Cathy Bushell, an agency liaison officer for service integration at Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership, said the event, which launches the Ballarat Seniors Festival, would get seniors thinking about putting good practices in place for the future.

“There are a lot of changes happening in the home and community care setting, and the disability sector, so the idea is to engage and educate older people,” Ms Bushell said. 

“There are also issues around social isolation at home so this is a fun way where they can learn about the social activities available in the region.”

Guest speakers will cover a range of topics including The Memory Atlas project where memories of Ballarat’s elderly are being recorded in an online repository, elderly citizens’ rights and the Ballarat & District Community Support Register.

There will also be the opportunity to talk to health service providers and take part in free health checks. 

Project officer Valeska Van Nus from Ballarat Community Health said the event was for families not just seniors. 

“Often no one knows where to start asking questions,” she said. “This opens the door to talk to the experts and also gives lesser-known services an opportunity to show what they can do for the community.”

The expo is part of the Ballarat Seniors Festival, which will feature more than 65 events throughout October with the aims of celebrating the contribution of Ballarat seniors, encouraging engagement in new activities and creating connections within the community.

Partners of the Healthy Ageing Expo include The City of Ballarat, Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership, Ballarat District Nursing and Healthcare, Ballarat Community Health and UnitingCare Ballarat.

The free expo will take place at Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre on October 5. 

For more information visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/lae/events/seniors-festival.aspx