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This article was published 27/11/2021 (551 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An event addressing the needs and gaps for aging in place once again went digital to reach people across the region.

Health Checks — There’s a Whole Lot of Living Left to Do, a local group consisting of several organizations serving old folks, held its third annual health and wellness fair from Oct. 1 to 3, on multiple digital mediums in Brandon and surrounding areas.

A news release stated this year’s event was based on a survey presented to professionals in various fields, community organizations and individuals. With over 300 responses, the organizing committee attempted to accommodate many of the identified needs in Westman.

This year’s fair featured three keynote presentations: Dr. E. Rhynold, Prairie Mountain Health geriatric medicine specialist, presented on Preventing Dementia; the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba gave special permission to rebroadcast Dr. Michael Yellow Bird’s presentation from the May 2021 Spring Symposium titled “The Mindful Elder – Indigenous Mindfulness”; and Luanne Dueck-Plett, from Prairie Mountain Health Community Mental Health, presented on elder abuse.

Other important topics included financial abuse; estate planning; frauds and scams; arthritis; smart technology for telerehabilitation services for rural, northern and underserved populations; transportation as you age; nutrition; gardening; art; physical activities and exercises; what is a recreation therapist?; falls prevention; medication safety; 10 habits for healthy aging; mood disorders; and breathing techniques.

Organizers consisted of a steering committee of local and provincial non-profit organizations, Prairie Mountain Health, consultants from the Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, retired professionals, and concerned citizens along with government officials at the municipal level.

This event over the past three years has moved from an in-person event to a virtual medium to bring information, self-assessments, and awareness on themes for aging in place for an older population. By using virtual mediums, the event is working to cross the digital divide with an older generation by having them engage with different platforms.

This year, a virtual conference styled platform called HOPIN was added. The platform made sessions available on demand to the public audience.

» kmckinley@brandonsun.com