Senior Expo strives to keep up with changing times
CONCORD, CA (Nov. 5, 2024) — With a shifting senior landscape, the latest Senior Expo worked hard to reflect the needs of the audience.
The ninth annual event, held Oct. 2 at the Concord Senior Center, attracted more than 500 attendees, which “really speaks to the growing interest in senior health and wellness,” said Ally Pethebridge, recreation program coordinator.
“Seeing such a vibrant crowd shows how important these resources are to our community,” she added.
The 65 vendors ranged from financial investments, legal advice, mortgage and real estate help, and Medicare assistance to information for those interested in learning about homecare, hospice, end of life care, local hospital and transportation services and programs for the visually impaired.
But as Pethebridge acknowledged, just when they think they have begun hitting their mark, they know that next year’s expo needs to offer more as the demands of this audience continue to evolve.
She cited expanding class offerings as an example – not only what is presented but when. Younger seniors who are still working have an interest in more evening classes to better accommodate their schedules.
Among the new offerings this year were two massage tables from local businesses that offered on-site demos and helpful tips tailored for seniors.
“We also had a chiropractic chair, which was a hit with attendees looking for holistic health solutions,” Pethebridge said.
Mami Cole of Concord was among those who took advantage of a short treatment by vendor Jay Hogan, a Hellerwork practitioner who had her table set up smack in the center of the senior center’s main room.
“I like that it is hands-on, so you know what is being offered,” said Cole, who noted having attended many past Senior Expos.
Looking ahead, Pethebridge is hoping to offer demonstrations of the classes to give attendees a taste of what is available before having to make a lengthy commitment.
“Our goal is to show seniors all the resources that are out there to help them no matter what situation they are going through,” she said, as well as being “a sounding board for those resources to help them with the issue they are dealing with.”
Along with the seniors who were making their way around the displays and snapping up all the freebies and pamphlets, there were children who are taking on a greater role as caregivers. Such was the case of Concord resident Melissa Andrews. She was with her mother Frances, who was in a wheelchair being pushed by her husband, Frank. Frances noted that while she is trying to remain independent, she is concerned that she won’t be able to provide help if her husband needs something.
“As the younger Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers start entering the senior age bracket, we’re seeing more parent-child duos attending together,” Pethebridge reported.
“Often, it begins with children wanting to encourage their parents to socialize and stay active, but what’s interesting is how quickly they realize that many of the resources and activities are also relevant to their own health and well-being. It’s creating a really special multi-generational dynamic at our events.”
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David Scholz
David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.