By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Age may only be a number, but as one ages, a number of things start breaking down. Bones get more brittle, memories may start fading and mobility may lessen.
But rather than giving up to the effects of aging, seniors in Bowling Green were invited Wednesday to “Your Highway to Health, 50-plus Health and Wellness Expo” at the Community Center.
“We want to encourage people to be as active as they can be,” Andrea Miller, an intern with the Parks and Recreation Department, said as she checked in registrants.
The more active and involved people are, the more they experience a better quality of life and a longer life, Miller said.
Some of the exhibitors at the expo offered items to help keep people in their homes as they age, such as walk-in bath tubs and hand bars for bathrooms.
There were booths that encouraged seniors to continue full lives, like the library exhibit with books on walking and hiking, and the County Parks exhibit that touted the health benefits of being outside in nature.
There were stations that checked up on medical issues, such as blood pressure and nutrition.
And there was information on fitness activities offered through City Parks and Rec, like the “Silver Sneakers” program, pickleball, yoga and Zumba.
“It’s a good time to get started,” for any age senior, said Ivan Kovacevic, Recreation Coordinator with the City Parks and Recreation Department.
Exhibitors set up at 50-plus expo.
The expo also looked at other needs for seniors, such as social and emotional.
Rita Betz, of the Wood County Committee on Aging, said services are offered to keep seniors involved in life.
“We’re always providing programs that keep people mentally active, physically active and socially active,” Betz said. “Isolation is what kills people.”
The Committee on Aging also assists seniors who want to remain independent in their own homes.
“We provide resources for them to stay home, which is where they want to be,” she said.
Christen Giblin, of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, talked about the emotional needs of seniors.
“Depression can happen at any age. Substance abuse can happen at any age. Suicide can happen at any age,” Giblin said. In fact, suicide rates in men over age 40 are seeing an increase, she said.
People should be aware that depression is not a side effect of aging, and it should not be ignored, Giblin said.
Jennifer Van Vorhis, a volunteer coordinator for Senior Independence, said people also need to be aware that caregivers of seniors may need some help themselves. “If you’re a caregiver, make sure you’ve got someone taking care of you,” she said.
The health expo was sponsored by Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, Wood County Committee on Aging, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Community Health and Wellness Center, and Bowling Green State University Gerontology Department.
