Nanaimo’s 13th annual Seniors Health and Wellness Fair will be held at Beban Park, featuring over 60 exhibitors, health talks, and a flu clinic. Hosted by the Nanaimo Seniors Services Network, the event aims to promote healthy aging with informative presentations on grief, nutrition, tax benefits, and combating loneliness. This free event welcomes all ages and takes place on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This month, Nanaimo will host its 13th annual Seniors Health and Wellness Fair at Beban Park, marking the largest event of its kind on the Island. The fair aims to promote healthy aging and will showcase over 60 vendors, including local non-profits and healthcare providers like Island Health and the Canada Revenue Agency. Attendees will enjoy various activities such as health talks, a flu clinic, and chances to win door prizes. Teresa Ostman, president of the Nanaimo Seniors Services Network, highlighted the event’s value for seniors, allowing them to gather essential information in one place. “We’re a networking group, so we’re businesses, organizations, and individuals that have products and services for seniors,” Ostman noted. The fair serves as a unique platform for exhibitors to present their offerings tailored to the senior community. Throughout the day, four informative presentations will delve into crucial topics. The first, by the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society, focuses on navigating grief and loss, while the second addresses the importance of nutrition for healthy aging. Island Health’s public health dietitian Laura Dias will tackle the common dietary pitfalls seniors often encounter, emphasizing the need for balanced meals beyond the typical “tea and toast.” At 1 p.m., the Canada Revenue Agency will discuss tax benefits available to seniors, following a successful session last year. Ostman mentioned that attendees expressed surprise at the available benefits, indicating a strong community need for such information. The final presentation will address loneliness and isolation, a pressing issue amplified by COVID-19, encouraging seniors to engage with community activities and volunteering opportunities. While the fair is primarily designed for seniors, Ostman encourages everyone to attend. “Healthy aging really should start before you’re 65…” she stated, highlighting that wellness is a lifelong journey. This free event welcomes all ages and takes place on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Beban Park Social Centre. For a detailed list of exhibitors and further information, visit www.nssn.ca.
The Seniors Health and Wellness Fair serves as a vital resource for the senior community in Nanaimo, emphasizing the importance of healthy aging and providing information on relevant products and services. With multiple exhibitors and presentations, the fair addresses key issues such as nutrition, grief, tax benefits, and community engagement, offering solutions to enhance the quality of life for seniors. The event fosters connections and informs participants about the resources available to them.
The Seniors Health and Wellness Fair in Nanaimo promises to be an enriching experience for seniors and the broader community. With valuable information, resources, and opportunities for engagement, the event aims to empower individuals toward a healthier aging process. This gathering not only fosters important conversations but also strengthens the sense of community, bridging the gap between seniors and the services designed to support them.
Original Source: www.nanaimobulletin.com
