Senior Persons Living Connected (SPLC) has always been committed to improving the quality of life for seniors in Ontario. Our 2018 Active Living Fair allowed us to further this goal by bringing together 17 incredible organizations, each of which offers a host of products, services, and information designed to help older adults stay healthy, active, and safe. SPLC has always strived to empower seniors by connecting them with the services they need to stay healthy and happy. This sentiment was echoed by the organizations in attendance through the services they offered to empower older adults by promoting healthy aging and active living.
The Walkin Tub Company, Canadian Hearing Society, Foot Care Academy, Canada Revenue Agency, Seniors & Law Enforcement Together (SALT), and Next Step – Senior Transition and Move Specialists, each offered a variety of products and services designed to help older adults live comfortably and safely. Toronto Hydro was in attendance to teach seniors about energy consumption and how to save money while being environmentally conscious. The Ontario Energy Board was there to inform seniors about its role as the province’s independent energy regulator, and in particular, how it protects consumers – by providing financial assistance to those who need it most, and by ensuring consumers are fairly treated.
Since the main focus of the event was to promote healthy, active living, many of the participating organizations also provided information on preventing age related illnesses such as dementia. The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Liver Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Toronto, and Central East Local Health Integration Network (CELHIN) each offered a wealth of information on various preventative measures, and support services related to the health concerns of older adults. Throughout the day visitors were engaged with talks and activities to promote healthy living. A lecture on improving gut health, followed by a session of laughter yoga, and a presentation by representatives from Next Step made for a uniquely enjoyable and informative day.
In addition to the material provided by visiting organizations, SPLC’s own staff and volunteers set up a series of games to shed light on the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. The games sought to educate participants and connect them with available services designed to help caregivers and patients suffering from mental illness. Volunteer run events took place throughout the day, and included a pole walking excursion through Bridlewood Park, led by certified instructors from Nordixx Pole Walking. The resounding success of this year’s Active Living Fair would simply not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.
