New seniors advocate keynote speaker

NEWS — Seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Seniors Symposium in Kamloops in June.

Oncore Central Services and the City of Kamloops will host the symposium “Age Friendly Cities and Rural Communities” Friday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre in Kamloops.

Mackenzie was appointed B.C.’s first seniors advocate in March. She is the former executive director and CEO of Vancouver Island-based Beacon Community Services.

Presentations feature advice on being active, how to understand Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Pension, how to protect investments, and tips on personal safety at home and on the street.

To register call 250-828-3500 and quote program #228182.

Some of the presentations include:

Supporting Our Aging Loved Ones, What You Need To Know

How to effectively prepare for and communicate with our aging loved ones through transitions they may be experiencing. Topics include: Changing Dynamics, Communication with Aging Loved Ones and Family, Signs to Watch For, Self-Care and Available Resources. A panel of Community Service Providers will give information about available community resources and answer questions. Delivered in partnership with the City of Kamloops, United Way TNC, Chartwell and Interior Health.

Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security: Getting what you are entitled to

An overview of both CPP/OAS and the sub-programs within the larger programs – Retirement, Post Retirement, Disability, Survivor, Death and Children’s benefits as well as basic OAS and the three Low Income Supplements. The presentation will cover qualifying and disqualifying conditions, recent changes to both programs, portability (collecting outside the country). Finally, information about calculation provisions that can change entitlement is provided, including; Child Rearing Drop-Out, Pension Sharing, Credit Splitting, Estimates and Involuntary Separation.

How to Excel at Active Aging

A fun, interactive presentation providing information about City of Kamloops Health and Wellness programming, as well as some “Get Moving” activities for seniors.