An aging population is one concern, but location is certainly another.

“The south side of Hall County is experiencing rapid growth and many 55-and-older communities have been built in the area with more being planned,” said Don Colombero, marketing director of Legacy Link, an Oakwood-based program that offers a variety of services for senior adults.

“Having the Healthy Aging Expo in this area allows Legacy Link to inform seniors about all of our programs.”

The Times is holding its second Healthy Aging Expo Wednesday, March 14, at The Venue at Friendship Springs, 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd., Braselton. Friendship Springs is off Spout Springs Road, a main traffic artery in South Hall.

"Our first Healthy Aging Expo, held in Gainesville, was such a big success that we thought it was important that we do another for residents in the south end of the county,” General Manager Norman Baggs said.

The free event will feature speakers and programs emphasizing healthy living, especially as the years start to roll by. Topics will include health and wealth management, as well as Medicare.

Forty-two vendors are planned to be on-site, with attendees able to undergo health screenings and grab brochures and other information.

Food trucks, music and prizes also will be featured.

“Those who attend will have a chance to learn about topics important to them, such as health care options, availability of personal services, financial planning and retirement, and area amenities,” Baggs said.

“We’ve got some great speakers lined up and a wide assortment of local businesses participating. There will be entertainment, prizes and lots of freebies. It will be a fun, informative event, complete with opportunities for vital health care screenings. We are very confident that everyone who comes will have a good time and go home with information important to them.”

Colombero said the 55 and older population “will continue to increase in percentage across the country but even more so in the North Georgia area.”

Legacy Link will be highlighting Medicare counseling, assistive technology and long-term health care at the expo, among others, Colombero said.

Jerry Butler, board chairman of ITNLanier, said the expo gives his group “an opportunity to communicate the benefits of our transportation service for Hall County seniors and visually impaired adults.”

He said the organization has just provided its 3,000th ride and is “actively recruiting new members to expand our service.”

“We look forward to bringing this benefit to other Hall County seniors,” Butler said.