Healthy Aging Expo Returning to Ohio State Fair on August 4

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Aging's (AGE) annual health and wellness expo at the Ohio State Fair is bigger, better, and cooler than ever in 2026. With a new location, nearly 24,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, and a record number of partners, this year's "Healthy Aging Expo" is a must-visit for fairgoers age 60+ on Senior Day.

The Healthy Aging Expo takes place on Tuesday, August 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Kasich Hall. Admission to the Ohio State Fair is free that day for anyone age 60 and older. General parking is $10, but free park-and-ride options are also available.

Senior Day will also feature a free concert from Journey from the Heart - a tribute band honoring rock legends Journey and Heart - at the Celeste Center beginning at 1 p.m.

"The Healthy Aging Expo is a wonderful chance for older Ohioans to explore the many services offered by our department and our partners," AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy said. "This year's event is our largest yet, featuring more interactive health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and yes, our always-popular cooler bags are back as giveaways! We encourage everyone to stop by Kasich Hall and find out why Ohio is the best place to age in the nation."

A major highlight this year: the expo will feature NFL Alumni Health. Director McElroy will host a special conversation on healthy aging, wellness, and the importance of supporting caregivers with retired NFL players Kyle Richardson and Ryan Shazier.

At the Healthy Aging Expo, Ohioans will have access to free health screenings, wellness demonstrations, giveaways, and lifestyle programs promoting independence provided by state and community partners.

Screening services and programs include, but are not limited to:

• Brain health
• Strength and balance
• Vision screening
• Long-term care guidance
• Assistive technologies
• Investment protection
• Medicare
• Veterans Affairs information and resources
• Nutrition education

Partners with booths at the Healthy Aging Expo in 2026 will include:

• AARP Ohio
• Area Agency on Aging, Region 9
• Area Agency on Aging, District 7
• Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
• Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter
• Assistive Technology of Ohio
• Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
• Central Ohio Poison Center
• Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS
• Direction Home of Eastern Ohio
• Franklin County Office on Aging
• LeadingAge Ohio
• Mount Carmel Health System
• Mount Carmel Health System Stroke Program
• National Kidney Foundation - Ohio Chapter
• Ohio Adult Day Healthcare Association
• Ohio Aging Compass
• Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
• Ohio Association of Foodbanks
• Ohio Association of Senior Centers
• Ohio Consumers' Counsel
• Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Financial Institutions
• Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of State Fire Marshal - Fire Prevention Bureau
• Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Securities
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Adult Protective Services
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Ohio Department of Taxation
• Ohio Department of Veterans Services
• Ohio Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
• Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol/Pro Seniors
• Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences
• Ohio State University Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving
• OSUWMC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
• Prevent Blindness Ohio
• Remington-Davis, Inc.
• State Library of Ohio
• State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and Generation Rx
• Walk with a Doc
• Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

For more information, directions, and a full schedule for the Ohio State Fair, visit https://www.ohiostatefair.com/. For more information about AGE's Healthy Aging Expo, visit https://aging.ohio.gov/healthy-aging-expo.

About AGE - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit https://www.aging.ohio.gov.