Empowered Seniors Speakers Series

The Safety Net for Aging in Place: Planning Ahead to Stay Independent

Most older adults want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible—but what does it really take to age in place safely and confidently?

In this practical and empowering session, emergency physician Dr. Laura Shoots joins the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series to explore the medical and social realities that shape our ability to stay independent as we age.

Drawing from years on the front lines, Dr. Shoots will share what she sees every day in the emergency department: the predictable events that disrupt independence, the simple steps that can reduce risk, and the essential conversations that help families stay organized and supported during unexpected health changes. Dr. Shoots is also the CEO of Take Care, a guided platform that helps people document their wishes and give loved ones peace of mind by having everything they need to know all in one place.

Whether you're well into your retirement years or planning ahead, this presentation will help you understand the factors that matter most — and what you can do today to support your safety, confidence, and independence at home.

We'll explore:

• The most common health events that affect independence and tips to reduce the risk

• The social supports that make aging in place possible — and how to strengthen your own "village"

• Practical steps to make your home safer and reduce the risk of emergency visits

• Why clear planning and communication with loved ones are key to staying in control

• How simple, accessible technology can support safety and ease—yes, even if you're not "tech-savvy"

Join us on March 11, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Note - this session will not be video taped. 

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Living Well Expo 2026: Discover, Connect, Empower!

Join us for a welcoming, informative, and community-focused event created especially for older adults and their families. With 30+ local exhibitors under one roof, you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with trusted health professionals, senior service providers, community organizations, and local businesses dedicated to supporting you through every stage of aging.

Whether you are planning ahead for yourself, helping a parent or loved one, or simply looking to stay informed, this event brings together practical resources, real-world services, and knowledgeable professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities that come with aging well. From health and wellness to housing, home support, financial and legal planning, and community programs, you’ll find reliable information to help you make confident, informed decisions.

This is a relaxed, friendly environment designed to encourage conversation, questions, and meaningful connections—so you can leave feeling supported, informed, and better prepared for what lies ahead.

The Living Well Expo runs from runs from 11 am - 3 pm.  You're welcome to attend at any time during these hours.

There's lots to see and do at the Living Well Expo.  Read on for details!

Free Event - Register for the Living Well Expo

The event also includes some great presentations! 

Understanding Your Home Health Care Options — From Home Support to Long-Term Care

Navigating care options can feel overwhelming—especially when needs change unexpectedly. This practical and easy-to-understand session brings together local home-care and senior-living professionals to help older adults and families better understand what support is available, how the system works, and how to plan ahead with confidence.

During this session, presenters will clearly explain:

• What in-home care services are available for people who are living independently, including personal care, companionship, nursing support, and home safety services—and how to access and arrange this support.

• What services and supports are offered in retirement and senior living communities, and how these settings differ from home care in terms of daily assistance, social opportunities, and lifestyle.

• Who qualifies for long-term care, what levels of care are available, and what the application and placement process typically looks like.

You will also learn what questions to ask when exploring care options, how to recognize when additional support may be helpful, and how to start important conversations with family members before a crisis occurs.

This session is designed to help older adults and families better understand their care choices—so you can make informed, confident decisions about the right support for today and the future.

Reserve your seat

AND - MINTY Gold & Silver Presentations - Discover the Hidden Value in Your Gold and Silver

Have you ever wondered what your old jewelry, coins, or silver items might actually be worth? Join us for a friendly, informative session with the team from MINTY's Gold & Silver and learn how to better understand the true value of the gold and silver you may already have at home.

This educational presentation is designed to help older adults and families feel confident, informed, and comfortable when considering whether to sell personal items such as jewelry, coins, or collectibles.

During this session, you will learn:

• what types of gold and silver items MINTY buys

• how items are evaluated and priced

• what affects the value of gold and silver in today’s market

• what to expect during the selling process — from first look to final payment

The presenters will walk through the entire process step-by-step, explaining how transactions are handled in a way that is simple, transparent, and pressure-free. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of how to protect yourself and make informed decisions.

This session is ideal for anyone who is downsizing, settling an estate, simplifying belongings, or simply curious about what their items may be worth.

As MINTY likes to say:
“When the kids don’t want it — we buy it!”

Bring your unwanted or broken gold and silver jewelry and other precious metal items. MINTY Gold & Silver Exchange advisors will provide education on the true value of your gold & silver, empowering you to make an informed decision. If you choose to sell, they will purchase from you on the spot.

While you're at the Expo be sure to stop by the Chartwell exhibitor table for your treat!  

We'd love to have you join us on Wednesday April 8, 2026 for this informative, engaging and fun event! 

Free Event - Register for the Living Well Expo

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Aging Boldly: Because Getting Older Isn't for the Faint of Heart

Forget the outdated image of aging. This session is about strength, vitality, and embracing what's next with confidence and intention.

In May, the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series welcomes Annie Gaudreault, a women's health coach, nutritionist, speaker, and endurance athlete. Annie brings lived experience, humour, and real-life strategies to help you thrive in this chapter of life, whether you’re navigating your own aging journey or supporting someone else through it.

You'll leave with a new perspective on how to maintain energy, wellness, and independence as you age—plus a renewed sense of possibility.

What you'll learn:

• What really impacts energy, health, and mental sharpness as we age
• How to care for both your body and brain in practical, sustainable ways
• Simple habits that support strength, mobility, and emotional well-being
• The difference between lifespan and healthspan—and why both matter
• How to live boldly, age intentionally, and stay connected to your purpose

Join us on May 13, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Beating Isolation/Connected Minds: How Social Connection Keeps the Mind Strong

We often think about brain health in terms of puzzles, diet, or exercise — but one of the most powerful protectors of cognitive health is something much simpler: human connection.

In this engaging and informative session, Dr. Sandra Belfry, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist, joins the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series to explore how social connection, mental engagement, and daily habits play a key role in keeping the brain strong as we age.

Drawing from her clinical work at a Healthy Aging and Dementia Clinic in Burlington and the latest research from her dementia risk prevention programs, Dr. Belfry, also founder of Menolink: Connecting the Dots & Lifespan, will explain how attention, memory, decision-making, and emotional well-being can change over time — and what we can do to support them.

This presentation focuses on practical, realistic strategies that help protect brain health, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and support overall quality of life.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• How social connection supports brain health and emotional well-being
• Why isolation increases the risk of cognitive decline
• What factors impact memory and other thinking skills as we age
• Simple ways to stay socially engaged and mentally active
• Everyday habits that support healthy cognitive aging

Join us on June 10, 2026 for this encouraging and accessible session and leave with practical tools to help keep your mind strong, connected, and resilient. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Ready for What’s Next: Organizing Your Affairs for Peace of Mind

Most people think they’re “covered” once they have a Will and Powers of Attorney in place — and that’s a great start. But the real question is: would your Executor or Substitute Decision Maker actually have what they need to step in without chaos, confusion, or a scavenger hunt?

In this practical, reassuring session, Carey Abma joins the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series to walk you through what happens beyond the documents — the real-life steps that make things easier for the people you love (and for you, while you’re still here to control the plan).

With over 13 years in the Estate & Trust field and a background that blends technical expertise with genuine empathy, Carey helps individuals and families prepare for the responsibilities that come with being named Executor or Power of Attorney — especially during life’s most vulnerable moments. Her work focuses on reducing overwhelm, restoring clarity, and helping people feel organized and confident about what’s ahead.

Whether you’re planning for your own future, supporting aging parents, or simply trying to get everything “in one place,” this presentation will help you take the stress out of the unknown — and replace it with a plan people can actually follow.

We’ll explore:

• What your Executor and Power of Attorney will actually need (and what most families forget)
• How to organize key information so loved ones aren’t guessing under pressure
• Healthcare wishes, decision-making, and the conversations that prevent family conflict
• A simple overview of probate and what can slow things down
• How to create clarity now — so your plan works smoothly later

Join us on July 8, 2026 for this Empowered Seniors Speaker Series session with Carey Abma. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Where Will You Live Next? Exploring Housing Options as We Age

When it comes to aging well, where you live can be just as important as how you live.

This month, join Marion Goard, Real Estate Broker, Lifestyle 55+ Master, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and trusted guide for later-in-life transitions, as she walks us through the many housing choices available to older adults—whether you're planning for the future or facing a change right now.

From staying in your family home with the right support, to rightsizing, to retirement living and long-term care, Marion will break down the pros, cons, and questions to ask at each stage. She’ll also address common fears and myths, offer practical advice on how to prepare emotionally and financially, and share real-world insight from the many families she’s supported through these transitions.

Joining Marion will be Garth Brown (Mary's Ark) and Andy Hagen (Waterview Mortgages) who will provide insight into accessory dwellings and reverse mortgages. Whether these solutions are suitable for you or not, it's always best to learn the facts from reliable professionals.  Garth and Andy will do just that - share the facts.

This session is designed to empower both seniors and their families with information, clarity, and confidence around one of life’s biggest decisions.

Join us on August 12, 2026 for this down-to-earth, informative, and solutions-focused seminar that will help you reimagine aging on your terms. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Disability Tax Credit 101 – What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

Understanding the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. If you or someone you care for is living with a disability, you may be eligible for significant financial relief through this underutilized benefit. The key is knowing where to start and what qualifies.

This month’s Empowered Seniors Speaker Series features Peter Curtis, an experienced paralegal and founder of Disability Tax Results, who has spent over two decades helping Canadians navigate the complexities of the DTC. Whether you’ve never heard of the credit or have been denied before, this session is designed to bring clarity and confidence to the process.

Peter will walk you through eligibility, common misunderstandings, and what to do if your case is more complex than average. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your options—and how to begin the process of applying or reapplying for yourself or a loved one.

Because accessing the financial support you deserve shouldn’t feel out of reach.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• What the Disability Tax Credit is and who qualifies
• How to apply for the DTC—even if you’ve been denied in the past
• What conditions and medical circumstances meet CRA criteria
• How to access retroactive refunds and additional benefits
• The difference between simple and complex cases—and when to seek support

Join us on September 9, 2026 for this practical and empowering seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying): What You Need to Know and Where to Find Support

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has been legal in Canada for ten years, and many Canadians now have lived experience with this option. While MAiD involves a clear medical and legal process, it is also deeply personal and emotional for individuals and families navigating end-of-life decisions.

In this thoughtful and informative session, the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series will explore both the practical realities and the human side of MAiD. The first half of the presentation will focus on the current legislation in Canada as of 2026 and explain how the process is typically accessed. The second half will shift to the real-life experiences of those who support patients and families through this journey, offering insight into the emotional, ethical, and supportive aspects of end-of-life planning.

This session is designed to provide clarity, education, and compassionate understanding for seniors and their families who want to be informed about their options and the supports available.

We’ll explore:

• Current MAiD legislation in Canada and what it means today
• Steps involved in accessing MAiD
• Still-unresolved issues and ongoing conversations around the law
• The role of end-of-life doulas in supporting patients and families
• Other sources of emotional, practical, and community support

Join us on October 14, 2026 for this important and informative seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

TBD

Join us on November 11, 2026 for this important and informative seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

TBD

Join us on December 9, 2026 for this important and informative seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON