Presented by Summit Daily News
The Longevity Project is a weekslong reporting project by the Summit Daily 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 Summit 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 Summit 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 Summit Daily News and culminate in an event March 24 featuring a panel discussion with local and regional experts.
Navigating the summit of a lifetime: How mountain towns overcome the peaks and valleys of aging
- Staying in Summit: Experts highlight unique challenges facing older adults in mountain towns
- Golden wisdom: Physical activity, social engagement and finances remain key to longevity
- Closing service gaps: Though rural resort towns have fewer facilities, the community perseveres
- Community solutions: People of all ages work to improve outcomes, quality of life for seniors
Share Your Story
The Summit Daily 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 Summit County. The evening will kick off with a welcome reception, including information from our sponsors related to aging in Summit 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 24
- 5:30 p.m. Welcome reception and vendor exhibition
- 6 p.m. Panel discussion with local experts
- 7 p.m. Audience Q&A
- Where: Silverthorne Pavilion, 400 Blue River Parkway
- Tickets: Free
Meet the panelists:
- Guy R. Gadomski, Staying in Summit: Gadomski, a retired CPA, joined the effort to bring senior housing to Summit County for the first time when he took on the board position of treasurer with Staying in Summit in late 2023. In 2025, it became obvious that to get a developer interested in building a senior community here there would have to be more widespread understanding of the need and more universal support.
- Nina Waters, Summit County commissioner: In her elected role, Waters focuses on improving the quality of life in Summit County. She serves on the Silverthorne Art Board, County Personnel Board and chairs the Local Tourism Administrative Panel and Wildfire Council. Regionally, she is Policy Committee Chair for Colorado Communities for Climate Action and Treasurer of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.
- Dr. Max Smolkin, St. Anthony Summit Hospital: Practicing medicine at 9,000 feet has provided Smolkin with unique insight into the physiological effects of high altitude, inspiring him to pursue advanced training in this field by completing a Fellowship in Wilderness Medicine at the University of Colorado. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the Wilderness Medical Society and the International Society of Mountain Medicine.
- Philip Mervis, Summit 50 Plus: Mervis has called Summit County home for more than 25 years. He is board president of Summit 50 Plus, where he champions community connection as a vital ingredient of healthy aging and leads practical initiatives that support Summit County’s 50-plus community. He previously served as Summit 50 Plus Technology Coordinator, helping members navigate modern tech with confidence.
Thanks to our sponsors
Read more about longevity at altitude
