FORT FRANCES—While being a senior may mean retirement from the working world, it doesn’t mean retiring from the rest of what life has to offer.
As such, the Fort Frances Seniors’ Coalition wants to show local senior citizens that there’s plenty for them to do.
Seniors—and their families—are encouraged to come out to the inaugural Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo, which is slated for next Saturday (Oct. 28) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Frances High School.
“We started a seniors’ coalition earlier this year with different partners throughout the community,” noted Suzanne Danku, a health educator with the Northwestern Health Unit and the coalition member who is spearheading the expo.
“We have a huge senior population in Rainy River District—I don’t think many people realize how big it really is—and there’s a lot of issues to address,” she added.
“We thought this would be a great way to launch the seniors’ coalition, and to let seniors come to one location where they could gather information on local businesses and organizations,” Danku explained.
“We want them to realize they’re a valuable part of the community, and let them know they’re needed and wanted and they can be part of our community, if they’re not already involved.”
Danku said the response has been very enthusiastic as far as exhibitors go, with 36 different businesses and organizations signed up to display information on a variety of topics, ranging from volunteerism and hobbies to health care and financial investment.
She noted the coalition wants seniors to know there’s many avenues out there to help them be sociable and lead healthy, active lives—whether it’s signing up with the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, taking an watercolour class at the Fine Line Art Gallery, or doing tai chi at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Danku stressed that the expo is “a family event” and everyone is welcome.
“Older adults should bring their mothers and grandmothers, their parents, because they end up being their caregivers.
“We all eventually get old,” she added. “It’s not just focusing on those over 65. It’s also for people who are 55.”
Several guest speakers also have been scheduled throughout the day on topics including medication safety (9-10 a.m.), safety tips from the OPP and fire department (10-10:30), Alzheimer’s disease (11-11:45), and the District Mental Health Services’ Older Adults Program (1-1:30 p.m.)
There also will be a low-impact exercise demo from 10:30-11 a.m.
As well, a free lunch will be served around noon and there will be several draw prizes.
Admission is free.
For more info, call Danku at 274-9827 ext. 239.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
