Officials with ISU Extension say Cass County residents are being encouraged to participate in a new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach initiative – “Mid Life & Beyond: The Whole Picture.” The Mid Life & Beyond program helps communities talk together and find ways to make their community a place where people want to live during mid-life and beyond.

The average retirement age nationally is now 62 with a life expectancy of 78 years.  The 2010 census showed 50.2% of Cass County residents were over the age of 45, so this is very timely initiative for our county. Kate Olson, Cass County Extension Program Coordinator, says  “Cass County is setting up study circles to consider action for our future.”

Local study circles begin on Tuesday October 23rd in Atlantic, and Thursday October 25th, in Anita. They will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 PM in both communities, once a week for four consecutive weeks. There is no cost to participate and all interested local residents are encouraged to be involved. The study circles will be comprised of diverse groups of no more than a dozen people each, who will meet for four, 90-minute sessions. Each group will set its own ground rules to share responsibility for quality discussion. They’ll be led by an impartial, local facilitator who will manage discussion, but not teach the group. Discussion will include personal stories, and a look at some thriving communities.

Register for the Atlantic or Anita Study Circles by calling ISU Extension in Cass County by calling 243-1132 or emailing keolson@iastate.edu by Monday October 22nd. More information about the statewide program is available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/midlifeandbeyond/