April 16, 2015
Seniors Sector News
THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING - HEALTHY AGING POLICY BRIEF

The White House Conference on Aging, which is held every 10 years, will take place this August in Washington, D.C. (a specific date has not been set). The goal of the conference is to examine and discuss challenges related to aging in the U.S., propose policy recommendations and suggest things the public can do to improve the quality of life for themselves and older adults in general. The conference is focusing on four, broad policy areas: healthy aging, long-term services and supports, retirement security and elder justice.

Leading up to the conference they are releasing policy briefs that define and frame each issue area and reflect the most current evidence-based information on the issues. Each brief concludes with a series of discussion questions, and the general public is invited to comment. The White House Conference on Aging will collect the responses and use them to help shape the 2015 Conference. Even though this conference is based in the United States, there may be some useful points brought forward that related to our work here in Edmonton.

The first brief focuses on healthy aging. The Healthy Aging policy brief examines how Americans can enjoy long and healthy lives by maximizing their physical, mental, and social well-being. Research has shown that older adults who take advantage of screenings and other preventive health services; adopt healthy behaviors, and are involved with their family, friends, and communities, are healthier and more independent. Other briefs will be posted on their website in coming months.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: PRIME MINISTER'S VOLUNTEER AWARDS

The Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of deserving individuals, businesses and not-for profit organizations that are volunteering their time and making a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted until June 30, 2015.

The Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards consist of 17 awards: two national awards and 15 regional awards - three awards for each of five regions across Canada (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia and the North). Awards recipients have the opportunity to identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). 
More seniors sector news 
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Professional Development
THE ARTS AND INDIVIDUAL WELLBEING IN CANADA WEBINAR
Arts Health Network Canada and CHNET-Works!
May 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m. EDT

 

This CHNET-Works! Fireside Chat will review research on the public health and well-being implications of recreational arts engagement. The presentation will focus on findings from the landmark 2013 study, Arts & Individual Wellbeing in Canada and also include international longitudinal studies on arts engagement and wellbeing. Participants will hear about:

  • the connections that exist between Canadians' cultural activities and their personal well-being 
  • the health implications of both active and passive arts engagement (i.e. performer vs. audience member) 
  • possible reasons for the positive associations between recreational arts engagement and health indicators
CAG2015 DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS EXTENDED

The Canadian Association on Gerontology has extended the Call for Abstracts for CAG2015: From Possibility to Practice in Aging, the 44th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the CAG. The new deadline for submissions is April 30, 2015. CAG2015 will be held in Calgary on October 23-25, 2015.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Resources
THE FACES OF VOLUNTEERS IN CANADA INFOGRAPHIC

Statistics Canada has developed an infographic illustrating volunteer contributions broken down by age, gender and education level. It's interesting to note that in 2013, 39% of total volunteer hours were contributed by those aged 55 and over. 65-74 year olds volunteered the most hours of any demographic group at 231 hours. Data are primarily from the 2013 General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating.

CROSS-GENERATIONAL PROGRAM SUPPORTS QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OLDER ADULTS 

The linkAges Time Bank is a community-based service exchange in the form of a volunteer time bank. Members earn hours by providing services and use banked hours to receive services in return. The service was developed with the aim of creating connections across all ages to reduce loneliness and isolation and build a strong social support network. 

The service is being piloted in California and the results so far have been encouraging. 72 per cent of the time exchanges have connected people age 60 or older with a younger person. 

Perhaps this will spark some ideas! Read an article about the service in Next Avenue and learn more on the linkAges website.
News and Events for Seniors
GARDENERS CAN WE TALK?!

Bonnie Doon Community League 

April 19, 6 - 8 p.m.

 

Gardeners from all over Bonnie Doon will meet to share their excitement about plans for gardening and to swap tips. There will be displays, planting experts, refreshments and prizes. For more details visit www.bonniedoon.ca. Location: Bonnie Doon Hall, 9240 93 St.

BIKE CLUB
Westend Seniors Activity Centre

Tis the season to get out there and enjoy the fresh air. Westend Seniors Activity Centre takes activity to the great outdoors with their bike club. Rides go three times weekly: Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Meet and greet at the front entrance or earlier in the Community Café (9629 - 176 St). The group will head out on a different adventure daily. Open to everyone! Recommended to wear a helmet. Rides started mid-April and will continue until the snow falls. Call 780-483-1209 for info.
MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS

 

"Grand" Mother's Day Fashion Show 

Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 St.)
May 6, 12 p.m.
Princess Florence is in the house to shine with some complimenting and mod fashions. Come to shop or come for the show. Cost $11 includes lunch. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
 

Mothers & Others Lunch Social 

Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
May 7

11 a.m. performance by the St. Leo's School choir, 11:30 a.m. lunch, followed by the Best Brownie competition, a spring fashion show and bingo.
Tickets are $9 and must be purchased by May 5 at noon. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
 

Mother's Day Silver Service Tea 

North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
May 8, 1 - 4 p.m.
Entertainment by Vicki & Friends. Tickets: members $6, non-members $8. Phone 780-451-1925 for information.
 

THE CHORALAIRES CONCERT

May 9, 2 p.m.

McClure United Church (137 Ave and 75 St.)

 

The Choralaires from the North Edmonton Seniors Association present 'The Music of Gershwin & Porter' with special guests Jack Forestier & Family. Tickets are $10. Call 780-476-4010.

POLE WALKING INFORMATION AND "TRY-IT" SESSION

Sage

May 12, 11 a.m.
Location: 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square

$5
 

Like cross-country skiing without the skis, you will learn the Urban Poling Technique that is equally as valuable on paved trails and city sidewalks as rugged paths to mountain peaks! Pole walking improves core strengthening and posture, reduces stress on hips and knee joints and increases stability and balance. Pre-register by calling 780-423-5510 ext 301.


 

Already love pole-walking? Why not become a pole-walking Instructor? Sign-up to be Sage's pole walking group leader and get the instructor's course for free.  Call Rachel at 780-701-9016 for details. 

The Urban Poling Instructor Certification- Level 1 course will be held May 30 from 12 - 4 p.m. at Sage. The course teaches you everything you need to know about Urban Poling techniques and gives you all the materials, tools and support you need to quickly and effectively start your own Urban Poling program or provide private sessions, classes and demonstrations. Register online or by calling 1-877-499-7999.

REFLECTIONS OF RED DINNER AND COMEDY SHOW

Central Lions Seniors Association

May 22, 5 - 9 p.m. 

$25
 

Bring back the memories of yesterday with a Red Skelton Tribute dinner and comedy show performed by Alan Greenwood. Dinner is lemon chicken, pork snitzel, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert. There will also be a full bar, 50/50 and door prizes. Ticket purchase deadline is May 20. Location: 11113 113 St.

WALKER-A-THON

Seniors Assisted Transportation Society of Greater Edmonton (SATS)

June 21

 

Register and start collecting pledges for the SATS Walker-a-Thon to be held at City Hall on June 21. Open to all ages and abilities (walker is not required). Register as a team or individual for this fun, social event. Help SATS reach their goal of 200 walkers and $20,000. The funds raised support assisted transportation services for low-income, seniors with reduced mobility. Registration is $5. Call 780-732-1221.

Other news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

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