Adults age 50 and older will have the opportunity Tuesday to get an update on their health, learn to cook healthier meals and pick up information on agencies and programs available to older residents at the Vicksburg Health Network’s “Happy Healthy You” expo at the Vicksburg Mall.

The free program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the mall’s center court, has been an annual event since 2012.

“We held a program in 2009 for seniors at the Vicksburg Convention Center,” said Leigh White, Vicksburg Health’s senior circle coordinator. “We decided to revive it in 2012, because the senior population was growing and there was a demand for it.

“Senior adults compose the largest single segment of Americans today,” White said, “The mere size of this group commands attention, especially to their health concerns and decision-making.”

She said the Vicksburg Mall has hosted the event for the past four years. “The center court is a good location to hold it, because it is easy for people to access,” she said.

The program will feature demonstrations on healthy living and exhibits from local businesses that offer programs and products for senior adults.

“We will have 45 exhibits from private businesses and government agencies,” White said

“The police department will have some to talk about safety and things that seniors need to be aware of,” White said. “John Pelton the chef for the hospital (Merit Health River Region Medical Center) will give a demonstration on preparing healthy meals and will prepare one or two recipes. We’ll also have a yoga demonstration.”

There will also be health screening areas to check blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.