For over a decade the Dialogue on Aging public presentations have provided learning opportunities for seniors and others via a range of topics and a variety of speakers - researchers, clinicians and others who bring an array of expertise and experience.
This year we are pleased to announce our partnership with the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, UBC to expand the delivery of our free in person and virtual public presentations on healthy aging.
Every 3 to 4 months there is a new theme for the presentations. Each theme includes an in-person lecture at a local and accessible Vancouver venue, with free refreshments, as well as 2 to 3 virtual presentations.
Our Theme for Fall is Cognition, Memory and Aging:
Oct 31, 2024
Virtual Presentation at 2 PM
We now recognize the importance of lifestyle behaviors in promoting healthy cognitive aging and prevention dementia. However, less is known about the impact of lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity, on cognitive outcomes in those at risk for dementia, such as those with mild cognitive impairment. In this presentation, we will highlight past and recent research from the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at the University of British Columbia that focus on increasing our understanding of how we can promote cognitive health in at risk older adults.
Nov 14, 2024
Virtual Presentation at 2 PM
Large scale epidemiological studies around the world have established potential modifiable risk factors for dementia. The latest update was published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia this summer, with fourteen factors (Livingston et al, The Lancet, online July 31st 2024). Some are relevant to early life such as less education, most are relevant to mid-life and the rest late life. Many can be grouped under cardiovascular risks such as high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity, lack of physical activity. One can be surprising: air pollution. Others stood out during the COVID pandemic: social isolation, hearing and visual impairment. Traumatic brain injury became established in studying professional football players. Finally, depression and excessive alcohol are common. Other modifiable factors may be confirmed in the future with more evidence, such as dental disease and impaired sleep.
For the Canadian population the following risk factors have been identified as the most important: physical inactivity, hearing loss, obesity, and hypertension.
Sept 25, 2024
Presentation at 2 PM, VanDusen Botanical Garden
This presentation explores the impact of social isolation and stigma which pose the greatest threat to living well with dementia. Research indicates that fun, friendships and community are transformative in aging well. Similarly, activities that are meaningful, involve learning, and involve co-creation are key to living well with dementia. Strengths-based approaches that focus on creativity and imagination are essential supports of persons living with dementia, as well as their caregivers. Participation in the arts and music adds to the richness of life while teaching important skills that support the identity of the person living with memory loss and that are vital to their well-being and quality of life.
Our Theme for Spring 2024 was Society, Culture and Aging:
June 27, 2024
Virtual Presentation at 2 PM
Dr. Sinha discussed the importance of supporting older Canadians to age successfully in their own communities, known as “ageing in place,” emphasizing the need for responsive systems and services. He presented a framework for understanding “Ageing in the Right Place” (AIRP), highlighting stories of successful ageing and share best practices to reduce unnecessary admissions to Long Term Care.
May 31, 2024
Virtual Presentation at 2 PM
The presentation described the reckoning that has begun as we evolve from an ageist society, and how the identity of aging is changing. She shared ways to explore the complex thoughts and feelings associated with the process of aging. Dr. Khayat has provided the link to the chapter on Identity, from the book The Future of Aging, which she co-authored.
April 17, 2024
Virtual Presentation at 2 PM
Dr. Kow discussed a range of strategies that seniors with diverse abilities and needs can use to strengthen and sustain their well-being. These include building resilience, recognizing the significance of maintaining purpose and meaning in life, and using creative ways to address issues of frailty.
Our Theme for Winter was Mental Health and Aging:
March 27, 2024
VanDusen Garden
Dr. Puterman presented information about the wide scope of stressful experiences that impact our health and wellbeing, the pathways through which these occur, and what we can do about it. Specifically, he presented findings from a set of studies showing how movement-based activities can promote health and wellbeing, even deep into our cells, in adults undergoing adversity across the life course.
February 14, 2024
Virtual Presentation
Our personal narratives, mental models and mindsets help us make sense of the world, our relationships and the events of our lives. They can provide us with a sense of meaning and purpose but they may also limit and constrain us. In this presentation, you will learn how we create our stories and how we can adapt and transform them to achieve our positive potential in this life and experience greater peace and happiness.
January 24, 2024
Virtual Presentation
The THRIVE© Approach to Wellbeing uniquely integrates key findings from science of well-being, brain neuroplasticity, resilience, preventative medicine, and behaviour change.
Dialogue on Aging Presentations 2023 Recordings
Innovating Together: Co-Developing Tech Solutions in the UBC IDEA Lab - Lillian Hung, Dec 6. WATCH RECORDING
Alzheimer Society of BC Interview with Barbara Lindsay and Jim Mann, December 6. WATCH RECORDING
Digital Care Work - Kim Sawchuk, Nov 7. WATCH RECORDING
Measured, monitored, optimized: Digital technologies and quantified aging - Barbara Marshall, October 18.
WATCH RECORDING
Can Dementia be Prevented? - Serge Gauthier, April 21. WATCH RECORDING
CLICK HERE to view previous recordings (2020 - 2022).
