Tillsonburg Senior Centre to host Seniors' Health and Wellness Fair
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Tillsonburg is known throughout Southwestern Ontario as having top-notch services for seniors, and on Sept. 25, these services and programs will be highlighted at the Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair.
The event, which features both a trade show component as well as educational seminars and interactive demonstrations, is being hosted by the Tillsonburg Senior Centre in partnership with the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario (OACAO) and is sponsored by the Ontario Senior Secretariat.
“We found out about the funds available to host these kinds of events this past summer,” said Senior Centre Administrator Nancy Boutin in a media release. “We had been talking about hosting a smaller-scale event to raise awareness of our programs and services, but the grant we’re receiving will allow us to broaden our scope and highlight the many, many services for seniors that Tillsonburg and area have to offer.”
Exhibitors at the Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair run the gamut from senior housing and health service providers to local retailers, to those offering recreational, cultural and social opportunities.
“I was so pleased with the response I got when I started making preliminary calls about this event,” said Boutin. “The vast majority of those I contacted were really eager to be part of the show, and to highlight the services they offer.”
Because there was so much interest from local businesses and service providers, both the Senior Centre auditorium and its indoor carpet bowling areas will be used as exhibit space. Approximately 28 exhibitors have already signed on to attend.
“Because of the focus of the show is healthy living for seniors, we’re also going to feature short demonstrations of some of our fitness-based programs such as line dancing, clogging, yoga and Zumba Gold,” said Boutin.
“However we’re also going to be offering demonstrations in our computer lab and tours of our wood working room.”
Another unique component to the show will be the educational seminars which are planned throughout the day. Guest speakers will cover everything from fall prevention to the importance of estate insurance, to tax benefits for seniors, to the role of a healthy, balanced diet in aging well.
“Ultimately, we’re hoping that anyone new to the area who attends the show will have a better idea of the services and programs that exist right here in our community to help them live happier, healthier lives. But even people who have lived here for years will enjoy this show, and they may learn something new, which would be great.”
The Health and Wellness Fair will kick off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Following an official ribbon cutting ceremony, the booths will be open until 4 p.m.
Admission is free and there will be free healthy snacks provided for everyone who attends. There will also be lots of free giveaways and draw prizes as well, however organizers are encouraging anyone interested to pre-register so they have a better idea how many will be participating.
For more information or to register for the show, call Nancy at the Senior Centre at 519-688-2520.