Senior Expo set for Saturday
A one-stop shop for information geared towards the senior population takes place this Saturday in Lee County.
The 7th annual Lee County Senior Expo hits the North Fort Myers Recreation Center on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and just five days before Medicare Annual Enrollment begins.
The expo will bring healthcare providers, nonprofits, senior-service organizations, local businesses and residents together in one place. Last year’s event welcomed more than 400 attendees and approximately 50 vendors, with this year’s event poised to recreate or even surpass last year’s numbers.
“This is a longstanding event, with relationships built and that exist,” said Brian Franklin, business development director for We Know Life and Health. “At these events, many seniors are looking for updates on information as far as healthcare, but they’re also looking for other resources, like roofers and real estate agents, dog walkers — you name it. We put our heart into making sure that every year, we give a great experience.”
Along with the vendor booths, there will also be food trucks, raffles, performances by the Hot Flashz and more.
Information regarding assisted living communities, home healthcare provides, community resources, Medicare and skilled nursing, and more will all be there for attendees to take in.
“It’s a good time, and also an important time,” Franklin said. “Right now, there are big changes in healthcare. Locally, there’s a situation going on with Lee Health and United Healthcare, but nationally, there’s tons more changes with healthcare costs and systems.
“It’s really hard for anyone, even under 65, to nail down where they can use their healthcare and how much it will cost them. There are people where last year may have had coverages that gave them extra benefits, ones they relied on, and all of a sudden those coverage are gone. With seniors, there’s a lot more vulnerability there. If it’s not the changes, it’s the confusing nature of it.”
Franklin said attendees have the opportunity to speak to primary care doctors, tech companies that work specifically with those on Medicare, physical therapists, real estate agents, and so much more.
“This is a great event for senior to attend because a lot of people go online, check a website out, research — but there’s nothing better than talking to someone face-to-face,” he said. “You can see they live in your area and understand the lay of the land. You can ask the question that might sound silly over the phone. You’re not talking to an AI bot.”
The event is free and open to the public.
The North Fort Myers Recreation Center is at 2000 North Recreation Parkway in North Fort Myers.
For more information, visit weknowlifeandhealth.com/seniorexpo.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com