Written By Olena Riznyk
STRATHROY – Questions about pensions, healthcare, fraud prevention and retirement planning brought seniors to the Strathroy Lions Club on May 20 for the community’s first 50+ Expo. The event, co-hosted by Middlesex–London MP Lianne Rood and Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, focused on helping older adults better understand programs, services and resources available in the community.
About 10 exhibitors and organizations took part in the expo, while much of the morning was dedicated to presentations on topics affecting seniors and those approaching retirement.
Presentations during the event covered the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Canadian Dental Care Plan, including eligibility requirements, survivor benefits and options available to seniors planning for retirement. Information was also shared about ways residents can access Service Canada support online, by phone and through outreach services available locally in Strathroy.
Another presentation focused on fraud awareness, warning seniors to be cautious of phone scams, fake emails and financial schemes increasingly targeting older adults. Speakers encouraged attendees to verify suspicious requests for money or personal information before responding.
Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham said seniors continue to be an important and growing part of the community. “Seniors are a very important demographic in our community,” Grantham said. “It’s a growing demographic, and I’m one of them myself.”
Grantham said seniors are also not afraid to speak up about what they need from the community. “They’re very vocal—and they should be,” he said.
During opening remarks, Grantham said the municipality is working to improve services for seniors, including recruiting a seniors coordinator for the community.
MP Rood said the expo was designed to help seniors and those approaching retirement better understand what programs and resources are available to them. “We wanted to make sure that folks who were looking at retirement have some tools to inform them about what they could expect,” Rood said. “We just thought it was a great way to reach out to the community and provide a service to our seniors.”
MPP Pinsonneault said bringing information together in one place makes it easier for seniors to access help and ask questions directly. “It’s all about trying to bring resources to seniors,” he said. “There are so many frauds out there and seniors seem to be the target.”
Organizers said they hope the expo becomes an annual event tied to Seniors Month in June and a way for seniors to continue connecting with information and local support close to home.
