Inspired by one Homemaker's own experience after the loss of her mother, the GoldenYears Wellness and Awareness Conference was born. She felt it was crucial that more individuals be aware of how to get their affairs in order, and signs to watch for regarding dementia and elder abuse, and more. Many times throughout the planning process she said, "there were just so many things I didn't know. People need to know these things." And she was right, people not only needed to know, but it turns out, they wanted to know as well.

More than 350 people have attended the informative 4 hour event, with well over 50 people on a waiting list. Around 30 of those were current Hardin County or other county Homemakers. The rest were individuals within our community who heard about the event. This event did gain new interest in Homemakers as well. Participants listened to 5 different guest speakers, and had the opportunity to visit 8 additional resource tables on the breaks, as well as receive free flu shots. Lunch was served and goodie bags were given out, as well as more than $1,000 in door prizes at the end of the day.

More than 10 Homemakers donated their time to plan and work this event. In total, close to 500 hours of volunteer time went into the planning and execution of this fantastic event. Participants raved at the end of the event how much they learned and how unprepared they felt before coming, and how they now knew steps to take to become prepared. More than 50 individuals have reported already getting their affairs legally in order after the conference, with more than 80 beginning the process to do the same. 

The GoldenYears Conference has been a huge success that has raised awareness, increased knowledge, decreased stress and anxiety about the future, and made a huge positive impact on many lives. Estate planning impacts financial health and well being. Knowing how to prevent or delay dementia or other neurological issues increases physical and mental health. Decreasing stress and anxiety has a direct effect on physical health. Flu shots also have a positive effect on the health of both the individual and the community. 

The event was televised, and multiple people who watched on television the first year signed up to attend the second year. A third one is already being planned. 

Multiple other counties are now planning or hosting Golden years Conferences of their own after a 2023 State Homemaker Meeting presentation was given on the event by the Hardin County FCS Agent and the Hardin County Homemaker who came up with the idea.