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The Council on Aging was awarded by the Canadian Red Cross with the 2023 International Federation of Red Cross’ Americas Award and the 2023 Canadian Red Cross Partners in Humanity Award for our Smart Aging Emergency Preparedness workshop.
The International Federation of Red Cross’ Americas Award recognizes one standout volunteer and one group project from each of the countries within the Americas region. COA received the award this year for their exceptional work with their Smart Aging Emergency Preparedness workshop.
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David Fraser (left) from the Canadian Red Cross presenting the award to COA Executive Director Sarah Bercier (right) at the Canadian Red Cross AGM. | |
David Fraser (left) from the Canadian Red Cross presenting the award to COA Executive Director Sarah Bercier (right) at our AGM in June. | |
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The Partners in Humanity Award recognizes corporate partners that make an impact at the national or international level, engage volunteers, enhance the reach of the Canadian Red Cross, and promote the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
A promotional campaign is being readied for the fall and winter months to begin to reach all 170 NORC’s in Ottawa over time. These include condo buildings, apartment buildings, subsidized housing buildings and more. In anticipation of the number of workshops, additional facilitators are being recruited and trained. There is every reason to believe that this project will become a full time Emergency Preparedness program in Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew.
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The Council on Aging was also presented with the CNEO Annual Partnership Award (Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario, also known as 2-1-1).
CNEO is a non-profit, bilingual organization that connects people to community, social, health, and government services. Their primary focus is on vulnerable populations. Their mission is to make lives better by connecting the community to the resources they need.
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CNEO presenting the award to COA Executive Director Sarah Bercier (right) at their AGM in June. | | |
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City-Wide Priorities for Advancing the Wellbeing of Ottawa’s Older Adults: Opportunities and Challenges
We see opportunities and challenges for the City, the COA, and community partners working with and for Ottawa’s older adults. Yet, we need to ensure the City and community services keep pace with Ottawa’s growing, changing, and aging population.
The four key priorities to advance the wellbeing of Ottawa’s older adults for the City Council and the COA are:
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Demonstrate leadership with and for older adults
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Create the conditions to advance the health and wellbeing of Ottawa’s older adults
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Invest in affordable and accessible age-friendly housing
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Reduce the burden of the cost of living
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Keynote Presentation:
Ageism in Canada and Around the World
Presenters:
- Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Chair, International Longevity Centre (ILC) Canada
- Margaret Gillis, President, ILC Canada
Join Margaret and Kiran as they explore recent developments in Canada and internationally with the development of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism and the ongoing work of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing.
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Annual Report Summary
Click the image to view the file.
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The Older Adult Plan Consultation gathered over 75 older adults and community partners to shape a city were older adults age well. Special shout out to Youth Ottawa and the Social Planning Council of Ottawa volunteers who captured the voices of Ottawa’s older adults.
Share your ideas for the City’s next Older Adult Plan by completing the online survey at www.engage.ottawa.ca/oap.
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Ottawa’s New Older Adult Plan - Help shape a city where older adults age well.
The survey will be open until September 30, 2024.
The City of Ottawa is planning for the development of its Older Adult Plan and they want to hear from you! In collaboration with partners, City staff are consulting with residents, community agencies, and City staff to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan.
They are seeking your input to learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa. The information you provide will inform the City of Ottawa's new Older Adult Plan. The new plan will be launched in 2025.
Your opinion matters. Please take a few moments to complete the survey using the link provided below:
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If you have questions about this survey or the new Older Adult Plan, email olderadults@ottawa.ca
Consultation with Councillor Kavanagh
In addition to the survey, please join Councillor Kavanagh at the West End Consultation on City of Ottawa Older Adults Plan on Tuesday, September 17 at 12 noon at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre.
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From Syria to Antigonish: An Inspiring Older Immigrant Story
By Peggy Edwards, Council on Aging of Ottawa
Tareq Hadhad was worried about his father: Issam did not know what to do with his life. Before the war began in Syria, Issam had run a chocolate company for over 20 years. But that life was gone now...
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Smart Aging: Preparing for Life’s Transitions
By Peggy Edwards, Council on Aging of Ottawa
The idea for the Smart Aging program at the Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA) grew out of Sarah Bercier’s experience with older adults and the recognition that as we age, we experience a number of transitions...
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Home and Community Care
By Peggy Edwards, Council on Aging of Ottawa
Over 90 per cent of older people want to “age in place” in their home and community and to avoid having to go to a long-term care facility...
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Mature Drivers: Some Facts and Tips
By Peggy Edwards, Council on Aging of Ottawa
Louise Brunelle is chair of the older drivers sub-committee at the Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA). Louise says, “Driving gives older people independence and flexibility—a tried and true way to get where we need to go...
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The COA is a volunteer-driven organization. Through your efforts, we continue to grow in influence and advance the well-being and quality of life of Ottawa’s older adults, for today and for the generations to come.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
**Please include the volunteer position title in the volunteer application form.
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Education Room Coordinator (Room 235)
Volunteer Description: Assisting with the smooth operation of the COA’s meeting and educational room, you would arrange tables and chairs, turn on audiovisual (AV) equipment, make coffee, set up food, lay out meeting or training materials, and greet attendees. This would mainly be an early morning role from 9:00 on, on the days of your choosing.
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Administrative Support Volunteer
Volunteer Description: Assist with data entry, meeting set-up (in person or online), document preparation and dissemination, mailing of materials, creation of lists, phoning of members and more. Most tasks can be done as your schedule allows.
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Transportation Committee Member
Volunteer Description: Engaging in pedestrian safety and walkability, rural transportation, and older drivers. Your interests include research, analysis, and writing to inform, educate, and advocate for older adult transportation issues. The Committee meets once per month, 2nd Monday from 1:30 to 3:00.
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Growing older, staying at home
Wendy Yacura never spent a lot of time thinking about where she would live as she got older. But she knew one thing for sure. “I could not afford to go into a $5,000-a-month retirement home,” said the 76-year-old from Hamilton, Ont. Read More.
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Ottawa seniors get health care delivered to their doorstep
In an effort to break down health-care barriers for seniors, several Ottawa groups have teamed up to bring medical services to their doorsteps. Read More.
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'Still time to re-create myself': Retirees returning to work seek routine, fulfilment
When 63-year-old Shaundra Oelsner retired from her finance job at Sun Life two years ago, she thought to herself, "There's still time to re-create myself." Oelsner loved spending time with her grandchildren, going on long walks and occasionally, belly dancing. But she wanted more. Read More.
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Shelter for Seniors: Doing more to keep people in homes
While many seniors live precariously close to becoming homeless, an organization pushing for all Canadians to have safe, affordable housing, says the short-term solution is a no-brainer. That’s because the majority of those at risk of being forced to live on the streets are still in a home. Read More.
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All paths cross at intersections | |
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Money and You: Seniors Edition aims to help those in the senior years, or nearing senior years, with the many financial decisions that arise and that remain.
Find Out More
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TimeTM At Home Study
Students | Physical Therapists | Researchers
Bruyère Research Institute | University of Toronto
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About: Evaluate whether an online exercise program (TIMETM at Home) is beneficial for adults with balance and mobility challenges.
Your participation will contribute valuable insights to the understanding of this topic.
Who?: They are looking for adults aged 18 years and older, who have balance and mobility challenges, but who can walk at least 10 metres (with or without a walking aid), and stand up and sit down from a chair, without the need for help or supervision.
What Will You Have to Do?: You will participate in 3 evaluations at the start of the study, 2 months and 5 months after the start. They are done in your home using Zoom and include tests of balance, leg strength and walking ability and questions about your ability to perform everyday activities. You will need a family member or friend with you for the first evaluation.
Participation in this study is FREE of charge as funding is provided through a grant. If you do not have an electronic device, such as a laptop or tablet, we will loan you one for the study. You will receive a gift card after each evaluation.
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For more information or to learn if you are eligible, please contact the TIMETM at Home Study Coordinator:
Phone: (613) 562-6262 ext. 1419
Email: amemarian@bruyere.org
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Virtual Lifestyle Intervention for Better Brain Health
Kylie Sullivan, MSc. | Certified Exercise Physiologist
Brain and Body Lab | University of Waterloo
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About: The program will last 6 months, with follow-up at 12 months, and can be done entirely from the comfort of your own home.
Your involvement will require 3 virtual sessions (totaling 4 hours) per week for 6 months, exercise and education on healthy lifestyle related to brain health, and two virtual assessments of memory and other thinking abilities (up to 65 min each) at baseline, 6 and 12 months.
Who?: Adults 65 years to 85 years old, who have access to the internet at home, and feel like their memory or thinking is becoming worse
For more information about this study and to find out if you are eligible please contact us at:
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Semantic Function and Aging
Dr. Vanessa Taler | Angela Boland, PhD Candidate in Psychology
Bruyère Research Institute | University of Ottawa
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About: Semantic knowledge refers to our knowledge about the meaning of words and objects.
You will view visual images, listen to spoken words, and complete a series of tests of memory and cognitive function.
Who?: Adults 65 years old and older who are in good physical and mental health, preferably bilingual.
If you are interested in participating, please contact:
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Dr. Vanessa Taler's laboratory
Phone: (613) 562-6262 ext. 1096
Email: talerlab@bruyere.org
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DISCLAIMER: INFO-FLASH is published as an information and education service. We try to present the most current information available.
COMMITMENT: As a bilingual organization, the COA makes every effort to provide complete and well-written information available in both official languages. The information coming from third parties may not be bilingual but is shared in both languages when available.
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The Council on Aging of Ottawa gratefully acknowledges the financial support of
the Government of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.
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