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Written by Megan Joyce Megan Joyce

Category: Events and Reviews Events and Reviews

Published: 09 July 2018 09 July 2018

The gymnasium of Church Farm School in Exton, having just said goodbye to its students for the summer, instead welcomed baby boomers, seniors, and caregivers for the recent Chester County 50plus EXPO.

The free, one-day event, which provided information and resources for the area’s 50+ community, was hosted by OLP Events.

More than 80 exhibitors displayed products and services in housing, medical services, nutrition, entertainment, home improvements, finances, and healthcare.

Exhibitor Johnny Roberts, marketing coordinator for Isaac’s Restaurants, is a familiar face at the Chester County 50plus EXPO; the restaurant again served as the event’s luncheon sponsor. “We have a senior discount, and [the EXPO is] a great way of getting word out about that,” Roberts said. “It’s a great source of feedback … either good or bad, and we can quickly clear them up then and make them happy customers once more.”

Kimberly Blake, of Ardmore, had come down to the 50plus EXPO in search of housing information for both herself and her mother.

“I came out basically to find affordable living, and also my mother has dementia and I wanted to see if she could maybe enroll in assisted living,” Blake said. “I found [the EXPO] very informative. All the businesses had the information that I needed, and it’s great.”

Attendees were eligible for door prizes and took advantage of free health screenings for glucose, memory, vision, spinal health, and more.

The onstage entertainment and presentations began with Stephanie Taylor, from YMCA of Greater Brandywine, who discussed the YMCA’s SilverSneakers exercise classes as well as the essential, physical benefits that simple exercises can provide.

“Balance is a very important thing that people lose as they get older,” Taylor said. “You might not realize this, but just sitting down and standing up in your chair, you’re doing a squat in a way that’s safe for you.”

Renee Muth, owner of DōPurely Wellness Center in New Holland, educated attendees on essential oils and their most popular uses, including cooking, household cleaning, hair and skincare, seasonal allergies — and especially their everyday health benefits.

“We’re not doctors; we don’t tell you not to be treated or not to go to a doctor. We just hope that you don’t have to,” Muth said. “We use [essential oils] as preventive measures. If you should get sick, we hope that it just doesn’t last as long.”

PA State Senior Idol winners Peggy Keller (2011) and Barry Surran (2008) provided the event’s musical entertainment.

Their duets and solo performances spanned decades and genres, from “Sentimental Journey” by Doris Day and “Crazy” by Patsy Cline to “Together (Wherever We Go)” from the musical Gypsy and “To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele.

The Office of the Attorney General’s education and outreach specialist, Anthony Luker, presented EXPO guests with information on fraud and identity-theft schemes that target older adults. Luker focused on scam prevention and ways seniors can avoid becoming victims.

Finally, Jessica McCoppin, with Penn State Cooperative Education, discussed foods that tamp down stress and those that amplify its intensity. McCoppin emphasized ways to move away from the cycle of choosing unhealthy foods to cope with stress.

For Blake, who was attending the 50plus EXPO for the second year, the time spent was well worth it.

“I wanted to attend it again this year because last year was such a success, so I wanted to be here again,” she said. “I would advise anyone to come out and register. The vendors are great.”

OLP Events’ 50plus EXPOs will return in the fall: in Lancaster County on Sept. 19, in York County on Sept. 26, and in Cumberland County on Oct. 17.

For more information, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA.com.

• Megan Joyce
• 50plus EXPO
• Chester County
• Chester Businesses Resources Reach Out to Boomers and Seniors