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Retirement Info: Lifestyles Expo 2001By Becky Billingsley At 8:30 a.m. Friday, Glen and Dorothy Miller of DuBois, Pa., were first in line for the start of the Lifestyles Expo 2001, continuing today at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Attendance was expected to be up this year, according to event organizer Bill Macchio, who has coordinated the expo for 10 of its 15-year history. "The first year we did it we had less than 2,000 people here," Macchio said. "Last year, 5,000. I feel confident we'll double those numbers this year." Friday's attendance totaled 4,000 visitors, Macchio said Friday afternoon. He speculated the reason for such an increase in attendance is due to the sponsorship of the AARP, which had a large booth with much health-related information. "Health and wellness if the No. 1 concern for this demographic," he said. Macchio expects attendance at Lifestyles Expo 2002 to triple due to increased involvement from the AARP. While the expo has traditionally been timed for the Some 400,000 AARP members from North Carolina and South Carolina will be invited to attend the retreat, which will feature vacation and entertainment packages, plus the expo, which will have more sit-down, interactive educational seminars. In anticipation of that, Macchio has doubled his request for space at the convention center from this year's one bay to two, and said he expects next year's expo attendance to be 25,000 to 30,000. AARP is making an effort to reach more of its membership through grassroots events such as the Lifestyles Expo. The organization used to be divided into five regions across the United States, but recently it hired state directors. In March the AARP will have a staff of six in a Columbia office where people may call (803) 748-1275 to receive assistance and information. Another reason for the increase in attendance is the rising numbers of baby boomers caring for aging parents. Pamela Johnson, the AARP's SC director, said this "sandwich generation" is a big reason why the organization is reaching out at the community level. "We want to make sure they have the information to help with aging parents and relatives," Johnson said. "Even though the majority here today may be the direct-end users, the client is their children." FREE health screening throughout this two day event Mitzi and Clarence Ivanoski of Racine, Wis., both in their 70s, said they know they are approaching the time when their children will need to help them out, but for now the couple is healthy and active. Mitzi Ivanoski paid $15 at the expo for a bone-density test sponsored by Walgreens, which would have cost $85 at her doctor's office. She'd never had the test before, but had wondered about her bones since her mother has osteoporosis. With relief, Mitzi learned her bone density is above average for her age. The Ivanoskis also stood in live for five minutes to get a free omelette from a booth promoting Eggland's Best eggs, which seemed to be the show's most popular attraction until the AARP booth started giving out free ice cream. As the DancingGrannies performers entered the convention center in their blue spangled cowgirl outfits at 11 a.m., Hugh and Toni Bovaird of North Myrtle Beach were leaving. They received chiropractic adjustments and were happy with their free golf caps. "I got a massage," Toni said. "It was just wonderful." Courtesy The Sun News
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arrival of most snowbirds (seasonal residents of the Grand Strand), in 2002 the expo will be coordinated with a weekend retreat sponsored by AARP.