Speed-dating movie is tip of lineup for embrace aging month

March is Okanagan Embrace Aging Month and, to kick things off, Interior Savings, UBC’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention and Interior Health are inviting the community to a free a night at the movies.

Steven Loring, New York-based film director, will be in town to introduce his award-winning documentary The Age of Love.

Defeating stereotypes and linking generations, the Age of Love is a humorous film that follows the adventures of 30 Rochester, N.Y., seniors who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event for 70- to 90-year-olds. Fearlessly candid about their needs and desires, these Second World War babies soon discover how the search for love changes—or doesn’t change—from first love to the far reaches of life.

Yes, it's a story about speed dating for 70-90 year-olds. However, the underlying message carries a special significance for Interior Savings, IHLCDP and Interior Health.

“We recognize ageism as an issue in our society and we are working together to help build more age-friendly communities,” said Interior Savings CEO, Kathy Conway. “This funny yet profound film is the perfect introduction to Okanagan Embrace Aging month.”

Free public screenings begin at 6 p.m. on March 1 at Vernon Towne Cinema, March 2 at Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts, and March 3 at West Kelowna’s Landmark Encore.

These are just the start of a large line-up of free events happening in March, all aimed at inspiring and informing the community on ways to age well. From Vernon to West Kelowna, events cover everything from becoming savvy with technology, to hearing from experts on how to prevent stroke or improve sleep, to learning the basics of pickleball.

According to Joan Bottorff, Director of UBC’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, “learning about new ideas and discoveries gives us all a chance to reflect on what we can do now to make a difference in our health and wellbeing as we age.”

To get your free ticket to the movie or to learn more about Okanagan Embrace Aging events, go online to interiorsavings.com/events.