By 2030, 25% of our population will be over 60 years old, with those 75 and older being the fastest growing segment of our community.
As demographics change, so does the market, with more and more companies shifting to meet the needs of older adults. While many older adults are living active and healthy lifestyles, some face challenges that require accurate and timely information. For example, older adults want help with household chores and household chores, the best places to exercise and stay healthy, where to get health checks, where to find information about chronic diseases and their management, and where to get support for their caregivers.
As part of our ongoing efforts to prepare for an unprecedented increase in our senior population, Aging Together will be hosting our annual Art of Aging lifestyle and wellness expo for seniors, their families and caregivers. But the expo isn't just for people 55 and older. Younger family members should also attend to learn more about what's available in their community. After all, we're all getting older!
Last year, more than 600 people attended the fair, which was held in Culpeper and Rappahannock counties, and even more are expected this year as Aging Together returns to the Fauquier Fair this fall.
The expo will be held at three locations for the community to enjoy close to home: the first on Sept. 7 at Fauquier Health in Warrenton, the second on Sept. 18 at Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church in Sperryville, and the third on Oct. 3 at the Culpeper County Fieldhouse.
Our community is looking for resources to develop healthy habits, manage stress and mental health, stay physically active and healthy, find transportation and food options, get vaccinations and health screenings, and the Art of Aging Lifestyle and Wellness Expo will bring many of these resources together under one roof, making them easily accessible for attendees.
“Across the board, people have a desire to live independently at home for as long as possible and be close to family and friends,” says Ellen Phipps, executive director of Aging Together. “Sometimes people seek help and gather information before a crisis occurs, but people don't seek information about resources until they're in a crisis, which can be a difficult time to start looking.”
“Knowledge is power and sometimes simple assistance solutions, like help with transportation or shopping, can help people remain independent and stay at home. That's why we encourage people to come to Expo – they can get 'one-stop shopping' access to a lot of information they may not need now but may need in the future.”
The expo and activities are free and open to anyone in the area – you do not have to live in the expo location to attend – and no registration is required.
2024 World Expo Schedule
Saturday, September 7, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Fauquier Health (500 Hospital Drive, Warrenton, VA)
Wednesday, September 18th, 10am-1pm: Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church (3748 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville, VA) The location will also be giving away free Yukon Treats ice cream to the first 70 customers.
Thursday, October 3rd, 10:00am-1:00pm: Culpeper Field House, Culpeper (16388 Competition Drive, Culpeper).
For more information, visit the Aging Together website or call (540) 829-6405.
Aging Together's mission is to connect people to communities and resources to improve the quality of life as they age through partnerships. Aging Together serves Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock Counties.
Caroline Dunstan Smeltz, Director of Outreach and Development
Growing Old Together
Culpeper
