Ottawa’s population is getting older and demand is growing for programs in the city that help older adults stay healthy, active and independent. On Wednesday, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) hosted a free Fall Health Fair at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre to help connect seniors and their caregivers with local supports. Douglas Kwong, a senior living in Ottawa, attended the fair. “I’m looking for things like exercises for seniors, and I find I need more exercise, especially in the winter,” says Kwong. While browsing the many booths, Kwong discovered other services seniors can access in the city. “I didn’t know there’s an app you can get on your phone to do a hearing test yourself… that’s a good thing. I’m going to try it out when I get home." Stephane Girard came to the health fair in search of information on hearing aids. “I’m 58 and my mother is 80, I thought I’d come check it out. I just went for a hearing test recently, so I’ll check out to see what they’ve got available, and the price. I need them,” explains Girard. Ottawa’s senior population grew nearly 20 per cent between 2016 and 2021. The City of Ottawa says there are now more seniors than children under the age of 15 living in Ottawa, and by 2031 seniors are expected to make up more than one in five people living in the capital. The Fall Heath Fair is showcasing some of the resources for other residents all under one roof. Kiwi Martel-Bryden, an Ottawa Public Health nurse, says the event is for, “anyone who has seniors in their life that they’re trying to support. There are plenty of different services in Ottawa that are available to them that are free or at low cost.” Dozens of organizations were on hand with information about the services they offer. Flo’s Seniors connect primarily older Afro-Caribbean Canadians, as well as other seniors and their caregivers to local supports in the community. “Flo’s Seniors came about by us helping our parents,” Joanne Robinson, the executive director and founder of Flo’s Seniors, said. “The resources that we provided and found for them, we are now proving for others. We make those phone calls...and we give that to the seniors and to the family members, because quite often the family’ is working and by the time you get home from work the places are closed. So, we try to so that in one nutshell for everyone.” Some of the support programs start with something as simple as staying active. “You have to stay active forever!” exclaims Anita Findlay, program coordinator at the Churchill Senior Recreation Centre. “There’s no end age, there’s no limitation to your ability. We can find a program that can suit your needs and meet your where you’re at, and we want to try to be in your neighbourhood because you’re more than likely to go then.” Other programs on offer for seniors at the fall fair included community health centres, Meals on Wheels, dementia and hearing services, financial supports and community paramedics offering health screenings. The city also says calling 211 can connect older adults and caregivers with community, financial and social services.
