Seniors’ fair showcases resources, camaraderie and importance of laughter

County Ukulele Band performed at the Seniors Fair

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
In what has become a staple event in the County, the one-day seniors’ information and active living fair has established itself as the go-to place to learn about the many aspects of how to live well as a senior in Prince Edward County.

The annual event, now in its seventh year, is put together by the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association who always draw a large crowd at the Wellington and District Community Centre, and always put on a good show – free-of-charge including a free lunch, refreshments and snacks.

Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

A highlight Thursday was the visit by Minister Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, whose uplifting and humorous messaging and storytelling –which began with a loud and enthusiastic “Good morning, everyone!”- soon had the audience engaged and entertained, this despite him feeling under the weather and unsure he would make the event.

While his messaging, including the story of how big-belly laughs contribute to happiness, had the room laughing out loud, he attempted to assess just how happy each side of the room really was in his engagement, which only brought more laughter.

“I’ve been practising now for 20 years. Look how young I am, because I laugh in the morning; I see myself in the mirror, and I laugh, and I see funny face, and I laugh more,” expressed Cho, garnering yet more laughter. “Everyone, whether senior or young, if you want to become younger and more beautiful, more handsome… a big belly laugh!”

“As a super senior myself, by the way, I am 88 years a young man,” he roared. “Life is too short: be happy, be healthy and live long and you will become more handsome.”

Along with the laughs, Cho brought good news announcing a new funding increase for seniors active living centres, which PEC Community Care for Seniors is eligible for.

“Today, we increase the base funding for all 316 seniors active living centres across Ontario this past year,” announced Cho. “As a result of the fall economic statement, I am happy to announce here that all seniors active living centres in all of Ontario will now receive another increase to their base funding grow from $50,000 to $55,000, starting next year.” This includes Prince Edward County which received $51,137 in provincial government funding this year.

The province is also adding 100 new seniors active living centres across Ontario, for a total of 416.

Also in attendance was Bay of Quite MPP Tyler Allsopp, Ingrid Moore (representing Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams), County Mayor Steve Ferguson, along with Barb Proctor (Community Care for Seniors past chair), Mary Lynn Lester (Community Care for Seniors board member), and emcee David Fox (Community Care for Seniors board member).

New MPP for Bay of Quinte, Allsopp spoke to providing a high quality of life for seniors in Prince Edward County, where he also recognized the hard work of seniors in the community.

“It is seniors who built this country and built our communities, and even after they retired, they continue to come out and support,” said Allsopp. “Everywhere I go, whether it’s a charitable event, local events, even into service clubs, seniors continue to come out and show their support in this community, and continue to drive this community forward.”

The main hall, packed with around 50-plus vendors offering an extensive assortment of resources and valuable information, spilled out into the lobby and included representation from local retirement homes, estate services and funeral homes, as well as government agencies.

It is, of course, so much more than a spot to gather information, gain knowledge and learn about the countless services, programs and resources available, because the fair is also a fun and enjoyable event.

Seniors meet other seniors, catch-up with old friends, and maybe make new friends, and generally have a good time in a relaxed, warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where everything is found under one convenient roof.

The fair isn’t however just restricted to seniors as everyone is welcome, along with family members of seniors, caregivers, etc., or just those wanting to learn more on a wide variety of age-related topics.

Mayor Ferguson spoke to the dedication and hard work that goes into organizing the event, which provides many resources in one place, on one day.

“This event is testament to our community’s commitment to supporting our seniors, caregivers, and I am delighted to see so many of you here today,” said Ferguson. “Today, we have a wonderful opportunity to connect with service providers and local businesses that play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our seniors. These organizations offer a wide range of services and resources to support health, wellness and social engagement, most importantly.”

Many local agencies and organizations were also in attendance, such as Hospice Prince Edward, the Alzheimer Society Hastings Prince Edward, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Canadian Cancer Society and Prince Edward Family Health Team, among them.

Folks could also learn about alarm systems, hearing options, dentures, or more about the Prince Edward County Public Library’s extensive range of services and resources, for example. Prince Edward Fire and Rescue was on hand with safety tips and awareness, as well as a wide range of give-aways to help make a home safer.

Barb Proctor, past chair with Community Care for Seniors, noted that since 1977, the organization has been supporting seniors with services, and enabling independent living in their own homes. She highlighted programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, foot care, visiting programs, just to name a few.

Barb Proctor

“The Ontario Minister of Health funding, special grants, community donations and the energetic fundraising efforts of our strong base of volunteers and community partners have enabled Community Care to successfully deliver these many programs and services,” said Proctor.

She said, in 2018, the organization was branded annual funding from the Ontario Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility.

“Along with a much welcome partnership with our municipality, we have been able to launch enhanced development of programs and deliver to seniors our active living programs, like social engagement activities, exercise programs, educational in-person and Zoom presentations,” she said.

Community Care has also been able to amplify its message through news media, social media, and phone messages geared to those at the risk of social isolation – one of the major determinants of mental and physical health, she said.

The day also brought various presentations and demonstrations on a variety of topics, including downsizing, government tax credits, retirement living, pedestrian safety, the new dental plan, and how to renew a driver’s licence for those age 80-plus.

Cho continued to speak to the importance of seniors in the community, and thanked those who work with seniors for all that they do. Both he and Allsopp spent some time browsing the many information booths, taking the time to chat with organizations’ representatives and the public.

“Seniors are the ones who raise our families, seniors are the ones who do beautiful communities like yours here. We deserve the dignity and the respect,” he said. “The seniors are the most important people to me.

“Seeing all of you here makes me know that everyone here in Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors has their heart in the right place. This shows me you really care for seniors in this part of Ontario.”

Cho also touched on how Prince Edward County is keeping seniors connected.

“We seniors know the social isolation is a public enemy number one, and that is why I am so moved by what you are doing here at seniors fair,” he said. “We seniors love to be together, we enjoy each other’s company, we love to see old friends and make new ones, that is why seniors active living centres are so important.”

Seniors active living centres keep our seniors active, fit, healthy and socially connected close to our homes and close to our communities, he said.

Community Care for Seniors extensive active living programming, activities, events and resources (many of them free of charge) continue all year long and are available to those seniors age 60-plus. For more information, visit communitycareforseniors.org, phone 613-476-7493, or email: info@communitycareforseniors.org