moments from the past 25 years.

“Our primary focus is celebrating the wisdom, experiences, and accomplishments that come with age while encouraging older adults to continue pursuing meaningful goals and new opportunities. This year’s theme reflects the belief that every stage of life offers possibilities for growth, purpose, and connection. By honoring treasured memories and inspiring future aspirations, the conference aims to empower participants to embrace aging with confidence, remain actively engaged, and lead vibrant, fulfilling lives,” said Danielle Rudolph, event coordinator and site director of the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute (VCLLI). “We invite older adults, their families, and caregivers to spend the day with us.”

Guest Speakers

Guest presenters include: 

• Cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine Kaushik Jain, Huntsville Hospital & University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Amyloidosis Advocate Mike Lane
• Cardiology Pharmacist Emily Powell, Huntsville Hospital
• Communications and Public Relations Manager Nicholas “Nick” Vonderau, Alabama Securities Commission

Huntsville saxophonist Alex D. Banks, II and Madison County musical artist Tommie Lockhart will take participants on a memorable musical journey through time, as they perform beloved songs spanning multiple decades.

Additional Event Activities

• AI fraud simulator. Learn strategies to protect against AI fraud in an interactive computer simulation presented by TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program.
• Free health screenings. Health screenings will include blood pressure, blood glucose, and heart valve screenings offered by Drake State Community & Technical College, HeartSense, UAH Neighborhood Nursing, and the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center.
• Free legal Clinic. This year’s conference will feature a free legal clinic where participants can receive counsel and advice on civil legal issues, such as estate planning, housing, heirs property, and elder abuse and neglect.
• Canned goods. Conference coordinators encourage all SAI Conference attendees to bring a canned food item for the Food Bank of North Alabama to help individuals and families in need.
• Waste drives. Want to get rid of unused medication, electronics, or paper? Stop by the SAI Conference on Oct. 22 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Drive through, and a volunteer will unload your electronic devices, such as laptop or desktop computers, monitors, printers, TVs, tablets, and cell phones. The waste drive will also accept sensitive paper documents that need shredding. In addition, Alabama Extension staff and partners, including law enforcement officers, will be on location to dispose of prescription or over-the-counter medications for humans or pets.
• Free genetic testing.  In addition, there will be heart valve genetic testing.

How to Register

The SAI Conference is being held on Thursday, October 22, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at its traditional location, Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The church is located at 315 Winchester Rd. in Huntsville, Alabama.

Admission is free and lunch is provided, but participants are encouraged to pre-register at: www.aces.edu/go/6628

Signature Sponsors/Partners

• Alabama Securities Commission
• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
• Madison County Commission, District Six
• Alabama Extension at AAMU Home Grounds Programs
• AAMU College of Agriculture, Natural, and Life Sciences Small Farm Research Center
• Huntsville Hospital
• AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
• Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

For More Information

For more information, contact Danielle Rudolph at (334) 201-2847 or VCLLI Program Assistant Candra K. J. DeBose at (256) 372-7022.

Visit the Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University Facebook page for more upcoming events.