Exciting: Keiro’s Active Aging Fair to Ignite Passion for Pickleball in Little Tokyo

LOS ANGELES, August 8, 2024—Keiro is proud to announce the inaugural Active Aging Fair, set to take place in-person on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo. The theme of this fair is “Rallying Around Pickleball” and will feature activities and resources related to staying active as you age while enjoying this growing sport.

Event Highlights and Activities

Keiro welcomes participants of all skill levels, with specific programs and time dedicated to introducing the sport to those at the beginner to intermediate levels. This event promises a fun and informative one-day fair centered around pickleball, aging well, and (re)connecting with others in the community.

Among the exciting activities planned for the day are:

• Open play on pickleball courts
• Vendors offering a variety of products and services
• Food and refreshments
• Opportunities to meet with pickleball coaches and players from across the community

According to Beverly Ito, President & CEO of Keiro, “We are very excited to try our very first Active Aging Fair. Staying physically and socially active are great ways to enhance our quality of life as we age. With pickleball’s widespread growing popularity, it makes sense to host this new innovative fair for Our Community as we take a look at aging in a new, more active lens.”

Registration Details

Prior registration is required to participate. To reserve a spot, please visit keiro.org/aging-fair to register. The registration fee is $25 for Active Agers (age 60+), and $35 for General Admission. Registration will close on Friday, September 27, 2024, or when capacity is reached. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registrants will receive entry to the event, food/refreshments, access to pickleball courts, coaches, and a registration welcome package. The event schedule is as follows:

• 10:00 a.m. – Registration
• 10:30 a.m. – Event begins
• 10:45 a.m. – Welcome Remarks
• 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Free play, Coaching, Community Networking, Lunch, Info Sessions
• 1:30 p.m. – End of Event

Connecting with the Community

Keiro’s Active Aging Fair will also feature:

• Connections with local pickleball clubs such as ESGVJCC, Pasadena Buddhist Temple, OCBC, VJCC pickleball clubs, and more
• Access to local pickleball coaches to support your game
• Lunch and refreshments for all attendees
• Vendors offering apparel, equipment, and healthy aging resources
• Networking opportunities with others in the community

Keiro, founded in 1961, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in the Japanese American community of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Keiro provides a range of culturally-sensitive programs and resources, in both English and Japanese, to meet the evolving needs of the aging community. Through a person-centered, innovative, and collaborative approach, Keiro advances its mission in everything it does.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles offers a plethora of activities and events for all ages, but the Active Aging Fair stands out as a unique opportunity to engage with the community while staying active. For occasional travelers, attending this fair can be a delightful way to experience the local culture and connect with residents in a meaningful way. Make sure to bring comfortable clothing and sun protection, as the event will be partially outdoors.

For seasoned travelers, consider exploring the broader offerings of Little Tokyo. This historic district is rich in cultural heritage and offers numerous attractions, including the Japanese American National Museum and various traditional eateries. Engaging with these local treasures can provide a deeper understanding of the community’s history and contributions to Los Angeles.

In conclusion, the Active Aging Fair is not just an event but a celebration of community, health, and connection. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this fair offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant life of Los Angeles’ older adults. We encourage everyone to participate and experience the joy of staying active and connected.