In tough times, communities find strength in people and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in the Upper Cumberland region as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other. 

In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.

For nearly two decades, the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (UCAAAD) has held the Senior & Caregiver Expo. The year 2020 brought many new challenges and many opportunities for the community to come together and rise above. Unable to meet in person in 2020, the UCAAAD is excited to announce this year’s theme is Stronger Together, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. At this time, plans are being made to hold an in-person event at Life Church of Cookeville in a safe manner this Fall. The 2021 Senior and Caregiver Expo is scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Life Church in Cookeville, Tennessee. 

Strength is built not only by bold acts but also small ones of day-to-day life: a conversation shared with a friend, delivering essential items to a neighbor, or by choosing a more pessimistic attitude. And when we share these activities with others, even virtually or by telling about the experience later, we help them build resilience too. 

This year the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (UCAAAD) will celebrate our community’s strengths at the 2021 Senior & Caregiver Expo. Together, we can find strength and create a stronger future. When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences through action, story, or service, we help build strong communities. And that’s something to celebrate! Please join the UCAAAD in strengthening our community by planning on attending our annual Senior & Caregiver Expo on October 26, 2021.

Opportunities are available for sponsorships for this year’s Expo event. The UCAAAD is currently seeking businesses and organizations to partner together to help make for another successful Senior and Caregiver Expo here in the Upper Cumberland. For more details about sponsorships or general information, please contact Sara Martin (smartin@ucdd.org), or Clare Farless (cfarless@ucdd.org), at 931-432-4111.