Earlier this year, the first of the baby boomers signed up to begin collecting Social Security, an unmistakable signal that America's largest demographic group is entering its golden years.

As it does so, On-Line Publishers Inc. is ready to lend a hand. For the past 11 years, the company has held a senior expo each fall at the Lancaster Host Resort, Lincoln Highway East.

This year's expo, held Tuesday, brought in more than 4,300 people, organizers estimated.

Donna Anderson, founder and president of On-Line Publishers, said she has "definitely noticed more and more younger people" checking out the vendors at the expos each year.

Tuesday's attendees learned about products for the elderly, as well as services provided in the county. Health screenings were available, including blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing and vision tests.

In years past, baby boomer attendees were looking primarily for information to help their parents, but they are beginning to look for themselves, Anderson said.

Peach Bottom residents Debbie Rodgers, 51, and her husband, Jim, 53, said they decided to attend when they saw a notice about the expo in the paper a week ago.

"We were just looking for information on health concerns," Debbie said. "We enjoyed ourselves. It was interesting to see all the products they had and realizing, 'Here we are (in our senior years).' "

New Providence resident Sharon Stauffer, 57, said she attended the expo mainly to give her mother, 77-year-old Eva Smith of Millersville, a means of transportation, "but I'm old enough to collect, too." They weren't looking for any particular information, "just in general to see what's here," she said.

The services available to seniors are keeping up with the times, Anderson said. "Many are targeting boomers because of how fast this demographic is becoming their customers," she said.

The expo vendors included retirement homes, travel agencies, restaurants, financial planners, health-related organizations and funeral homes.

Funeral director Loren Bender of Groff-High-Eckenroth said he recently attended a convention that stressed the need to be responsive to the baby boomers.

"Baby boomers are a different group to work with. They have different life experiences they bring to it. They want what they want," he said.

Among the entertainment Tuesday was the 2007 Pennsylvania State Senior Idol, Diane Wilson of Harrisburg, performing pop tunes that baby boomers would enjoy, including such songs as "My Guy" and "Please Mr. Postman."

"I've been having a lot of fun with this," Wilson said. "They've loved the music, clapping and stomping."

Wilson — a baby boomer herself at age 52 — said since she earned the Senior Idol title in June, everyone has made her feel special.

"They look at me and say, 'Senior who? Senior what? You're supposed to have a cane.' "

Tuesday's expo also brought in many Red Hat Society members, who vied for the "La Di Da" award. Secret judges scattered through the venue voted on which Red Hat Lady had the most presence as members strolled among the crowds bedecked in their gaudy red hats. Shirley Gillis of the Elegant Ladies of Grace chapter in Mount Joy took home the prize this year.

Because Red Hat Society members can be as young as 50, Anderson said the contest is a great way to get younger boomers out to the expo to get the information they will need in coming years.

E-mail: lvaningen@lnpnews.com