During March UBCO will host a variety of informative events and activities aimed at bettering the quality of life among older adults in the community.
It was 10 years ago that health researchers at UBC Okanagan came up with a plan to help people in the community age well.
While the idea of embracing aging seems simple enough, Professor Joan Bottorff says aging is a natural part of life and is something we all should aim to do in a healthy manner. But our bodies, and our minds, are complex. Embrace Aging Month aims to help people enjoy the journey and live every day to its fullest.
Embrace Aging Month is organized by UBCO’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP) in partnership with Interior Savings Credit Union and Interior Health.
“Embrace Aging Month brings into focus the joy of aging and at the same time provides tips and ideas on how to navigate this phase of life,” explains Dr. Bottorff, Professor of Nursing and IHLCDP Director. “We have organized a variety of events that will share information aimed at bettering the quality of life among older adults, their families and caregivers.”
Dr. Bottorff says in the next few decades, one-quarter of Canada’s population will be 65 or older—that’s about 12 million people. That statistic alone makes programs that support successful and healthy aging vital for everyone.
“If you think about it, that is one in four Canadians. This is a large part of our population and I’d like to think Embrace Aging Month brings into focus the importance of supporting older adults in our communities,” she adds. “We’re hoping to do that by providing a month full of events and activities complete with great information and the latest research that is relevant to anyone at any age.”
The month is jampacked with a variety of events. UBC faculty and doctoral students will discuss the perceptions and stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis on March 3. Another event on March 8 will explore whether the stigma of dementia changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there are several panel discussions, there are also many events that will encourage people to get active. Activities include chair yoga and dance classes, e-bike demonstrations and even a guided birdwatching walk. Other options include tips for living well after a knee replacement, or a session that explains how to use technology–such as smartwatches and similar devices—to get moving to improve metabolic health.
Interior Savings has been a contributor to Embrace Aging Month for the past seven years. CEO Brian Harris explains the corporation continues to support the month-long event because it fully believes in building connected and age-friendly communities.
“The importance of health and wellbeing to the strength and vibrancy of our community cannot be overstated,” says Harris, adding Interior Savings is a fully certified Age-Friendly Business. “Aging impacts us all, which is why it’s essential we come together as a community to explore ways to age well and to support one another through the process. We encourage everyone to check out the full slate of events and activities on offer.”
And Dr. Bottorff notes while the month is called Embrace Aging, most of the events are suitable for people of all ages. Caretakers and family members are encouraged to participate in any of the activities.
“The goal of this, and all other Embrace Aging events, is to create awareness and educational opportunities for older adults and their families to learn the many aspects of good physical, mental and social health,” she adds. “Focusing on how well we age is key to enhancing the quality of our later years.”
All events are free and open to the public, and many will be offered with the option of participating virtually via Zoom. They begin Wednesday, March 1 and continue throughout the month. For a full event schedule and registration details, visit: okanaganembraceaging.com
