May is Older Americans Month and on Thursday, May 8, the Polk County Council on Aging will once again host a Senior Resource Fair at The Meeting Place Senior Center in Columbus. Following the theme for Older Americans Month “Safe Today Healthy Tomorrow,” there will be several workshops addressing health and safety issues.
The day will also include a healthy meal (free), a discovery tour of The Meeting Place and its satellite sites, and an opportunity for the public to meet vendors who provide services to seniors in Polk County. Workshops will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Older adults have made countless contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations.
Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May.

Polk County Commissioners issued a proclamation at their April 22 meeting declaring May to be Older Americans Month and supporting activities to support our citizens.
This celebration recognizes older Americans for their contributions and demonstrates our nation’s commitment to helping them stay healthy and active.
This year’s theme for the month and for the Resource Fair focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and remain active and independent for as long as possible.
Workshops have been arranged to focus on several safety and health issues.
Topics include: “Safe in an emergency”, “Scams, identity theft, and Medicare fraud”, “Dealing with Dementia”, and “Drug and Alcohol Abuse”.
These workshops have been designed to provide information to seniors, their families, and those who will be seniors.  The Council on Aging is committed to enhancing the lives of seniors and enabling them to remain independent.
The public is invited. Call The Meeting Place at 828-894-0001 for more information.
All organizations which provide services – health, transportation, safety, recreation, care-giving, community support, in-home aid, financial, legal, communication, shelter, etc. – to older adults are invited and encouraged to participate.
The Fair is an excellent opportunity to showcase your services. Please call The Meeting Place at 828-894-0001 to let us know you will be participating.
– article submitted
by Pam Doty