The Cumberland County Department of Social Services is hosting its annual Senior Living Expo on Wednesday, May 14, to inform residents about resources available to those 50 and older.
Held in the department’s first-floor conference rooms on Ramsey Street from 9 a.m. to noon, the Senior Living Expo will feature information about a handful of federal programs for seniors and senior community groups. Vendors will offer information about their programs and resources, including posthumous planning services.
“We don’t want to stereotype getting older, it looks different for everyone,” Kristin Bonoyer, Cumberland County Department of Social Services deputy director of adult and child services, said during the April Social Services Board meeting. “You’ve got all walks of life, but we have a lot of resources, a lot of information for everyone.”
Much of the information provided at the expo will be about the social and nutrition services available under the Older Americans Act, a federal law passed in 1965. The act created a national network of organizations dedicated to helping people age “with dignity and independence,” according to USAging, the national association representing aging agencies. The federal government then supplies these organizations and state and local governments with grants to provide services like home-delivered meals, transportation and respite care for caregivers.
Bonoyer said social services staff aim to make the event fun and educational, and highlighted the annual performances by line dancers from Fayetteville’s senior centers and a one-man band. The expo will also have door prizes and other giveaways.
The expo celebrates Older Americans Month, which takes place every May. Cumberland County is home to almost 95,000 people over the age of 50, accounting for about 28% of the county’s population, according to U.S. Census data.
Anyone seeking more information about the Senior Living Expo can contact Bridgett Autry at 910-677-2489 or bridgettautry@ccdssnc.com or Brittany Borders at 910-677-2318 or brittanyborders@ccdssnc.com.
