At Carya, we’re always looking for new ways to enhance the services we offer to older adults. We also love any opportunity to share our experiences, and provide inspiration and new ideas to our peers. We are very excited to attend the Grey Matters Conference on September 20^th and 21^st in Grande Prairie, where we’ll have the opportunity to accomplish both of these things.

The Grey Matters Conference gives service providers from across Alberta the chance to network, gain knowledge, and increase awareness of issues, supports, and services available to seniors. As the only conference of its kind in Western Canada, Grey Matters presents a unique opportunity to hear about best practices, emerging issues and trends that affect the wellness of older adults. Speakers will share knowledge on a wide breadth of topics from mental health, to age-friendly communities, to recreation and more.

Not only will our older adult team be learning from their peers, a couple of them will be sharing some of their immense knowledge as well. As manager of Carya’s Elder Service Corps program, Jamie Berlie has seen its members experience increased wellness and build lasting relationships. Elder Service Corps helps older adults turn their life experience in to social impact, supporting community development initiatives for seniors that are designed by their peers.  Jamie will be joined by two Elder Service Corps alumni, and together they will illustrate how this unique program changes lives.

We’ll also be a part of the poster sessions at the Grey Matters Conference. Joan Bever is a Facilitator in Carya’s Elder Friendly Communities program, and if you visit her you’ll learn about the exciting work that she has been doing in the Calgary community of Greenwood. By coming together and engaging with their peers, Joan’s Greenwood group of older adults has evolved from an isolated community to an independent and thriving collective. Visit her to learn more about the growth of this powerful network.

We’re excited to both learn and share our experiences at the Grey Matters Conference. We hope to see you there!