Aging Info on Display Saturday in Wenham

The title of Saturday's event at Buker Elementary School - Hamilton-Wenham Aging Info Expo - suggests attendees need to be a senior citizen living in Hamilton or Wenham in order to attend or benefit from the event.

That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The event, on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is as much for those who have hit senior citizen status as those approaching it or are caring for their elderly parents. It is also open to those living outside Hamilton or Wenham.

“Those 60 (years old) and below will benefit as much as 60 and above,” said Tom Tanous of the Hamilton-Wenham Rotary Club, one of the sponsors. “They can learn how to care for their parents.”

With more than 30 vendors at tables and close to 10 speakers, there will be something for everyone.

“(The event) is designed to bring information at a community-based level for seniors and adult children caring for seniors,” said Susan Carp, the shared director for the Councils on Aging in Hamilton and Wenham. “This is an opportunity to enhance aging while staying at home … until all resources are exhausted.

“It is bringing the community together to show what the community has to offer in terms of activities and services.”

There will be representatives from various local groups and agencies; the Police Department to talk about exploitation of seniors; from SeniorCare, Inc., to explain how to go from one level of service to another; from the Sheriff’s Department to make photo IDs; occupational therapists to educate on what assistance and aids are out there to help around the house; from the Board of Health to alert seniors and their children to what services are available; and more.

The discussions will be on how to prepare power of attorney, health care proxy and living wills; Medicare, Medicaid, Mass. Health, insurance and outliving your nest egg; health and wellness.

Both Tanous and Carp said there are many people who just aren’t aware of all that is available to them.

“We have just as many seniors as students in public schools. This is a very popular way - state-wide and nationally - for seniors, or soon-to-be seniors, to be educated on the different resources for them,” said Tanous, who is also on the board of SeniorCare.

The Expo was last presented in October 2009 when more than 250 people showed up during a Nor’easter rain storm. Carp expects just as many to show up on Saturday.

There will be refreshments, but those who pre-register (978-468-5529) can get a free lunch. The shared Council on Aging van will also pick up those in either Hamilton or Wenham who don’t have transportation. The van will run from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 978-468-5534 to schedule a pick-up.

The event is sponsored by Hamilton-Wenham Rotary, SeniorCare, Inc, Hamilton Council on Aging, and Wenham Council on Aging.