R-J spearheading Successful Aging Expo Las Vegas

It is never too early to start thinking about the future and all the issues that come with getting older.

To engage the community in topics associated with aging, the Las Vegas Review-Journal plans to have its inaugural Successful Aging Expo Las Vegas on Jan. 31 at Cashman Center.

“It’s not just for your baby boomers,” said Mark Ficarra, the chief revenue officer for Stephens Media. “As people grow older, they have a burning desire to learn about health.”

The Successful Aging Expo is expected to feature more than 100 exhibitors ranging from chiropractic services to dentistry, with free food, entertainment and giveaways.

Various seminars on topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, healthy eating, how to prevent fraud, technology, fitness and financial management are expected to take place throughout the day.

“It’s the seminars that really drive this thing,” Ficarra said.

When putting on events such as the Aging Expo, organizers should think about topics such as health insurance and information on disability services, said Wanda Brown, the state health insurance director for the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division.

“People should be aware if they have enough health coverage,” she said. “If they don’t, they should be prepared to seek out proper coverage.”

People will also have an opportunity to connect with Ed Moss, publisher of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and members of the editorial team.

“So people have a chance to meet the voices behind the paper,” Ficarra said.

While some of the issues might be focused on providing information for those close to retirement age, Ficarra added this is something that has appeal for all ages.

“We think people in their 40s and up will be attracted to this event,” he said.

Brown said if people are getting close to retirement age, even if it is several years off, it is never a bad time to start thinking about these topics.

“You should be thinking about this as early as possible,” she said.

Forethought potentially could help people prevent financial and health issues.

Ficarra said the idea came from a California newspaper, which did a similar program seven years ago. The company has toyed with the idea for a while.

“It takes a lot to pull something like this together,” he said. “We are committed to pulling this off for the community. We expect 10,000 people to show up.”

Ficarra said the company will be promoting the event in the community for the next six months to ensure people are aware of the expo. There is still time for vendors to take part in the event.

For more information, call 702-380-4554 or email agingexpo@reviewjournal.com.