FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 12 2024

Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
                 jebelt@mt.gov


Governor’s Conference on Aging Set for October 1 – 3 in Billings

Montana centenarians to be honored

The 55 th annual Governor Conference on Aging will take place in Billings October 1 – 3 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.

Department of Public Health and Human Services officials say this year’s conference is an opportunity to engage in the numerous aspects of aging in Montana. The agenda covers a wide range of break-out sessions and panel discussions with valuable information about ways to age healthier, how to protect against scams, and navigating dementia. Other topics to be covered include respite care, estate planning, Social Security 101, adaptive technology and more.

The conference also serves as an excellent resource for older adults by providing timely information to help assist them age at home with appropriate individual supports in place. In turn, this is an opportunity for professionals that serve these Montanans to make connections and collaborate with their colleagues.

For information about the conference, including registration details, Montanans are encouraged to visit the conference website. The deadline to register is Tuesday, September 24.

Individuals can also call toll-free at 1-800-332-2272, or contact the Senior and Long Term Care Division at (406) 444-4077. 

Montana centenarians will also be honored during a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on October 1.

DPHHS is asking Montanans who will turn age 100 as of December 31, 2024, or those who are already over the age of 100 to submit their name and a brief profile.

All centenarians who submit information will receive a recognition certificate from Governor Greg Gianforte.

 Centenarians, or friends or family members, are encouraged to fill out this form.

 The first five questions are required to receive a certificate.

  1. Centenarian's name.
  2. Birth date of centenarian.
  3. Contact person (whom to send certificate to).
  4. Contact person’s phone number, mailing address, and email.
  5. What city do they live in now?
  6. Is the centenarian a Veteran?If yes, years, branch and location of service.
  7. Where were they born?
  8. If not born in Montana, what is their story about how they arrived to Montana?
  9. What is the secret to their longevity?
  10. What has been the most amazing event in their life that they would like to share?
  11. What is their favorite quote?
  12. Anything else they would like us to know about the centenarian?
  13. Please provide a picture of the centenarian when the information above is submitted. 

Please send centenarian information to: 

Governor’s Conference on Aging - Centenarians  DPHHS - SLTC – Aging Services

Attention: Tessa Bailly 1100 N. Last Chance Gulch  Helena, MT 59601 

Or email Tessa at Tessa.bailly@mt.gov

This information can also be submitted online.

The annual Governor’s Conference on Aging was created in 1968 to offer information and education to our older citizens, their families, and caregivers. Attendees include the elderly, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers. There will also be several vendors on hand to share their information. The conference covers topics relevant to all people who are dealing with aging and disability issues.