The Senior Wellness Fair 2024 was more than just an event—it was a gathering of people who care deeply about one another’s health and well-being. Hosted by Omatochi and many other amazing partners, the fair brought together seniors, caregivers, families, and community members for a day full of meaningful connections, important lessons, and plenty of fun. It was a time to celebrate aging with dignity, learn about health, and, most importantly, enjoy time together.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Support
The fair was packed with full of activities for our seniors. From gentle yoga sessions to arts and crafts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The yoga session, led by April Oquenda from Prana Yoga & Wellbeing, provided a peaceful moment for attendees to stretch, relax, and find some inner calm. It was beautiful to watch seniors connect with their bodies, feel at ease, and share that experience with one another.
Craft tables were buzzing with creativity, and games brought out playful competitiveness, reminding us of all that fun has no age limit. But beyond the enjoyment, there was a deeper purpose—creating spaces for seniors to connect with each other and feel a sense of community.
Learning That Empowers
While the activities kept things lively, the heart of the event lay in the informative sessions, which were designed to arm seniors with the knowledge they need to feel confident about their health and well-being.
Jeff Bell from the Parkinson’s Foundation was one of the first speakers, and he delivered a powerful session on the 10 early signs of Parkinson’s Disease. He didn’t just share medical facts; he spoke to the concerns many seniors quietly carry with them and reassured the audience that early detection is key to a better quality of life.
Next, Key Ellis of LMBe Solutions delivered a timely presentation on staying safe online. For many seniors, navigating the digital world can feel intimidating, and Ellis offered practical tips in a way that made everyone feel capable and supported. Her advice was met with nods of recognition as attendees learned how to protect themselves from online scams and keep their personal information safe.
Adolpha Cole from Candidly Speaking brought warmth and conversation to the event with her engaging discussions. She created a space for seniors to share stories, laugh together, and foster connections with one another. Her session was a reminder that sometimes, simply being heard is one of the most healing experiences we can offer.
Lara Brecher from BALANCE tackled a serious topic—financial abuse prevention. Her session was full of practical advice on how seniors can protect themselves from exploitation, helping everyone feel more secure in managing their finances. It was clear that she struck a chord with many who left feeling more informed and confident about safeguarding their financial future.
Navigating Healthcare with Ease
One of the standout moments of the day was the panel discussion on the Medi-Cal Program and CalAIM benefits. Led by Deka Dike from Omatochi, this session featured experts like Susan Baca from Alameda Alliance for Health, Ellen Badley from BluePath Health, and Sari Weis from Kaiser Permanente. Together, they answered questions, broke down complex topics, and made sure every attendee walked away with a better understanding of their healthcare options. It wasn’t just about providing information—it was about making sure seniors felt supported as they navigate the often-confusing world of healthcare.
A Day That Couldn’t Have Happened Without Our Volunteers
None of this would have been possible without the volunteers, partners, and speakers who gave their time, energy, and expertise to make the Senior Wellness Fair a reality. From the cheerful volunteers who helped everyone find their way to the healthcare experts who provided one-on-one guidance, every person involved played a vital role in the success of the event.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Excitement
The Senior Wellness Fair 2024 was a day of celebration, education, and togetherness. But it was also a reminder that this kind of support shouldn’t be limited to one day. At Omatochi, we believe in continuing this journey with our senior community, providing them with the resources, connection, and care they deserve.
The Senior Wellness Fair 2024 was a day of celebration, education, and togetherness. But it was also a reminder that this kind of support shouldn’t be limited to one day. At Omatochi, we believe in continuing this journey with our senior community, providing them with the resources, connection, and care they deserve.
As we look toward the future, we’re excited to host more events that enrich, educate, and empower. Join us at our next Senior Wellness Fair on October 19, 2024, at the San Francisco Bay University from 11am-1pm. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and welcome new ones as we continue building a strong, supportive community.
To register for the upcoming event, please visit bit.ly/fremontwellness.
We’re thankful to everyone who joined us at the Senior Wellness Fair—we can’t wait to see you again soon!