The "2009 Purposeful Living in Retirement" conference, hosted by an ad hoc committee of the Purdue University Retirees Association, was presented April 29 at the University Plaza Hotel in West Lafayette.

The goal of the conference was to have speakers who could discuss opportunities for retirees to become involved in during their retired life, said Lowell Landrum, committee chair. There also were exhibitors with displays about their services and products. Retirees were given ample time to visit and gain knowledge of those services.

The speakers made presentations on recording life experiences and events, pulling together the necessary documents in preparation for death, getting exercise through gardening, proper nutrition and finances in today’s economy. The evaluations for the exhibitors and attendees indicate that the conference was very successful and they look forward to another one next year, Landrum said.

The committee members were Landrum, Bill Baumgardt, Betty Suddarth, Dee Cox-Peterson, Stan Mithoefer, Mike Drayer, Mary Lu Matlock, and Steve McKenzie. Assisting the committee were Michele Salla, Human Resources Services, and Vanessa Puckett, University Development Office.

Photo caption: Retirees and community members who attended the "Purposeful Living in Retirement" conference in April were able to talk with several service providers and exhibitors about items related to living as retired citizens.