Seniors Day at the B.C. Northern Exhibition saw hundreds of seniors at the one-day information fair held in Kin III Thursday.
With 29 information booths at the ready and a 50s theme the energy was high and the noise level was raucous, drawing in not only seniors but those seniors-in-training, said Lola Dawn Fennell, manager of the Prince George Council of Seniors who helped organize the event at the regional fair.
Seniors were able to access information about a variety of topics from dentures to mobility issues, Alzheimer's to cancer, as well as some topics that some might not think apply to seniors, like debt management, which was addressed at John S. Beverley's booth. It was the first time Beverley & Associates participated at the seniors information fair.
"A lot of seniors are financially vulnerable," said Deb Ross, lead counselor and office manager at Beverley's office. Some seniors who carry credit card debt month to month may not able to pay it off but only service the debt, Ross said.
"Seniors are not ones to air their family linen," said Ross. "So they suffer in silence."
Seniors might not be aware that there is an alternative other than bankruptcy when debt becomes unmanageable. There is a government program called a Consumer Proposal. The program allows individuals to make an offer to creditors, often resulting in a major reduction in the debt load, leading to more affordable monthly payments made over a reasonable time period.
Entertainment for seniors in Kin III included the T-Bird Cafe where seniors were invited to have coffee, tea and cookies for free, while watching the Vintage Apron Fashion Show, the Hula Hoop competition and a 1950s dance showcase. There were several demonstrations, including carpet bowling and many prizes were given away to entice seniors throughout the day.
