Aging—it’s something we all do. And hope to do well.
With March being Embrace Aging month at UBC Okanagan, the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, along with the faculty of health and social development and Interior Health, have teamed up to present a number of events that may help with the transition from middle age to senior citizen.
“Aging populations are at risk of chronic illness and poor well-being, and consequently fostering health and wellness have become critically important in today’s communities,” said Joan Bottorff, IHLCDP director.
“There are many ways to support older adults so they can enjoy healthier lives in a variety of settings and circumstances, and we want everyone to know about them.”
Bottorff said organizers have lined up a variety of public events ranging from dealing with behaviour changes with dementia, to why it’s important to keep singing, and even how to transition into hanging up the car keys.
“The sessions are for everyone—young and old alike; and focus on a variety of topics related to healthy aging and ways to enhance quality of life among seniors,” Bottoroff said.
While some events take place on campus, others are at the Okanagan Regional Library, the Parkinson Recreation Centre, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts. All are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Event line-up
• Savvy Seniors: New Communication Technologies and You
Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This event is facilitated by students in UBCO’s Community Service Learning Program offering a brief lesson on new communication technologies such as iPads, iPods, smartphones and laptops, along with the use of applications such as Skype and Facebook.
Bring your questions, curiosity and gadgets to discover some of the amazing things technology can help you achieve.
Laptops and tablets will be provided if you do not have your own device. This event takes place at the downtown Kelowna Library, 1380 Ellis St. Register at savvysenior.eventbrite.ca
• Is Chronic Inflammation the Common Link Between Aging and Chronic Disease?
Thursday, March 12, noon to 1 p.m.
Join assistant professor Jonathan Little for discussion about chronic disease among seniors.
This event takes place at the UBCO campus, room ART 365 in the Arts Building. Register at inflammaging.eventbrite.ca
• Behaviour Challenges of Dementia
Wednesday, March 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Trevor Janz, residential care medical director with Interior Health, will discuss why some people with dementia experience a change in behaviour and why it’s so common. His presentation takes place at RHS 129 in the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre on the UBCO campus. Registration is at behaviourchallenge.eventbrite.ca
• Driving Transitions: Hanging Up the Car Keys
Wednesday, March 18, 4 to 5 p.m.
Lindsay Burton, graduate student with UBC’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, will discuss this sensitive issue. Takes place at the Activity Centre, Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way. Register at drivingtransitions.eventbrite.ca
• Walk ‘n Talk for Life
Thursday March 19, noon to 1 p.m.
Learn how the Walk ‘n Talk for Life program helps to tackle loneliness and isolation while at the same time improve the health and well-being of seniors in the Kelowna area. Charlotte Jones, associate professor of medicine, Southern Medical Program, will be joined by psychology student Clara Burdett and Walk ‘n Talk participant Diane Cumming to discuss this popular new program.
Event takes place at RHS 129, in the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre on the UBCO campus, with registration at talknwalk.eventbrite.ca
• Reducing Medication in the Frail Elderly
Wednesday, March 25, noon to 1 p.m.
Join Trevor Janz, Interior Health regional residential care medical director, as he talks about seniors’ medication. Takes place at RHS 129, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, UBCO campus. Register at reducingmedication.eventbrite.ca.
• Keep Seniors Singing
Thursday, March 26, 3 to 4 p.m.
Nigel Brown, Sing for Your Life Foundation executive director, will discuss why singing and music is important. Takes place at the Spartan Room in the Parkinson Recreation Centre. Register at sing4yourlife.eventbrite.ca
• It’s Your Life: Cancer Prevention and You
Friday, March 27, noon to 1 p.m.
Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society, Randene Wejr and Jerilynn Maki, will provide tips that may help prevent onset of this serious disease. Takes place at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Atrium, 421 Cawston Ave. Register at reducecancer.eventbrite.ca.
