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NLIS 1 May 30, 2002 (Executive Council) Western region targets baby boomers and beyond With one of the highest populations of baby boomers in the province, organizations in Western Newfoundland and Labrador think it�s time to celebrate healthy lifestyle choices! The first ever conference and trade show aimed at older adults, called Prime Time, a Celebration of Community Lifestyles, gets underway June 8 and 9 in Corner Brook at the Canada Games Centre Annex. "Our population is aging, and we need to start talking now about the social and economic implications for our region," said June Alteen, chair of the Cormack-Grenfell Region of the Strategic Social Plan, one of the sponsors of the two-day event. "We want people to start planning now for active, healthy living in the future." The western region, particularly the Corner Brook area, has one of the highest populations of older adults in the province. "There is no reason why we shouldn�t look for the positive in this," said Ms. Alteen, pointing out conference speakers will discuss, among other topics, building a retirement community in the region, and exploring business opportunities that cater to older adults. "The important thing is to get people talking and planning now and to support people in their efforts to lead healthy lives." The conference and trade show will also feature workshops on health and wellness, nutrition and meal planning, and investing and financial fitness. An old fashioned kitchen party with local entertainment, a health and wellness caf�, an internet caf�, and prize draws are highlights of the trade show that runs during the two days of the event. Participants will be able to chat with health care professionals, enjoy a massage, and view a wide range of health and nutrition products. Many local resource persons will be on hand for the event, and new programs developed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries Board will be launched. Speakers include entertainer and entrepreneur, Denis Ryan, and Ann Marie Anonson, a researcher involved in a federal study on demographic change called Shifting Sands. Event sponsors include The Crown of the Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Humber Economic Development Board, and the department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and the Cormack-Grenfell Region of the Strategic Social Plan. Sponsors say that Prime Time: A Celebration of Community Lifestyles is open to everyone interested in making choices that help them lead healthy, active, productive lives as they get older. They hope the event will attract a variety people of all ages from western and northern Newfoundland and Labrador. To register for the conference workshops, call Sharon at the Venture Centre at (709) 686-2078. Anyone interested in setting up display booths for the trade show can phone Pasadena Promotions at (709) 686-5315. Media Contact:
2002 05 31 10:15 a.m. |
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