embracing aging

Posted on Mar. 13, 2009 by Stefan Jonsson, Programs and Marketing Coordinator

Today Queenswood was very lucky to be present at the 50+ Active Living Celebration sponsored by Senior Living magazine.  This annual event has the look of a tradeshow, but  the heart of a dynamic community.  March is "Embrace Aging Month," an opportunity for all of us to rethink aging as a positive aspect of life.  Much of our culture seems to have a phobic attitude toward aging, but this event challenges us to celebrate it.  Over 100 organizations set up booths to show their products and services for the 50+ generation.  There were also concerts, demonstrations and lots of dancing at the main stage!

Sr. Marina and I were at the Queenswood booth.  We met hundreds of people, and shared about the wonderful opportunities Queenswood has to "embrace aging."  Many visitors were interested in Qigong: Activate the Healer Within and The Joys of Sage-ing® retreats coming up in April.  Others wanted to know more about our yoga program and other drop in classes.  What ties of all these programs together is Queenswood's general program focus: to explore identity, vocation and meaning in life.  And so it was such a joy to be able to contribute to this celebration of life with our own unique mission and mandate. 

I also had the opportunity to meet many other exhibiters today.  I was particularly interested in meeting exhibiters involved in caregiving and other helping professionals, as Queenswood has a special stream of programs devoted to supporting their health and wellness.  I also wanted to learn about what services others provide in Victoria.  I think it's important to be connected to all of these groups, because there are often ways in which we can support these other vital organizations.  I learned a lot more about the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria, which conducts research projects on topics such as aging and driving, healthcare, and assisted living.  They're a vital service to Victoria and even beyond our city.  After conducting their research, they bring together various community groups and service agencies to ensure that their reports contribute to the on-going development and improvement of services for seniors. 

Even though I'm still 25 years away from the age this event was created for, it was hard not to be delighted by the real celebrating that went on there.  It made me very proud to work at Queenswood, where we also love to love life at every single one of its stages.