The 13th annual Seniors Health and Wellness Fair in Nanaimo will take place at Beban Park, featuring over 60 exhibitors and various health-focused presentations. Attendees can benefit from information on grief support, nutrition, tax benefits, and overcoming isolation. The fair promotes healthy aging and is open to the entire community, scheduled for October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The highly anticipated Seniors Health and Wellness Fair is set to unfold in Nanaimo at the inviting venue of Beban Park, marking its 13th year of promoting healthy aging. This vibrant event will gather over 60 exhibitors, including Island Health and local organizations, offering a plethora of products and services tailored specifically for seniors. Attendees can look forward to health discussions, flu clinics, and enticing door prizes, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates community well-being. Teresa Ostman, president of the Nanaimo Seniors Services Network, emphasized the fair’s role as a unique gathering point for seniors. She notes, “We’re a networking group, so we’re businesses, organizations, and individuals that have products and services for seniors. This is really the only event we have for the public, allowing our members to showcase valuable resources tailored to seniors’ needs.” During the fair, attendees can partake in four enlightening presentations. Kicking off at 11 a.m. is a session by the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society, focusing on coping with grief and loss as one ages. Ostman elaborates, emphasizing the importance of addressing not just personal grief but also how it affects family members during challenging times in life. At noon, the spotlight shifts to nutrition with Island Health’s Laura Dias discussing “Nutrition and Healthy Aging.” This presentation aims to combat the superfluous reliance on quick, unhealthy meals, ensuring seniors receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive as they age. “So many seniors fall into that tea and toast syndrome, because it’s easy to make that, and they’re not getting their proper nutrition,” Ostman added. The Canada Revenue Agency will take the stage at 1 p.m. to unveil valuable tax benefits for seniors—a follow-up after a successful presentation last year. Ostman expressed excitement about how helpful information can empower seniors, saying, “It was really well-received. People came out of there and said, ‘I didn’t know about some of these benefits.'” The final session at 2 p.m. addresses the pressing issue of isolation and loneliness, involving local groups like Volunteer Nanaimo and the Labieux Seniors Centre. This discussion aims to reconnect seniors with their communities after the isolating effects of COVID-19. Ostman noted the fair’s goal is to encourage seniors to engage with various activities and volunteer opportunities to reintroduce themselves to social life. While the fair primarily caters to seniors, Ostman warmly welcomes all members of the community to join. The event encourages proactive healthy aging, urging individuals not to wait until they’re older to focus on their health. “Healthy aging really should start before you’re 65 and magically go, ‘I better get it together now.'” Mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join in the festivities at the Beban Park Social Centre, where a list of exhibitors and more information is available online.
The Seniors Health and Wellness Fair is an annual event designed to cater specifically to seniors, highlighting the importance of healthy aging. It provides a platform for various exhibitors, including government agencies and local organizations, to connect with seniors and offer relevant resources. With the prevalence of issues like grief, nutrition, and social isolation affecting older adults, the fair’s informational presentations aim to address these critical topics, promoting overall wellness in the community.
The Seniors Health and Wellness Fair in Nanaimo represents a significant opportunity for seniors to expand their knowledge on health-related topics while connecting with local services. With engaging presentations and numerous exhibitors, attendees can gather information that promotes healthy aging and combat feelings of loneliness. This inclusive event not only serves seniors but invites the whole community to partake in the celebration of life and well-being.
Original Source: www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com
