After a couple of years of struggling with Zoom and Facetime video calls and social distancing, face-to-face is back.
Richard Campbell, director of CMS Events, which runs Australia’s biggest expo for older Australians, the Care and Ageing Well Expo, says it’s a welcome return for people who are not quite as keen on digital communication as younger generations.
Around 100 exhibitors will be at the expo on July 30 and 31 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and according to Richard there’s plenty of excitement about being able to talk to their customers face-to-face.
“People can take the time they need to really find out about the products and services that are on offer for older age people and their families,” Richard says.
The Care and Ageing Well Expo was created in Perth by Leading Age Services (LASA) in 2017 and is also heading to Melbourne next year where it will be held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre on February 11 and 12.
Providers at the Perth expo will be available for advice on residential care, home care, retirement living, equipment, service, health care, vulnerable care groups, legal, financial, superfunds and insurance, medical and pharmacy, support groups, consultants, disability, funeral directors, home improvement, local, State and Federal Government, mobility options, palliative care, technology and training, workforce and recruitment.
“There will be people on hand to help with information and advice on pretty much every aspect of ageing well. Seniors and their families to be able to compare what’s available and what might work best for them,” Richard says.
The expo will have a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of places to sit and have a tea or coffee; musicians will be providing entertainment.
The Bethanie Lifestyle Stage will play host to an endless stream of information and advice from industry experts on a wide range of aged care topics from ageing well, home care planning, cybercrime, aged care finances and more. Experts will be available to answer questions in a seminar Q&A booth after their presentations.
The Ageing Well Lounge will provide a more informal area for discussions including topics such as staying healthy, positive ageing, innovative products and more.
Richard said services and technology had evolved rapidly over the past few years allowing people to live better lives with many high-tech products and services that assist Australians to age well.
The Expo aims to provide confidence and inspire people about how to age well.
“I think we’re all much more aware these days of the importance of planning for older people’s needs and it should be a priority for them and their relatives.
“As Australians live longer lives, they are becoming aware of the ways they can contribute to their families and the wider community.
“They should be able to enjoy that life. The expo aims to provide incentives for them to be able to do that,” he says.
The expo opens both Saturday and Sunday, from 9.30am to 4pm and is free to attend.
To avoid registration queues, tickets are avail able online from www.car eandageingexpo.com.au/perth, or at the door.
