More than 40 workshops, events and activities planned
From sleeping tips and arthritis care, to technology updates, scam protection and a refresher on Canada’s Food Guide—there is something for everyone at the upcoming Embrace Aging month.
This March will be the sixth annual Embrace Aging month taking place across the Okanagan. Organized each spring by UBC Okanagan’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP), the goal is to raise awareness and educational opportunities on issues relevant to seniors and their families, explains Nursing Professor Joan Bottorff, director of the IHLCDP.
“Supporting successful and healthy aging is more important than ever before,” says Bottorff. “By 2036, it is projected that older adults will account for 25 per cent of our population. Embrace Aging helps us shine a light on the importance of supporting older adults in our communities, and to share information aimed at bettering the quality of life among older adults that we want everybody to know about.”
Embrace Aging Month has grown significantly since its inception, says Bottorff. Co-sponsored by Interior Savings Credit Union and Interior Health, the month of March is filled with more than 40 free events, workshops and activities for seniors and their families or caregivers
“UBC is in partnership with an increasing number of community agencies and we have expanded the program this year to address new topics as well as bring back those that have been in high demand,” she adds. “Included in this year’s program are presentations by UBC researchers on a variety of topics related to promoting healthy aging, along with a number of workshops, information sessions and fun activities.”
The goal of the month is to create an awareness of services, resources and educational opportunities and at the same time, connect seniors with service providers. There is a long list of activities throughout the month including films, cooking classes for men, information on estate planning and Mingle Mondays.
Along with these activities, organizers are screening Alive Inside, an award-winning film exploring how music therapy can help ease the suffering of people with Alzheimer’s. With the support of Interior Savings, the film’s director, Michael Rossato-Bennett, will be available for Q&A sessions at each of the film screenings. The film will be shown in Kamloops on March 4, Kelowna on March 5, and Oliver on March 6.
Interior Savings is also offering five Impact Grants to help care facilities and home care providers get started with a Music and Memory program. Applications for this funding will open March 1 and details can be found at: interiorsavings.com/MusicAndMemory
Some of the Embrace Aging events this March include:
- Fall Prevention among Seniors
March 5, 10 to 11 a.m., room RHS 129, Reichwald Health Sciences building, 1088 Discovery Ave., UBC Okanagan - Managing Chronic Pain: The Arthritis Society
March 11, 1 to 3 p.m., Okanagan Regional Library, 1380 Ellis St. - Happipad: Inter-generational living opportunities to connect students and seniors
March 14, 10 to 11 a.m., Chartwell Chatsworth Retirement Residence - Benefits of Reflexology Workshop
March 13, 2 to 3 p.m., Sun Pointe Village, 700 Rutland Rd. North - Technology Workshop: All things Android
March 14, 3 to 4 p.m., Okanagan Regional Library, Rutland #20-301 Hwy. 33 - Breathing troubles: Living well with lung disease
March 20, 5 to 7 p.m., Laurel Packing House 1304 Ellis St. - Senior’s Health Assessment
March 29, H20 Centre, 4075 Gordon Dr.
A full list of all events and registration details can be found at okanaganembraceaging.com or by calling 250 807 8072.
About UBC’s Okanagan campus
UBC’s Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for research and learning in the heart of British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world, UBC is home to bold thinking and discoveries that make a difference. Established in 2005, the Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world.
To find out more, visit: ok.ubc.ca.