The annual Franklin Positive Ageing Expo is on tomorrow, October 3, to help encourage older people to become more active.
This year, the expo is being opened by former Franklin mayor Heather Maloney, and its purpose is to bring businesses, social service clubs, and special interest groups together for the benefit of older people in Franklin.
The expo is the only one of its kind in the North Island and is the biggest expo dealing with older age groups in New Zealand. Typically, there are between 70 and 75 exhibitors, including stage performers.
Activities include Tai Chi, fitness, line dancing, and belly dancing. There will also be a range of hobbies, crafts, sports, social activities, gardening clubs, historical societies, Probus, and ‘over sixties’ groups.
Health-related services and advice on healthy living will be provided, along with legal and fraud awareness services. Health screening for diabetes will also be available.
Franklin Positive Ageing Expo chairperson Jill Lomas says there can be a risk of older people becoming isolated.
“It can be a problem; people can become isolated. It’s certainly more difficult for older people trying to exist on a pension these days when the economy has not been exactly helpful.
“So, to get people out into a social situation is a great help – we become aware of each other’s issues and problems, and we have the opportunity to support each other.
“It’s not just about people who are in need, it’s also about the older people who are reasonably well prepared for retirement, but sometimes retirement can bring boredom.
“It’s about presenting people with choices, with a series of interest groups they can join and become a part of,” Lomas says.
Spot prizes will be available throughout the day, and there is a chance to enter a draw to win a La-Z-Boy Harbour Town Oak Rocking Recliner worth $1,599, supplied by La-Z-Boy Pukekohe.
The expo is on Friday, October 3, from 9am to 3pm at the PIA Event Centre on 53 Ward Street, Pukekohe.
