Seniors Expo Puts the 'Well' into Wellington

In celebration of International Day of the Older Person a Health, Wealth and Wellbeing Expo for seniors is being held at the Wellington Town Hall this Thursday, 1 October.

This will be the first time the expo, targeted at people aged 55 and over, has been held in Wellington city. A similar expo is also being run in Lower Hutt on the same day.

The expo, organised by Wellington City Council, focuses on healthy living and will feature over 40 stalls from agencies and businesses that offer a range of services for senior citizens.

The Council's Social Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ngaire Best, says the International Day of the Older Person offers the Council a great excuse to do something positive for Wellington's senior community.

"With close to 17% of Wellingtonians being over the age of 55 it is great to have an event like this where people can come together and find out about activities they can get involved in and services they can access."

Those who come along can find out about subjects as diverse as travel, continuing education, computer training, tai chi and genealogy. Service providers including Age Concern and Grey Power will be onsite as well as representatives from government departments and the Council.

Tai chi and 'Sit and Be Fit' demonstrations will be held throughout the day as well as live music from the 1920s to the 1960s. Shopping will also be the order of the day with a range of goods from gadgets to clothes on offer. The expo is running from 10.00am to 3.00pm and entry is free.

Councillor Best says initiatives such as the expo play an important part in providing information to older residents about how they can be involved in the community.

"Perceptions about ageing are changing, and with the support from communities and families, growing older is becoming a cause for celebration. The expo is not just open to those aged 55-plus, but also their families and friends who support them."

The Mayoral Day Concert, also dedicated to seniors, will this year be held on Sunday 8 November in the Town Hall, 2.00pm - 4.30pm.