Chowan University will host virtual SeniorFEST on Tuesday, March 22 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm.  For over a decade, Chowan University has hosted an annual SeniorFEST for senior adults. After sadly canceling in March 2020 at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, SeniorFEST pivoted to a virtual format in March 2021.

“I was hopeful that we could return to SeniorFEST in-person this year but as it came time to plan for this year, Covid-19 was still of great concern to me and many others,” shared Director of Church and Community Relations, Lou Ann Gilliam. “Last year we had great participation with virtual SeniorFEST and decided to repeat a virtual format again for 2022. Thanks to the help of the Hertford Health Maintenance Alliance (HHMA) Taskforce on Aging we found wonderful experts to host some very informative sessions.” 

SeniorFest will host sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22. The first session, “The Truth about those Medicare Advantage TV Commercials” will discuss the commercials that feature celebrities touting “free” health insurance plans offering enticing benefits. Lisa Barker, NC SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Northeastern Regional Manager will delve into the realities of these commercials and discuss if these options are available to senior adults.     

At 11:00 am, participants can choose between two sessions. One option is “Forget Counting Sheep, Real Ways to Improve Quality Sleep” presented by Dr. Donna Roberson who is Associate Professor, ECU College of Nursing and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for the Carolina Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Grant. In this session, participants will learn the latest medical information and helpful tips on getting better sleep. 

Also, at 11:00 am Minister to the University, Rev. Mari E. Wiles will share “The Power of Doing What We Can.” In this session, Rev. Wiles will give an inspirational message from the gospel text, Mark 14:1-10.    

“This is a great event for senior adults. These sessions are also helpful for caregivers, clergy, and anyone else with a senior adult in their life,” shared Gilliam.   

SeniorFEST is sponsored by Chowan University, the North Carolina Baptist Foundation, and the Carolina Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program.  To register for this free event, participants can do so at the Chowan University website at the following link, www.chowan.edu/about/offices/advancement/church-and-community-relations/seniorfest/ or contact Lou Ann Gilliam at 252-398-6317 or at seniorfest@chowan.edu.