FREDONIA – The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services will hold its inaugural CHQAging Expo & Conference at the State University at Fredonia’s Williams Center, 280 Central Ave., Fredonia, on Thursday, May 22.

The day will begin with a grand opening at 9:30 a.m. followed by a meet and greet and then a resource fair from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additionally, conference-style informational breakout sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. covering a range of topics including dementia awareness, Medicare fraud prevention, scam prevention and estate planning.

There is no cost for older adults and caregivers to attend. Registration is required by April 25.

“This year’s Older Americans Month theme, ‘Flip the Script on Aging,’ challenges us to transform the way we perceive and support aging,” said Dana Corwin, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services director. “Through this event, we are embracing this theme by providing a platform where our older adults can stay active, engaged, and connected to their communities.”

The CHQAging Expo & Conference is a continuation of the county Office for Aging Services commemoration of Older Americans Month. Over the years, the event has evolved from a summer picnic at Midway State Park to a large-scale expo focused on accessibility, education, and community engagement. This year’s expansion allows for greater attendance and includes additional features such as informational sessions and increased agency participation.

“We anticipate welcoming over 1,000 older adults, along with their caregivers and family members, to this year’s event,” said Carey Skelton, Office for Aging Services nutrition and wellness coordinator. “By bringing together approximately 75 agencies and offering expert-led breakout sessions, we are ensuring that older adults and those who care for them have access to the best possible resources.”

The event will feature special guests, including County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr.

“Ensuring that our seniors have the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives is a priority for Chautauqua County,” Wendel said. “The CHQAging Expo & Conference is an outstanding opportunity to empower older adults with knowledge and tools to navigate aging with confidence and dignity.”

For more information or to register, visit chqgov.com/CHQAgingExpo or by call Office for Aging Services at 716-753-4471 or 716-363-3865 for assistance. Organizations serving older adults who wish to host an informational table can contact the Office for Aging Services Jamestown office at 716-661-8940 or email CHQAgingEvents@chqgov.com.

Platinum level sponsors are SNAP-Ed and Univera Healthcare.