Presented by Middle Park Health and Sky-Hi News
The Longevity Project is a weekslong reporting project by the Sky-Hi News to educate our readers about what it takes to live a long, fulfilling life in the High Country.
The Series
As part of The Longevity Project, we are exploring the topic of aging at altitude, including health challenges, access to care and more.
The goal of this year’s series is to help people be aware of common challenges that people face while trying to age in place in Grand County while providing advice from experts on how to live a long and healthy life in high-elevation communities like ours. The series includes input from leading experts in elder care, medical practices and public policy that are coupled with narratives based on experiences from residents in our community.
Our reporting has found that mountain communities like those in Grand County often have fewer advanced-care services available and that high elevations can exacerbate common health issues. Experts in their field have shared insights — some of which are unique to our mountain environment — on things people can do as they age to increase their chances of being able to stay in their community.
Mountain counties may not have full continuums of care for aging adults, but the providers of medical and nonmedical services in the area have expanded — and look to continue expanding — their offerings. With the 60-plus populations rising in the area, the future of aging in place relies on community awareness and support.
Topics of discussion in our reporting will include best practices on mental health, physical health, diet, financial planning and other tips for aging in place that officials have identified.
The series will publish Fridays in the Sky-Hi News:
Navigating the summit of a lifetime: How mountain towns overcome the peaks and valleys of aging
- Feb. 27 | Staying in Grand: Experts highlight unique challenges facing older adults in mountain towns
- March 6 | Golden wisdom: Physical activity, social engagement and finances remain key to longevity
- March 13 | Closing service gaps: Though rural resort towns have fewer facilities, the community perseveres
- March 20 | Community solutions: People of all ages work to improve outcomes and quality of life for seniors
Share Your Story
The Sky-Hi News is asking readers to share their stories of struggles and successes related to aging in the Colorado Rockies. The stories will be published online or in the Summit Daily News throughout the series.
The Event
Join us for an evening of discussion about aging in Grand County. The evening will kick off with a welcome reception, including information from our sponsors related to aging in Grand County. The event will then feature a panel discussion on the topic with local and regional experts followed by an audience Q&A.
- What: The Longevity Project
- When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
- 5:30 p.m. Welcome reception and vendor exhibition
- 6 p.m. Panel discussion with local experts
- 7 p.m. Audience Q&A
- Where: Elk Ridge Ballroom at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, 1051 Summit Trail, Granby
- Cost: Free
Meet the panelists:
- Sheena Darland, Housing authority director: Darland grew up in Grand County and married her West Grand High School sweetheart. In her role at the housing authority, she oversees Black Bear Apartments in Grand Lake, Grand Living Senior Home in Granby and Silver Spruce Apartments in Kremmling. GCHA owns Cliffview Assisted Living Center in Kremmling, which is managed by Middle Park Health.
- Ingrid Karlstrom, retired business owner: Karlstrom moved to Colorado in 1972 from California, where she worked for a time as a biologist. In Colorado, she lived in a one-room cabin and embraced the ski bum lifestyle. She started Mountain Recovery Upholstery in Fraser in 1979, and she has been involved with Grand County Democrats, Fraser Valley Lions Club, the Moffat Tunnel Commission and Grand County Planning and Zoning.
- Stacy Starr, Mountain Family Center director: Starr has firsthand experience supporting older adults by helping coordinate services, build community connections and ensure local seniors have access to the resources they need to live independently. Grand Seniors focuses on connecting older adults with essential services, strengthening community support and promoting programs that help seniors remain healthy, independent and engaged.
- Carl Wood, retired metallurgist: Wood, an engineer and rancher, is a lifetime resident of Grand County. He retired as chief metallurgist after working 37 years at the Henderson Mill. His mother, Hazel, lived her elderly years at Silver Spruce and the extended care facility at the Kremmling hospital. His mother-in-law, Roberta, is a resident at Cliffview. He is the pastor of Parshall Bible Chapel and vice chair of Grand County Republicans.
- Jason Cleckler, Middle Park Health CEO: Cleckler is the CEO of Middle Park Health, a 25-bed critical access hospital serving Grand County, where he has led major system growth, including expanded facilities and the completion of a third hospital in 2025. Cleckler also advocates for the sustainability of rural and frontier hospitals in Colorado through the Colorado Rural Futures.
A word from our title sponsor
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