7th annual Lamorinda Senior Health Faire

Magician John Gardinier, Virtual Dementia Experience and Happiness Guru Bob Nozik Headline 7th Annual Lamorinda Senior Faire on Tuesday, June 2 in Moraga

One of the Bay Area’s top magicians, an interactive dementia experience and a presentation by local author Bob Nozik on how to create happiness in one’s life highlight the 7th Annual Lamorinda Senior Faire on Tuesday, June 2 at the Hacienda de las Flores in Moraga from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event is being co-sponsored by Senior Helpers and the Moraga Recreation Department. Free food and refreshments will be offered.

Magician John Gardiner will entertain the audience with his tricks, illusions and sleight of hand, while also teaming with Sgt. Brian South of the Moraga Police Department on showing senior how not to be fooled by the many scams and frauds being perpetuated on seniors every day, whether by phone or in person.

Other presentations at the event, which is free to the public, will include a session focused on the Top 10 Exercises for senior balance and strength held by Sue Funkhouser and a presentation on the new direction of senior nutrition by Dorothea Michalik, RD, CDE. Attorney and Financial Planner Michael J. Young will lead a session which explores the creative ways that a family may fund in-home care, including an explanation of the Veteran’s Administration’s Aid and Attendance program, life settlement strategies and other financial instruments which may help finance the later years of one’s life. Ms. Salbra James of EBMUD will also offer a brief talk on tips how seniors can save water in the current drought.

The virtual dementia demonstration by Senior Helpers and Second Wind dreams will offer a 10-minute experience that approximates the obstacles and confusion those with dementia or Alzheimer’s face in daily life. Participants are given assignments in a created environment that includes auditory and visual sensory handicaps that attempt to mimic similar issues those with the syndrome experience in real life.

“Going through this dementia experience and attempting to do typical daily chores can be tremendously frustrating for those taking part in the exercise,” said Kevin Reneau of Senior Helpers. “It not only brings awareness to our efforts to eradicate or manage Alzheimer’s and dementia, but also a sense of empathy for those suffering from the syndrome.”

The faire will offer the experience to the first 24 people who sign up for the virtual exercise. It lasts 10 minutes and is limited to two persons at a time so it can be properly managed by the exhibitor.

Bob Nozik, MD, will present on definitions of happiness and focus on the 12 keys to create ideal happiness. The Lafayette resident is a Professor Emeritus retired from the UC San Francisco Medical Center and is a published author and veteran speaker on the subject of creating happiness in one’s life. His landmark Book “Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do it” was published in 2004.