SENIORS’ HEALTH & WELLNESS FORUM SUPPORTS HEALTHY AGING
Healthy aging is not just about living a long life; it’s about remaining connected and engaged in the community and empowering people to live their best lives possible.
On Saturday, October 29, Edmonton is hosting a Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum where seniors, their families and caregivers can obtain information and resources related to health, wellness and social supports vital to healthy aging.
“I am really excited about the Forum because it gives us an opportunity to talk about how to plan ahead and how to collaborate with resources in the community; it’s not all about decline. It gives us an opportunity to put a positive spin on aging,” explained Mary Whale, Healthy Aging Nurse with the Southside Primary Care Network.
The event features organizations and businesses providing information and resources at exhibitor style booths, as well as informative sessions on a variety of health and wellness topics.
Sessions for the Forum have been developed with the Thinking About Your Future: Plan now to Age in Place checklist, produced by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors, as a framework to identify the most appropriate information and topics for seniors to consider. “I think [the aging in place checklist] has a lot of potential. It creates a platform for discussion and planning,” Whale said.
Session topics include planning for a healthy future, the importance of reducing safety risks as we age, housing options, information on supporting key relationships, financial strategies, transportation, supports and services, and the importance of social connections to our health and wellbeing. The Forum truly provides an opportunity to showcase a holistic and collaborative approach to healthy aging. “With my work, I come from a perspective and mindset of team work. This demographic shift towards an ageing population oers an opportunity to facilitate change in the healthcare system. The need for change towards a more collaborative approach must come from the consumer. I think the Forum is an opportunity to share that perspective which can be really helpful in future planning.” Whale said.
The Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum is free, but attendees are asked to register by calling 780809-8604. The Forum takes place October 29 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre at 11113 113 St. NW.
For more information, visit: www.mysage.ca/events/healthand-wellness-forum.
It’s not all about decline. It gives us an opportunity to put a positive spin on aging. MARY WHALE, Southside Primary Care Network