The Masters of Gerontology Program at UNCW hosted an informational fair discussing various topics of concern to senior adults Tuesday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McNeill Hall. Graduate students of the program organized the fair, which is sponsored by Adult Day Services.

“Organizing the fair is a requirement for graduate students in the gerontology program who take the Aging in Society class, which is part of our curriculum,” said Katy Cox, a graduate student. “We began organizing the event early this past February.”

The Aging in Society class is usually offered every two years.

“In 2010, the fair was held at the YMCA, there were only four students in the class. This year, there are nine of us, and we have all been working very hard to make the fair a success,” said Cox. “This is the first time it will be held on the UNCW campus, and will be held the next time the Aging in Society class is offered.”

The nine students who are in the class now have been working extremely hard to ensure a successful turnout for this year’s fair.

“From preparing promotional materials, to obtaining vendors and speakers, to contacting businesses to contribute donations of food and door prizes, to working with the UNCW media department, to organizing the program … the list goes on,” said Cox. “We have two target audiences: the older adults in the Wilmington area that can benefit from learning about services available to them, and students who can benefit from learning about careers in aging that may be of interest to them.”

Four speakers were featured at the event, openly discussing various topics for senior adults. Dr. Eleanor Covan and the gerontology 501 class began the program with a welcome speech. Andrew Olson, an elder law attorney, followed to discuss elder law. Joe Rouse, wellness coordinator from the Davis Pavilion spoke about heart health and exercise. Marianna Stacy, community outreach coordinator from Brightmore, discussed elder abuse at 1 p.m. Each discussion lasted approximately 15 minutes, allowing visitors to walk through the fair and visit more than 15 vendors booths, including Pacifica, UNCW Gerontology Program and Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear.