MINDEMOYA—“There are a lot of opportunities to connect here,” Alison Sloss said in her opening remarks to those filtering into the Mindemoya arena for the 3rd Annual Healthy Ageing and Wellness Expo. “Whether you came here looking for information on nutrition, managing stress, or simply for the chair yoga class, you’re in the right place.”
Ms. Sloss said she was pleased to see more booths and more people taking part this year. “I just want to thank the incredible team who helped put on this event. All the organizations, all the businesses and presenters who are eager to participate each year, we couldn’t do it without you. We are thrilled to see this event grow each year, we had 10 booths last year, this year we have 25. It’s quickly doubling in size. And it’s a reflection of how much the community values connection, wellbeing and supporting one another as we age. Not that we age quietly but proudly. So, enjoy the day, learn something new, meet someone new, enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll leave here with a tote bag full of brochures and takeaways you never thought you needed.”
A presentation on Elder Abuse, given by Marta Hajek, CEO for Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario was an eye-opening talk on what elder abuse is, in its many guises, and the strides taken to abolish it. The chair yoga presentation seemed to garner the largest crowd, but there were also many booths, with many interesting connections to ageing and wellness.
Nicky Brown, an ‘end-of-life doula, was there to tell people about the E.X.I.T. app, now available on the App Store. Basically, an exit strategy for the dying, or those planning ahead. The app provides a user-friendly, secure and thoughtful way for people to store important documents, and express their wishes and directives, giving their loved ones peace of mind. That was different. William McCormick, Public Education Coordinator of the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury was letting people know of a learning series to take place in Mindemoya in July. The Paramedics were represented by Ashley Dicks and Ashleigh Desormeaux, and Phillip Gosse, Fire Chief, had safety brochures available. Theresa, from Timeless Beauty Spa was giving 10-minute hand relaxation sessions and, in the afternoon, Sheila McDermid held a flower pot painting workshop.
There truly was something for everyone at this year’s Healthy Ageing and Wellness Expo, as was evident by the nearly 200 people in attendance. A combination of interesting things to learn and activities to do, and lunch provided by Prepped, kept everyone engaged for the entire day. A successful Expo, with congratulations to Alison Sloss and her team of Central Manitoulin organizers and a big congratulations to Janet Anning, Ontario Senior of the Year Award recipient!
by Margery Frisch
