Active Living Expo slated for Wednesday

We have all heard, "The best years are ahead" and "the best is yet to come." The Active Living Expo is an event that will try to bring those cliches to life. On Wednesday, when The Best Years (TBY) and The Chateau Girardeau present an Active Living Expo, seniors, among others, will have an opportunity to engage in activities that make the retirement years as exciting as the years behind them.

"It's really a terrific opportunity for the seniors in our community to come together and experience all that retirement has to offer," Jon K. Rust, Southeast Missourian publisher and co-president of Rust Communications, said. "It's about showing senior residents in our region that there are a lot of exciting things for them to embrace during their retirement."

The expo is more than a place for seniors to stroll from table to table and collect brochures. Like everyone else, seniors want to be active and have fun; the expo provides that. With more than 32 vendors scheduled, speakers on tap, and interactive stations, there will be plenty to do and much to learn. For example, who says seniors cannot learn social media? As part of the expo, rustmedia marketing agency will give Facebook and social media instructions. That should be both fun and informative. Additionally, fly-fishing instruction, financial/investment tips, health and fitness demonstrations, and home decorating are among the workshops available. The Jerry Ford Combo band will be on hand and the dance floor will be open. Who doesn't like to cut a rug?

"The lifestyle, health and active aging expo will be a fun, informative and engaging day designed for baby boomers, seniors, caregivers, friends and family," according to a news release. In other words, there's something for everyone. To make the pot even sweeter, free samples, health screenings and door prizes will be available.

Take a look at the schedule of events so far and plan your day accordingly:

* Main Stage

9 a.m.: Color Guard Presentation

9:10 a.m.: "The Best of the Best," a photography lesson by Fred Lynch of the Southeast Missourian

10 a.m.: Tai Chi demonstration by Dr. Mary Frances Luckey of The Chateau Girardeau

11 a.m.: Jerry Ford Combo band

Noon: "Meals for one or two" by Laura Vollink, RD LD

* Classes (in Farraddays restaurant)

9:30 a.m.: Nature Card-making with the Missouri Department of Conservation

10:30 a.m.: Social Media Seminar with rustmedia

12:30 p.m: "The Best Hiking Trail in Southeast Missouri" with historian James Baughn

1 p.m.: Chair exercise class by Meghan Mills and Kacie Livesay of The Chateau Girardeau

This schedule makes for good times and lifelong memories, and we are thrilled that this is available in our community. The Active Living Expo is free and open to everyone, so make plans to attend on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Isle Casino in Cape Girardeau.