Meeting to focus on NE Georgia's aging population

HIAWASSEE - Northeast Georgia's aging population will be the focus of a seminar in Hiawassee next month.

The meeting will be held in an area where 55 percent of the population is already over the age of 55.

In addition, the majority of second home owners in Towns County - which includes Hiawassee - are also 55 or older.

Senior Expo 2005 is sponsored by the Towns County Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resource, the aging of Georgia's population is one of the most significant trends affecting the state today.

By 2011, the first baby boomers - the generation born between 1946 and 1964 - will celebrate their 65th birthdays. Georgia's population aged 60 and older is expected to increase 81.6 percent between 1990 and 2010. Those 85 and older are by far the fastest growing age group; they will increase by 264.9% percent by 2010.

SENIOR EXPO 2005 will be a one-day event for information sharing - "for letting our senior citizens know the services and opportunities available in this north Georgia area," according to chamber officials and will include screenings, food, and door prizes.

The event is planned for Saturday, August 20, 2005 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Family Life Center gymnasium at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in downtown Hiawassee.

More information is available by calling 706-869-4966.