BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt was the keynote speaker at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society's annual Educational Forum this year themed 'The Power of Music' over the weekend.
The event, which took place on Saturday, Feb. 22, focused on the positive benefits of music, explained executive director of the seniors society Maria Perretta, including physical, emotional, and intellectual benefits.
It also marked the culmination of a successful year of music therapy programs at both the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows seniors activity centres, benefiting those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
"Its a program I am particularly proud of and am excited for an expansion coming in later in the year,” said Perretta.
Levitt spoke about the affordability challenges of seniors, noted Perretta.
"One in four seniors live on incomes less that $23,000 a year. He also stated that aging in place is out of reach for most seniors with only 11 per cent receiving home support and 56 per cent on the waitlist," Perretta explained.
One in four people are seniors over the age of 65 today. In 2036 that ratio will increase to one in three.
About 140 seniors took part in the forum, that was put on with the help of grant funds awarded through the federal government's New Horizons for Seniors Program.
There were 22 representatives from 12 local resource agencies, organizations, and vendors at the event that was run with the help of 20 volunteers.
Bagpiper Pat Roussy opened the forum, which also saw board certified music therapist Anina Bezuidenhout give a presentation, in addition: to Frank Zieginson, artistic director of the Maple Ridge Choral Society, the oldest and largest secular, non-audition community choir for adults in Maple Ridge; drummer Teri Shaw on connecting and creating communities through rhythm; and musician Malcolm Cooper and Debbie Owens with Variety Plus, a non-audition theatrical entertainment group for seniors.
Coffee break and snacks were sponsored by Chartwell Maple Ridge Seniors Village and Sunwood Retirement Community and prepared by Venvi.
Lunch was prepared by a local restaurant OPA in Pitt Meadows.
There were so many left overs volunteers packed takeaway containers for participants to take a meal home.
Karaoke fun and door prizes were also handed out.
The event was organized by events coordinator at the seniors society Anita Bettesworth, and outreach coordinator Bev Schmahmann.
“While the theme of the Educational Forum changes annually, our goal remains constant: to ensure that participants leave feeling inspired,” said Perretta.
