Delayed for two years due to the pandemic, the Melbourne Care & Ageing Well Expo is set to open its doors at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre on February 11 and 12.
Held under the auspices of the newly formed Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), organiser Richard Campbell from CMS Events, says the difficult circumstances older Victorians have experienced over the past couple of years have made it even more important to be aware of the options available for living stronger and ageing well.
The Melbourne expo builds on the work of five Care & Ageing Well Expos that have been held in Perth.
It aims to inform and enable older Australians and their families to explore how to age well with confidence.
The way we care for older Australians, new technology, different styles of in-home and aged care facilities and above all a desire to live healthy and productive lives will be the focus of attention for the expo, says Mr Campbell.
He said the expo will bring together products and service providers from almost every industry sector that impacts an older person’s life, so people can understand what services and supports are available and can talk to the passionate and informed people who provide them.
“As more Australians live longer we need to enable them to continue to contribute to their families, their communities and our country,” he said.
The expo will allow visitors to compare products and services, talk to experts in their fields and attend the many seminars that will address everything from legal services to healthy eating.
“As well as providing plenty of information for people, it will also be a lot of fun.”
More than 90 exhibitors including residential care, home care, retirement living, equipment, service providers, health care, legal and financial, medical, consultants, technology, and support groups will be part of the expo.
Australians are growing older, with more than 4.1 million Australians – almost 16% of the population – aged over 65. By 2057, this will rise to 8.8 million – or 22% of the population – and by 2097 it will reach 12.8 million people, or one in four Australians.
The Care and Ageing Well Expo – created by ACCPA in 2017 has built a strong reputation in Perth and is now expanding across Australia.
As well as showcasing services and products relevant to an ageing population, the Melbourne expo will be backed up by an outstanding program of fascinating information sessions.
The Lifestyle Stage will provide a continuous stream of information from industry experts to discussion panels and will allow audiences to ask questions.
The Uniting AgeWell Chat Lounge will have a focus on ageing well, staying healthy, innovative products to make life easier and consultation with health professionals, as well as entertainment to lighten up proceedings.
There will also be a help desk and information service, with comprehensive lifestyle solutions for older people and exciting speakers with a wealth of advice for getting the most out of life.
In the centre of the expo is the ‘Retreat’, a lounge area to relax and regroup over a coffee or a bite to eat from the pop-up café with friends or colleagues.
Mr Campbell said the event aims to provide inspiration and support for our older population and their families, to plan for ageing well.
The expo will showcase the complete scope of services and products in retirement living. home care and residential care that will assist families, older people and the community.
The Melbourne Expo will be open from 9.30am to 4pm on February 11 and 12, 2023. Entry is free but pre-registration is encouraged to assist with crowd flow.
More information is available at www.careandageingexpo.com.au
