Broomfield Senior Services 2021 Living in Balance Fair Focuses on Technology

By Missy Ruzicka

2020 proved to be a challenging year in more ways than we can count, but one of those was the importance of technology and how it has been a wonderful, if not sometimes frustrating, tool. From keeping in touch with family to using QR codes for menus at a restaurant, it seems everyone is using technology in one way or another. With evolving times, technology can seem overwhelming, but this year’s Resource Fair - Living in Balance, sponsored by Broomfield Senior Services, is here to make the shift to using everyday technology easier. With this year’s theme the goal is: To educate, inspire, and empower seniors to use technology in ways that make their lives easier and safer.

The event will be held at the new Broomfield Community Center and will provide some of our community members with a first chance to get a look around the new facility. There will be 50 vendors from various organizations there to help visitors find valuable information on everything from healthcare to housing and also including legal and financial resources. The library will be set up in a corner of the gym with an exhibit they are calling the Tech Petting Zoo, giving guests a chance to bring any tech device they might need some assistance with, for training and help. Attendees will also have a chance to win an Ipad or chromebook!

Along with the vendors there will also be several 45-minute breakout sessions on a variety of topics. Senior Planet is presenting a session on smartphones; why they are so popular, what you can do with them, and a comparison of the two most popular operating systems. The Colorado Bureau of Investigations will be leading a breakout session on safety. Young and old alike have heard how dangerous online predators can be, from trying to steal your money to stealing your identity. CBI will be teaching the basics of staying safe online along with simple tricks and tactics to outsmart the bad guys.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Kari Knutson, a Colorado native and engaging speaker who will speak about thriving through change with a little tech twisted into it. In March 2020, everyone’s world came to a screeching halt with the arrival of the pandemic and we have been living in unprecedented times ever since. Kari’s presentation will examine the process of change and will discuss how to use humor and heart to thrive through all these changes we are facing. She will also discuss the importance of perspective, the role of courage, and the power of compassion. Guests will leave feeling empowered and ready for any changes in the path ahead. The Living in Balance Resource Fair will be October 15, at the Broomfield Community Center from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cost of admission is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents and includes breakfast and lunch.

Register at: Broomfield.org/2050/Living-In-Balance-Resource-Fair

SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS YEAR'S SPONSORS!

GOLD LEVEL: Griswold Home Care, Orion Mortgage, Routinfy, Relay Colorado, In Memoriam, and Fidelis.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Broomfield Skilled Nursing and Family Hearing who have continued to sponsor the fair over the years.