Report from the Delaware County Senior Fair

Once a Delaware County resident enters his or her senior years, or when a caregiver steps in to help a senior, a variety of new product and service needs arise. What better place to learn about what's available than a senior fair? The Delaware County Senior Fair provides easy access to information about the many local resources available such as housing options for seniors, home health care, senior clinics and activities, hospitals and medical devices designed to keep seniors safe and secure.

The fair is also an opportunity to meet other seniors and have fun. The video on the right, an interview with Louis G. Colbert, director of Delaware County Office of Services to the Aging (COSA), explains the nature and purpose of the event.

Also included below are some photos taken at the recent fair on May 13. In one photo, Jean Hefferan, of Media, gets her blood pressure checked by Mary Grace-Brown of Crozer-Keystone Senior Health Services of Upper Darby.

In another photo Cimirrow Moat Sr., a member of the staff of the Delaware County District Attorney's Office located in Media, helps Ouida Davis obtain a copy of her credit report. The District Attorney's Office was there to provide an instant and  free copy of credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies, so seniors could protect against identity theft.

One surprise guest was the well-known television personality Sally Starr. Many of us remember her as the blonde cowgirl who hosted an afternoon children's program in the 1950s and 1960s. Her opening line was still the same after all these years, "Hope you feel as good as you look, 'cause you sure look good to your gal Sal." She is featured in one of the photos autographing a momento for Flo Murray, of Ardmore.

Members of the Delaware County Bar Association Elder Law Committee were present to answer legal questions for free. Vendors were present to demonstrate hearing, medical, home improvement and location finding devices designed for seniors. There were raffles, free snacks, free health screenings, blood pressure screenings, heel scans, stroke assessments, and pharmacists available to answer questions. Entertainment was provided by Frank Marchese, the Bravo Health Jazz Band and Sally Starr.

For those who missed this year, the next Senior Fair will be in May 2012.

Note: Assistance with reporting and video production was provided by Ouida Davis.

Stay well until the next post.

–Bob Gasparro

Download the movie