February 4, 2016
Seniors Sector News
NEW MINISTER OF SENIORS

Lori Sigurdson, MLA for Edmonton-Riverview was appointed Minister of Seniors and Housing on February 2. We look forward to working with Minister Sigurdson on issues of importance to seniors and seniors sector organizations. 
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Professional Development
LATE LIFE TRANSITIONS, MENTAL WELLNESS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Employment and Social Development Canada 
February 17, 1 p.m. EST

Participate in an informative and interactive dialogue with Bonnie Schroeder, Executive Director with the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health. Ms. Schroeder will talk about the importance of staying socially connected as we experience changes in later life. She will also provide tips on how to plan, be more prepared for late-life transitions and maintain our mental wellness.

This Fireside Chat will be of interest to government policy and program representatives, health and social care practitioners, seniors' organizations, academic researchers, and students in the fields of gerontology, psychology, nursing, social work and retirement planning.
NATIONAL SURVEY ON THE MISTREATMENT OF OLDER CANADIANS
Employment and Social Development Canada
February 24, 1 p.m. EST

The abuse of older adults can take many forms and can come from a wide spectrum of the population, including family members and neighbours, life partners and professional service providers. In 2012, Employment and Social Development Canada funded the National Initiative for Care of the Elderly (NICE) to undertake a National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, a cross-Canada examination of the prevalence and risk factors of mistreatment of older, community-dwelling Canadians.

In this Fireside Chat Dr. Lynn McDonald, Principal Investigator, will share some of the key highlights from the survey, including some insightful findings as it relates to emotional/psychological abuse and neglect.
PARKINSON DISEASE AND EXERCISE
Parkinson Alberta
March 5, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
$175/person; group discount is $160/person for 2 or more from same facility (lunch included)

This training is ideal for those offering exercise programs (in seniors centres and homes, day programs, community recreation facilities, yoga studios, etc.) who would like to better meet the needs of clients with Parkinson disease. You will:
  • increase your understanding of Parkinson disease (PD)
  • learn about the importance of exercise in PD
  • learn a research based approach to developing group exercise programs
  • have an opportunity to work directly with people with Parkinson's
  • discuss potential partnership and promotional opportunities with Parkinson Alberta for program delivery
You must register before March 1. For further information or to register, contact Susan Skaret at 780-425-6400 or [email protected].
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION ON AGEING 13TH GLOBAL CONFERENCE
Brisbane, Australia
June 21 - 23

The conference will continue to advance IFA's agendas in Age-friendly Cities and Communities, Aged Care, Elder Abuse and Income Protection as well as focusing on Disasters in an Ageing World.
WORLD CONGRESS ON ACTIVE AGEING
Melbourne, Australia
June 28 to July 1

1,000 delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to attend this gathering of experts and stakeholders in the field of Active Ageing.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
ALBERTAPATIENTS ONLINE COMMUNITY

Alberta's doctors, through the Alberta Medical Association, have established an online community called albertapatients to give Albertans a health care forum and a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of the health care system.
VALENTINE'S DINNER
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Ave)
February 10, 5 - 7 p.m.
$15

The evening's program includes music by Helen Biltek on her accordion and Francisco and his piano students. Dinner is poached white fish (basa), wild rice, baked potato, corn salad and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Tickets on sale now at the Front Desk at Strathcona Place 55+ Centre or call 780-433-5807 for additional information.
VALENTINE'S DAY TEA AND COLLECTABLES SHOW
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
February 12, 1 p.m.
$5

Come and enjoy tea, cake and musical entertainment. Please bring your collectables to show off and to talk about. Ticket cut-off date is February 10. Call 780-451-1925 for information.
SEX ED FOR SENIORS WORKSHOP
Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
February 19, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$2 for members; $3 non-members

Join a professional sex educator/therapist in learning about sex health in a humorous and healthy discussion. The workshop will be interactive and fun! Topics will include: past experiences, marriage and being alone again; living arrangements, family approval and health challenges; successful singlehood, successful hook-ups, and the human need for intimacy. To register, call 780-496-2997.
GRANT MACEWAN SHOWCASE BANDS
Southwest Seniors' Outreach Society
February 28
$10/person (includes show, school bus and driver tip)

Consisting of vocalists, horns and rhythm section, these dynamic groups will present a broad spectrum of contemporary popular music drawing from the repertoires of many different genres of music. Bus departs from St. Agnes Church (10832 - 62 Ave) at 6:15 p.m. Phone 780-435-9515 for more information.
LEAP YEAR LUAU
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524-139 Ave)
February 29
$35

An event that only happens every four years! Join in the fun bringing the sights and sounds of Hawaii to the centre - an evening of steel guitars, ukulele and hula dancing. Dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
LEAP YEAR DANCE
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 St.)
February 29 1 - 3 p.m.
$8 ($10 non-members) includes refreshments

The opportunity only comes around every four years! Tradition claims it is the ladies time to propose to your man. Or if you want less commitment just come out for an afternoon full of live music led by Variety Pak. They will cover Country, Rock, and Latin, opening opportunity to two-step, swing, jive and line dance. Bring along your best Sadie Hawkins attire and an attitude to have fun. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
TAX CLINIC FOR ELIGIBLE SENIORS
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 St.)
March 10, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

By appointment only. Call 780-451-1925.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE - EDMONTON 
WINTER/SPRING 2016 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your Experience Could Open a Door to Discovery. Share your expertise and love of working with people to help others discover the world and beyond in a fun and interactive environment. 
 
The newest volunteer opportunity is in The Science Garage. Guests of all ages can get their hands and minds busy with science as they create, compete, tinker, test, and build their way through a wide variety of activities and displays. This gallery will also feature a fully operational Maker's Space stocked with a variety of random materials.

A variety of other opportunities await you in educational or ambassador roles as a volunteer staff member including Gallery Guide and Interpreter, Assistant Observatory Attendant, Robotics Lab Attendant, Hospitality Host, School Program Host and Assistant School Programs Leader.

Shifts are available on weekends, weekdays and evenings. For more information visit the TELUS World of Science Edmonton volunteer web page or contact Volunteer Resources at 780-452-9100 or by email at [email protected] [email protected].
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities webpage)
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