Seniors expo just around the corner

Times Reporter

 

Strathmore’s first ever Seniors Expo is coming to the Hope Community Covenant Church on Sept. 14. The event is open to anyone interested, caregiver’s families, and of course grandparents. 

“It’s an expo for basically Wheatland County and Strathmore and it’s going to be showcasing things that are going to be relevant for seniors. So the Expo doesn’t necessarily mean that only seniors can come to it, anybody can come and participate,” said Lynn Walker, chair of the planning committee. 

“It’s an area that has never really been focused on and I think it’s something that would really, really benefit our population. You always get conferences like this happening in Calgary but people don’t like going into the city, so let’s bring some of these vendors and whatnot out here and let’s just help some of our citizens be better informed.”

There will be three sessions with guest speakers, 22 exhibitors and lunch for anyone who wants it. The Expo events themselves are free, but lunch will cost $10 per person or $15 for a pair of friends. 

“They don’t have to sign up for the whole day. If they don’t want to sit in on any of the sessions that’s fine too, they can just wander around and see what’s available at all the booths. It’s very much a drop in environment, it’s going to be very relaxed,” said Walker. 

The first session, Couch Potato or Superhero with Alberta Works begins at 10 a.m. The session is for those who want to explore their options and find out what else is out there. They may be getting into their retirement years but aren’t really ready to be the couch potato. 

Next up will be ‘Why is the watch in the sugar bowl’ with the Alzheimer’s Society, in order to help people understand Alzheimer’s a little better. It will begin at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. will mark the start of the final info session.

“The third one is the one that I think everybody is going to want to sit in on and it’s the ‘Changes and Challenges of Grandparenting Today.’ Its just how to keep in tune with that younger generation, not lose the connectivity,” said Walker.

Facebook, Skype and some other modern technologies that people are using these days will be discussed. 

The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and for anyone who may need a ride, that’s covered too. There will be free shuttle service from three different locations in town and it has been set up so there will be pick-up in the morning and another just before lunch for those who may just want to go for lunch and the afternoon.