The Senior Expo is apparently no more. The Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, which hosted the long-running event each fall, notified sponsors last month that it would no longer be involved. No other organizations have stepped forward to assume that role.
The Expo annually drew thousands of participants with its health screenings, flu shots, workshops and demonstrations, lunch and freebies from more than 100 vendors. In recent years it sprawled to encompass the Advanced Learning Library, Botanica and the Wichita Art Museum. CPAAA billed it as a “must-see event” and “the biggest tradeshow in the state of Kansas geared toward seniors, caregivers and their interests.” This year would have been the Expo’s 34th year.
In an email, Monica Cissell, CPAAA director of information, said the Expo “has had a great run; and after many heartfelt and contemplative conversations, we’ve recently made the tough decision to no longer coordinate and host CPAAA’s Senior Expo.”
“CPAAA will focus on seeking out new and innovative methods to highlight the value of aging and expand educational opportunities for adults 55+, caregivers and professionals in the field of aging. With the growing and changing older adult population, we know we cannot reach people as we once did. Today, creative programming and new techniques using technology are even more important than ever.”
Cissell said CPAAA “will start with plans for a Caregiver education event in the Fall” and also develop “new approaches to talk about the many aspects of aging.”
