June is Seniors Month!
Seniors Month is a time to celebrate the contributions older adults make to our families, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and communities. Through volunteering, mentorship, caregiving, advocacy, and leadership, you help make Hamilton a stronger and more connected community.
Seniors Month is also a time to recognize the programs, services, and supports that help people age positively. The Hamilton Council on Aging is committed to building an age-friendly Hamilton that values, respects, and honours the wisdom and leadership of older adults. We extend our sincere thanks for the many ways you contribute to and enrich community life.
In this edition, we invite you to take a few minutes this June to share your voice on the next Age-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive Plan (2021–2031). You’ll also find timely information on staying safe during extreme heat, upcoming community events and notices to help you stay connected, and important updates to legislation that help you keep your Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) up to date. We’ve also included a few opportunities for you to participate in local research!
If this is your first time reading our newsletter, welcome! At the Hamilton Council on Aging, we work together to make positive aging visible in Hamilton. You can learn more about us on our website and catch up on our last newsletter there.
Twenty Years of Building an Age-Friendly Hamilton: Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
By Dr. Margaret Denton
As published in The Hamilton Spectator, June 12, 2026
In 2007, I attended an international conference where the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of Age-Friendly Communities (AFC). What struck me most was the recognition that positive aging is shaped not only by health care, but also by the communities in which we live. The discussions focused on practical questions: Can older adults easily get where they need to go? Do they feel connected and included? Can they access the services, programs, and supports they need to live well? I left thinking about Hamilton.
I saw great potential for our city to lead this work. Hamilton already had dedicated community organizations, volunteers, and older adults working to make a difference. The Age-Friendly approach offered a way to bring those efforts together around a shared vision: creating a community where everyone can age with dignity, connection, and opportunity. So, I returned from the conference with determination to engage our city to plan for an age-friendly community.
Age-friendly community concept by Dr. Margaret Denton; image created using ChatGPT (OpenAI).
Hamilton became the first city in Ontario to join the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities initiative. The AFC initiative supports the WHO healthy aging goals by promoting environments that enable older adults to live healthier and more active lives. With input from older adults, the Hamilton Council on Aging worked with the City of Hamilton, their Seniors Advisory Council, and community partners to develop and implement two five-year age friendly plans. The 2021-2026 Plan also included a dementia friendly component. Key features of the plans include creating accessible environments, promoting social inclusion of older adults, and providing services that meet the needs of older adults and ensuring that they can have access to healthcare, social and recreational services.
Hamilton’s Age-Friendly & Dementia Inclusive Community Plan (2027-2031) is now being developed. The strongest age-friendly plans have always started with community voices. Planning decisions should be informed by the people who live, work, volunteer, care for others and age in Hamilton. It should include a wide range of diverse voices and ages. As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of Age-Friendly Hamilton, I invite Hamilton residents 50+ to help shape what comes next. We want to hear your story, your ideas, and your vision for the future of our community.
Please consider:
· Completing the age-friendly survey
· Visiting community feedback boards across Hamilton neighbourhoods
· Sharing ideas at community events and fairs throughout June
· Participating in community conversations and focus groups
Please visit for more information visit agefriendlyhamilton.com
Dr Margaret Denton is a Professor Emeritus, Department of Health and Aging, McMaster University and a founding Board member of the Hamilton Council on Aging.
Summer is coming… Staying safe in extreme heat.
By: Ashley Sumler
Now is the time to prepare for summer heat! The forecast for heat in Hamilton, ON, for 2026 indicates a period of above average temperatures, with a potential for extreme heat events.
The Government of Canada’s annual global mean temperature forecast suggests that 2026 will likely be among the hottest years on record. This trend aligns with the predictions of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which
anticipates a hotter than usual summer season particularly in July and August. Now is the time to make a plan to ensure you, your pets, neighbours and loved ones stay safe this summer.
Preparing in advance and having strategies to ensure you are staying cool in heat events is incredibly important, especially for those who have limited access to private air-conditioned spaces. Good news is that Hamilton is prepared and has demonstrated in previous years, there are many resources available to access should you need support staying cool this summer. Check out the links below to access more information and to stay alerted to the current heat advisories in Hamilton!
Tips to protect yourself from extreme heat: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html
For locations of cooling centres and the most up to date info on heat warnings in Hamilton: https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/environmental-health-hazards/heat-warnings-heat-related-illness
Stay Connected: Celebrate Seniors Month in Hamilton!
June is Seniors Month in Hamilton, a time to celebrate, connect, and recognize the contributions older adults make to our community every day.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Seniors Kick-Off Event on June 11 at Michelangelo Banquet Centre. With more than 500 seniors in attendance, it was an incredible day filled with connection, information, and fun.
From seniors fairs and community BBQs to bike rides and street festivals, we’ve had a busy month and we’re not done yet. Here are a few upcoming events being hosted by community partners, where you can connect, learn, and celebrate seniors in Hamilton.
Upcoming Events
Good Shepherd Open House Seniors Celebration
June 18, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd, 10 Pearl St. N., Hamilton
All are welcome. No registration required.
Black Seniors Brain Health Forum
June 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ACCA Community & Banquet Centre, 754 Barton St. E., Hamilton
Learn practical tips for healthy aging and brain health. Register: https://forms.gle/3F6nejp23yeSF3sC7
Welcome Inn Community BBQ
June 26, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Inn Community Centre, 40 Wood St. E., Hamilton
No registration required.
Hamilton Police Service Seniors Fair (at Sackville Hill)
June 30, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sackville Hill Seniors Recreation Centre, 780 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton
Meet local organizations and learn about community resources. No registration required.
LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED?
Explore the City of Hamilton Seniors Month Schedule and the Hamilton Public Library Seniors Month lineup for free events and activities happening throughout June.
June 15 to 21 is Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week
Simple acts of connection can make a big difference. Whether it’s saying hello, sharing a coffee, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby together, every interaction helps build a more connected community.
Visit Genwell – Canada’s Human Connection Movement – GenWell for more ideas and resources on reducing social isolation and strengthening social connections.
Let’s make this Seniors Month one filled with connection, inclusion, and community!
Senior of the Year Awards – Nominations open until June 30!
The City of Hamilton is proud to celebrate the 31st annual Senior of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding residents aged 65 and older who make meaningful contributions to our community through volunteerism and civic engagement. Nominations are open from April 28 to June 30, 2026, and community members are encouraged to nominate deserving seniors.
Nominations can be submitted online or via printable forms, available at Municipal Service Centres and local seniors’ centres. The awards ceremony will take place on October 15, 2026, at the Michelangelo Events and Conference Centre.
Learn more and nominate at: www.hamilton.ca/SeniorsAwards
Updates to law helps seniors keep RRIF up to date
By: Heather Watson, Watson Estates
Recently, Ontario did amend several statutes including the Succession Law Reform Act (“SLRA”). The SLRA tells us how RRIFs and other registered plans are dealt with after death of the owner/subscriber.
Last year, I wrote an article called, “Turning 71? Take these steps to ensure your RRIF is up to date”. In that article, I wrote about how an owner/subscriber of an RRSP must be proactive in updating their beneficiaries after the RRSP converts to a RRIF at age 71 because any beneficiaries on an RRSP do not automatically carry over to the RRIF. It was noted that this can be a problem if the owner/subscriber is no longer mentally capable at 71. Unless the government amends law, it is up to individuals to be vigilant in planning around their potential future incapacity by addressing RRSPs and RRIFs in a Will.
Recently updated, amended statutes including the Succession Law Reform Act (“SLRA”). The SLRA tells us how RRIFs and other registered plans are dealt with after death of the owner/subscriber.
Before the recent amendments, an attorney for property or guardian was not expressly authorized under statute to update the beneficiaries on the RRIF of a person whose property they were managing. It was a complicated grey area of the law because an attorney/guardian is not allowed to do anything considered “testamentary”, that is, anything that would have the result of disposing of property of the grantor upon their death. Beneficiary designations do just that by resulting in a transfer of the asset to the beneficiary after death of the owner/subscriber.
When there is no beneficiary on a RRIF or other registered plan, like a tax-free savings account, then those assets must be paid to the owner’s estate upon their death which can result in or increase the amount of Estate Administration Tax payable to the Ontario government.
Under the new rules, a guardian/attorney for property can make a beneficiary designation for the incapable owner/subscriber on the RRIF (or other registered plan) in cases where (1) there was an existing beneficiary designation, and (2) the RRIF or other registered plan is being or has been converted, renewed, replaced, or transferred. The designation being made by the guardian/attorney must the same person(s) that had been designated on the RRIF before the conversion, renewal, replacement, or transfer. This will allow a guardian/attorney to ensure that an incapable person’s RRIF maintains the same beneficiaries as were on the RRSP before conversion in cases where the owner/subscriber is unable to do so themselves.
The new amendment still does not allow an attorney or guardian to add a new beneficiary where none existed before, even if the proposed beneficiary is the person that would ultimately receive the benefit after the registered plan is paid to the estate of the owner/subscriber. For that reason, it is still important to ensure that you are proactive at the outset in naming beneficiaries on your RRSP/RRIF and TFSA, and that you keep them up to date. While your attorney for property can ensure that your beneficiaries remain consistent after conversion, renewal, or transfer, they cannot add them where none existed and they cannot change them from what you, as the owner, last designated yourself.
Opportunities to Participate in Research
Participants Wanted: Health Monitoring Systems for Memory Care Study
Researchers at McMaster University, led by Dr. Anthea Innes in collaboration with Dr. Rhong Zheng and Dr. Natalia Nikolova, are seeking people living with dementia, care partners, and memory care staff to help shape the future of health monitoring technology.
The study will explore a non-contact monitoring system that uses wireless technology to detect small movements, such as breathing and heart rate, to support safety and care in memory care settings.
Participants will take part in three focus groups at Ressam Gardens or McMaster University, with a virtual option available. Participants will receive a $15 gift card and refreshments.
To learn more or express interest, contact Roniksha Kumar at kumarr11@mcmaster.ca.
This study has received ethics approval from the McMaster University Research Ethics Board (#7390).
Save the Date: Wellness Fair & Walk for Health Returns October 3
Mark your calendar. The HCoA annual Wellness Fair & Walk for Health is moving to a larger venue and will take place at Eastgate Square on Saturday, October 3!
This year’s indoor event will feature a Walk for Health and a vibrant Senior Wellness Fair, connecting older adults with local programs, services, and resources that support positive aging.
Early-bird rates:
• $135 for businesses
• $45 for not-for-profit organizations
!!!Sponsorship opportunities are still available and range from $1,500 to $5,000.