Senior Expo Draws Big Crowd, and Not All Are Elderly

If there was ever a time to have a “senior moment” today was the day at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

The annual Senior Expo was held featuring over 90 tables of information and services.

Hundreds attended, and a long line greeted organizers at 9 am when the doors opened.

“Every year this gets bigger and bigger with more vendors showing up and new innovations,” said Pat Murdy who has attended the event for years.

There were also family members, specifically children who were interested in information for their aging parents.

“So many of the agencies get those phone calls. ‘My mom just fell down. My mom is living alone and we are worried about her.’ And they don’t plan. Here’s a place
you can come and see a number of services and get a sense of what’s suitable. It’s five dollars. How can you beat that?” said Frank Newton with Senior Programs of Santa Barbara County.

Funeral planning was also offered. It’s a subject many people often delay acting on but Ruben Rey with Pueblo Del Rey Funeral Services says talking about the details ahead gives many families a more comforting approach to the future.

“It can be done in a way that provides peace of mind. You save money. The wishes are written, and you don’t leave those details for your family. It makes that situation so much easier,” said Rey.

Those attending were also able to get their annual flu shot.