Seniors live it up in Wheaton

Wheaton's Time Steppers felt like teens when they took the stage and step-danced away.

Dressed in bright, vibrant collared shirts and black slacks, the team of four women was one of more than a dozen groups in their 60s and 70s who performed Thursday afternoon in the Senior Lifestyle Expo's 2008 Senior Idol finals.

Everybody loved the ladies so much, they won a medal for best all around performance.

"We're here for the fun, not the competition" said Nora Paul, 72, of Wheaton. "We always have a lot of fun."

Several thousand people attended the 13th annual Senior Lifestyle Expo at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace Wednesday and Thursday to mingle with friends, check out resources, attend educational seminars and enjoy live entertainment.

The Senior Idol contest included area residents singing, dancing and telling jokes. Thirteen groups made it to Thursday's finals.

Judge Ondra Williams said she thought the program was wonderful.

"They're very talented people," she said. "It was surprising to see lots of energy."

Participants were awarded with bronze, silver and gold medals in vocalist and non-vocalist categories. Cash prizes of $25 to $75 also were awarded. The winner of the best all around performance won $100.

Jotabal, a group of two couples who performed a Philippine folk dance, got the non-vocalist silver medal.

"Even though we're old, we can still dance," said Ernesto Bernabe, 74, of Wheeling.

The group of retired doctors and teachers didn't expect the award.

"We didn't even practice hard enough," said Lilit Piansay, 67, of Beach Park. "We just enjoy it because we get to see each other."

Bernabe agreed.

"All of us are senior citizens and our enjoyment is to dance, talk, laugh, smile and make people happy," he said.

And if nothing else, the dancing is a form of exercise for the couples.

"Instead of going to the health club to work out, we dance," Piansay said. "Before we know it, we're sweating."