Seniors Healthy Living Expo

The Handi-Darts were circling like covered wagons when I arrived at the Seniors Healthy Living Expo today!  The mini bus drivers were looking for places to drop off and pick up their elderly passengers.  The converted arena was abuzz with the latest in gizmos, gadgets, and Geritol.

As I walked through the front door, I was told that there would be a prize draw for completed passports. Passports, being the type that you take to each  booth to get stamped.  I thanked the young man handing out the passport/guide books and laughingly asked if the prize would be a year's supply of Metamucil!  Unfortunately, I set off before I actually heard his answer!

Motorized scooters weaved in and around those of us who were walking.  At one point while leaning over to ask about some locally made clothing, I felt someone put their hand on me. I looked over my shoulder thinking I'd see someone I knew, and found it was just an old guy trying to steady himself .  There weren't as many wobblers as I expected though. The throngs of mainly white haired seniors were well behaved, savvy, and quite steady on their feet.

Bus loads had come into town just to attend and there were some enthusiastic ladies who you could tell were really enjoying their day in the big city.  They were picking up brochures, entering draws, and taking free samples.

So what do you find at a Seniors Expo besides Seniors?  Plenty of retirement "communities" trying to woo passersby. Free pens galore with names of easy living homes, companion services, Power Of Attorney lawyers, financial services, bequeathment and bereavement companies. Fridge magnets and note pads touting geriatric advice. Peppermints and Werthers in generous supply. Bowls brimming with apples and plates laden with DADS COOKIES.

There was even a mini casino and a spin the wheel to win free swimming passes and get out of jail free cards.
I didn't stop to play. I was on a mission to find innovation at its finest, and do a little networking and contest entering along the way.

No doubt I will be getting calls and emails from enthusiastic vendors who are now privy to my info as I am now privy to their wares.  I have a plastic bag full of brochures and business cards and now must separate the wheat from the chaff.

Here are some things that caught my eye:
~hand made zipper pulls.  Easy to grab for arthritic hands. Makes doing up your coat much easier. I bought one of their zipper pulls for my mom but neglected to get a business card. They are donating $1 from every sale to the Arthritis Society of Canada.

~ComfiHips..."The Most Comfortable Hip Protector on the Market Today" ( I met the inventor!) www.comfihips.com

~a bra that does up in the front and has clips and velcro ... one size fits all (WOW!) and easy for arthritic hands to put on and remove.This is available from www.speciallyforyouuniforms.ca

~ International Nannies and Home Care, an affordable way for Grandma to continue living in her own home. www.internationalnannies.com

~If you care to move to Vancouver Island, there's a new All Care Residence opening soon.  The Sidney All Care Residence will provide Complex Care for short or long term, they also will offer respite and Out Patient programs.  www.allcarecanada.ca

There were two other "vendors" at the expo that warmed my heart completely.  The ladies at the Friendship Force International table explained to me what they're all about. They belong to a unique club that has chapters in 377 communities in 56 countries. Members welcome people from all over their world into their homes for a brief stay and cultural exchange.  Check them out at  www.thefriendshipforce.org

Kudos also to warm and fuzzy booth number two on my quest for the best:  Grandmothers For Africa.  They host events and sell merchandise to help fund the awareness of the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Sub Saharan Africa.  www.stephenlewisfoundation.org

Personal friends Kelly and Louise were in a strategic location, near the entrance/exit doors. Louise's computer guides are a great way for older folks to get proficient on using new technology.  My Parents Got An iPad and My Parents Went Mac, both sold well. We're looking forward to Louise's soon to be published "My Parents Are Great With Windows 8"  www.myparentsfirst.com

After a quick hug (We're all embracing aging!) it was out the door with my bag of Seniors SWAG. It'll be a long time before I will be calling myself a senior but it was good to see what they're up to.