Aging Well Expo headed to Orillia this fall

Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University and Age-Friendly Orillia will host a free Aging Well Expo this fall. Funded in-part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Expo will be a day of energizing and informative discussions, interactive demonstrations, and exhibits that will empower seniors to improve their health and well-being. 

The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakehead University, 500 University Ave. in Orillia. Admission and parking is free.

“Almost a quarter of the population of our community is 65 plus,” explains Valerie Powell, co-chair and founding member of Age-Friendly Orillia, a local volunteer group that advocates for and supports policies and initiatives that enable people to benefit from an active, independent, and meaningful life. “It’s imperative that older adults take control of their own future, where possible, and with the help of organizations and groups within the community find ways to age well and stay active. In the long run, staying active and healthy for as long as possible will benefit everybody.”

The Aging Well Expo will deliver comprehensive information on physical and mental health, financial and internet safety, and elder abuse, and will help older adults connect to local resources that support healthy, social, active aging at home, so aging individuals can create meaningful relationships and overcome obstacles for healthy aging. Interactive workshops and presentations, volunteer opportunities, and activities are just a few examples of what to expect at the Expo. There will also be door prizes and giveaways.

“The Expo isn’t just for adults 65 plus, we encourage adults who are preparing for retirement, considering downsizing, or encountering changes in health or family dynamics to consider attending as well,” Powell adds.

“We are thrilled to be working with Age-Friendly Orillia on this project,” says Dr. Catherine Phillips, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Lakehead University. “This project underlines the importance of social connection amongst citizens and values the role of older adults as civic leaders, as volunteers and as community builders.”

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the university campus in October, where older adults can connect with agencies that provide services, as well as agencies that are looking for volunteers, and to hear from speakers on a variety of topics related to aging well.”

The Aging Well Expo is funded in-part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Program is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.

For more information and to register, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca/agingwell.