Mark your calendars! Tell your neighbors! On Saturday, March 28, the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association and the Borough of Swarthmore will present the Third Annual Senior Wellness Fair — same time as last year, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and same place, the Inn at Swarthmore. This year’s theme: Benefits and Challenges. Swarthmore citizens of every age will have the opportunity to hear from distinguished experts in the field of elder health and well-being.
The day begins with a provocative and timely talk. The Alice “Putty” Willets and Irma Zimmer Keynote Presentation features Joanne Grossi, the current President of Pennsylvania AARP. Joanne will help everyone understand what lies ahead for today’s seniors.
After a coffee break and a chance to visit with more than 20 vendors and exhibitors, the fair continues with two side-by-side sessions — one for women, and one for men — facilitated by medical and mental health experts. Hear about problems common to seniors, learn how to remain healthy in spite of those problems, and, most important, take the opportunity to ask all those niggling health questions that are always in the back of your mind.
A free lunch will offer time to relax, meet new friends, and catch up with old ones.
In the afternoon, listen to either Brian Duke, MBE, of Main Line Health share his wisdom about family caregiving, or Rev. Lydia Munoz and her husband, Rev. James McIntire, explore the interplay between aging and spirituality.
The day concludes with a follow-up to Linton Stables’ 2019 presentation, “No Place Like Home: Options for Senior Housing and Care.” This year’s closing session focuses on senior housing in Swarthmore specifically. Mayor Marty Spiegel will describe the current status of the borough’s senior housing. Then Beth Murray, MBA, and Lynn Gaffney, AIA, will provide two different visions for the near future: Beth on traditional housing, and Lynn on co-housing.
This year, for the first time, the fair will offer three interactive sessions. In the morning, Jack Szychtel of Media’s FitMax Krav Maga will facilitate a self-defense class especially for seniors. During lunch, Ann MacMullan will offer a beginner’s class in chair yoga. In the early afternoon, MacMullan will reach balance exercises.
Admission to the Wellness Fair is free. To register, visit swarthmoreseniors.com/sign-up. Registration forms will also be available at the Wednesday Lunch and Learn programs at the Swarthmore United Methodist Church. The Wellness Fair is a great way to celebrate Swarthmore’s seniors!
