Even though the Wyoming Governor's Conference on Aging has been occurring every other year for several decades, Beverly Morrow said it is even more critical this year.

"Wyoming is aging," said Morrow, administrator for the Aging Division of the Wyoming Department of Health. "There are challenges ahead of us, and it's good to get together and discuss."

At this year's conference, health care professionals, nursing home directors, caregivers and seniors themselves will be discussing options the elderly have as they age.

The title of the 2007 conference is "Wyoming's Choices for Independence: Color Your Life," and it will be held in Casper at the Best Western Ramkota May 2 through May 4.

Morrow said there is a national push to keep senior citizens as independent as possible. The conference is held in May because it is also Older Americans Month, she said, and the whole month is devoted to giving seniors choices.

"The emphasis is having (senior citizens) in a community setting instead of a nursing home or an institution," Morrow said. "We want them to live in the least restrictive environment possible."

Speakers at the conference include an Academy Award winning producer, a national expert on elder abuse and an AARP specialist.

Dale Bell, a documentary filmmaker, examined alternatives in long-term care when he looked at the Green House Project and what it means to be a caregiver to the elderly in his documentary "Thou Shalt Honor."

Morrow said 78 percent of all caregivers to the elderly are family members. Imagine if all those family members became burnt out and the seniors needed to go into nursing homes, she said.

"We need to support the caregivers," Morrow said. "I personally know how difficult that is. It is an extremely important aspect."

Early registration for the three-day conference costs $135 and must be postmarked by April 13. Late registration lasts until April 23 and the cost for the conference is $160. Scholarships are available.

For more information or a registration form, contact the Aging Division at (307) 777-7986.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@casperstartribune.net.