The upcoming Mercer Island Senior Resource Fair on March 7 is all about health, wellness, and connection. Organized by the city’s Parks and Recreation Division alongside Youth and Family Services (YFS), this fair aims to be a hub for seniors looking to enrich their lives.
This year, around 55 vendors and experts in aging will gather at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. From 10 a.m. to noon, seniors can explore booths and chat with professionals. Afterward, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., five organizations will present valuable insights on topics like navigating light rail, understanding end-of-life documents, dealing with text scams, nutrition, and assisted living options.
City recreation specialist Chris del Pilar mentioned the fair’s popularity is growing, with attendance hitting hundreds last year. The event stresses the importance of connecting seniors with essential resources related to health, housing, and social engagement.
“People really enjoy the event,” del Pilar said. “It’s a chance to find out about resources that can help them or their loved ones.” This year’s presentations will be more in-depth, allowing time for attendees to absorb the information after the fair.
YFS programs coordinator Marina Gonzales highlighted the connections that can form at such events. “Meeting face-to-face can lead to volunteer opportunities, support groups, or discussions about living arrangements,” she noted.
Interestingly, studies show that social engagement can significantly improve mental health in seniors. According to recent surveys, over 80% of older adults feel more fulfilled when they’re involved in community activities. This fair aims to create those opportunities.
As the fair grows, both organizers and attendees hope to inspire ongoing interactions beyond the event. There’s potential for workshops and presentations throughout the year, enabling seniors to continue learning and connecting.
The event is sponsored by local organizations including Visiting Angels of King County and Vineyard Park of Mercer Island, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting its senior residents.
For more information on the benefits of community engagement in older adults, you might find this [report from the AARP](https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2020/the-state-of-aging-in-america.html) helpful.
