By Adam Frisk, Local Journalisim Initiative Reporter
The Haliburton Legion was buzzing with conversation and connection last week, as more than 50 residents gathered for the Seniors Active Living Fair.
Organized in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario, the March 13 event featured resources, education, and perhaps more importantly, connection.
“We love the opportunity to bring people together, to share information and community resources,” Sue Tiffin, the director of community outreach for the County of Haliburton, said. “We jumped at the chance to host this.”
Last June, the County of Haliburton became a Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) operator. The fair featured 16 exhibitors and a handful of guest speakers, covering everything from health and safety to emergency preparedness and community programs.
Jon Louch, a Haliburton resident who attended with his wife, said the amount of support available within the community was eye-opening.
“I thought as a senior it was something that I could benefit from, and I was right,” Louch said. “The most surprising thing [was] just how many resources are available to seniors and how to access those resources.”
While some seniors struggle to find a way to stay active, Louch credited his family for keeping him moving. With a son living and working in Haliburton and two grandchildren nearby, his retirement is anything but slow.
“Instead of going to work every day, my time is entirely my own and my wife’s,” Louch explained. “Our grandchildren keep us motivated and busy and active… an event like this just helps us discover what else is available to us.”
When asked for advice on how to encourage other seniors who might be hesitant to step out or get active, Louch had a simple message.
“There are many resources available. They’re easily accessible,” he said. “Just do a Google search on anything, and you’ll probably find something of interest.”
Social isolation is a primary concern for older adults, particularly those who have recently lost a partner or are new to the area. Tiffin said the fair aimed to tackle this by encouraging attendees to introduce themselves to their neighbours and explore group activities. She recalled an encounter from the SALC’s initial launch last year that highlights why these programs are vital.
“One person came up to me, she was 80. She had been a caregiver her whole life… she had recently decided that it was now time in her life to do what she wanted and to look after herself,” Tiffin said. “She was really excited about the programming opening up so that she could get out and live her life.”
The director of community outreach said she was pleased with the turnout at the event and noted that many of the names on the registration list were new to her.
“Some people have come alone, some people brought a friend or got a ride from a neighbour,” Tiffin explained. “It’s a great event to see everyone come together and start looking at the program and asking, ‘What are we going to go to together?’”
