Welcome to the Hamilton Council on Aging (HCoA) Spring 2025 Newsletter!

Welcome to the HCoA Spring 2025 Newsletter!🌷

We’re excited to kick off 2025 with our now seasonal newsletter! Each quarter, you’ll find fresh opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate positive aging.

This spring, there’s so much happening—from workshops and community events to opportunities to participate in local research. We’re especially excited to launch our annual Age-Friendly Hamilton community survey. This is your chance to share stories, celebrate successes, and inspire others.

We’re also planning a brand-new event—the HCoA Wellness Fair on October 4! We’re looking for local businesses serving the older-adult community to join us. Interested? Contact our Sustainability Committee at [email protected].

There’s lots to explore, so dive in and see what’s new with HCoA and our partners this season!

If this is your first time reading our newsletter, welcome! At the Hamilton Council on Aging, we work to make positive aging visible in our community. You can learn more about us on our website and catch up on our last newsletter here.

Creating OUR Age-Friendly Hamilton: Share Your Story!

By Shelagh Kiely, Projects Manager

Imagine a community where everyone, no matter their age or ability, can live with dignity, stay active, and fully participate in daily life. This is the vision behind the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities framework, which focuses on creating environments that are accessible, inclusive, and safe for all. By making changes that support older adults, we end up building a city that benefits everyone—fostering connection, participation, and well-being across all generations

In 2007, Hamilton became the first city in Ontario to join the Age-Friendly Cities movement, thanks to the vision and leadership of Dr. Margaret Denton. Hamilton introduced our first Age-Friendly Plan in 2014, and we’re now implementing our second five-year plan (2021-2026). The vision of Age-Friendly Hamilton reflects our city’s commitment to creating an inclusive community where residents are respected and included in community life, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, ability, or background. From young children to seniors, we’re all benefiting from an Age-Friendly Hamilton.

As someone who’s had the privilege of working with the Age-Friendly initiative for a decade, I’ve come to see the world through this lens. It’s the small details that make a big difference. For instance, when my young daughter races up our steep stairs, I can’t help but think how much easier (and less stressful) life would be if there were a washroom on our main floor. Or when we’re pulling her wagon over an uneven sidewalk, I’m reminded of how challenging that same path could be for someone using a walker. These may seem like small things, but they’re everyday reminders that fuel my commitment to being a part of creating a city that works better for everyone.

Building an Age-Friendly Community Together

Creating an Age-Friendly Hamilton is a shared effort, with each of us playing a role. Whether it’s clearing snow from sidewalks, supporting the well-being of our neighbours, or ensuring that our businesses are accessible and welcoming, every action contributes to making our city a better place for all.

Local businesses are stepping up by embracing accessibility, offering services like home delivery. Places of worship are installing door buttons,

ramps and accessible washrooms. Transportation, like Hamilton Street Railway’s low-floor buses, make it easier for everyone to get around. Medical professionals are offering a range of appointment options, including virtual visits, in-office consultations, and even home visits, to better serve all residents.

Hamilton also boasts a variety of programs that provide seniors with options to be active and engaged. We have many seniors’ centres that offer a wide range of social and recreational programs to meet a variety of needs and interests. Community centres, libraries, and local organizations host walking groups, book clubs, art, and educational workshops, fostering connection and activity. Virtual skills programs are available for seniors who would like help to navigate online services, learn how to stay connected to loved ones and connect to important resources. Intergenerational programs are building stronger connections between generations, while academic and research partners are advancing research to further develop OUR Age-Friendly Hamilton. This is just a snapshot of the incredible work happening across our city. And we know there is so much more going on!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

From March 1 to March 31, 2025, we invite you to share your 2024 Age-Friendly Success Story!

For the past 4 years, we’ve been conducting a community survey to collect and highlight impactful Age-Friendly Success Stories taking place in Hamilton. Last year, we received 81 stories (you can read these stories at www.hamilton.ca/agefriendly), and this year, we hope to double that number!

By sharing your story and efforts to make our community Age-Friendly, big or small, you are building connections and inspiring others to create more positive change!

To Complete the 2024 Age-Friendly Hamilton Success Survey, visit www.coahamilton.ca or www.hamilton.ca/agefriendly.

Do you know someone who’s making a difference in our community? Share this survey with them!

You can also reach out to me directly at 905-920-7721 to request alternative methods or complete the survey in a different language. Let’s work together to build an Age-Friendly Hamilton—one story, one change, one action at a time!

Join us for Spring 2025 Seniors4Change Workshops

By Shelagh Kiely, Projects Manager

The United Way Seniors4Change program is back this spring, offering free workshops designed to support older adults in our community. Whether you’re looking for ways to stay active, navigate your healthcare options and services available to you, or simply connect with others, our workshops are here to help you age positively and with confidence!

We’re thankful to the United Way Halton & Hamilton for making this program possible. Our incredible peer educator volunteers, who bring both professional experience and personal knowledge, are at the heart of what we do. Thanks to them, we can offer workshops that empower and provide you with knowledge to feel informed and supported.

New Workshop: Advanced Care Planning – What’s That?

This spring, we’re excited to bring to you a new workshop: Advanced Care Planning – What’s That? Designed and led by Ruth E. Forbes MScN, RN, and Dr. Nora Curran-Blaney, this session will help you navigate important conversations about healthcare decisions for the future.

In this workshop, Ruth and Nora will discuss what it means to be a Substitute Decision Maker, how to talk with loved ones about healthcare decisions—including end-of-life care—and how to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected. These conversations can be tough, but they’re important. This workshop is open to anyone who wants to feel more prepared for the future and learn how to communicate their wishes.

Join us for one of these three upcoming workshops!

Thursday, March 6, 10-11:30am (Virtual)

Thursday, March 20, 10-11:30am at St. Mark’s Church (Highland Hills), Dundas

Thursday, April 10, 2-3:30pm at Amica Dundas

We’re also excited to announce new dates for our 3-Part Navigating the Healthcare System Series and 6-Part Positive Aging Series, beginning this March. Join us at a Seniors4Change workshop!

Navigating the Health Care System (3-part series) – Learn to understand and navigate the healthcare system.
Mondays, 10-11:30am at Amica Stoney Creek, March 10–24.

Positive Aging (6-part series) – Get practical tips and the latest research for aging well. This series covers 6 topics: What is Normal Aging, Social Health, Nutrition, Cognitive Health, Safety in the Home, and Physical Health.
Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm at St. Mark’s Church (Highland Hills), Dundas, March 12–April 16.

To register for an upcoming workshop, visit www.coahamilton.ca/workshops or call 905-920-7721.

How to register

We’d also love to hear from you to organize a free workshop or series for your seniors’ group or organization! Don’t forget to ask about our Let’s Get Moving workshops (Let’s Take the Bus, Let’s Drive a Car, and Let’s Start a Walking Group). Contact Shelagh at [email protected] or 905-920-7721.

This photo captures Cathy Thomas, a peer facilitator, leading a workshop for a group of engaged participants in October 2024 at 541 Eatery & Exchange.

Nicole Dalmer, HCOA Committee Member, named Global Fellow in End-of-Life Care

We are excited to congratulate Nicole Dalmer — Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging at McMaster University, faculty member, and member of our Community Outreach Committee — on being named an inaugural Global Fellow in End-of-Life Care through the Completed Life Initiative and Death with Dignity.

Nicole is the only Canadian selected for this prestigious fellowship, where she will collaborate with a global network of experts to rethink how we approach and talk about end-of-life care. Her specific project will explore how and where older adults access and use information on aging, death, and end-of-life issues, with the goal of sparking more open, meaningful conversations that empower individuals and communities to navigate these difficult topics with confidence and support.

Nicole’s groundbreaking research and leadership in this important area will help shape the future of end-of-life care and bring much-needed awareness to issues that affect us all.

Photo of members of MICE Haldimand and participants at event

This photo captures members of MICE Haldimand and participants attending a special event

Dementia Empowerment Network (DEN):

Connecting, Developing, and Leading Dementia-Friendly Communities with People Living with Dementia

By Anita Gombos Hill, Project Co-Lead

On January 17, 2025, the DEN launched its very first large online Zoom Meeting which allowed people who live with dementia, dementia allies, and care partners to connect from eight different community-based dementia empowerment groups. Participants included residents from Maple Ridge, BC, Hamilton, Haldimand, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Halton. Another online meeting was held on February 5, 2025. These events were a huge success!

The DEN is a catalyst for collective action and capacity building for the equitable inclusion of people living with dementia and collaborations with project partners and local organizations. Early evidence from the first phase of the project (2020-2023) suggests improved quality of life for people living with dementia involved in groups and the efficacy of groups in affecting positive change at a community level.

Through co-design and collaboration with people living with dementia, we are uncovering how DEN positively impacts individuals and communities by addressing social determinants of health, reducing inequities, and advancing people-centered care through community-led engagement. The success of co-designed, co-led, and co-implemented community development initiatives relies on a participatory approach, where community members collaborate with organizations, families, care partners, and local communities to ensure the initiatives meet their needs. This approach also encourages a sense of pride, ownership, and responsibility among people who live with dementia, fostering a more resilient community.

Consequently, not only do these initiatives play a significant role in the

advancement of dementia friendly communities, but they also serve as models for broader societal change of having people living with any sort of diagnosis be empowered to actively participate in shaping their communities, advocating for their needs, and contributing to decisions that impact their lives.

If you are interested in more information about the DEN please visit the www.denvoices.ca website or contact Anita Gombos Hill Project Co-lead at [email protected]

Save the Date – HCOA Wellness Fair taking place October 4, 2025

Registration for Older Adult Programs to open March 19, 2025

By Heather Watson, Director

Spring 2025 programs for adults aged 55+ at Ancaster, Flamborough, and Sackville Hill Senior Centres will open for review starting March 5, 2025. Registration for programs starts at 8:00 am on March 19-21, 2025 according to the City of Hamilton Older Adult 55+ Website.

The programs are scheduled to begin April 2025.

These Senior Centres offer drop-in classes for adults age 55+ but best to register.

Senior Centre membership is required.

In November 2024, the Recreation Division launched a new online registration system. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the new software.

Questions or assistance required? [email protected] or 905-546-3747.

Step into spring by trying a new activity! The Social Participation Resource Guide is also available here.

To Market, To Market:

Farmers Markets Across Hamilton are a great place to meet!

By Heather Watson, Director

Meet me at the market? Sure, but which one? That will soon be the question with farmers’ markets across Hamilton set to open up again. Of course, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market on York Boulevard is open year-round, but there are a number of smaller seasonal markets to explore as the snow melts and the blossoms begin to bloom. What a lovely thought.

The Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market is the first of these to open on April 6, 2025. They run until December 28, 2025 every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Locke Street Farmers’ Market returned in May last year and operated Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Also back in May will be the Waterdown Farmers’ Market also on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Why not plan ahead and visit both in one Saturday?

For your mid-week needs, check out the Stoney Creek Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm from June 11, 2025 to October 8, 2025. Not in the East End? Scoot on over to the Ancaster Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays between 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm from June to October.

The markets in Hamilton are a great space to meet friends, build community, and to learn and try new things. In addition to the farmers’ markets, there are many privately owned farms that open their doors to the community. They are a trove for sourcing ingredients or for finding a quick bite.

Photo of Hamilton Farmers’ Market – Source: Tourism Hamilton, credit to @mayamaceka on IG

With loneliness known to cause health concerns in some according to CBC reporting, it is important to remember that socializing is just as important to our health as maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle. By visiting a farmers’ market, you can check a lot of boxes of your wellness to-do list all while supporting local businesses and buying local.