May is Older Americans Month and there are many things for seniors to do, not the least of which is attending health fairs and expos.

If you are planning a trip to the Bangor Mall, this weekend is the best time to shop as the Healthy Living Expo will be going full force on May 16, 17 and 18. Not only will you find good deals in the stores, but you can stop by the many tables set up by businesses eager to tell you about wares and services.

And let’s not forget the free stuff. Tammy Collins, proprietor of Health Connections and organizer of the event, has contracted with vendors who will provide health tips and tests.

“There are many reasons I decided to do these events, but the most important one is that I thought if there was a place where people could go to have free information from professional health care providers, it would improve their quality of life,” Collins said.

She wanted to put together an event that would benefit people of all ages, she said.

“Education is so important and I’d like to see people educate themselves on important health issues that they may have, or maybe a loved one has,” she said. “Sometimes it is difficult finding the appropriate avenues to take to find services, and the Healthy Living Expo can help people find what they need, especially seniors, and I encourage them to attend. We have a wide assortment of free screenings, professional opinions, options and activities that will help seniors find future living accommodations and many ways to help live longer and happier lives.”

Exhibits include healthful foods, juices, vitamins, exercise, martial arts, chiropractic services, massage, diabetic supplies, retirement homes and how to sleep well. There will be information on retirement villas, physical therapy, cosmetic and plastic surgery, migraine headaches, hearing difficulties, weight loss and weight management, skin care, green cleaning products, woman’s self-defense for all ages, natural candles, natural soaps, home health, mental health and light and laser treatments.

Stop by the Bangor Mall and see why Collins is so excited about the expo.

“There are many benefits to attending the expo, and I really encourage everyone to come on over and check it out and bring the kids,” she said. “It’s free, fun, educational, interactive; we have give-aways, prizes and we offer a great way for people to get the answers they are looking for and need. And best of all, you may enter your name for a chance to win many exciting gifts from our exhibitors.”

Health Connections is dedicated to providing the community with excellent, quality resources for overall well-being and happiness, said Collins.

Watch this space. The winners of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging George Hale Silver Frame Awards have been chosen and will be profiled here very soon. Thanks to all who participated and nominated an active senior. The essays were inspiring and only go to show that for some people, collecting birthdays is really about getting free cake and not about slowing down.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.