Local Senior Marathon Star to Keynote Longevity Faire

Spectrum staff

Helen Klein, the first female ultra marathoner elected to the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame, is the keynote speaker for Longevity Faire 2003, a daylong event scheduled for May 14 on campus at the California State University at Sacramento.

Klein, an 80-year-old retired nurse from Sacramento, began running competitively at 55 and is the world record holder in her age group for the 100-mile and 24-hour races. She holds more than 75 world and American records for her age group and is the oldest person in the world to have completed a 100-mile run.

Other special guests include Sarah Sutro, a consultant on the California Senate Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care; and Lynda Terry, director of the California Department of Aging.

“We are very excited to provide this opportunity for a multigenerational community event and we hope everyone will find it informative and fun,” said Cheryl Osborne, director of the CSUS Gerontology Department.

Spectrum is a sponsor of the Longevity Faire, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. The free event is co-sponsored by the CSUS Gerontology Department and the university’s Renaissance Society, a learning-in-retirement group.

Concurrent program sessions on healthy living and nutrition, legal issues facing the elderly, crime and fraud prevention and lifelong learning for seniors will be held throughout the day.

The Longevity Faire also will feature exhibits offering information from community organizations, senior housing communities and other local groups.

While the Longevity Faire is free and open to the public, pre-registration by May 2 is preferred. Lunch will be available for $6 for pre-registered attendees, or for $12 at the door.

Parking is available by obtaining a permit from either of the information booths located at each end of the campus. Passenger drop-off and pick-up is available in the loading zones in front of the University Union.

For more information about Longevity Faire 2003, call the CSUS Gerontology Department at (916) 278-7163.