Aging Vibrantly : Conversations to Empower Seniors

In this special episode we listen, learn, and share as we stitch together stories from an Anishinaabe view on Aging Well. We are honoured to host this interview with our guests Alice Olsen Williams, a renowned artist and quiltmaker and member of Oshkiigmong Curve Lake First Nation, Dr. Nadine Changfoot from the Trent Centre for Aging & Society at Trent University in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong (Treaty 20), Ontario and co-host, Debra Sayewich, a member of the Wasauksing First Nation, Potawatomi Nation, Robinson Huron Treaty 1850 and a member of the Aging Vibrantly Podcast senior advisory committee. In this episode we learn what it means to grow older while navigating the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and the systemic barriers of settler policies and structures. The personal stories shared from Alice, Debra and Nadine enlighten us on how aging in Indigenous communities is grounded in roots of relationships, intergenerational connections, and storytelling. We explore the importance of Indigenous values and teachings of growing older by respecting, and learning from Elders as vital knowledge holders, honoring their wisdom, and resilience. As we continue our learnings, research and care for aging well with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples working together, we can engage in meaningful interactions, and reconciliation to support healthy aging. Moving forward in a good way. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! _____________________________ Episode Resources: Trent Centre for Aging & Society-Indigenous Aging www.trentu.ca/aging/indigenous-aging Anishinaabe Indigenous Intergenerational Growing Old/Aging https://www.trentu.ca/aging/sites/trentu.ca.aging/files/documents/2025-09-1720AIIGO20Report20Final-1.pdf What Indigenous Wisdom Teaches Us About Growing Older www.trentu.ca/news/story/25/03/27/what-indigenous-wisdom-teaches-us-about-growing-older Quilt Index-Alice Olsen Williams Quiltmaker Curve Lake First Nation, Michigan, Canada - North American Indian and Native Hawaiian Quilt Collection https://quiltindex.org/view/view/?type=artists&kid=12-51-63 National Museum of the American Indian-Alice Olsen Williams https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/object/NMAI_412305 MSU Museum Exhibition The Tree of Peace Saves the Earth - Alice Olsen Williams https://museum.msu.edu/exhibition/the-tree-of-peace-saves-the-earth/ Alice Olsen Williams - Artwork featured in ReFrame's 2025 https://reframefilmfestival.ca/2025-design/ Conversations on Art in a Pandemic -Alice Olsen Williams and Caroline Langillon SLACK ,August 18, 2020www.ecthree.org/conversations-on-art-in-a-pandemic-an-interview-with-alice-olsen-williams-by-caroline-langill/ MinoPimaatisiwin Quilts https://pimaatisiwin-quilts.weebly.com/bio.html Guests: Alice Olsen Williams is a renowned quilter and member of the Oshkiigmong Curve Lake First Nation. Alice was born in Trout Lake, Ontario. She received her teaching certificate from Lakehead University and completed her B.A. (1982) from Trent University in Native Studies and Sociology as well as developed her skills in beadwork and sewing. In 1980 she discovered quilting, mastering the techniques which allow her to create the meticulous hand-quilting in her beautiful bed coverings and wall hangings. Blending her cultural heritage into a unified whole, she envisions the central motif to depict the symbols and themes of Anishinaabe culture, surrounded by the conventional North American quilting blocks and patterns which were developed and continue to be evolved by those women and their descendants who came to this Land from Europe, the legacy of her father's people. Through her understanding of the teachings of the Elders, Alice has created her own Life symbol. She continues to grow as an artist, searching for new ways to express the Spirit of Creation in the images of her designs. Nadine Changfoot is a full professor in Political Studies and on the Executive of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society at Trent University in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong (Treaty 20), Ontario, Northern Turtle Island now known as Canada. She is deeply moved by storytelling and creative methods and processes that bring to light experiences and visions for social equity and kinder, more livable worlds. She has published widely in journals of arts, community development, community engaged research, philosophy, political science, and sociology. She serves as Board Member on the Peterborough Arts Council, called EC3 (Electric City Culture Council). ______________________________ Credits : Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Co-Host: Tom Warner, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Music: Redpath Audio Stay Connected : The best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to like, and share our Episodes today. Why not leave us a review by completing our short Listener Feedback Survey and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. Listener Feedback : www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer :This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

In this episode of Aging Vibrantly we learn about the Men's Sheds in Canada. Men's Sheds provide welcoming spaces where men - often older or retired - get together in their community to share experiences and skills, discover new interests, make new friends, support each other and contribute to their communities. For many men, aging and retirement can lead to loneliness and a loss of purpose, but Men's Sheds, a unique and growing movement, is addressing these issues among older men across Canada! As men age, maintaining relationships and community connections becomes increasingly critical in combating loneliness and isolation, which can have serious health consequences, including increased risk of mortality, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. In this episode, you will learn how Sheds are making significant impacts to strengthen both men's lives and their communities - and how these grassroots initiatives are playing a vital role in providing older men with a safe and supportive space in their local community to build friendships, share experiences and connect with their peers. Men find renewed purpose, engagement in their community that is reducing their risk of social isolation and its negative effects on their mental and physical health. By the end of the episode, we hope you will be inspired to start a Men's Shed in your community. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! _____________________________ Episode Resources: Websites: Men's Sheds Canadahttps://mensshedscanada.ca Men's Sheds Canada Researchhttps://mensshedscanada.ca 10 Health and Wellness Facts for Older Men participating in Men's Shed www.mensshedscanada.ca Men's Sheds in the News The Giving Kind—Squamish Men's Shed gives $1,200 to Squamish Food bank www.squamishchief.com Coquitlam Men's Shed celebrates 10 years! www.tricitylocalnews.com/coquitlam Men's Shed leads national grassroots efforts to build toys for kids impacted by wildfires www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/mens-shed SHEDtalk Video: Are you retired and looking to bring some purpose into your life? Robert Goluch, President of Men's Sheds Canada www.facebook.com/reel Our Guests: Robert Goluch, President of Men's Sheds Canada Rober grew up in Northwestern Quebec and spent most of his career in leadership positions at colleges in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba, as well as with the Government of Manitoba. Robert also worked part-time in media as a journalist and a radio broadcaster. A firm believer in giving back to the community, he served on boards of many Non- Profit organizations. Including, as Chair of the Prairie Region Citizen Advisory Committee with Corrections Canada for which he was recognized nationally with the James A. Murphy Award of Excellence. In 2017, Robert moved to Squamish, B.C. and looking for potential volunteer opportunities, stumbled on the Squamish Men's Shed. Since then, he served as its President, as well as Vice-President of the Men's Shed Association of B.C., and now as President of Men's Sheds Canada. In 2021, he chaired and hosted the first provincial Men's Shed Conference in Squamish, BC. Brian Sawyer, Operations Manager of Men's Sheds Canada Brian has been involved in organizational development for over four decades with provincial (Alberta) and federal government agencies. With a M.Sc. in Earth Science, he lectured for 10 years at the University of Alberta and now supports education for seniors with the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association. Brian has always devoted time to the non-profit sector, receiving a 'Volunteer of the Year' award from United Way of Edmonton in 2021. He has been involved in men's wellness programs for 25 years with the ManKind Project, and five years with Men's Sheds Association of Edmonton and Men's Sheds Canada. He is passionate about helping create a vibrant community of thriving Sheds across Canada. Brian is your first point of contact as all General Enquiries about Men's Sheds. ______________________________ Credits : Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Co-Host: Sherry Baker, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Music: Redpath Audio Stay Connected : The best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to like, and share our Episodes today. Why not leave us a review by completing our short Listener Feedback Survey and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. Listener Feedback : www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

Dementia significantly impacts the lives of many Canadians, particularly for older adults and their caregivers. Canadians of all ages need to be knowledgeable about dementia, have access to information and support to lower their risk and acknowledge their role in combating stigma surrounding dementia. In this episode we are joined with 3 esteemed guests; Dr. Samir Sinha, Dr. Jane Rylett and Claire Webster, share their wealth of knowledge in research, policy and practice to help us better understand Dementia in Canada. We had such a comprehensive and informative discussion with our guests that we've decided to release this podcast as a two-part episode. In part 1, you will learn some alarming facts about Dementia, including; approximately half a million older adults in Canada were living with a diagnosis of dementia in 2023/24, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates this number could approach 772,000 in 2025 and by 2050 could reach to possibly 1.7 million Canadians with nearly 1 million care partners needed to support them. But we can be proactive in changing these projections by becoming more knowledgeable of the modifiable risk factors that are associated with delaying or preventing dementia. All of us can play a role in challenging the associated stigma, stereotypes and discrimination associated with the disease that often inhibit people from seeking a diagnosis, medical care and support services. Be sure to listen to Episode 19 for PART 2 of our Dementia and Canada conversation. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Episode Resources : Websites: National Institute on Ageing www.niageing.ca Carecrosswalk Inc. https://www.carecrosswalk.com McGill Universityhttps://www.mcgill.ca/dementia Robarts Research Institute at Western University https://www.robarts.ca/research/scientists/rylett_jane.html CIHR Institute of Aging https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/8671.html Reports : National Institute on Aging (NIA) Report: Adressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma and Reducing Our Risk Canada's National Dementia Strategy Alzheimer Society of Canada: Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Alzheimer Society of Canada: The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #2 The World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia The World Alzheimer Report 2022: Life after diagnosis: Navigating treatment, care and support Resources : NIA Webinar: Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma and Reducing Our Risk Infographic: Dementia in Canada Including Alzheimer disease. Government of Canada (2024) McGill Cares Webcastwww.mcgill.ca/dementia/resources/mcgill-cares-webcasts Dementia Companion Guide (available in 14 languages) https://www.mcgill.ca/dementia/resources/dementia-your-companion-guide Dementia Education for Care PartnersFree online course that consists of ten self-guided modules. It includes expert advice, shared experiences from participants, and solutions to the challenges of being a care partner in the context of dementia. https://www.mcgill.ca/dementia/resources/dementia-education-care-partners ______________________________ About our Guests : Dr. Samir Sinha is a Geriatrician and Clinician Scientist at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, the Director of Health Policy Research at Toronto Metropolitan University's National Institute on Ageing, as well as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Medicine. Dr. Sinha is a highly regarded international expert in the care of older adults. As a current member of its Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia he helped to develop Canada's National Dementia Strategy and recently led the successful development of Canada's new National Long-Term Care Services Standard. ___ Dr. Jane Rylett is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Western Ontario and scientist in translational Neurosciences Group at the Robarts Research Institute. She was appointed as the Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research's Institute of Aging in August 2019 and is an elected fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. She is the past Chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Western University. She is a cellular and molecular neurobiologist studying the consequences of age-related changes in brain and neurodegenerative diseases and recognized internationally for her contributions in the studies on cholinergic neurobiology and Alzheimer disease and has worked within the Alzheimer community for many years. ___ Claire Webster is a Certified Dementia Care Consultant and Certified Professional consultant on Aging, and a conference speaker and educator in the field of caring for individuals living with Dementia. As a former care partner for her late mother who had Alzheimer Disease, Claire has lived experience on the impact of this illness on the person living with Dementia and the ripple effect on Family members. Clair works in collaboration with the Division of Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences at McGill University where she is the Founder and Ambassador of the McGill Dementia Education Program and McGill Cares, a webcast series designed to support family care partners. She is also the founding President of the Caregiver Crosswalk Inc., a consulting firm that provides education and support services to help individuals navi­gate the journey of Alzheimer's disease and dementia related illnesses. She also is one of the McGill Senior Co-Editors of Alzheimer's Disease International's World Reports Alzheimer Report for both 2021 and 2022. She is a Member of the Government of Canada's Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia. ______________________________ CREDITS: Producer: Lisa Widdifield Editor: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Co-Host: Tom Warner, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee, Music: Redpath Audio We want to thank HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce this Season's podcast. ______________________________ Stay Connected : Please rate, review and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. If you prefer to view this or other interviews, full episodes are posted on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to check us out. We have also launched a new listener feedback survey - we want to hear your comments and suggestions - Your opinion matters to us! So take a moment to fill in our Listener Feedback survey now - you will find the link in our show notes!www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback To learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults, visit our website eapon.ca Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

On this episode of Aging Vibrantly, we demystify the world of wills and undue influence in estate planning. Understanding the legalities of a will, undue influence and court proceedings can be complex. So, we speak to two lawyers, Joanna Weiss, and Emily Caza from Whaley Estate Litigation Partners (WEL Partners) to help us break down these issues and to clarify the following issues: What exactly is a will, and why do you need one What happens when you do not have a Will The differences between a Will, Power of Attorney, Executor and Attorney Having Capacity to make a will, and What happens when a vulnerable person is secretly coerced or manipulated into changing their will, leaving behind a trail of hurt feelings, family and legal disputes? We explore these questions and dive into what undue influence is, the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that it may be happening, and how to recognize it and challenge it in court. In this lively discussion we equip you with the knowledge to help you feel empowered, and more informed about wills and estates. Until Next Time... Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Episode Resources: WEL PARTNERS https://welpartners.com/ Wel Partner Resources: 'A Lawyer's Duties and Obligations Where Capacity, Undue Influence and Vulnerability are at Issue in a Retainer' by Kimberly A. Whaley and Kate Stephens, Volume 48, Issue 4, September 2018 https://welpartners.com/resources/WEL-The-Advocates-Quarterly-Volume-48-Issue-4-A-lawyers-duties-and-obligations.pdf Checking for Indicators of Undue Influence During Virtual/Digital (Video) Meetings - Lawyers' Checklist https://welpartners.com/resources/WEL-Checklist-Undue-Influence-and-Video-Conferencing-2020.pdf Capacity Checklist https://welpartners.com/resources/WEL_CapacityChecklist_EstatePlanningContext.pdf Undue Influence in Estates and Related Matters Checklist https://welpartners.com/resources/WEL_Undue_Influence_Checklist.pdf Resolution of Estates and Trust Disputes: Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution in Canada" - Kimberly A. Whaley, The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law, Oxford University Press, Trust & Trustees, February 2020 https://academic.oup.com/tandt/article/28/7/e8/5743469?guestAccessKey=55a98afc-8273-4742-be76-7ea41641c226&login=false Guides and Resource Tools A Guide for Assisting Persons in Vulnerable Situations - STEP Canada https://online.fliphtml5.com/zskjb/zjwz/#p=1 Estate planning and wills – Ontario Governmenthttps://www.ontario.ca/page/estate-planning-and-wills Law and legal matters https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-programs-and-services-seniors/law-and-legal-matters Wills – Steps to Justice Your Guide to laws in Ontario https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/wills-and-powers-of-attorney/wills/ Wills and Powers of Attorney Resource Sheet https://cleoconnect.ca/resource/yourlegalrights/wills-and-powers-of-attorney-resource-sheet/ ______________________________ Guests: Joanna Weiss, Senior Litigation Associate at WEL Partners, wherein she primarily practices in the areas of will, estate and trust disputes, power of attorney disputes, and guardianship matters. Prior to joining WEL Partners, Joanna was a lawyer at boutique law firms that specialize in mental health litigation, estate, trust and capacity litigation, and professional negligence. Emily Caza, Lawyer at WEL Partners with experience in guardianship, capacity law, and estate litigation. Emily articled at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, where she developed a strong interest in capacity and guardianship law and gained experience advocating for individuals lacking capacity. At Queen's, worked as a caseworker at the Queen's Elder Law Clinic, offering free legal services to low-income seniors and gaining insight into the unique legal challenges faced by elderly clients. ______________________________ CREDITS: This podcast is Funded with the support from HelpAge Canada. Co-host: Pauline Luening, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Senior Advisory Committee Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast ExpertsPodcast Coordinator: Lisa WiddifieldMusic: Redpath Audio ______________________________ Stay Connected : The best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, and share. Why not leave us a review by completing our Listener Feedback Survey and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. Listener Feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

We live in a society that is increasingly separating individuals into age-based groups, which can lead to limited interaction and the potential for negative stereotypes and discrimination, particularly towards older adults. So how can we best address this to build connections and relationships between age groups and generations. In this episode of Aging Vibrantly, host Raeann Rideout and co-host April Struthers, feature the University of Toronto's Intergenerational Classroom, with guests Dr. Raza Mirza, professor and creator of the program, alongside with Florene Shuber a senior participant of the course, who is also a resident of Christie Gardens, a retirement and Long-term care home where the course is hosted. We explore a new and novel approach of Intergenerational Classrooms which breaks down barriers between generations, offers a safe space to discuss ageism and allows students to explore aging from a viewpoint that considers the perspectives of both older and younger generations. You will be inspired about the impacts this program has had on enriching the lives of students, seniors and teachers, opening doors for students to pursue careers in the field of aging, as well as the relationships that emerged through the intergenerational engagements and most impressive of all the transformational learning experiences. Learn more about how you can be part of joining the intergenerational network across the country. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ References & Resources: Intergenerational Classroom building bridges across generations. Presentation https://sagelink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dr.-Raza-Mirza.pdf Media Interviews New University of Toronto course is building bridges across generations. September 11, 2023 https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/news/building-bridges-across-generations/ This retirement home is redefining what it means to grow old. Globe and Mail Jan. 13, 2025. www.theglobeandmail.com/life/adv/article-this-retirement-home-is-redefining-what-it-means-to-grow-old/ An intergenerational classroom is bridging generation gaps. Toronto City News. Dec. 2023 https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/12/05/an-intergenerational-classroom-is-bridging-generation-gaps/Video Intergenerational classroom giving university students and seniors a unique learning experience. Nov. 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erBpyvnh4Qs&t=1s Other Programs: Intergenerational programs offer seniors and students 'good medicine'. Canadian Affairs. June 5 2025 https://www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/06/05/intergenerational-classrooms-and-care-homes-offer-seniors-and-students-good-medicine/ TRENT UNIVERSITY - Intergenerational Classroom: A New Approach to Addressing Ageism. October, 2024 https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/1103531/intergenerational-classroom-a-new-approach-to-addressing-ageism.html#:~:text=October%201%2C%202024,t%20going%20to%20be%20enough.%22 Resources: Connecting generations: planning and implementing interventions for intergenerational contact. WHO October 2023 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240070264 This guide, developed for the campaign, builds on the evidence in the global report on ageism that interventions for intergenerational contact is one of three strategies that have been proven to work in addressing ageism, together with policy and law and educational interventions. Changing the Narrative: Ending Ageism Together On the same pAGE – intergenerational toolkit that brings people of all ages together to discuss their experiences with aging and ageism is an opportunity to find common ground. Intergenerational Conversations on Ageism. https://changingthenarrativeco.org/intergenerational-conversations/ https://changingthenarrativeco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Changing_the_Narrative_Intergenerational_Toolkit_2024.pdf Old School A Hub for Age Equity & Ageism Awareness online resources about ageism in multiple languages. https://oldschool.info/ ______________________________ About Our Guests: Dr. Raza Mirza is the director of National Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization with HelpAge Canada and Assistant Professor at University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash (IN WHEN TASH) Faculty of Social Work's Institute for Life Course and Aging. His areas of expertise and teaching interests include medical decision-making, aging-in-place, and factors such as social isolation and loneliness influencing late-life social, mental and physical well-being. He was this year's recipient of CanAge's Dr. Elizabeth Podneiks Award for Elder Rights in Canada which he received at the National World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event. And most importantly and why we have Raza with us today, is he is responsible for designing and instructing a University Intergenerational Classroom that is hosted at Christie Gardens Residence in Toronto. Florene Shuber, is an advocate, retired lawyer, teacher/educator, and was a principal of the Montessori Teachers' College and Montessori Dementia Program. ______________________________ Credits: Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Pauline Luening, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Orginal Music: Redpath Audio We want to thank HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce Season 2 of the Aging Vibrantly podcast. ______________________________ Stay Connected : The best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, and share. Why not leave us a review by completing our Listener Feedback Survey and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. Listener Feedback:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

Are you providing or receiving care? In this episode of Aging Vibrantly, we speak with Amy Coupal, CEO of Ontario Caregivers Organization (OCO). Podcast host, Raeann Rideout and co-host Tom Warner, learned about the amazing work the OCO conducts to support Ontario's four million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. Our discussion led to understanding the current and future concerns and complexities, prospective caregivers are facing in Ontario and what may be needed support them, based on OCO's recent Preparing to Care Report. We also speak about the many benefits and joys of being a caregiver, but also the challenges and caregiver readiness; willingness and ability to meet the growing demand. The conversation brought to light the need for systemic changes to provide support for caregivers and receivers and the urgent need to take action to implement and expand services now to meet the growing needs and health care demands of seniors and caregivers in the future. We highlight the vast offerings OCO provides to caregivers, including OCO's free online and group or individual counselling programs, peer support and 'I am a caregiver Toolkit', e-Learning and more! During this episode you will learn: Caregiving brings joy when supporting someone important to you, and challenges when managing finances; navigating health care; and possible isolation. Insights from OCO's, Preparing to Care: Perspectives of Ontarians who expect to be a caregiver in the next 5 years. The number of Ontarians providing physical or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour could increase by more than 50% - from 4 to 6.5 million people. 2.7 million Ontarians are expecting to face caregiving demands but have already decided they can't or won't do it. How can we prepare to be caregivers in the future? Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ References and Resources Ontario Caregiver Organization OCO provides caregivers with one point of access to information, services, and supports that empower and help enable caregivers to be successful in their role. Where gaps exist in caregiver programs and services, OCO partners with caregivers, health care providers, and other organizations to find new and innovative ways to bridge those gaps so all caregivers, regardless of age, condition, or geographic location have access to the help they need. Preparing to Care Report 2025: Perspectives of Ontarians who expect to be a caregiver in the next 5 years https://ontariocaregiver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OCO-Preparing-to-Care-Report-2025-EN.pdf Resource Library for Caregivers https://ontariocaregiver.ca/about/library/ SCALE: Online Counselling https://ontariocaregiver.ca/counselling-coaching/scale-counselling/ Peer Support https://ontariocaregiver.ca/peer-support/peer-support/ Advance Care Planning https://ontariocaregiver.ca/managing-care/advance-care-planning/ ______________________________ About our Guest Amy Coupal is the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO). OCO exists to support Ontario's 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. The result of this work is demonstrated through the breadth of direct-to-caregiver programs and services available through OCO, as well as the early successes of embedding caregiving in the culture of healthcare and the amplification of the voices of caregivers to influence decision making at a system level. As a caregiver for most of her life, Amy helped to support her brother who had Cerebral Palsy. She was also a caregiver to her mother throughout her cancer journey and now supports her father through older adulthood. ______________________________ Credits Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Tom Warner, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Music: Redpath Audio We want to thank HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce this Season's podcast. ______________________________ Stay Connected : The best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, and share. Why not leave us a review by completing our Listener Feedback Survey and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. Listener Feedback:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listener_Feedback If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel. Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

In Episode 2 of our Rebelling Against Ageism Series, host Raeann Rideout, is joined with co-host April Struthers, for a lively discussion on Ageism with our guest Ashton Applewhite, an internationally recognized expert on ageism and leader on healthy aging, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. In part 2 of our interview, Ashton dives into how we internalize aging and explore the connection between ageism and elder abuse, tips for encouraging intergenerational conversations on aging and her advocacy work as co-founder the Old School Hub, and success stories of Ageism Campaigns, including Ageism Awareness Day, that are growing the conversation and resulting in positive changes in the social movement to dismantle ageism and embrace a world of all ages. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listeners **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Episode Resources: This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism TED Talk Ashton Applewhite This Chair Rocks tackling Ageism Through Consciousness Raising The Decade of Healthy Aging Report Global Report on Ageism-WHOShaping the Future: A National Forum's Call to Action to Eliminating Ageism in Care and Support (Canadian Coalition Against Ageism, 2024) Websites: Old School hub - https://oldschool.infoThis Chair Rocks - https://thischairrocks.com Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario - www.eapon.ca ______________________________ About Ashton Applewhite: An internationally recognized expert on ageism, Ashton Applewhite is the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism and a co-founder of the Old School Anti-Ageism Clearinghouse. She speaks widely at venues that have included the United Nations and the TED mainstage, and is at the forefront of the emerging movement to raise awareness of ageism and make age a criterion for diversity. In 2022 the United Nations named Ashton one of the Healthy Aging 50: fifty leaders transforming the world to be a better place to grow older. Social Media Handles: X: @thischairrocks Facebook: @ThisChairRocks Instagram: @thischairrocks YouTube: /ashtonapplewhitevideos LinkedIn: /ashton-applewhite-64658 RSS: https://thischairrocks.com/feed/ Website: https://thischairrocks.com/ ______________________________ Credits: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Co-Host: April Struthers, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee, Organizational consultant, social change agent at Witworks (https://witworks.ca) Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield ______________________________ Stay Connected: Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform and like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our YouTube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @EAPreventionON. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

In this final episode of Season 1 of Aging Vibrantly, we are putting a stop to frauds and scams targeting seniors. Our host Raeann Rideout and co-host Mary Ennis, speak with Stephanie Senecal, the Senior Support Unit Coordinator from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, along with Karen Deredin and Bonnie Bednarik, who are senior volunteers at the CAFC, who share their wealth of information and their lived experience to help us gain a better understanding of how frauds happen and actions to take to prevent frauds and scams. Every year, people of all ages fall victim to fraud. Data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre shows that Canadians lost a staggering $638 million to fraud in 2024. Although scams can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, we know that older people are being targeted more than others. According to the Government of Canada, fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. This episode focuses on increasing awareness of current scams, emergency scams and romance/friendship scams to provide tips on how to recognize the signs to protect against falling prey to scammers. During this episode you will learn: The role of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre How CAFC senior volunteers support victims of frauds. Statistics on the number of victims and financial loss to frauds and scams. Why older adults are targeted How the Emergency Scam and Romance/Friendship Scams operate and target seniors as well as tactics used by fraudsters. A "scamming the scammer" experience which leads to an arrest of a scammer. Red Flags to recognize scams. Tips to protect against frauds and scams. Actions the CAFC is undertaking to dismantle fraudsters. How to report scams and frauds to the CAFC. ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listeners **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Reference Websites: Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre (CAFC) https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm Canadian Bankers Association https://cba.ca/for-canadians/scam-prevention Competition Bureau of Canada https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/fraud-and-scams Equifax https://www.equifax.ca/business/fraud-prevention Scams and fraud - Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html Resources: Little Black Book of Scams https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/little-black-book-scams CAFC Protect Yourself Information https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/protect-protegez-eng.htm EAPO: Frauds and Scams Protect Each Other https://eapon.ca/factsheets/#fraudsandscams EAPO Protect Yourself: (In 6 languages) https://eapon.ca/factsheets/#1710950743845-d8dca94d-d796 EAPO Cyber Security for Seniors https://eapon.ca/factsheets/#Cyber-Security-Tips-for-seniors EAPO On-line Dating and Romance Scams https://eapon.ca/factsheets/#romance-scam-tips4seniors EAPO Gift Card Scams https://eapon.ca/factsheets/#Gift_Card_Scams Article on Bonnie's emergency fraud experience https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/windsor-senior-helps-police-foil-grandparent-scam ______________________________ About our Guests Stephanie Senecal Stephanie is an OPP civilian member and the Senior Support Unit Coordinator at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). She manages a team of senior volunteers who do call backs to senior victims of fraud, who input fraud data and who also do fraud prevention presentations to the public. Stephanie also presents on a regular basis and assists law enforcement with their senior victims of fraud. Bonnie Bednarik has been a volunteer with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre since June 2023. Having had a close call with being the victim of a scam herself in a "scamming the scammer" experience, she was recruited by the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. She is a grandmother and is passionate about doing her part to help other vulnerable victims. Karen Deredin currently volunteers with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the North Bay Regional Health Centre. She has over 40 years experience working in various administrative/ accounting roles at various organizations, including Inco (now Vale), Optimum Insurance and Nipissing University. ____________________________ CREDITS: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Mary Ennis, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee, Stay Connected : Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our Youtube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

In this episode, our guest Olive Bryanton, is the epitome of the life-long learner. Motivated to learn with her unending curiosity and desire to advocate and improve the lives of older adults, we learn about her journey to going back to PEI University to complete her Phd. Floursishing from her research, peer mentoring endevours and organizational connections, led Olive to her current advocacy work in community and government, leadership roles on needs older women in rural areas and role model for other later life learners. In this episode you will learn : How Olive defines life long learning and how her journey in education later life evolved and her accomplishments. Olive's research about older women living in rural communities of PEI and her findings. About the CBC Gem documentary, "Never too Old", that was made about Olive's journey. How her educational successes have opened doors to becoming an advocate, leader on issues of rural older women, partner on governmental projects and more! The opportunities and tools to empower older adults to participate in education later in life, including computer/technical skills, auditing and mentoring. The connection between intergenerational learning and awareness opportunities and reducing elder abuse. How older adults can reduce isolation through educational opportunities. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listeners **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Websites: Academy for Lifelong Learning Toronto https://allto.ca/introducing-the-academy-for-lifelong-learning-toronto/ Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse www.cnpea.ca Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario www.eapon.ca Later Life Learning Toronto https://llltoronto.org/ Episode Resources: CBC GEM: Never too Old https://www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/episodes/never-too-old What you need to know on lifelong learning February 2025 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) https://www.unesco.org/en/lifelong-learning/need-know Strategy 2024 -2026; Leading lifelong learning for a healthier worldWorld Health Organization: (WHO) https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/the-who-academy-strategy-2024--2026 ______________________________ About Olive Bryanton: Olive is an educator and passionate advocate for older adults. As a lifelong learner Olive received her bachelor's degree in Sociology 1984, a master degree in education in 2009 and in 2019, at the age of 81, she defended her PhD in philosophy in education all from the University of Prince Edward Island. She has received an Honorary Degree from the University of Prince Edward Island for her advocacy work with older adults and lifelong learning. She was instrumental in the establishment of University of Prince Edward Island's Mature and Part-time University Students Association; the Seniors Active Living Centre; the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island; and PEI's Seniors' Safety Program. She was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to seniors provincially and federally and was appointed by the PEI Minister of Health to serve as an executive advisor for the development of their Seniors Health and Wellness Strategy for Prince Edward Island. CREDITS: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Sherry Baker, a member of our Podcast Senior Advisory Committee. ______________________________ Stay Connected : Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our Youtube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

Our guest Jennifer McCrae is a Credentialed Thanatologist, Certified Grief and Loss Specialist and End of Life Doula. We will talk about grief responses, healthy and unhealthy grieving as well as caring for yourself, caregivers and others as you move through loss and grieving. In this episode you will learn : · How grief is a natural response to any loss · What is complicated grief? · The difference between functional/healthy grief and complicated/unhealthy grief · Understanding causes and recognising symptoms of complicated grief · Strategies for families/groups to communicate effectively during grief · What is anticipatory grief and how can it manifest? · How do we take care of others and ourselves during grief, especially if we are the caregiver? · If someone is feeling alone in their grief, where can they seek support? · Taking care of yourself while grieving Until next time, Stay Vibrant ! ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listeners **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Episode Resources: Websites: Soul Transitions, Jennifer McCrae https://soultransition.ca/ Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario https://eapon.ca/ Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario: Empowering Bereaved Seniors https://eapon.ca/training-tools/#1629321144478-00ab489f-9112 Canadian Network for the Prevention Elder Abuse www.cnpea.ca Ontario Government: Bereavement Leave, Employment Standards Act https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/bereavement-leave Ontario Funeral Services Association https://www.ofsa.org/ Bereaved Families of Ontario https://bereavedfamilies.net/ ______________________________ About Jennifer McCrae: Jennifer is a Credentialed Thanatologist, Certified Grief and Loss Specialist and End of Life Doula. As a compassionate End-of-Life and Grief Specialist, she is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and workplaces navigate the complexities of grief, loss, and dying. Jennifer specializes in dementia care and infant and pregnancy loss as well. She offers personalized support through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and wellness practices tailored to each individual's journey. Jennifer combines practical support, including communication strategies and coping tools, with holistic techniques such as yoga, breathwork, and energy healing to foster peace and resilience during life's most challenging transitions. ______________________________ CREDITS: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Debra Sayewich, member of our Podcast Senior Advisory Committee. Debra is the Founder of Age-Friendly Consulting and is a member of the Wa- sock - sing - (sauksing) First Nation and Founder of OAKS (Older Adults Knowledge Sharing). Stay Connected : Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our Youtube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

People often think they don't need to have a Power of Attorney for Property, but in fact everyone should consider having one, especially when they are still capable of expressing their wishes. In this episode, Power of Attorney for Property: Best Practices and Practical Considerations, our guest Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, engages with us in a lighthearted, yet serious discussion, on what you need to know about making a Power of Attorney (PoA). In this episode you will learn: What a Power of Attorney (PoA) is and the importance of having one Define differences between PoA for Personal Care and PoA for Property Considerations when deciding who to designate as your attorney The roles and responsibilities of someone acting as an Attorney What decisions an attorney can and cannot make on your behalf How to have 'What If' conversations The risks and signs of financial exploitation and abuse of power How capacity for decision making is assessed How to handle decision making conflicts and options for resolutions Resources and support for seniors and families with questions on PoA Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Podcast_Listeners **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Episode Resources: Let's Talk about Aging Parents: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations Author: Laura Tamblyn Watts Power or Attorney Presentation (CanAge) Power of Attorney: Advance Directions for Care and Financial Decisions (who decides and how decisions are made (2023) Power of Attorney 101: The Key Info Everyone Needs to Know About Mental Capacity and POA's (2021) What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney (for financial matters and property) and joint bank accounts. Government of Canada Websites: Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) https://www.acelaw.ca/ ACE can provide legal information to older adults on what powers of attorney are and how they work, how to have one made, and on the potential misuses of these powerful documents. 1-855-598-2656 CanAge www.CanAge.ca Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario Network www.eapon.ca Canadian Network for the Prevention Elder Abuse www.cnpea.ca The Capacity Assessment Office- Ontario https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-capacity-assessors Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, A searchable website (French & English), that explains laws related to elder abuse and neglect occurring anywhere in Canada. Produced by the Canadian Centre for Elder Law: https://ccelderlaw.ca Power of Attorney for Property- Steps to Justice Use the Guided Pathways to make a Power of Attorney to give someone power to make decisions about your property. Pro Bono Ontario https://www.probonoontario.org/ Would you like help creating a Power of Attorney? Do you have questions about Powers of Attorney that you would like to ask a lawyer? Call our Free Legal Advice Hotline! Available Monday to Friday mornings, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 1-855-255-7256 ______________________________ About Laura Tamblyn Watts: Laura Tamblyn-Watts, a lawyer, elder law expert and CEO of CanAge, Canada's national senior's advocacy organization. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto where she teaches Law and Aging. Most recently, she published her book, "Let's Talk About Aging Parents: A real-life guide to solving problems with 27 Essential Conversations". Her influence is felt both nationally and internationally through her active and impactful consumer advocacy work defending the rights of older people. Follow CanAge: @CanAgeSeniors ______________________________ Credits: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Co-Host: Leo Bonnell, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield ______________________________ Stay Connected: Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform and like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our YouTube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @EAPreventionON. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.

Welcome to the Aging Vibrantly Conversations to Empower Seniors podcast, the show where we amplify the voices of seniors. Join Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, and special guests as they share insights about seniors' rights, ageism, frauds and scams, powers of attorney, mental health and wellness, intergenerational connections, and dispel myths about aging. Each episode features an older adult who will impart their expertise and wisdom, to enhance our understanding of aging and living a full, safe and fulfilling life with respect and dignity. This podcast is produced and edited by Todd Miller of The Podcast Experts with the support of Lisa Widdifield, project coordinator. Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. Visit us at www.eapon.ca to learn more about prevention and how to support older adults who may be experiencing abuse.