First senior convention a success

Valley seniors took advantage of the first senior convention in the Valley Thursday, as more than 100 seniors filled the Wasilla Senior Center throughout the day, where they found information ranging from the latest hearing aid technology to diabetes prevention.

The convention has been in the works for more than a year, and not even a drizzle could dampen the success of the event. Organizers said they are already thinking about next year's event.

"We had 110 visitors and 46 volunteers," said Don Anderson, a member of the Mat-Su Borough Senior Advisory Committee, which organized the convention. "We're really happy. It was quite a doings."

There were 33 vendors there, Anderson said, and organizers had to turn away some late vendors because there simply wasn't enough room to accomodate them.

Throughout the senior center, booths were set up from businesses and services, and plenty of information was available to seniors.

"It seems like the older we get the more information we need," said Barbara Montgomery, a Big Lake senior. "I found a lot of interesting information. The costs of everything are getting more out of sight, and seniors are on a fixed income.

"Living costs are getting astronomical. It takes a lot of planning in your older years."

Traditional senior-related businesses and services, such as the Palmer Senior Center and Valley Hospital, had booths set up at the convention, while others took advantage of the convention to display products that may not be that noticed for otherwise. Costco, for example, had a booth set up with the latest hearing aid devices.

Many of the seniors agreed on the top issues they face -- health care, prescription drug policies and housing concerns.

"I think prescription drugs are the biggest thing," Montgomery said.

Conventions such as the one held Thursday allow information to get to those who need it most, and that's a big benefit for many.

"We have a brochure we pass out and we do the health page in the newspaper every now and then, but things like this is our biggest way of getting the information out," said Laura Phillips, director of Valley Hospital's diabetes program. "Last year, we had more than 6,000 cases of diabetes, and we only saw about 100 go through our program. That's amazing. We have to get the information out and keep people educated."

Phillips said there is a two-hour prediabetes class offered for $30, and the full diabetes program is covered by Medicare and insurance providers.

"Today, we're asking these seniors if they know someone who has diabetes, and everyone is saying, 'yes.' Our classes are taught by certified diabetic educators who have advanced degrees. One is a licensed nurse and the other is a licensed dietitian."

Another issue facing seniors is that of insurance. Phyllis Hoffman of Primerica said tailoring a long-term health care program to people is vital -- not just for seniors, but for people of all ages.

"We develop plans based on a number of factors," Hoffman said. "We were honored by Primerica and GE because we were number one in the nation, right here in Wasilla, for the selling the most long-term care plans. It's like having quality of life insurance more than anything."