Silver Symposium aims to educate seniors
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The views presented herein are those of the Tillsonburg Senior Centre and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario.
How do you know when it’s dementia and not just forgetfulness? Where do you start to settle your spouse’s estate? How can you protect yourself from scam artists? All these questions and many more will be answered at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre’s Silver Symposium, which begins Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Made possible by a grant through the Seniors’ Community Grant Fund (Ontario Ministry Responsible for Seniors’ Affairs), the Silver Symposium was developed to help educate seniors on a range of relevant topics, by connecting them with professionals with experience and expertise.
“We tried to select topics of interest to seniors,” said Nancy Boutin, Tillsonburg Senior Centre Administrator in a media release. “From how to handle the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease in a spouse, to how to access community services, we feel we’ve chosen topics that people will find both relevant and interesting.”
Silver Symposium seminars will begin on the 24th with a talk on Snowbird Travel by Laura Lightheart of McFarlan-Rowlands Insurance.
“With many seniors opting to travel for at least a portion of the winter, we felt this was a great way to kick off our Silver Symposium,” said Boutin. “Those who attend this seminar will not only learn about things to consider when preparing for an extended trip abroad, but will hear tips and tricks for keeping their home safe in their absence."
All Silver Symposium seminars are free, and open to seniors from Tillsonburg and area.
Seminars will continue on Wednesday, October 29 when Cynthia McKnight of the Southwest Community Care Access Centre talks about services designed to help seniors stay independent and in their homes.
On November 26, OPP Constable Stacey Culbert will share her expertise on avoiding scams and identity theft, and what to do if you’ve been victimized.
“With more and more seniors utilizing the Internet and social networking,” said Boutin, “we felt it was important to address the risks inherent in these kinds of communication, and to provide them with the knowledge to protect their privacy, property and personal information.”
On Dec. 17, just in time for the holidays and the barrage of food-based occasions they bring, the Senior Centre welcomes Karen Cook, a registered dietitian with the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program, for a seminar on wise diet and lifestyle choices. This seminar will share tips and tricks for making healthy choices, and how these small changes can have a big impact on overall quality of life.
Silver Symposium seminars continue on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, with a discussion on end of life planning with Ken Butcher of Ostrander Funeral Home, and a representative of Peace Hold. This seminar will cover topics ranging from living wills, to power of attorney, to Do Not Resuscitate orders. Perhaps most important, however, this discussion will cover how to effectively communicate your final wishes to your family.
“Although end of life planning can be a tough or even uncomfortable subject for people to discuss, we felt this was an important addition to our Silver Symposium,” said Boutin. “Ultimately, the more you know about a particular topic the less daunting it is, and in this case, we hope that providing people with the knowledge they need will help them articulate their wishes to their spouses and family members.”
The final seminar of the Silver Symposium will tackle dementia and Alzheimer Disease. Robyn Fox of the Alzheimer Society of Oxford will be on hand to discuss the signs and symptoms of these conditions and the services that exist within the community to help seniors and their family members cope. This session will take place Wednesday, Feb. 25.
“Whether someone attends one or two sessions, or participates in all six, we hope everyone who takes part will feel more informed and knowledgeable at the end of the day,” said Boutin. “We welcome all seniors to come and ask their questions.”
All Silver Symposium seminars will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Lions Den at the Tillsonburg Community Centre, and will feature light refreshments. While pre-registration is not necessary, it is appreciated. Interested individuals can call the Senior Centre to register at 688-2520, or stop by Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Funded by the Province of Ontario, Seniors Community Grant Fund.