A World Class Event
This year’s Successful Aging Forum was wild and crazy with the flamboyant, high-energy, and motivational Richard Simmons as the keynote speaker. Simmons gave an Inspiring message of “love yourself—you are worth it” that was well received at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
With a sold out crowd of over 1,000 seniors, baby boomers, and professionals; Richard Simmons, noted for his encouragement to eat right and exercise, wore his trademark Dolfin shorts and tank top—decorated with Swarovski crystals. Simmons interacted on a personal level with the audience and his antics stirred the crowd to laughter.
After a marvelous lunch, Richard Simmons presented the 2011 Senior Hero of the Year Award to Gustavia “Gussie” Wise of Newport News for her commitment to the community and her continued vitality. Patricia Painter and the Seniors in Motion Dance Team of Norfolk took top honors as the 2011 Hampton Roads Seniors Got Talent Competition winners. In addition, Dr. Manuela Delacruz was recognized as the 2011 Outstanding Physician, while the Senior Organization of the Year Award was presented to Shirley McGee of Home Sweet Home Care, Inc. of Smithfield, for outstanding service and commitment to the senior communities of Hampton Roads.
Perhaps the highlight of the Successful Aging Forum was the Physician Panel. Our own Steve Zollos served as moderator while Doctors John W. Aldridge, Anand Kapur, Nauman Naseer, and William N. Hovland answered medical questions posed by the audience.
During breaks the audience interacted with over 65 exhibitors who brought their local health and wellness information to the forum.
“I didn’t think you could top last year’s event with Dr. Oz,” said one enthusiastic participant, “but you did it again! What a great event!” Another participant sent a thank you letter expressing her gratefulness for “an experience of a lifetime meeting Richard Simmons. It was such an informative forum, the lunch was fantastic and the physicians panel was full of useful information.”
A special ‘Thanks’ goes out to the Senior Health staff, planning board, and volunteers who brought another world-class forum to Hampton Roads!