May 15, 2008

Seminars that help seniors with a wide range of health and quality of life issues will highlight the 2008 Senior Expo, set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Approximately 2,000 older adults, their caregivers and others interested in the health and well-being of seniors will gather for the free conference, organized by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) and various other agencies.

The seminars will help seniors learn about everything from health issues such as self-management of chronic diseases, preventing falls and memory tips to caregiver concerns such as long-distance care giving and getting help for caregivers. Other seminars will help participants with investments, Medicare issues, planning, nutritional needs for older adults, exercise and intimate relationships.

Harris County’s elderly population, adults 65 years of age or older, is expected to triple by 2040 to about 985,000.

Significant growth in the number of older adults can pose challenges to a community, including a straining of health and human services systems due to increases in people with chronic diseases and infirmities. Additionally, many more seniors may have to struggle to meet basic needs and deal with transportation issues, social isolation, depression, physical illness and declining function.  

The 2008-2009 Senior Guidance Directory & Caregiving Handbook will be available free at the Expo. The new edition is the Greater Houston area’s most comprehensive and accurate information resource for people age 50 and older, their families and caregivers.

The directory includes explanations and contact information about city, county, state and national resources and services. Topics include food and nutrition, home health care, housing options, transportation, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, utilities, local recreational activities and dozens more. 

Other agencies involved in planning the Senior Expo are AARP Texas, Area Planning Advisory Council, Care for Elders, Houston and Harris County Area Agency on Aging, Jewish Community Center, Texas Adult Protective Services, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, United Way of Greater Houston and YWCA of Houston.

The conference is open to the public and only groups are required to register. For more information or group registrations, call 713-794-9357.