An estimated 34 million Americans are caregivers for an older family member. Of that number, 15 percent live one or more hours away from their loved one, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving.

In addition to recommendations for taking care of aging family members at a distance, speakers at an upcoming one-day conference will cover a variety of topics, such as healthcare, estate planning, protecting elderly individuals from crime and bridging technology gaps.

The conference will be April 25 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays. K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the event, titled “Full Circle … an Aging Expo.” The conference is open to older adults, their families and caregivers.

Keynote speakers will include Jeff Burnett, assistant professor at Fort Hays State University, who will give a talk on being realistic about your health at any age, and Angel Shaver, the 2013 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, who will speak on maintaining a positive and thankful attitude.

Registration is $25 per person or $40 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is April 17. Registration at the door is $35 per person and will take place until 9:15 a.m. the day of the event The program will be from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration fees cover lunch and the facilities.

Visit http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=98 for registration and program information or call (785) 462-6281.