Senior News
Montana’s aging community will gather in Kalispell Oct. 6–8 for the 2026 Montana Governor’s Conference on Aging, a three-day event focused on education, connection and innovative ways to support older adults across the state.
The conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell and will bring together aging services professionals, caregivers, community leaders and others who work with and support Montana’s older adults.
A special highlight will be the Centenarian Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon will celebrate Montana residents who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years of age or older. Honorees receive a certificate signed by the governor, and their information is included in the annual Centenarian Booklet. Although the 2026 nomination period has closed, the luncheon will provide an opportunity to recognize these remarkable Montanans and the history they represent.
The conference will address many issues important to older adults and their families, including healthy aging, respite care, Medicaid, grant opportunities, palliative care, elder law and long-term supports and services.
A Wednesday keynote, “Rustlers, Swindlers, and Scammers: Protecting Big Sky Country from Modern- Day Outlaws,” will focus on protecting older Montanans from scams and financial exploitation. Dementia and brain health will also be featured prominently, including sessions on community solutions to dementia and improving brain health.
Thursday will include discussions on the Older Americans Act and elder exploitation in Montana, along with a SAIL class demonstration promoting healthy aging and physical activity. More than an educational conference, the Governor’s Conference on Aging is an opportunity to recognize the important role older adults play in Montana communities. The Centenarian Luncheon o rs a special reminder of that legacy, celebrating individuals whose lives span a century of Montana history.
For more information about the conference and Montana’s aging services, visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division, https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/ GovernorsConferenceonAging/ or call Kelly Crosier at 406-444-4077.
