Two Day Session on Aging in the North

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  With the population of northern BC aging, there is an increasing need to undertake the planning and develop the services necessary for older citizens to have healthy and fulfilling retirement years in the North. 

To address this growing need, the University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Health, and the BC Network for Aging Research (BCNAR) in partnership with the BC Rural and Remote Health Research Network (BCRRHRN), the Network Environments for Aborig­inal Research BC (NEARBC) and the BC Home and Community Care Research Network (HCCRN) are hosting an exciting event at the Civic Centre in Prince George, this Wednesday and Thursday.

Researchers, community groups, seniors, health service planners and care providers will be coming  together to discuss what it means to age well in northern, rural and remote communities.  Special attention will be paid to sharing successes and challenges in addressing the effects of social and geographic isolation on northern seniors’ health and wellbeing.

The event will be launched at 8:30 Wednesday morning with  a keynote panel.  Panelists include,  Alex Michalos, UNBC Chancellor, Professor Emeritus and Director of the Institute for Social Research and Evaluation; Cathy Ulrich, CEO of Northern Health; Bev Christensen, President, Prince George Council of Seniors and Marilyn Wheeler, long time health activist in the Robson Valley. 

Panelists will speak to what policies and programs are contributing to the health and wellness of older residents as well as issues that require attention.

The two  day event is free but organizers say registration is required. A limited number of travel subsidies are available for participants living outside Prince George.  Arrangements have also been made so anyone unable to attend in person, may attend on the internet via WEBX. 

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