On September 19th, over 100 local residents from Adams, Brown, and surrounding counties gathered at the Willow Event Center for Adams County Regional Medical Center’s (ACRMC) first annual Aging Better Expo. The event, aimed at empowering individuals aged 55 and older, was a lively and informative day packed with health services, expert talks, and plenty of smiles.
The Willow Event Center, a large venue, provided the perfect backdrop for the health fair and vendor exhibits. From the moment attendees walked in, the atmosphere was vibrant, with a photo booth complete with props encouraging seniors to capture fun moments with friends, spouses, or even solo.
Throughout the morning, attendees visited booths offering free blood sugar testing, flu shots, balance tests, and more, with nearly everyone taking advantage of the health services available. Representatives from local businesses and organizations—including banks, hospice programs, and even the Adams County Public Library—were on hand, fostering meaningful conversations with the community.
One attendee expressed how valuable the day had been: “I’m so glad I came today. Growing older isn’t always fun—you sometimes feel helpless with tasks you once did easily, like driving. I learned about transportation systems like FRS, and I’m excited to take a class at the library to learn how to use the smartphone my granddaughter gave me.”
The vendors, too, saw the benefits of the day. The Adams County Community Foundation noted, “This event gave us the chance to meet people who didn’t know about our organization and the important work we do.”
While the event was held in Adams County, many attendees were from Brown County, a testament to the reach of ACRMC’s services. Jason Francis, ACRMC’s Director of Marketing, emphasized this: “We’re here to help everyone, no matter their zip code. Events like this allow us to extend our resources and support to the broader community.”
After a catered lunch sponsored by Eagle Creek Care Center and Pathways Financial Credit Union, the audience listened to a lineup of distinguished speakers. Miranda Anandappa, Senior Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), educated attendees on legal and estate planning. Jenni Lewis, Director of Community Outreach at the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7), highlighted how to prevent Medicare fraud, a growing concern for seniors.
Megan Rowe, Registered Dietitian at ACRMC, provided practical tips on eating well on a fixed income, especially for those managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Amber Cupp, Community Liaison at OSHIIP, broke down the differences between Medicare and Managed Medicare, helping seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare.
One of the day’s standout moments came from Carol Knauff with Faster Way, who led a session on laugh exercises, leaving attendees roaring with laughter. The energy was infectious, providing both an emotional and physical boost to everyone in the room.
The idea for the expo had been in the works for years, explains Jason Francis, who first conceived the event in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Before COVID, we hosted a community health fair at the hospital, where people could come for free preventative services. But after the pandemic, we wanted to offer something bigger—an event that would allow our aging population to discover all the resources available locally.”
As he looked toward the future, Francis added, “Our community is aging. By 2050, a significant portion of our population will be 55 and older. We need to ensure they have access to the latest and greatest information and services. This expo is just the beginning—we’re already planning for next year and will continue to improve it.”
The Aging Better Expo succeeded in bringing crucial services to those who might not always have easy access due to barriers like transportation or technology. Eagle Creek Care Center and Pathways Financial Credit Union, the event’s key sponsors, expressed their excitement to support the event, recognizing the critical need for seniors to stay informed about their health and financial well-being.
The impact of the expo is expected to extend well beyond the one-day event. Attendees discovered new ways to access healthcare, such as through transportation services and follow-up consultations, which ACRMC hopes will lead to better long-term health outcomes in the community. Screenings at the health fair provided early detection opportunities, with many participants being referred for further services at ACRMC.
As ACRMC reflects on the success of the first Aging Better Expo, it’s clear this will become an annual tradition, offering seniors a day to connect, learn, and engage with the resources they need to age well. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for more events like this one.
For more information on ACRMC’s services and next year’s expo, visit acrmc.com.
