College hosts The Art of Ageing Forum June 26-27
With hundreds attending Ageworks The Art of Ageing Forum at Niagara College’s Welland Campus, the College became the site of a federal announcement on June 26.
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey visited the Welland Campus where he announced the unveiling of Canada’s first national strategy on dementia – a $50-million investment on dementia prevention and care. Called, ‘Together, We Aspire,’ the strategy sets out several national objectives which include preventing dementia, advancing therapies and finding a cure, and improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, as well as their caregivers.
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey announces Canada’s first national dementia strategy to attendees of The Art of Ageing Forum in the Student Commons.
“Today’s news of this first national dementia strategy in Canada marks a key milestone in our efforts to address the attack of dementia,” said Badawey. “We are now much closer to our goal: in Canada, where people living with dementia, and their caregivers who support them, are valued based on the values of this country, based on care, where they have optimal quality of life and where dementia can be effectively treated as well as prevented.”
Badawey noted that the 2019 budget identified $50 million in funding to support the implementation of a dementia strategy for Canada. This funding will focus on increasing awareness, treatment guidelines and best practices for a quick diagnosis, and improving the understanding of dementia. He also noted that it will provide caregivers access to supports they need, including mental health supports.
With more than 419,000 Canadians aged 55 and older living with diagnosed dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Badawey noted that it has become rare to find a person who has not been impacted by dementia at some point in their lives.
Badawey applauded Niagara College, president Dan Patterson as well as staff and students at the event, for their efforts for its impact on the Niagara region, the province and the country. Badawey noted how he has witnessed Niagara College’s growth over the years, in its physical capacity as well as its heart.
“Every time I come here I become somewhat overwhelmed. The reason for that … is the fact that the entire DNA of Niagara College, as Niagara College has grown throughout the years, is based on the community around it,” he said. “The DNA that’s within the buildings, that represent what Niagara, and quite frankly what all of us in southwestern Ontario and the province of Ontario, are all about – really identifying and reacting to the need in the community.”
College president Dan Patterson also addressed the crowd, noting that the College was proud to host The Art of Ageing Forum for the first time.
President Dan Patterson speaks about the College’s several age-friendly initiatives.
“Here at Niagara College, we are strong advocates for lifelong learning, and we support age-friendly initatives with programs and services that support the needs of an aging population,” said Patterson. “In fact, in recognition of our commitment to aging, Niagara College was announced as Canada’s first College to become a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network earlier this year.”
The two-day forum was initiated by Ageworks, a Canadian company committed to supporting the need to change the way society things about aging through education, debunking myths about older people in the workplace and in the marketplace, aging awareness and issues associated with ageism.
Almost 200 people signed up to attend the forum, showcasing a diverse assembly of thought leaders, organizations and individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about the subject of positive aging. Twelve thought provoking presentations will take place over the two-day forum to enlighten the audience about global trends, how aging is changing and redefining business and society, and to understand the ‘new old’ with changing notions about retirement. Presentations include:
- Ageing is changing – Dr. Jane Barratt, secretary general, International Federation on Ageing (IFA);
- Neuroplasticity – Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, founder Arrowsmith School and author;
- The Positive Effects of Mindfulness – Deirdre Walsh; and
- Making Sense of a Longevity Economy – Mark Venning, Change Rangers.
For information visit www.ageworks.co
NC retirees Karen McGrath and Valerie Grabove gather with president Dan Patterson, dean Carolyn Triemstra, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, and NCSAC president Tom Price. Several NC retirees attended The Art of Ageing Forum and have launched the Third Age Learning Network which is hosting educational sessions at the Wellland Campus for seniors in the community.
