Editorials
2003
Seniors' Resource Fair
- by Nancy Argyle
Freelance writer
In 1996, Statistics
Canada estimated there were more than 3.7 million Canadians
over the age of 65 and that by the year 2021 that number would
increase to more than seven million. It's a staggering number
of older adults - most of whom will need services, support and
educational resources as they age.
Fortunately, that's
where the Seniors' Resource Fair
comes in. For the past 16 years, the Seniors' Resource Fair
has played a significant role in bringing together aging adults
and their caregivers with more than 90 exhibitors and presenters
to help meet their information needs. "The Seniors' Resource
Fair was started many years ago by a group of registered nurses
who noticed that seniors needed a source of information on resources
available to them," says Lorraine Ritchie, co-chair of
the Senior's Resource Fair and manager of Bethany On Route,
a home care service provider. "Over the years, it's become
invaluable for those who attend because of the array of resources
all under one roof," she adds. Ritchie says she expects
about 1500 people to attend the fair, which is being held in
the atrium of the City of Calgary's municipal building on 800
MacLeod Trail S.E., May 31, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. "This
year a host couple, Betty and Ed Nussbaumer, will be greeting
and directing seniors...to help them locate things they're interested
in faster," she says. "But we also welcome and encourage
anyone, of any age, to come out and attend the fair if they
are interested." In addition to the many free exhibits,
demonstrations and entertainment, the fair will also showcase
10-minute presentations from a number of speakers. "That's
a new addition this year and we're quite excited about it,"
says Jaryll Dunne, a family counselor at Mountain View Memorial
Gardens and co-chair of the Seniors' Resource Fair. "The
10-minute presentations give fair goers a chance to learn a
little more in-depth about a topic than by just picking up a
brochure," she adds. "Seniors seem to have a hard
time asking for help unless they trust someone...the fair gives
them the opportunity to learn and ask questions in a neutral
environment." Dunne also says that more baby boomers are
attending the fair, partly out of a need to plan their own futures
as well as the fact that many are already acting as caregivers
for elderly parents.
The Seniors' Resource
Fair is sponsored by the Calgary chapter of the Alberta Association
of Gerontology - a province-wide organization dedicated to enhancing
the quality of life for an aging population (www.ccaag.com).
With approximately 90 members, the Calgary chapter is responsible
for a number of initiatives including educational workshops,
thrice-yearly newsletters, a $500 scholarship
for gerontology studies at Mount Royal College as well as
the Seniors' Resource Fair. For those interested in renting
a booth for the fair, a limited number are still available by
calling 618-2227. For non-profit organizations, the fee is $75
and for profit organizations, the fee is $125. No on-site sales
of merchandise or services are allowed. All other general information
inquiries can be directed to Jaryll Dunne at 605-0572.
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