On Tuesday, People Plus hosted the sixth annual People Plus Senior Health Expo at the Cook’s Corner Mall in Brunswick.
This year, the expo set a record for participation with 80 organizations participating and an estimated 750 people in attendance.
“Over the last six years, we have really grown this venue from 20 vendors to 80. It’s huge,” said People Plus Executive Director Stacy Frizzle.
The expo, with a wide array of services represented in one place, is important for the aging community, said Frizzle.
“Transportation is a huge issue with people as they age,” said Frizzle. “So the seniors get to come to one location for the day and meet 75-80 different service providers. They can basically compare prices. They can shop around. They can meet lots of different housing places, lots of different meal service options, lots of different medical options, all under one roof.”
“Without having to travel around and without having to call 100 companies on the phone, they really get access to all the services in their community to help them live a longer and healthier life,” she added.
Another benefit the expo offers, said Frizzle, is networking possibilities for organizations related to aging issues.
“Half of what happens at the expo today is the tables get to network with each other and develop partnerships, collaborate on projects
(and) decide how to do outreach,” said Frizzle.
Organizations tabling at the event ranged geographically from Freeport up to Bath, and represented services spanning many needs in the aging community. Regional groups like Spectrum Generations from Augusta, which offers Meals on Wheels and other services, also came down for the expo, manning four tables. Retirement communities, volunteer transport services, Good Morning Call and more could be found at the mall. Some health services were also on-hand, with CHANS flu shot clinic giving out 80 free flu shots and massages given by Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy.
Frizzle encourage participants and those who could not attend to visit People Plus and learn what services and activities are offered there.
“We have a pretty full schedule every month,” said Frizzle. “We dedicate ourselves not just to fitness and meals, but also to brain food (with) lecture series, aging well lunch and learns, games, etc. About 500 people come through the door of People Plus every week.”
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