Épisodes

  • Libraries: A Community Hub for Older Adults

    Libraries: A Community Hub for Older Adults
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode, we explore how libraries go beyond just a place to borrow books. We dive into how they have become a central community "hub" - a free and welcoming space to read, study, work, access technology, socialize in programs and activities and to connect with others. You may be surprised to learn about the diverse programs and services libraries offer older adults to create connections, learning opportunities and a sense of belonging. We hope by listening to this lively discussion, you will be empowered with more knowledge on the role of libraries and librarians. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! _____________________________ Episode Resources: Toronto Public Library www.tpl.ca Seniors E-Connect - matches older adults with a teen volunteer to provide tech help, under the guidance of library staff. Your Health Matters- New collection selected in collaboration with Toronto Public Health Dementia Friendly Picture Book List – created with Alzheimer Society of Toronto and books written specifically for people living with dementia. Financial Empowerment services and Programs - Find help and learn how to improve your financial health and well-being. BOOKS Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell by Karen Walrond The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy by Karen Walrond Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It by Tracey Gendron Our Guest: Vanessa Sparks is Senior Services Specialist for Older Adults & Seniors at Toronto Public Library. Vanessa holds a Master's of Library and Information Studies from McGill University and a Master's of Social Work from University of Toronto. She developed a passion for working with older people while working in the fields of community mental health and senior's advocacy. For Vanessa, public libraries are an essential social infrastructure that support well-being across the life course in a myriad of inspiring ways. ______________________________ 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.
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    54 min
  • Men's Sheds Canada: Community Friendships and Connections

    Men's Sheds Canada: Community Friendships and Connections
    Dec 17 2025
    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...
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    1 h et 5 min
  • Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality: Part 2

    Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality: Part 2
    Nov 26 2025
    This is part 2 of our Aging Vibrantly episode on raising awareness on the issue of dementia in Canada. We are honoured to be joined with 3 esteemed guests; Dr. Samir Sinha, Dr. Jane Rylett and Claire Webster, who share their wealth of knowledge in research; policy and practice to help us better understand Dementia. Dementia significantly impacts the lives of many Canadians, particularly for older adults and their caregivers. That's why this episode is so important. 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 the stigma surrounding dementia. We continue our conversation on the role of care partners and how we can empower, support and prepare individuals for their caregiver journey so they have access to education, resources, and skills to care for a person living with dementia. We then discuss the actions that individuals, communities and governments can take to not only delay or prevent dementia, but also improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. Please enjoy, Part 2 of our Podcast on Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality. 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...
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    43 min
  • Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality: Part 1

    Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality: Part 1
    Nov 5 2025
    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 ...
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    43 min
  • WISE: Age-Inclusive Workplaces

    WISE: Age-Inclusive Workplaces
    Oct 9 2025
    In this episode we talk with Carolynne Mahood, Founder of On Your Own Time about why age diversity and inclusion in the workplace matters. Across Canada, many older adults who want or need to keep working are being overlooked, not because they lack ability but because of ageism. When older adults are excluded from meaningful work, it not only impacts their income and independence, it can also reinforce ageist stereotypes that contribute to social isolation, a known risk factor for abuse. One approach to building age-inclusive, future-ready workplaces is to provide employers with tailored and inclusive hiring tools that make it easier to create environments where experience is valued as an asset, not a liability. Our guest highlights an innovative program she Founded, W.I.S.E. (Wisdom. Inclusivity. Synergy. Equity), a national Certification program, that combats ageism in the workplace and recognizes workplaces that actively support and retain experienced workers through inclusive, flexible, and age-positive practices. In this episode we learn about: experiences older workers are having when trying to find workwhy age inclusion and diversity in the workplace is beneficialhow employers can be champions of age inclusion by becoming WISE Certified. To further bring awareness to ageism, this episode is also being launched on October 9th, Ageism Awareness Day in Canada. Led by the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism, this campaign amplifies efforts to raise awareness about ageism in all its forms and sectors—including workplaces. Our interview aligns with this year's theme: "Age is a Strength: Building Belonging, Challenging Ageism". Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ Websites: On Your Own Time https://www.onyourowntime.ca/ W.I.S.E.Learn more or get certified at: www.onyourowntime.ca/w-i-s-e . Canadian Coalition Against Ageismhttps://ccaageism.ca Episode Resources: Ageism Awareness Week Toolkit - ENhttps://ccaageism.ca/ageism-awareness-2025/#EnglishToolkit\ Ageism Awareness Week Toolkit - FR Toolkit Join the social media campaignhttps://ccaageism.ca/ageism-awareness-2025/ Promoting the labour force participation of older Canadians, Promising Initiatives. ESDC (2018) https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors-forum-federal-provincial-territorial/labour-force-participation.html AGE-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES: A Self-Assessment Tool for Employers Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum (2012) https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/documents/corporate/seniors/forum/tool.pdf ______________________________ Guest: Carolynne Mahood Carolynne is the founder of 'On Your Own Time', and the 'W.I.S.E. Certification Program'. She is a fully accredited and trained Human Resource professional, with more than 45 years of experience gained in private and public sectors, large corporations, and small privately owned businesses. She has worked as a Human Resources Leader and Consultant, providing customized HR solutions, led initiatives in recruitment, policy development, performance management, and workplace investigations. She also has significant community involvement, serving as a board member, leader, and advisor for non-profit organizations, leveraging her HR and adult education expertise to strengthen governance, workforce practices, and provide leadership coaching and training. ______________________________ CREDITS: Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Co-Host: April Struthers, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Music: Redpath Audio Thank you to 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.
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    40 min
  • Wills and Navigating Undue Influence

    Wills and Navigating Undue Influence
    Sep 25 2025
    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 oneWhat happens when you do not have a WillThe differences between a Will, Power of Attorney, Executor and AttorneyHaving Capacity to make a will, andWhat 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 ...
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    1 h et 10 min
  • A Friendly Voice: Just a phone call away

    A Friendly Voice: Just a phone call away
    Sep 3 2025
    We all have a need for social connections, to talk to someone about our day, events in our lives, share stories or whatever is on our mind. Social connections, how we relate to and interact with others, are important to reduce social isolation and loneliness for all ages, but particularly for older adults as we age. In this Episode of Aging Vibrantly, we will talk with France Connor, Manager of 'A Friendly Voice', that provides a free call-in service for adults over 55 years old who live in Ontario or Atlantic Canada. When an older adult calls the toll free number at 1-855-892-9992 they will be greeted by a compassionate and caring volunteer who will listen to them. Each call may last up to 30 minutes and seniors can call as many as 3 times a day. A Friendly Voice is available from 8 AM - 10 PM (ET), 7 days a week/365 days a year. In this episode you will learn: How volunteers at A Friendly Voice are trained in having good listening skills, showing empathy and respect and to identify warning signs of abuse, neglect or fraud.Why maintaining connections can help older adults mitigate the negative impacts of isolation and loneliness, which are often associated with increased risks of poor health, depression, anxiety, elder abuse, disability and frailty.How keeping engaged with others can provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and even improve cognitive function and yes, age vibrantly!About the WHO (World Health Organization) recent study, that found 1 in 6 people on this planet feel lonely. In Canada, an estimated 1.6 million older Canadians feel lonely, which is almost one in five Canadian seniors aged 65 and older experiencing loneliness. Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ References & Resources: A Friendly Voicehttps://afriendlyvoice.caToll-Free: 1-855-892-9992 From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection/report Webinar Presentation at SAGE: A FRIENDLY VOICE Reducing loneliness and isolation one phone call at a time. Presented By: Kelly Dumas & France Connor. https://sagelink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kelly-Dumas.pdf Media Interviews A Friendly Voice on CTV (Oct. 2024) https://www.facebook.com/AFVCanada/videos/a-friendly-voice-on-ctv/927936622139014/ Age Friendly Thunder Bay - TV Show (Oct. 15, 2024) https://www.agefriendlythunderbay.ca/age-friendly-tv-show/v/episode-29-a-friendly-voice-program?categoryId=65411c2bb00d14145d2ba397 New phone line lends lonely seniors a friendly ear (Dec 4, 2018) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-seniors-line-phone-in-1.4937986 ______________________________ About Our Guest: France Connor has been with Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) since 2019 as the Manager for A Friendly Voice. In her role, France manages a large team of trained volunteers, ensuring empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity, all while maintaining quality standards, and fostering a supportive environment for both the callers and volunteers. It is the personal connections and relationships she has developed with the callers who use the warm line that France finds the most rewarding. Knowing that she can make a positive change in a person's day by simply saying, "Good morning, A Friendly Voice, this is France", reaffirms the need and fills her heart with joy. ______________________________ Credits: Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast ExpertsPodcast Coordinator: Lisa WiddifieldCo-Host: Sherry Baker, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory CommitteeOrginal 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.
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    44 min
  • Building Bridges: Intergenerational Classrooms

    Building Bridges: Intergenerational Classrooms
    Aug 20 2025
    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/...
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    47 min