By Ana Dickerson,
The Prime Time 50+ Expo, Albuquerque’s largest free health fair designed specifically for older adults, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. October 8 at the Embassy Suites near Lomas and Interstate 25. The event is expected to attract as many as 1,000 area residents age 50 and older.
Attendees can gather information from about 60 providers and vendors, including not only physicians and insurers but also a variety of other senior-oriented services, such as retirement communities, hospice, funerary, legal, and wellness products. The 50+ Expo is timed to bring together Medicare-eligible residents with local health care providers just before the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7.
As they explore the various vendors, attendees can also enjoy a range of offerings and entertainment, including product giveaways, free ice cream, and free books from the Read to Me! Literacy Network sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. Live music will be headlined by Geneva & The Pickups, playing an eclectic mix of country, rock, standards, and Spanish hits.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM), the Expo’s presenting sponsor for the tenth straight year, will also be on hand to provide free flu shots while supplies last, as well as complimentary health screenings covering items such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, and cholesterol.
“We are committed to empowering seniors to lead healthy and active lives,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We’re excited to sponsor the Prime Time 50+ Expo because it will connect older adults with the resources and information they need to make informed choices for their health and well-being.”
Free transportation for those in need will be provided by the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs. Shuttles will leave from select metro-area centers between 8 and 11 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving the Expo at 12:15 p.m. to return to the centers in time for lunch. Those interested in this no-cost service are encouraged to speak with their Senior Center manager for more information.
2025 Prime Time 50+ Expo Speakers
9 a.m. Physical Activity and Your Health
Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, VP Health Care Delivery and Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
Dr. Shankar will cover ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle in your later years with simple, everyday steps that include exercise, and good nutrition.
As vice president and chief medical officer, Dr. Shankar is responsible for the development and clinical oversight of BCBSNM’s health care management programs. She oversees provider relations, helping to maintain effective relationships with physicians, hospitals and medical service companies.
Dr. Shankar has a medical degree from Madras Medical College in Chennai, India, and holds a master’s degree of business administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has authored and co-authored published articles on medical research and clinical and patient experience.
Dr. Shankar serves on the New Mexico Chapter of the American Heart Association Board of Directors, with previous board service for National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Mexico, New Mexico Telehealth Alliance, and the Doña Ana Wellness Institute Advisory Council.
10 a.m. Advance Funeral Planning
Alberta Moberg, Advance Planning Consultant, French Funerals & Cremations
Alberta Moberg will discuss the funeral pre-planning process, sharing how urgent tasks and decisions can be handled today to protect loved ones from stress later, during a time of emotional upheaval. French Funerals & Cremations offers an inflation-proof guarantee of services and merchandise at today’s funeral costs, with the safety of funds designated solely to cover funeral expenses.
A native of northern New Mexico, Moberg has served families for over 25 years, beginning with the day-to-day responsibilities of owning and managing her family’s funeral home in Las Vegas, N.M., with her father until its closure in 2018. She joined French Funerals & Cremations in 2022 as an advance planning consultant, serving families through the pre-planning process and relieving the burden on loved ones during the most difficult time in their lives.
11 a.m. Medicare 101
Donna Norris, President and CEO, Norris and Associates
Donna Norris will review the parts of Medicare, including how to enroll and what to consider when looking for a plan, in preparation for the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
Norris has 45 years of experience in the health insurance industry, starting her agency in 1985 specializing in Medicare, as well as employer group, individual and life insurance. Her role is to guide individuals to apply for and choose the insurance option that best helps them meet their health care needs.
Norris also serves on several insurance advisory boards, where she is instrumental in providing consumer feedback. She is a past state president of the National Association of Health Underwriters and has received numerous top producer awards for her dedication to helping people understand their options.
The Prime Time 50+ Expo is organized and operated by Prime Time Publishing, which wishes to thank all of the event sponsors: BCBSNM, Rio Metro Regional Transit District, French Funerals & Cremations, Cigna Healthcare, and One Albuquerque Senior Affairs.
For more information, call 505-242-2428.
