Older adults are a vital part of the community, yet they may face obstacles to donating their time and skills to organizations, Brock University research has shown.
A policy brief from Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory (NCO), “Change in an Evolving Niagara: Navigating the Age-Friendly Communities Movement and Volunteerism,” explores ways to make it easier for older adults to volunteer, which also boosts their sense of well-being.
The research will be presented Thursday, April 24 at 1 p.m. in the Accursi Room at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill, followed by a meeting of the Niagara Older Adult Alliance. Members of the public are welcome to stay for both portions of the event.
The NCO brief explores the formation and continuing work of the local age-friendly movement against a backdrop of demographic and post-pandemic changes in the region and shares recommendations for making Niagara a more age-friendly community.
“People getting into retirement, and those who are active in their 70s and even 80s, are valuable resources who have much to offer to the community,” says Associate Professor of Health Sciences Miya Narushima, co-author of the brief.
Co-author Aliya Aragon, a fourth-year Public Health student, says volunteering is not only altruistic, but “also provides a social safety net and benefits to the economy, things that will help Niagara continue to grow and develop.”
A panel of representatives from community organizations will discuss the NCO brief following the presentation.
Those interested in attending can register on ExperienceBU.
Event details:
- What: Presentation of NCO policy brief, “Change in an Evolving Niagara: Navigating the AgeFriendly Communities Movement and Volunteerism.”
- Why: To encourage planning for ways to make Niagara a more age-friendly community.
- When: Thursday, April 24, 1 to 2:15 p.m.
- Where: Accursi Room, Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill.
- Who: Presentation by Brock University researchers Miya Narushima, Associate Professor of Health Sciences, and Aliya Aragon, a fourth-year Public Health student. Discussion to follow by panellists Dominic Ventresca, Chair, Age-Friendly Niagara Council Interim Board; Jean D’Amelio-Swyer, Chair, Thorold Age-Friendly Committee; and Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director, South Niagara Chambers of Commerce.
