Adam Bowen

Multimedia Journalist

On September 14, Hope Covenant Church will host Strathmore's first ever Senior Expo which is an event aimed at anyone who has a seniors in their lives, family, caregivers and seniors themselves.

"The expo will showcase subjects that have come up that seniors in the Strathmore area are interested in but finding that the don't have the information," said Lynn Walker, chair of the Senior Expo planning committee.

The expo will consist of 22 different exhibits ranging from travel tips to health advice as well as three main speakers who will do 45 minute presentations to address hot-button topics with seniors in today's day and age.

Walker believes that the third presentation 'Changes and Challenges of Grandparenting Today' will be one of the highlights. The presentation will help grandparents connect with the younger generations.

"Seniors don't know how to use Facebook or how to use Skype and once they find out they realize they can actually see their grandchildren growing up. If we're on Skype we can connect and it's not that difficult to do," said Walker. "We're going to get them over that fear barrier and get them familiar with the programs and show how easy it really is."

The event will be of no cost to those who choose to participate, but will feature a lunch at a cost of $10 per person or $15 for a pair of attendees.

The Expo will also be offering free transportation for the seniors who wish to attend. Through a partnership with the Strathmore Handi-Bus, shuttle service will be provided from four locations throughout town with a pick up in the morning and one just

after lunch. The shuttle will make stops at Lambert Village, Sunset Haven,

Sagewood and the Lodge in Strathmore.

"This is our first time putting on an event like this but through talking with the seniors we are involved with we heard what they were interested in and approached those people," said Walker. "We think we've got some really good subjects here that will meet the needs of our residents."

Walker hopes that the expo will show residents that everything that they need is right in their own back yard.

"The expo will highlight the availability and accessibility of everything within the community. They don't have to go long distances to get the information that they need, it's accessible and it's all right here in Strathmore."