Hundreds attend region’s first 'Age of Celebration' health and resource fair

Jul 05, 2024
| Posted in
Aging
age of celebration check in

About 400 older adults and caregivers attended a free block party highlighting resources for healthy aging and aging in place safely.

In partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and 10 neighborhood associations, MARC's Aging and Adult Services Program hosted the region’s first-ever block party for older adults and caregivers of older adults. Nearly 400 people attended the “Age of Celebration” health and wellness fair on June 28. The event featured 65 resource vendors, 27 workshops on healthy aging, free food, miniature golf, a photo booth and live music.

In addition to healthy aging best practices, workshops and resource booths offered information on digital literacy; tax services; minor home repair; mental health resources; active living; navigating Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security; arts and nature appreciation; housing resources; civic engagement; social inclusion; fraud education and scam awareness; cooking and nutrition; voter registration; estate planning; transportation and more. 

"This health and wellness fair for seniors and their caregivers couldn't come at a more perfect time, as many individuals are faced with evaluating their plans for aging in place safely before the cold weather hits. Community advocates and neighborhood associations like Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council understand the importance of connecting residents to resources and supports as they navigate various challenges in aging.”

Alana Henry, Executive Director, Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council

“Even when older adults have a network of family, friends or neighbors, they may not have access to particular resources they need, such as home-delivered meals or transportation to the doctor,” said Lauren Schaumburg, community engagement manager at MARC. “Our goal is to connect older adults to resources that support healthy aging and aging safely in their community of choice.”

If you have questions about MARC’s Aging and Adult Services Program, please call MARC's Information and Referral team at 816-421-4980 or 800-593-7948. Services are free and confidential. 

PHOTOS

View event photos View event photos by threethree photography View photo booth photos by The Photo Bus

RESOURCE VENDORS

Participating resource vendors

CO-SPONSORS

The neighborhood associations that co-sponsored this year’s event include:

  • Lykins Neighborhood Association
  • Paseo West Neighborhood Association
  • Heart of Westport Neighborhood Association
  • Dunbar Heart of the City Neighborhood Association
  • Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council
  • The 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition
  • Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association
  • North Blue Ridge Neighborhood Association
  • Holmes Garden Neighborhood Association
  • Eastwood Hills Community Association
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