Marilyn Olson
Life can change in an instant. A sudden health event, family emergency, or unexpected transition often forces people to make important decisions while feeling overwhelmed, unprepared, or uncertain about the future. This month’s Positive Aging seminar from VillagesOKC will provide practical tools and insights to help individuals and families navigate those challenging moments with greater confidence and clarity.
Older adults, caregivers, and family members are invited to attend the free seminar, “Crisis Proof Your Life: Having a Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency Plan,” on Thursday, June 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Metro Technology Centers Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City.
During the program, VillagesOKC board member Julie Davis will lead a discussion with aging experts Dr. Nikki Buckelew and Marilyn Olson. Together, they will explore common crisis pitfalls, the impact of stress on both the body and decision-making process, and strategies for navigating family dynamics when some loved ones prepare ahead while others do not. Attendees will leave with practical guidance designed to help them think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and make informed decisions when life does not go according to plan.
“Preparation does not eliminate life’s challenges, but it can make difficult moments far more manageable,” Davis said. “This conversation will help people understand how planning ahead can reduce stress and improve outcomes for themselves and their families.”
Dr. Nikki Buckelew
Olson brings nearly four decades of experience advocating for older adults and their families. A former executive director and current board member of VillagesOKC, she helped create The GIFT Workshop, a proprietary family conversation, decision-making, and documentation tool available through the organization. Olson serves as the governor’s appointee to the State Council on Aging and on the advisory committee for Oklahoma’s Multisector Plan on Aging, known as “Aging Our Way.”
Buckelew is an educator, researcher, and coach whose work focuses on two critical later-life questions: where people will live and who will care for them. With a Ph.D. in psychology specializing in late-life relocations and more than 20 years of experience working with older adults and families, she provides practical, research-based guidance on aging, crisis preparedness, and decision-making. She is co-founder of the Seniors Real Estate Institute and the Senior Living Truth Series monthly seminars.
The June Positive Aging seminar is open to the public. Registration is available at www.villagesokc.org/positiveaging or by calling (405) 972-6849.