April 28, 2010
Nifty After 50
Some say that 40 is the new 30, but life after 50 is still nifty — at least that’s the point the organizers of the community-based educational program Nifty After Fifty (NAF) hope to get across. The 23rd annual free event will be held May 5th at the Columbia Mall in Buckhorn from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Approximately 60 vendors located throughout the mall will provide a wide range of free information, health screenings, food and entertainment targeted to citizens over the age of 50, but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
The offerings will include blood pressure and cholesterol screenings; information on weight control, smoking cessation, diabetes and arthritis; a chiropractor; financial advisers; the Senior Center Band; free raffle drawings; and giveaways of a hearing aid from Ace Hearing Center and cakes baked by Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech students. Refreshments — including hamburgers, hot dogs and soup — will be provided by the Bloomsburg Fire Department.
New to NAF this year is a series of short lectures on a variety of health topics including sleep studies, wound care, cardiology, physical therapy, audiology, and home health services.
This is a free event. Vendors are not allowed to sell anything, but may collect names and phone numbers.
“A significant portion of the Bloomsburg area population is older than the median, and Nifty After Fifty will help them learn about health information and social events in the area,” explained John McDonough, community relations coordinator at Bloomsburg Hospital.
McDonough drew special attention to the new health-related talks. Many of the speakers are Bloomsburg Health System professionals. Remaining healthy is one of the major concerns associated with aging, which is why health information and services have a significant presence at NAF.
This event typically draws 400 – 500 people. Many who return year after year not just for the event itself, but also for the fellowship.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and make new friends,” McDonough said. “A lot of people have the same questions and find they have something in common.”
The roots of NAF go back to 1987, when it was created by and held at Bloomsburg Hospital. As a community-based educational program, it has expanded over the years to include information ranging from health issues and concerns to financial services and social events.
McDonough said, “Bloomsburg Health System has a strong commitment to the aging population of Bloomsburg, and they are glad to have started this great service to the community.”
Other Nifty After Fifty organizers include the Orangeville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CMSU, Ace Hearing Center, Columbia Montour Aging Office, Inc., the Columbia Mall, and the Bloomsburg Hospital Auxiliary.