Early in 2014 the SLRD was awarded a Healthy Communities Capacity Building grant of $5,000 to organize a forum to explore the challenges of supporting healthy aging for seniors in the Lillooet area. The SLRD has partnered with the Lillooet Hospice Society to organize and deliver the forum. It is set to take place on Friday, March 6th, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lillooet REC Centre.

Thriving Community Partnerships for Healthy Aging is an opportunity for seniors, their families, those approaching their senior years, and seniors' service providers to come together, learn about seniors' health issues and engage in conversations about how to best support the physical, mental and social well-being of Lillooet and area seniors as they age. The forum will feature a community expo, giving local organizations and businesses an opportunity to showcase information about the various programs, activities, services, and supports available for seniors in the Lillooet area. 

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Patrick McGowan, from the University of Victoria Centre on Aging, will give the keynote address: Our Responsibility in Managing Chronic Disease. 

In addition to Dr. McGowan's talk, the forum will feature several other engaging presentations on a variety of topics, including:

1. Home and Community Care (Interior Health Authority)
2. Elder Abuse (BC Centre for Elder Abuse and Support)
3. Preventative medicine - healthy eating, supplements and staying active (Dr. Sal Meli, Naturopathic Physician)
4. "My Voice" - Expressing wishes for future health care (Interior Health Authority)

Following the presentations, participants will break into groups to delve deeper into the topics that matter most to them with the goal of identifying challenges and formulating actionable solutions. Topics will be chosen by participants, but could include: planning for medical issues, health transportation, managing chronic disease, advance care planning, and more. 

Key goals of the forum include:

1. Increased understanding of the issues and challenges facing seniors;
2. Strengthened relationships and improved communication among people and organizations working to address seniors' health issues;
3. Identification of priority issues and actionable solutions.

Light refreshments and lunch will be provided. 

Admission is free. However, advance registration is appreciated so we can plan accordingly.

The project is being funded by the Healthy Communities Capacity Building Fund. This fund is part of PlanH, a partnership between BC Healthy Communities Society and Healthy Families BC, and informed by health authorities and other stakeholders. The PlanH program supports local government engagement and partnerships across sectors for creating healthier communities, and provides learning opportunities, resources and leading-edge practices for collaborative social action. 

• Agenda
• Event Brief
• Poster
• Article in Bridge River Lillooet News - February 25, 2015
• ​Article in Bridge River Lillooet News - January 28, 2015
• January 15, 2015 News Release
• Backgrounder - Profile of Dr. Patrick McGowan

This page will be updated as more details become available.