The goal of the expo was to give seniors a place to gather information, learn about their options and socialize with other seniors that are in their shoes.

“I think (seniors) are often an underserved population,” said Jenna Perlichek, director of outpatient therapy for Edgewood in Minot. “It’s a great opportunity to bring all the resources together and be accessible for them.”

Minot resident “Mary” had attended the Senior Expo last year and was excited to see the event return and, though she isn’t exactly a senior, was eager to learn more of her options for future planning.

“I’m working towards getting older so it’s always good to be prepared,” she said. “I think anytime you have an activity for seniors it’s good, it gives them an opportunity to get out.”

Ashton Gerard/MDN The audience listens as Brian Boppre of Boppre Law takes the stage Tuesday to talk about estate planning at Minot Daily News’ Second Annual Senior Expo.

Different topics covered by speakers at the event included: outpatient therapy, home health and hospice; estate planning; reverse mortgages; self care; home safety and falls prevention; appropriate exercises; Medicare; and scams and fraud.

“This population is eager and wants assistance, it’s just not knowing what’s out there and available to them,” Perlichek said. “Being able to come and be person-to-person to ask questions is huge to them.”

Justine Brown, activities director with Northland Pace, had an information table at the event. This was Northland Pace’s second year attending the event and are still running into seniors unaware of their services and what they offer to the community.

“I think it helps (seniors) to see they have options and they’re not alone,” Brown said of the expo. “I have a lot of people that didn’t even know what Northland Pace is and didn’t realize anything had taken over where we’re located at now. So many people didn’t even realize this program was out there for them.”

Chad Vogel with Primary Residential Mortgage gave a presentation on reverse mortgages and how homeowners can use their untapped equity in their homes to their advantage and sustain their lifestyle through retirement.

“Baby boomers are moving into retirement and I have been doing reverse mortgages for the past 16 years,” he said. “This offers people another option; instead of you making a payment, the lender pays you back so that you can live the life in your senior days to the fullest.”

This wealth of information gathered conveniently in one place is something the organizations, speakers and attendees noted was greatly beneficial.

2020 Expo

For more information about sponsorships or participation in next year’s Senior Expo, contact Minot Daily News Publisher Jim Hart at 857-1963 or jhart@minotdailynews.com. The date for the 2020 event has not yet been set.