2010 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2010

State Department on Aging invites seniors and their families
to enjoy activities at this year’s Illinois State Fair
Admission is free on August 16 “Senior Day” for those 60 years & olde

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is again rolling out the red carpet for seniors and their families during activities at this year’s Illinois State Fair. During each day of the State Fair, which runs August 13-22, IDoA will present special seminars and entertainment in the Illinois Building. Seniors and their families are invited to check out the information about programs and benefits, while enjoying the entertainment offered in the air conditioned setting of the Illinois Building, which is near the main gate on the state fairgrounds. Daily admission is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is free on August 16 Senior Day for people 60 years of age and older.

“The Illinois Department on Aging is pleased to host activities, again this year, during the State Fair,” said Director Charles D. Johnson. “Senior Day” activities prove an exceptional day of fun while also offering a chance to provide information about the programs and services the state offers to older adults.”

Department staff will be on hand to explain the programs such as the Community Care Program, elder abuse prevention and more. In addition to the information offered, seniors and their families are invited to attend seminars on Senior Day. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will present “Understanding Medicare” at 10:30 a.m., following by a presentation on “Investment Fraud” at 11:30 a.m., by the Secretary of State’s Securities Department. A State Fair favorite is the annual Senior Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, Association of Illinois Senior Centers and Illinois Homecare Council, when finalists compete, on Senior Day at 1:00 p.m.

Seniors and their families are also encouraged to compete for fun. The Senior Twins Contest is August 14
and
The Grandparent/Grandchild Contest returns again this year on August 19 when judges score participants on resemblance, costumes, talent and interviews. (A full list of IDoA State Fair activities is attached.)

St. John's Hospital, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and the Illinois Lion’s Club will again provide free health screenings each day. Free screenings include:

• Body Composition
• Bone Density (Osteoporosis)
• Blood Pressure/Stroke
• Blood Sugar/Glucose
• Cholesterol Diabetic Eye Testing
• Health/Weight
• Hearing
• Heart Risk Assessments
• Mental Health
• Overactive Bladder
• Pulmonary Function
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Skin Cancer (Derma Scan)

IDoA thanks the representatives from various state agencies and private companies who will be on hand during the entire fair to provide information about services they provide to older adults. They include:

• AARP
• The Office of the Attorney General
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
• Humana
• Illinois Assistive Technology Project and Battery Specialists
• Illinois Bee Keepers
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
• Illinois Department of Employment Security
• Illinois Department of Human Services
• Illinois Department of Public Health
• Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency
• Illinois Lion’s Club
• Illinois State Employees Retirees Association
• Logan County Senior Center Bingo
• Prairie Heart Institute
• The Office of the Secretary of State
• United States Social Security Administration
• Watkins Home Products

For more information about the Department on Aging, call the Senior HelpLineat (800) 252-8966 or (888) 206-1327 TTY for the hearing impaired.

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