A new monthly program at Powell River Recreation Complex aims to bring seniors together to learn about topics that matter to them.
Taking place on the third Thursday of every month, Seniors Together Powell River is a partnership program with local senior organizations being hosted by City of Powell River’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department, thanks to a provincial Age-Friendly Communities Grant.
The first session on Thursday, February 16, deals with the topic of driving as a senior, one of the main factors in the isolation of seniors in our community, says the city’s health and fitness program coordinator Christine Parsons.
“We’re excited to be able to put on a program that’s catered to seniors and help reduce senior isolation in the community,” says Parsons. “Part of senior isolation happens when seniors lose their driver’s licences, so it’s a hot topic. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to start the program with that.”
Local ICBC examiner Garry Stride will present driving information for seniors. Stride says the session is about trying to help and educate senior drivers about Road Safety standards.
“Inevitably, it happens to each and every one of us. We all reach a point where our driving skills are declined or diminished to the point where we have to think, ‘Are we really safe to be on the roads?’” says Stride. “It’s just an awareness opportunity, to let them know that they aren’t being targeted; that it’s a fact of reality and we have to come to terms with it.”
Parsons says the first session, entitled The Mature Driver, is just the beginning of a series of presentations and that seniors who attend can help to decide on future topics.
“We really want input from the seniors so they feel like they are a part in this, because this is all about them,” says Parsons. “We have a variety of seniors who already utilize the complex, but what we are looking for is to really bring them together, including those isolated ones, and have them meet other seniors.”
In addition to the monthly sessions, Seniors Together Powell River will gather information to submit an Age-Friendly Community Plan to local governments.
Seniors Together Powell River: The Mature Driver
When: 11 am-1:30 pm, Thursday, February 16
Where: Powell River Recreation Complex Elm Room
Price: Free
Info: 604.485.2891 to register
