Halifax university hosts conference on the future of aging

Leading experts on longevity are in Halifax for a conference focused on the impact of an aging population.

A two-day conference in Halifax will explore how people can age with dignity and equity.

The third edition of the “Our Future is Aging” conference will be held at Mount Saint Vincent University on Tuesday and Wednesday. Major speakers include Dr. Anne Martin-Matthews from the University of British Columbia and Dr. Charlene Chu from the University of Toronto.

“With over 75 oral and poster presentations, the conference promises a dynamic and multidisciplinary program,” a news release reads. “Topics will range from health and caregiving to housing, policy, technology and beyond.”

Previous editions of the conference were held in 2012 and 2016.

“As Canada’s population grows older, the questions being asked at this conference matter more than ever, not just for researchers and policymakers, but for families, caregivers and communities across the country,” the release reads.

Nova Scotia Centre on Aging director Janice Keefe says the goal is to discuss how to stay healthy and live well into later life.

“There are 12,000 centenarians in Canada, people who live over 100. So, we are living much longer, and we really need to have research that moves into policy and practice,” says Keefe.

“It’s not just about older people. As a person who is younger, middle aged, you need to start thinking about this. Are you preparing for your retirement? Do you realize in your 40s and 50s that you are going to live another 50 years?”

The conference is focused on Atlantic Canada; however attendees are coming from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba.

“I think what this conference does is it allows people to have one-on-one conversations with experienced researchers, with policy makers,” says Keefe.

Genevieve Odoom, a York University PhD student, says she has learned a lot over the last two days.

“The aging population continues to grow and we don’t have the resources as a country to meet their care needs, so conferences like this raise awareness and reinforce the importance of the work we are doing,” says Odoom.

“I’ve learned a lot of insights and a lot about the research other colleagues, other researchers are doing, and it’s been great so far.”

When asked what to do to help ensure you stay healthy as you age, Keefe says keep moving.

“Exercise, it doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym, it could be walking, it could be lifting cans of peas to get some strength resistance. That’s huge absolutely huge,” she says.

“Social engagement, huge absolutely huge. Good housing, I mean all the social determinism of housing, having the appropriate housing for your needs. As well as I would say financial planning because that’s another huge thing, being aware of where governments are able to support you so you don’t have to wait until you have to go to a long-term care facility to get assistance.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Emma Convey.

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