Celebrate Older Americans Month at the Aging Well Conference, Film Night and More this May

Plus, nominate an older adult for the Aging Well Award

Evanston community members are invited to celebrate Older Americans Month at the City’s 22nd Aging Well Conference this May. The event will return this year following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This year’s celebration will include three events over four days: an Aging Well Film Night, Aging Well Conference, and Hoops for the Ages basketball tournament. Attendance is free for all events.

Aging Well Conference, May 5

The Aging Well Conference will be held at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., on Friday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free, half-day conference for older persons and their care partners presents an array of educational workshops on topics including health and wellness, safety, nutrition, technology, legal issues, financial planning, and the arts. 

The conference will open with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome from Mayor Daniel Biss and the keynote address by Paula Basta, director for the Illinois Department on Aging. Following workshop sessions, the conference will conclude with lunch and a celebration of the Aging Well Award recipients for 2020 (Susan Cherco) and 2023. 

Registration: Registration for the conference and workshops will be available beginning Monday, March 20 by visiting cityofevanston.org/agingwellconference or calling 847-866-2919.

2023 Aging Well Award Nominations: Each year, the Evanston Aging Well Conference pays tribute to an Evanston older adult who has made an impact on the community through their interest in aging and service. Community members are encouraged to nominate an older adult for the Aging Well Award by Monday, March 6. 

Transportation: Conference transportation is available through the Levy Senior Center for individuals who live in Evanston. For more information, please call 847-448-8250.

Sponsorship: The Evanston Aging Well Conference offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, healthcare organizations and individuals. Sponsorship applications must be submitted by Friday, March 31.  

Aging Well Film Night, May 3

The Aging Well Film Night, sponsored by the Levy Senior Center Foundation, will be held on Wednesday, May 3, at 7 p.m., at the Levy Senior Center, and will feature Team Dream, a short documentary film. 

Directed by Luchina Fisher, Team Dream follows close friends Ann Smith, 83, and Madeline Murphy Rabb, 77, in their final days of preparation for the 2022 National Senior Games, a multi-sport event held every two years for athletes over 50. While they train, the audience learns about their lives growing up amid segregation and stigma before breaking boundaries in their adopted hometown of Chicago. A decade after joining Team Dream, a Chicago-based organization training women of color in swimming, biking and triathlon, the two women continue to reach goals they never thought possible. Team Dream shows you're never too old to dream. 

Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-seated basis. A short discussion will take place immediately after the film.

Hoops for the Ages, May 6

The Hoops for the Ages 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament celebrates playing basketball for life. Men and women basketball players ages 40 to 90 from across Chicagoland will compete at the Robert Crown Community Center and the Levy Senior Center on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  More information and registration is available at hoopsfortheages.org.

For more information about the Aging Well events, visit cityofevanston.org/agingwellconference or call City of Evanston Senior Services at 847-866-2919.