Public events to feature discussions on things from singing to hanging up car keys
Aging — it’s something we all do. And hope to do well.
March is Embrace Aging month at UBC’s Okanagan campus, and the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP), along with the Faculty of Health and Social Development, and the Interior Health Authority 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,” says 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.”
This is the second annual Okanagan Embrace Aging month and Bottorff says 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.
“You will hear from some of our UBC faculty and students, and from experts in Interior Health and in the community,” Bottorff says. “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.”
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.
MONTHLY LINE UP OF EVENTS:
Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Pain: What Will it Take?
Thursday, March 5, 5 to 7 p.m.
Presenters include Susan Holtzman, and Zach Walsh, associate professors of psychology; Sally Willis-Stewart, senior instructor, School of Health and Exercise Sciences; and Michelle Teo, rheumatologist at Penticton Regional Hospital
This event is moderated by CBC Daybreak’s Chris Walker and takes place at the Bohemian Café, 524 Bernard Avenue. Registration: paincafe.eventbrite.ca
Savvy Seniors: New communication technologies and you
Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This event is facilitated by students in UBC Okanagan’s Community Service Learning Program who will lead a brief lesson on new communication technologies such as iPads, iPods, smartphones, and laptops, and 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 Okanagan Regional Library, 1380 Ellis St. and registration is at savvysenior.eventbrite.ca
Is Chronic Inflammation the Common Link Between Aging and Chronic Disease?
Thursday, March 12, noon to 1 p.m.
Join Asst. Prof. Jonathan Little while he discusses chronic disease amongst seniors. This event takes place on campus, at ART 365, 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 Authority, will discuss why some people with dementia experience a change in behaviour and why it’s so common. This takes place at RHS 129, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, UBC Okanagan, with registration 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 the timing of this sensitive issue. How do we know it’s the right time to hang up the keys and can it be done without losing that sense of independence?
This 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.
Come and 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.
This takes place at RHS 129, in the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, with registration at: talknwalk.eventbrite.ca
Reducing Medication in the Frail Elderly
Wednesday, March 25, noon to 1 p.m.
Join Trevor Janz, regional residential care medical director, Interior Health as he talks about seniors’ medication. RHS 129, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, UBC Okanagan. 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. This takes place at the Spartan Room, 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.
This takes place at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Atrium, 421 Cawston Ave. with registration at reducecancer.eventbrite.ca
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