Annual Healthy Aging Fair connects hundreds of Sudbury seniors with vital services

The annual Healthy Aging Fair connected older adults with more than 60 local support agencies on Wednesday. Amanda Hicks has more.

The Caruso Club was a hub of activity on Wednesday as hundreds of older adults gathered for the annual Healthy Aging Fair, an event dedicated to helping Sudbury’s seniors age in place.

Organized by the city’s Older Adult Advisory Panel for over a decade, the fair serves as a critical nexus between the community and support agencies.

“Not only is it good for the community, but it’s good for the agencies because then they can connect,” said Sherri Moroso, a community initiatives and engagement coordinator with the City of Greater Sudbury.

“But really and truly, it’s about connecting people to people and trying to help our older adults age in place.”

Vital resource for the community

For attendees like Lise Prevost, who arrived with her friend Winnie Sarginson, the fair is an invaluable guide.

“A fair like this helps you find good supports,” Prevost said.

Sarginson, a first-time visitor, told CTV News that she found the experience enlightening.

“We didn’t know any of the support groups here, but it’s very interesting,” Sarginson said.

“We’ll bring it back to our club and let them know what’s happening in the area.”

With more than 60 organizations present, the range of services was extensive.

The Sudbury Espanola Manitoulin Elliot Lake Ontario Health Team was on hand to connect patients with local healthcare systems.

Executive Director Sue Lebeau outlined a primary concern they are working to address.

“Some concerns that we’re hearing from older adults is, it ranges from attachment to primary care teams for those who don’t have a primary care provider,” Lebeau said.

Addressing isolation and expanding initiatives

Paul Pasanen of Sudbury Queers United Around Diversity (SQUAD) highlighted the particular challenges faced by older 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

“I think older adults in general can become isolated as social activities become more difficult,” Pasanen said.

“But – I think especially with queer populations who spend a lot of time isolating and being in the closet and, you know, they’re even more impacted by not interacting with people.”

Moroso said the City of Greater Sudbury is actively developing new supports.

“We have Spark Street, which is a new housing project,” she said.

“We have community paramedicine, which is now a fully funded program that has grown love and support. We also share regularly community notices on events, anything that comes up. Most older adults like paper copy or news. So, we’re trying to work with that.”

Growing need for senior services

The fair’s importance is underscored by local demographics. According to 2021 Statistics Canada data, 20 per cent of Sudbury’s population are older adults, a figure higher than the national average.

Jackie Balleny, who attended the fair with her parents, affirmed its value while acknowledging the growing need.

“Things are confusing and in your senior years, it can be really difficult to figure out what you need,” she said.

Balleny called the collective effort a positive step.

“The fact that we have so many agencies here, and that they are here and that they are reaching out to seniors and seniors are coming here, that’s a great start,” she said.

“But do we have enough? No, we never have enough.”