INNISFAIL – Being an active, engaged member of the community doesn’t have to stop at age 65.
The town is helping ensure seniors have the knowledge, resources and ability to do so by hosting its first Seniors Wellness Conference at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Oct. 3.
“We wanted to host a wellness conference to provide some education and awareness to our residents and area residents about some of the services that are available in our area and about the contributions they can continue to make as older adults and seniors,” said Karen Bradbury, the town's community and social development coordinator.
“They can still contribute to and be active participants in the community.”
The event requires pre-registration, although there may be some last-minute spots available, noted Bradbury. They have room for 140 people and are currently sitting around 60 registered participants.
The conference is free to attend and is open to seniors in surrounding communities as well, including Penhold, Bowden, Springbrook and Spruce View.
It is being funded through the Innisfail FCSS and the Government of Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors Program and will feature several guest speakers, including Boomer Movers, Office of the Seniors Advocate (Government of Alberta) and Brock Tully, an internationally known speaker and author of several books.
“They say he’s a wonderful speaker and a great human being,” said Bradbury, noting he may speak on the contributions seniors can make in their communities. “We know that more community engagement is healthier for residents,” she said.
A representative from the provincial Office of the Seniors Advocate will talk on their roles and responsibilities.
“They’ll speak on what services and supports they can provide to our older adults and seniors," said Bradbury.
Boomer Movers is an Olds-based organization that provides support for older adults who are downsizing or moving into a new residence.
“They can help assess whether the older adults are getting all of the financial benefits they should be and help them with that paperwork,” explained Bradbury. “They will also help older adults downsize, pack and move to a new space or residence and help do a floor plan to figure out what furniture they could bring, what they don’t have room for and how they might set up their new unit.”
The event also includes snacks and a free turkey lunch catered by the Coffee Cottage as well as door prizes.
Participants will receive a package with resources on senior safety, elder abuse and other topics.
To inquire about any last-minute spots, contact Bradbury at 403-227- 3376 or Allyssa Bremner at 403- 227-3376 ext.225 or via email [email protected]
