The Burnaby Seniors' Interagency Society is hosting the annual Healthy Aging Fair at Lougheed Town Centre on Saturday, June 8.
The fair is an opportunity for seniors in the community to learn about the programs and services that are available to them, according to Karen Tyrell, one of the organizers.
"Speaking with someone one-on-one is often a great way for seniors to get a better understating of the programs and services," Tyrell said. "They can ask questions and get a quick response in a non-threatening environment. It's an event where it's safe, and it's going to be fun, and there's fun entertainment."
Tyrell said that many seniors are not using the Internet and may not be aware of available seniors' programs. The fair will include a series of vendors and non-profit groups in the centre court of the mall, near the entrance of Hudson's Bay, with more tables near London Drugs. The vendors are not necessarily selling things, Tyrell noted, but they could be handing out samples or pamphlets. Seniors can learn more about Meals on Wheels, the Burnaby Seniors' Outreach Services Society, caregiver programs, City of Burnaby services or home care and housing options.
"(Seniors should attend) to get a better understanding of the services that are available to them in the community, because the more they know, the more they know," Tyrell said. "It's really helpful to be aware in case the need arises, and it's just a good way to learn, and it's a good outing as well to socialize and take part in the entertainment where the stage is going to be near The Bay."
The Healthy Aging Fair is on Saturday, June 8 at Lougheed Town Centre, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the mall's centre court area.
The Burnaby Seniors Interagency Society is a consortium of non-profit groups and local businesses that have been working on seniors' issues for more than two decades The society also sponsored the Voices of Burnaby Seniors project. For more information, go to http://burnabyseniors.org.
