Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Senior community members left in the cold by the declining economy can gain support at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Aging Caring and Careers fair 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 15 at the Wilmington Family YMCA, 2710 Market Street.

The event is designed by graduate-level UNC Wilmington gerontology students to enlighten older adults, caretakers and those interested in social service positions about local employment options, volunteer opportunities and community programs. Around 20 companies and services will be represented.

Lauren Segur, UNCW student and event coordinator, said, "The number of older adults in our community is rapidly increasing as employment numbers and retirement rates fall. This is creating some big problems for the Wilmington elderly and those responsible for their care. We cannot ignore these problems."

Attendees can participate in free YMCA activities including seated aerobics and Wii games, enjoy refreshments, and learn from UNCW students and YMCA staff. The event is free and open to the public.

In order to promote awareness of what the community can do to care for the elderly, an essay contest for students from third to 12^th grades is being held in conjunction with the event. Elementary, middle and high school winners will be selected. The top essays will be read at the event.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, persons 65 years or older numbered 37.3 million in 2006, accounting for one out of every eight Americans. This number is expected to nearly double to 71.5 million by 2030.

Media are invited to promote the event. Media are invited to capture visual and interview opportunities with participants upon request. Seniors will be dancing in chair aerobics, playing Wii games and participating in other interactive activities.

Media Contacts:
Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu