By Jennifer Gray, Volunteer Writer
Township of Senior Symposium – June 12, 2025
Last month older adults and caregivers were treated to an information-packed day and complimentary luncheon hosted by the Township of Tiny’s Senior Advisory Committee (SAC).
The morning kicked off with a presentation by Jenna Wickens on the Grandpals Program. This is a unique intergenerational program that connects elementary school classes with a small team of GrandPals (adults 55+) for weekly conversations through storytelling. Volunteers are trained as a Grandpal to meet with students in their classroom and share their history. The volunteer is well supported in the process, working in collaboration with the host teacher and program collaborator.
This was followed with a comprehensive session on Dementia Care led by Tom Johnston from Trustwell Senior Care. Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses various types of brain changes including Alzheimer’s Disease. These changes often begin altering brain chemistry long before any outward symptoms appear. Emerging caregiver practices such as PAC (Positive Approach to Care) focus on utilizing the skills and abilities that remain with a person. This method has been shown to reduce friction and increase positive care outcomes.
The third presentation of the morning was on Fostering Connection with older adults by Cindy Marshall and Georgina Megans from North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services. Older adults are facing growing rates of social isolation and loneliness. It is globally recognized that socially engaged adults experience both better mental and physical health. It is therefore important that communities develop initiatives to support and involve their seniors.
During the hour-long lunch break, attendees had the opportunity to socialize and peruse the perimeter of the room to collect information from community organizations and service providers. Representatives shared information on seniors’ social clubs, hospice care, vulnerable seniors’ programs, paramedic services and mental health care, among others.
After lunch, Anneliese Kelley from the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health delivered a presentation on mental health services offered by the Ontario government called Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program. The program offers free cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat emotional issues including depression, anxiety and stress. The services are guided by a clinician or coach and can be done in self-led, individual, or group settings. The programs are approximately 6-16 weeks and can be virtual, by telephone or in person, depending on need.
The final presentation presented lighter fare and fun. Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist Kelly Lefaive led a workshop on the benefits of music for physical and mental health.
The event was a big success and credit is given to the organizers and volunteers who worked hard to put it on. The township welcomes new volunteers who would like to help out with similar events. For those interested visit www.tiny.ca/volunteer.
For more information on the day’s presentations please see the following:
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Township of Tiny Senior’s Advisory Committee. We invite and welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can make Senior Tiny Times a valuable information resource for our Seniors.
Website: www.tiny.ca/seniors
Phone: 705-526-4204
Email: seniors@tiny.ca