Johnson County Senior Summit to provide education, resources for older adults

Predators are lurking.

As more and more of our lives are dominated by the internet and online interactions, scammers and con artists have become increasingly sophisticated. Older adults are particularly at risk — an FBI report released in May found that Indiana residents over the age of 60 were defrauded of more than $37 million last year.

And the problem is only going to get worse.

“There is so much going on with identity theft, and they don’t even know it’s going on until it’s too late,” said Kimberly Smith, executive director of Johnson County Senior Services. “We want to give them indicators and things to look for, just to raise awareness.”

Consumer protection and scam prevention is the centerpiece topic at this year’s Johnson County Senior Summit. The free information and resource-rich event aimed at older adults throughout the community will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Assembly of God in Whiteland.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is the keynote speaker, joined by Janice McHenry, outreach representative from the attorney general’s office to offer guidance in avoiding fraud.

Seniors need to know how to protect themselves from scammers because they are the group most targeted, according to an office spokesperson for the attorney general’s office.

“Technology is always rapidly changing and seniors may not be as caught up with these advancements and therefore are more likely to click on a link or fall for a common scam,” the statement said.

In addition, speakers and presenters will touch on everything from financial literacy to home organization to the importance of music — all information area seniors can use to improve their daily lives.

“It enhances the quality of their life but also plays on that important part of reducing isolation. It serves as a wellness opportunity but also helps with their mental capacity, to be able to get out and have fun,” Smith said. “We always emphasize to our seniors the importance of getting out and laughing and enjoying life. So many of them may not have an opportunity otherwise.”

This will be the third year for the summit, offering the opportunity to reach a large number of seniors on a variety of topics, all at the same time. The idea was to provide information and education, in addition to having space where older adults from throughout the community could gather together.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, an overwhelming amount of seniors were struggling with loneliness and isolation, Smith said. In a study done by researchers at Indiana University, 79% of older adults reported feeling like their social life decreased or was negatively affected by COVID-19.

Research has shown that loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression and higher mortality, while closeness to individuals in their networks can result in greater emotional well-being.

“They were prisoners of their own homes. We wanted to make sure we could get them re-acclimated to the community, as well as getting some really great information into their hands,” Smith said. “So many don’t have internet and aren’t finding information on accessing resources.”

For the first two years, more than 200 seniors attended. Smith expects a similar turnout on Wednesday.

For this year’s Senior Summit, the focus is on scam prevention. Organizers reached out to the attorney general’s office because, aside from litigating on behalf of the state, another focus of the office is on consumer protection and preventing Indiana residents from being defrauded.

Scammers use a variety of tricks to take advantage of people, such as pretending to be a family member in trouble, charities or tech support. According to the attorney general’s office, scammers made off with $372 million in losses to text scams in 2023​.

Scammers particularly prey on seniors because they believe older adults are likely have a retirement savings sitting in their bank account.

“Older adults are generally more trusting by nature, and fraudsters use this to their advantage. Some may have cognitive issues that can make them prone to exploitation. Many live alone, with no one to help manage their money,” according to an attorney general’s office spokesperson.

Rokita and McHenry will offer signs and strategies to avoid identity theft, credit card fraud and other scams the attorney general’s office is currently seeing.

“There’s always so many new frauds and scams out there, so they will be sharing those kinds of information as well,” Smith said.

But while scam prevention is the centerpiece of the Senior Summit, a variety of other topics will be featured to uplift the senior community. Tiffany Harding is presenting on embracing aging with grace. Tricia Thomas of EZ Declutter Solutions will offer tips on organizing at home. Kim Henderson plans to offer ways for seniors to be empowered through financial literacy.

Gardening and music presentations are also planned.

“There’s just always things that encourage, a lot of other things that are good for the soul,” Smith said.

The Senior Summit will also include a group meal, where seniors can commiserate and form friendships. The meal is a major part of the event, Smith said.

“It’s so important that they have someone to eat lunch with. They may not have the opportunity to share a meal with anybody if they live alone,” she said. “There’s something special when you can just sit down with someone and have an engaging conversation and a meal together.”

Organizers have lined up door prizes and entertainment for what they hope is a well-rounded day. Participants are asked to register to take part by either texting 317-513-9197 or emailing [email protected]. People can also text 317-560-1707 or email [email protected].

Smith hopes that the attendees, presenters and other participants can all come together to make Johnson County even more enriching for older adults in the community.

“They have so much to give still. They have a purpose, and they need to know their purpose isn’t over because they’re a senior,” Smith said.

IF YOU GO

Johnson County Senior Summit

What: A special event where older adults, industry professionals and community members will gather for a day of enrichment, education and connection. The event will feature entertainment, enrichment resources, educational speakers, fellowship, door prizes, lunch and more.

When: 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Grace Assembly of God, 6822 U.S. 31 S., Whiteland

How to take part: RSVP/registration is required. Please text 317-513-9197 or email [email protected], or text 317-560-1707 or email [email protected].