Life Enrichment Expo celebrates 20 years

Date: 4/11/2011

SPRINGFIELD — For those who have questions about their futures or the future of their parents can have them answered at the 20th anniversary of the Life Enrichment Expo, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Those in attendance will find useful tools, invaluable advice, knowledgeable experts, housing options, health care services, and more for those age 50 and older. Attendees can even receive special savings on medical equipment and other services.

"Children of aging parents have found the Life Enrichment Expo to be just as useful as those seeking advice for themselves," Carlin Trietsch, director of Adult Services at the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) and Life Expo coordinator, said.

Trietsch is referring to the sandwich generation, which has become responsible for not only their young children, but also their aging parents. Those in the sandwich generation will benefit by getting information for themselves and their parents.

"The Basketball Hall of Fame is a great location. It's easy to get to and the parking and admission are free," Trietsch added.

Attendees will meet a wide variety of vendors, including eye and ear care, foot care, home health care, residential living services, hospice care, home renovations and more.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Life Expo will also feature free lectures to help people enrich their lives or the lives of their parents:

• 10:30 a.m. — Aerobics for the Brain: Your Mind is a Muscle. Let's Work it!
  
  
• 11 a.m. — Know Your Options: Alternatives to Nursing Home Care.
  
  
• 11:30 a.m. — Aging Well: 10 Tips to Age with Grace.
  
  
• Noon — What Will I Do With All My Stuff? Yes, You Can Think About Moving.
  
  
• 12:30 p.m. — Low Vision and Aging: Preserving Your Vision as You Age.
  
  
• 1 p.m. — Reverse Mortgages: Myths and Misconceptions.
  
  
• 1:30 p.m. — Life is Worth Hearing: When Hearing Aids May No Longer Be An Option.
  
  
• 2 p.m. — Focus on Wellness: Primary Prevention and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
  
  
• 2:30 p.m. — Retirement Income Strategies: Recreate Income During Retirement.
  
  
• 3 p.m. — Adult Day Health Centers: How Important Are They?

"Coming prepared to Life Expo is recommended," Trietsch said. "Have your questions ready for vendors ahead of time. Many people have left the Expo with unexpected answers that have made their lives infinitely better. Keep your eyes open for vendors who may offer new answers you hadn't considered."

The 20th anniversary of Life Enrichment Expo is presented by Health New England and Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice. The Springfield JCC and PRIME Magazine and Reminder Publications are co-sponsors and founders of Life Expo. NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation is a platinum sponsor; AARP-Mass-achusetts and PeoplesBank are gold sponsors; and Gentiva Healthcare is a silver sponsor. CBS3-Springfield is the media sponsor.

Admission and parking are free. Transportation will be available from the JCC with advance reservation. Call 739-4715 for more information.