UAMS-Sponsored Senior Expo Draws More Than 1,700
| Oct. 7, 2016 | Today’s seniors are living longer than ever and want all the tools and information available to make the most of their longevity.
Enter the Senior Expo – a free annual event that features information, health screenings and fun – all aimed at helping seniors make sure their best years are those yet to come.
More than 1,700 people from across Arkansas attended the third annual Senior Expo on Sept. 24 at the Statehouse Convention Center, sponsored by UAMS and presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“UAMS wants to be out there on the front lines making sure those 55 years and older have access to the information they need to make the most of the next 50 years,” said Jeanne Wei, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.
UAMS-led presentations included “Staying Active: What do You Want to do When You’re 100?” with orthopedic surgeon Simon Mears, M.D.; “Create a Roadmap to a Fun Future” with Wei; “Clear the Way to Better Vison” with ophthalmologist Tayyeba Ali, M.D.; and “From A to Z: Everything You Need to Know About Your Colon” with colon and rectal surgeon Jonathan Laryea, M.D.
About 250 seniors took advantage of free health screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure and heart rate, body mass index and body fat percentage. They also learned the latest information about their medications and vaccination.
Debra Johnson, R.N., B.S.N., left, and Ashley Moskow distribute information at the Stroke Services booth.
Reynolds Institute on Aging geriatricians gave free consultations to 62 people who signed up for appointments at the “Ask the Doctor” booths. UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute staff performed 91 vison screenings.
UAMS provided booths featuring geriatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, caregiver training, vascular surgeons, dietitians, ARresearch, audiologists and stroke services.
NBC’s “Today” show financial editor Jean Chatzky offered tips for saving, investing and retirement. There was a political panel on Arkansas and the 2016 presidential election.
KARK meteorologist Pat Walker was the event emcee. And the day wouldn’t have been complete without a game of bingo hosted by the Arkansas Travelers and prize giveaways throughout the day.
“We had great feedback about this year’s event that a good time was had by all,” Wei said. “This event keeps getting bigger and better every year, and we’re seeing that reflected in the response from the public. This is an event we hope to continue long into the future.”