Hundreds of older adults packed West Chester University's Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13, for the second annual Chester County Senior Expo.

More than 90 organizations, agencies and vendors filled the building with tables offering information on local services, programs and resources, as first reported by the Daily Local. The free event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at WCU's South Campus, 855 S. New St.

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, who hosted the expo, said it has grown alongside the county's senior population. About 100,000 older adults live in Chester County, a number projected to reach roughly 145,000 over the next two decades, according to MyChesCo.

"In Chester County, our population of older adults is growing, and our Senior Expo is growing, too," Comitta said.

West Goshen Police Officer Mike Meredith staffed a table promoting Chester County's Smart 911 program. The free program lets residents pre-register details for first responders, including pet information, emergency contacts and special medical instructions. Meredith also shared tips on avoiding phone scams, a concern for older adults in particular.

Don Verdiani, vice president of Good Fellowship Ambulance, said he spoke with attendees about healthcare and fall prevention. He said a high percentage of the company's customers are seniors. Verdiani noted that Good Fellowship offers paid subscriptions covering the gap between insurance and out-of-pocket ambulance costs.

Amy Rodriguez Miller of the West Chester Senior Center was on hand to spread the word about the center's programs, which include exercise classes, arts and crafts, a language club and meal services.

Sean Donoughue-Neider, a housing case manager at Brandywine Valley Active Aging, and members of the West Chester Rotary also represented their organizations at the expo.

Comitta called the event "annual" and thanked West Chester University for hosting. She said one goal is to keep seniors connected and independent.

Mary Baringer of Exton left with a bag stuffed full of giveaways she had collected from the tables. "There are maybe some agencies here that people didn't even know about," she said.