North Suburban YMCA's Seniorpalooza offers services tailored to older adults

Seniorpalooza, a health and fun fair for older adults that featured 34 vendors offering a variety of services, was held in the gym at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook Wednesday.

Though health care services were featured prominently, vendors including senior living facilities, bookkeeping and financial planning, legal services and even a car wash were part of the free event.

"We really try to do all kinds of things that run the gamut of all of health care, but we do have people who are experts in their field who may be, say, real estate," said Director of Community Investment Kim Nyren.

"But it's very specific to adult seniors that may need to relocate, or maybe they're sizing down, or may be moving into another facility, so we also try to hit other industries besides just health care."

Over 170 people attended Seniorpalooza, which was in its fifth year.

Dr. Leon Benson of the Illinois Bone and Joint institute began the event with a presentation about common hand injuries that included prevention, diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, and nerve problems.

He was joined by his certified therapy dog, Cruise, who gave participants a chance to see how therapy dogs help in the healing and wellness process.

A flu shot clinic administered by the Ascension Saint Francis Outpatient Pharmacy, which offered both the super flu shot and regular flu shot, was also part of the event.