OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — In celebration of Older Americans Month this May, a special seminar focusing on helping seniors age with strength, resilience, and activity will be held on May 14, 2026, in the Oklahoma City metro area. The Positive Aging Seminar will feature expert discussions on topics such as movement, nutrition, and the science of healthy aging.
This seminar, organized by VillagesOKC, seeks to inspire seniors to rethink aging and adopt healthy, active lifestyles. The event will provide insights on how to stay engaged, strong, and resilient in everyday life, no matter your age.
What to Expect at the Positive Aging Seminar
According to Marilyn Olson, an event organizer and board member of VillagesOKC, the seminar will focus on shifting the narrative around aging.
Olson emphasized the importance of staying strong and connected to loved ones and goals in later years, saying that the event will encourage seniors to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
“We want to stay strong and connected and resilient to do the things that we want to do,” Olson explained. “I want to lift the luggage down so I can go see my grandson in Phoenix. It’s all about what we want to end up being.”
Speakers at the seminar include:
- Dr. Lauren Powell, a medical doctor and culinary expert who will discuss the connection between food and medicine, emphasizing the role nutrition plays in healthy aging.
- Christopher Coleman, a movement specialist, who will share movement exercises designed to promote longevity and improve mobility for seniors.
- Chef Darren Lenardson, who will provide healthy eating tips for aging adults and showcase ways to maintain a nutritious diet as we grow older.
The event will begin at 10 a.m., but doors open at 9 a.m. for attendees to explore various vendors and engage with community members. Olson encourages everyone interested to register by May 4, as spots are filling quickly.
Movement and Longevity: Tips from Christopher Coleman
As a movement specialist, Christopher Coleman will demonstrate various exercises that promote healthy aging. He explained the importance of movement for seniors to remain active and engage in the activities they love.
Coleman stressed that movement isn’t just about fitness but maintaining the ability to perform daily tasks without difficulty:
“Movement is so important because it keeps you doing things that you love to do, and that’s the main part,” Coleman said.
He gave seniors a tip for assessing their mobility: Try getting up and down from the floor or from a chair to identify any “sticking points” in the body. This helps pinpoint areas that may need attention.
In addition, Coleman recommends breathing exercises to calm the nervous system when experiencing difficulty with movement.
His posture exercises — like pulling the shoulder blades back and hinging forward — work the spinal extensors to maintain a strong and stable posture, even in older age.
Bone Density and Resilience for Seniors
During his segment, Coleman will also discuss bone health, stressing the importance of bone density as we age.
He explained that regular movement helps to maintain bone strength and that it’s essential to create adaptations to imposed demands on the body to prevent bone loss.
“Bone density is so important. It’s so important to put a little bit of stress on your body so that you have that resiliency.”
Coleman’s advice is rooted in science, reinforcing that consistent activity is a key to maintaining physical health into old age.
Registration Details and Community Response
Olson confirmed that registration has been strong for the seminar, with a limited number of spots left. The $25 registration fee includes lunch and access to the various vendors at the event.
All proceeds go toward supporting VillagesOKC and its programs for older adults in the Oklahoma City area.
“We want everybody to get in because this is where people find out how to age positively,” Olson said.
Registration closes today, May 4. Participants can sign up online at villagesokc.org to reserve their spot.
Summary of Event Details
| Event | Positive Aging Seminar |
|---|---|
| Date | May 14, 2026 |
| Time | Doors open at 9 a.m.; event starts at 10 a.m. |
| Location | VillagesOKC, Oklahoma City metro |
| Speakers | Dr. Lauren Powell, Christopher Coleman, Chef Darren Lenardson |
| Focus Areas | Movement, nutrition, healthy aging science |
| Registration Fee | $25 (includes lunch and vendor access) |
| Registration Deadline | May 4, 2026 |
| Website | villagesokc.org |
The Positive Aging Seminar on May 14 is an excellent opportunity for older adults in Oklahoma City to learn from experts in movement, nutrition, and healthy aging. With a focus on strength, resilience, and engagement, the event aims to empower seniors to stay active and engaged as they age.
Limited spots are still available, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register by May 4. Don’t miss out on this informative seminar that will inspire you to age positively and live your best life!
