As the years roll by, healthy living needs to remain a priority.

Speakers and programs will emphasize that at The Times’ Healthy Aging Expo, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center at 1545 Community Way NE in Gainesville. The event has been pushed back a week due to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irma on the area.

“We’re all aging better and longer,” said Dianne Appling, coordinator of Lifeline, Northeast Georgia’s personal emergency response service, and one of the event speakers.

“I hope (the event) is well attended. People need to be educated today about living a healthier life as they age.”

Dr. Andrew Lake of Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville will talk about the need for screenings of colon cancer, the third most common cancer affecting both sexes and one that is mostly diagnosed later in life.

“I plan to give a little background about the problem to highlight the importance of this topic and discuss the various screening methods — from colonoscopy to stool testing — and the plus and minuses about both,” Lake said.

He said he also plans to explain that such screenings are “not as painful as some may believe.”

Phillippa Lewis Moss, director of the Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center, plans to talk about “the importance of older adults creating and maintaining a healthy social circle.”

“During the various stages of our lives, like attending school, marriage, parenting and work, we have many opportunities to connect socially with others, but when retirement rolls around, our opportunities for creating new relationships actually start to dwindle,” she said.

“The loss of a spouse, siblings, friends and other key relationships can make us vulnerable to isolation.”

The free event also will feature talks about nutrition and wealth management. Prize giveaways and entertainment also are planned.

"As part of an ongoing effort by The Times to be more involved in hosting and promoting community events, we are glad to be able to host this very special event for those living in the area who may be at or nearing retirement age,” General Manager Norman Baggs said.

“Our population of residents aged 55 and older is growing, and this area has a lot of amenities and opportunities to offer to those living here.”

Through the expo, “we hope to make everyone in attendance aware of business and financial services, medical care, activities and entertainment opportunities available in the area.

“The speakers we have lined up will offer information and advice on a wide variety of topics, and we think it will be a fun and informative day for all of those who attend. We hope many will take advantage of the opportunity to do so,” Baggs said.