“Take a Hike” to explore BCDA Senior Centers
Have fun while learning about BCDA’s 21 Senior Centers at the Power of Age Expo. “Take a Hike” is an interactive exhibit that highlights the programs, benefits, and activities that are offered daily at BCDA’s 21 Senior Centers. Located in the South Hall, each booth will be operated by senior center volunteers and will challenge you to “Take a Hike” through their feature area to map all the wonderful opportunities available at BCDA’s Senior Centers.
Startat our welcome desk to get the trail map, then follow the path to visit each center’s table and learn what they have to offer. Play our trivia scavenger hunt to be entered in a drawing for fun prizes.
Visiting each table on our trail is a great opportunity to learn what programs and activities each Center offers, from the members who attend them regularly. You will also be able to learn about Travel with the senior centers, the Eating Together program, the numerous nutrition sites located throughout the County,
the Center Connection program, the various health and fitness programs offered at the senior centers, and OPAL online programs. Stop by to take part in our community project of preparing cards for veterans.
Life is an adventure, but you won’t get lost following our map. “Take a Hike” to explore the fun, friendship, and activities available at your local Baltimore County senior center by visiting our tables in the South Hall of the Power of Age Expo. The Baltimore County Department of Aging has 20 senior centers throughout the County and one virtual OPAL Center. Each center welcomes new members and/or guests for
programs and activities.
Mapping the journey for living with Dementia
Visit the Dementia Friendly Baltimore County (DFBC) information table and adjacent feature area sponsored by Promedica – a free, indoor dementia friendly park replete with trees, flowers, and yes, benches, where you can sit and learn about the dementia journey and supportive resources available along the way.
You will be greeted by one of our dementia education volunteers and introduced to the park – the dementia journey and its resources. They will assist you to explore the entire park path, or just one or two
“benches”, which are points along the way where specific resources are listed.
You will be given a copy of our newest resource, a dementia journey “road map” including benchmarks
such as: “Understanding Memory Changes” and includes “Evaluation and Education”, “Adjustment and Support at Home”, “Community Living Options”, and more.
There will be a video for each benchmark – stop along the path – wherein experts speak about this point in the dementia journey and resources available. You are invited to sit on benches in the indoor park and enjoy the video, and also discuss any ideas or questions that emerge with volunteers. We appreciate our Dementia Friendly Leadership team for their efforts to develop this resource area at Expo and the larger project of the brochure, resource list and more. Special thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association and
Journey for the Well who will be hosting the Resource Discussion Rooms at Expo.
Smart technology can enhance your later life
In the age of advancing technology, it’s crucial to learn how to use it to enhance our lifestyles. This is particularly important for older adults who wish to age in place. There are numerous cutting-edge solutions available that promote health, safety, communication and security. Anyone who wants to live
in the comfort of their home and enjoy cutting-edge technology experiences needs to learn more about
smart home technology.
This year at Expo, the Baltimore County Department of Aging wants to help inform and educate older
Smart technology can enhance your later life adults and caregivers about the many tools available to evaluate health and to enhance safety with the Tech Zone feature area in North Hall.
The advancement of technology has lead to individuals living longer in their home. For instance, you
can increase the safety of your home with monitors inside and outside against crime and fall detection
so emergency response can automatically come if it is needed. Otherwise, there are many smart health devices that can monitor your health so you can have valuable conversations with your doctor. Lastly, if you are a caregiver that doesn’t live in the home, you can set up smart devices to keep your loved one independent and to help you be there when needed. Get connected by visiting our Tech Zone at Expo!
Art Against Ageism
The Own Your Age Photo Booth initiative is a fun and creative way to tackle ageism while advancing positive age beliefs. With a colorful backdrop that encourages participants to “own their ages,” the booth serves to dismantle age bias by encouraging participants to “say” their ages with an artistic creation of their own for all to see during the event and on social media. Bring your best smile and maybe a friend or
two to take a photo to capture the day.
Preventative Screenings: Invest Time in Your Health
Health screenings enable you to find out if you have a particular disease or condition even if you do not have any symptoms/signs of disease. Screenings involve the use of tests, physical examinations or other procedures to detect disease early in people who look or feel well. Early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes and lowers the risk of serious complications. It is important to get yourself screened even if you feel healthy.
Taking advantage of the various free health screenings offered at the Expo could save your life.
- If your screening results are normal—Continue to go for a regular screening at the recommended frequency, as screening only detects health conditions that are present at the time of screening.
- If you develop signs or symptoms after your screening—See your doctor, do not wait for your next screening.
- If your screening results are abnormal—Follow up with your doctor immediately, even if you feel well.
Available Health Screenings
North Hall:
- Center for Vein Restoration – Leg Vein Screening with Ultrasound
South Hall:
- Safeway Pharmacy – Blood Pressure Screening
- Towson University Occupational Therapy – Functional arm/hand screenings
- BCDA Wellness Program – Functional Balance Assessments
- Morgan State University – Heart Health Screening and Blood Pressure Ssreening