Many La Porte locals attended the first annual Passport to Lifestyle and Health Expo on Thursday, November 9, at Healthcare Foundation of La Porte’s Conference & Learning Center. Hosted by the Activity Center for Older Adults and co-sponsored by Northwest Health - La Porte and Center for Hospice Care, the Expo was an interactive experience for local area senior citizens/older adults, retirees, and caregivers seeking products, services, and activities to improve overall quality of life. The Expo featured free activities, resources, health screenings and vaccines, food and beverages, social networking, and more! Volunteers set up tables and displays to welcome more than 250 attendees to the Expo.
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) President and CEO Maria Fruth expressed pride of the outcome of this event and the community outreach.
“All of these wonderful organizations throughout our community are supporting this event with their presence, information, gifts, and so much more,” Fruth said.
The concept for the Expo came from community members speaking on things they needed, wanted, or were interested in learning more about. At the event itself, attendees could listen to guest speakers about scamming risks, new changes in health, senior living, and more.
Health screenings, vaccinations, and free gifts were also available for those at the event. Additionally, HFL catered breakfast for attendees and volunteers to enjoy.
“For our seniors, this is not only a social opportunity, but they can come grab a little breakfast, go around, understand the services, and pick up goodies and information,” said Fruth. “For the community as a whole, it means that we have educated and informed residents throughout all facets of their life.”
While geared toward the senior population of La Porte, the expo also had information for people of all ages to be aware of available services for them or someone they love when the time comes.
Patient Advocate for Center of Hospice Care Diana LaBonne participated in the event to let the La Porte community know services available to those that need it, regardless of their age and health. Center for Hospice Care even has patients that “graduate” from hospice, so it can be looked at as a small stepping stone in their journey to better health.
“Center for Hospice Care is the only hospice provider with a physical presence in LaPorte County. Our commitment to the community is significant,” LaBonne said. “We don't want people to think that it means in two or three days that their life is going to end when they hear about hospice. It's not about the quantity of life, it's about the quality of life and that's what we are here to do.”
Northwest Health Manager of Community Programs and Wellness Outreach Katie Sarver participated in the Expo and expressed her commitment to partner with other local healthcare programs throughout La Porte for the betterment of the community.
“This event means being able to connect with our community members, see what their needs are, really hear from them, and just engage with them on a whole variety of topics in a new way,” Sarver said. "It means that there's organizations out there that care, and I think that that's really important.”
Even with it being its first year, the Expo was extremely well-attended by seniors and caregivers alike, all eager to learn more about local resources and opportunities. City of La Porte Park and Recreation Assistant Director Susie Wireman said the great turnout is a testament to the need for such an event in the La Porte community.
“We were pleased to see such an incredible showing of support for this event,” Wireman said. “It is clear that our local older adults are interested in knowing more about what opportunities exist for them, and we are proud to have played a role in connecting them to the right resources and organizations. We look forward to offering this important event for years to come.”
La Porte County has many organizations that cater to the senior citizen community, such as its transportation services through TransPorte and Paladin its Meals on Wheels program, and the La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults.
Director of the La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults (ACOA) Cindy Polito wants her community to know that the Activity Center is more than a place to come to play games and then go home. The center keeps its program affordable, has luncheons throughout the month, and listens to what its members want. The center also has additional activities, such as guest speakers, game nights, community outreach, and a library for literary activities as well.
“We strive to provide activities for our seniors not only for their mind but their body and spirit,” Polito said. “You just need to come in and visit; whether it be for a fellowship, to have lunch, or to meet friends, everyone can find something to enjoy.”
Polito said the ACOA is always welcoming new members. To learn about program offerings and membership details, call 219-326-5354.
The La Porte County community set the bar high with the Passport to Lifestyle and Health Expo. They want their locals to be informed in every stage of their life and find ways to still be engaged regardless of age and health conditions. Be sure to save the date for the next Expo, scheduled for the end of September 2024 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.
To learn more about the Activity Center for Older Adults, visit https://laporteparkandrec.com/programs/activity-center-for-older-adults/.
To learn more about the co-sponsors, visit the websites below.
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte: https://www.hflaporte.org/
Northwest Health La Porte: NWHealthIN.com
Center for Hospice Care: https://cfhcare.org/
