Seventy-six million American children were born between 1945 and 1964. This generation is known as the “Baby Boomers”. Henderson County’s 65 years and older age group has increased by 11.17% over the last 10 years. 

Henderson County Extension FCS agent has partnered with Redbanks senior apartments programming coordinator and director for the last eight years to promote a program called the “Senior Expo”. This event was created to bring information to our seniors. The event offered informational booths from local businesses, government agencies, non-profits and clubs that provided information about their services. Breakout sessions focused on topics including information on drugs that are in plain sight by a Kentucky State Policemen, “Fool Me Once, Twice or Three Times: A Scammers Power of Persuasion” by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear"s office and  AARP Driver Safety Class: A Class Overview by a local volunteer and insurance agent.    A local pharmacy also provided free flu and phenomena shots. At the end of the program a special guest “Kelley Turley” appeared for entertainment. 

An evaluation was conducted at the end of the program. 100% agreed that the event provided new information.  According to our evaluation’s individuals gained the most knowledge that day about being careful answering phone calls and giving out their information, watching for drug use and being aware of the scams that are out there.  They seemed to really listen to what was being said and hopefully if situations occur, they will use it. The most interesting topic discussed was hiding in plain sight and the awareness of new drug usage. 178 individuals attend this program. Last year we had 168 individuals. 50% of participants were new to the event. The majority heard about the event through radio announcements, FCS newsletter, Redbanks, senior citizen center, newspaper, flyer and family or friend. 1/3 of the participants stated that they would be attending more extension programs after attending. One states that they would be telling others about Extension services.  Many said that they like the State Trooper coming and talking about scams and they like that he brought a demonstration of how kids are making drugs out of home remedies so that they would know what to look for.  Many are going to take the AARP driving course to be more aware of driving tips.   One said that they are going to be more careful about giving out social security number and person information and they are more aware of the resources for seniors.  The event is being planned for next year with the same theme returning.