(PR.co.nz) Christchurch will celebrate the International Older Persons Day on 4 October with an expo at the Christchurch Convention Centre.
The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Expo is organised by Age Concern Canterbury and supported by the Christchurch City Council.
The Expo for Older Adults showcases many of the excellent services and groups that exist in Christchurch to support and celebrate ageing.
“We are excited about this event as it brings relevant information, new events, ongoing resources and educational opportunities,” says Carolyn Gallagher, Manager Community Support with the Christchurch City Council, adding that Christchurch had a wealth of organisations and services for older adults.
The Expo also presents an opportunity to focus on the ability of older adults to recognise and respond to a disaster and to ensure this ability is not compromised in the event of an emergency,
The focus on emergency preparedness could take several approaches, including family support and communication strategy for older family members in the event of disaster, community support or neighbourhood support and individual response to emergencies. Ms Gallagher says: “Let’s not assume that an older family member will automatically be taken care of if disaster strikes.”
Last year the Expo attracted over 1500 people covering a wide age range: parents, children and grandchildren seeking advice, information and services about caring for elderly parents; baby boomers curious about post-retirement living options and older adults looking for guidance on exercise, activities and nutrition.
The four and half hour Expo to be held at the Christchurch Convention Centre offers:
• A positive day out which includes entertainment and spot prizes
• Education for the community about issues relevant to older adults and the resources available to them;
• Advocacy for the needs of older adults;
• An avenue for information exchange and networking among elder service providers
Celebrating International Older Persons Day
Health Safety and Wellbeing Expo
10am – 2-30pm
Monday, 4 October 2010
Christchurch Convention Centre, Kilmore Street
Media Release 23 September 2010 from Christchurch City Council.