Senior Lifestyle Expo postponed because of storm

By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 10/5/18

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Come join the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission’s Area on Aging fun and food while promoting a healthy lifestyle at the 2018 Baldwin County Senior Lifestyle …

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Senior Lifestyle Expo postponed because of storm

Posted

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — With Hurricane Michael barreling toward the Florida Panhandle, the 2018 Baldwin County Senior Lifestyle Expo has been postponed so that the Baldwin County Coliseum can be used as a shelter for evacuees.

The event was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale.

"No date has been set yet for a rescheduled event," said Nancy Bledsoe with the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, "but we are going to try to reschedule."

The annual Mobile event has been going on for well over a decade, said event coordinator Julie McGee, with the Baldwin County event beginning in June of 2012 as a way to better serve its residents.

The following year the event was moved to the fall and in 2015, the Expo celebrated the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Older Americans Act and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center will once again be the featured health provider for the event, which includes a variety of health screenings. There will also be free vision screenings and flu shots will be available for a small fee.

The event will also feature a “Medicare Mall” providing information for Medicare’s Open Enrollment program. Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the time for seniors to review their plans and make any changes that need to be made by the Jan. 1 deadline.

“It is an important and oftentimes complicated decision to make and we will have independent insurance counselors there who can review their plan and work with them to decide what best fits their needs,” McGee said.

Information is also provided regarding programs available through the Area Agency on Aging, McGee said.

The event includes a maximum capacity of 60 vendors, each providing games, prize giveaways and plenty of free handouts.

Participants will also receive a free token for a spin on Cigna Healthspring’s Wheel of Fortune and chances will be available for door prizes with the main prize of a recliner.

The event also includes a marketplace where seniors can purchase a variety of goods provided by local vendors. Personalities from WKRG Channel 5 will also be on hand for meet-and-greet opportunities.

Admission and parking are free and a free healthy lunch will be served.

"A notice will be sent out again with the rescheduled date when it’s set," Bledsoe said.

Anyone wishing more information about the event can call the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission at (251) 433-6541or 251-706-4680.