Active aging in northern B.C. is the focus of a documentary film series which aims to spark community members and government representatives to share ideas about how to successfully support seniors who wish to age actively in their community despite challenges.
This by-invitation-only event, called Let's Explore Active Aging, will be held on Tuesday at the main branch of the library and will bring to light that to stay physically active can help prevent chronic health issues while improving mental and physical health in a rapidly aging population.
Wellness in Northern B.C., along with the Centre for Hip Health & Mobility, a UBC and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute research centre, partnered to produce the films. The project is supported by a Northern Health Imagine Grant and the B.C. Ministry of Health through Active Aging B.C.
"Physical activity is the best guarantee for older adults to stay healthy and happy in their communities of choice for longer," said Dr. Anne Pousette, executive director of Wellness in Northern B.C. based in Prince George.
"Inactivity and social isolation are significant health and social issues. We need to work across sectors to develop strategies and find solutions."
Featured in the documentary series is Dick Voneugen, a well known senior in Prince George who has been instrumental in the development of sport in the community, including starting the Terry Fox Run, along with other local running and cross country ski races, while he helped found the Prince George Roadrunners Club. Voneugen is also a founding member of the Outdoor Ice Oval Association.
"Our aim is to do more than just screen the films," said Callista Ottoni, filmmaker.
"We want the voices in the films to ignite dialogue among experts and the community about how to prevent seniors' isolation and improve health. Mounting evidence suggests that real stories, not facts and figures, allow us to better understand what getting older means for different people."
