The program launched with a welcome from Women Owned Narratives’ Ornela Thieba, speakers Valerie Bautista talking about the six key pillars of brain health, Tiffany Morin sharing the value of planning for retirement to include leisure activities and not just financial planning and Paisley Churchill sharing that with one in 9 Canadians currently playing a caregiver role and one in four predicted to be a caregiver, it is time to ensure caregivers has the supports they need.



Fitting in 150 minutes of moderate activity each week is one of the steps to setting ourselves up to age gracefully. Keeping active can be walking and other physical activities, but it also includes housework, child and elder care, and items on our to-do list. We learned about neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and the welcome learning that we can grow new neurons throughout our lives; the importance of the Mediterranean diet as an exemplar of what studies suggest is the best to follow; sleep hygiene and social activities to support our health.



When was the last time you tried something new?

Tiffany talked about a creative approach to leisure planning and the process of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating. At any age, we must make time for our physical and mental health—self-care is not self-centred. It enables us to be our best selves for ourselves and others’ needs. Tiffany shared a link to her talk, including the VIA character strength assessment.



Caregiving is a Team Sport

Team CarePal and Georgie Howe Cares’ Ripple assessment both have great resources for caregivers.