This year’s theme, Wellness, Strength, and Vitality in Aging, guided two transformative days of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
The conference, held in Vancouver, brought together experts, clinicians, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience to explore topics such as social connection through technology, frailty prevention, dementia care, and creating nurturing environments for seniors. It aimed to be a catalyst for transformative change in the field of aging.
Takeaways are too many for this space, but we leave you with two:
- Dr. Francis Maza, VP of Mission, Ethics and Spirituality with Providence Healthcare, opened the conference with a powerful message: Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters – it could be a meaningful conversation that can change the world.
He went on to say that the culture of an organization (for example, long-term care) can shape and change quality.
The message we received was one of great value and validation to our family councils. Be mindful. Notice things. Say something. Say it in a way that evokes curiosity to explore and create action. THIS is a big message for our family councils.
2. The conference ended with an inspirational duo of speakers, Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby, two 81-year-old best friends, who embarked on a journey to travel the world in 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel. Their adventure involved visiting all seven continents, 18 countries, and experiencing nine Wonders of the World. They documented their experiences online, gaining social media fame as the “traveling grannies”. Sandy and Ellie have written a book, “Here We Go!”, about their experiences, sharing their adventures and inviting readers to embrace a life of adventure at any age. The book is an invitation to say “yes” to life, regardless of age or circumstances.
This video shows how the long-time friends travelled around the world in 80 days: See a CBS News clip here: https://youtu.be/_aAwBSyroU8?si=F45DlEI7v2VMi79H.
ILTCCABC delivered the UBC Research on The Effectiveness of Resident and Family Councils in Long-Term Care. As each factor of effectiveness was raised, ILTCCABC briefed the audience on how they educate, support and act as an ongoing resource in the process of forming and maintaining councils. This research is available in the Journal of Aging and has three “must view” outputs: a short video, an infographic of findings and the effectiveness tool.
CLICK HERE for the links to UBC research and outputs.
