Better Together: Highlights from the 2024 Provincial Summit on Aging
As United Way BC reflects on the recent success of the 2024 Provincial Summit on Aging, we are filled with gratitude for the inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking presentations, and hands-on workshops that made this event memorable. Aligned with the Better Together model of collaboration, the Summit highlighted how cross-sector partnerships are strengthening aging support systems across the province.
Beyond the sessions, the Summit was a vibrant hub of connection—where delegates and exhibitors came together in the Exhibitor’s Hall to exchange knowledge, and virtual and in-person attendees had the opportunity to network, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. From engaging performances by local artists to lively discussions that sparked new insights and partnerships, the Summit truly exemplified the power of community in shaping the future of aging in British Columbia.
Future of Aging Café
Prior to the official start of the 2024 Provincial Summit on Aging, United Way BC held a Future of Aging Café: Breaking Down Barriers in the Workplace, co-hosted by SE Health. Meaningful and productive conversations focused on topics such as enhancing workplace well-being for midlife and older women, fostering intergenerational connections, and navigating career transitions.
A key theme that emerged was the importance of older workers having the freedom to make their own choices about their future in the workplace—whether that means transitioning to retirement or continuing to work on their terms.
“I work in a rural community with a population of 75,000 people. This event gave me a valuable opportunity to network with individuals who have vast amounts of experience and knowledge in specific areas I’m interested in.” – 2024 Future of Aging Café Participant
2024 Provincial Summit on Aging: A Snapshot
On November 6th and 7th, over 400 in-person attendees gathered in Richmond, BC and over 60 remote participants joined for the 2024 Provincial Summit on Aging. The two-day Summit offered a dynamic mix of keynote addresses, plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and more. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Keynotes to Inspire
We were honored to hear from thought leaders and experts who helped shape the tone for the summit:
- Dan Levitt – BC Seniors Advocate, shared insights into aging in the province and the importance of systemic support for older adults.
- Dr. Yongjie Yon – From the World Health Organization, discussed global perspectives on aging and the interconnectedness of health, culture, and well-being.
- Pablita Thomas – From the BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association, offered a compelling look at end-of-life care and the significance of compassionate, community-based approaches.
“I enjoyed the WHO keynote, especially the reminder that we are all connected. We are all navigating aging, no matter where we live in the world.” – 2024 Summit on Aging Delegate
Plenaries & Workshops: Learning and Collaboration
The Summit was filled with engaging plenaries and interactive workshops, where delegates explored a variety of timely and critical topics.
Plenaries: Attendees gained valuable insights from:
- Reflections from older adult leaders in BC, sharing their lived experiences and leadership in community spaces.
- An exploration of the “Better Together” model of collaboration, showcasing how cross-sector partnerships are building stronger aging support systems.
- A powerful look at aging and senior services on the international stage, with highlights from the United Nations’ work on aging.
Workshops: A series of ten diverse workshops delved into critical issues affecting older adults today, including:
- Ageism: Reframing an “Old” Narrative
- Collaboration for Impact: Uniting our Community
- Advancing Transportation for Seniors in Rural and Small Town BC: The Aging in Motion Grant, Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery: Coordinated Strategies for Impact
- Chet wa í7sun “We Pull Together”: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder’s Program Plan
- Amplifying Voices: In Conversation with Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People)
- How to be an Advocacy Rockstar in 10 Steps (it’s not that hard!)
- Making Rental Housing Affordable for Low-Income British Columbians
- Aging Well in Rural and Remote Communities
- Envisioning a Queer-Friendly CBSS Sector: Delivering inclusive & safe services for 2SLGBTQIA+ Older Adults
The Provincial Summit on Aging introduced three new workshops for the first time:
- Chet wa í7sun “We Pull Together”: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder’s Program Plan: This workshop presented the results of engagement efforts with over 400 Squamish Elders and Youth, culminating in a visionary Elder’s Program Plan. The presentation, led by the Xwí7ski (Let’s Go!) team, shared insights on resilience, community, and future care for Elders.
- Amplifying Voices: In Conversation with Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People): An interactive conversation reflecting on lessons from the engagement process with Squamish Elders and Youth that culminated in the Chet wa í7sun Elder’s Program Plan. Participants gained insights regarding Indigenous Elder engagement and the collaborative process led by Xwí7ski (Let’s Go!)
- Envisioning a Queer-Friendly CBSS Sector: Delivering Inclusive & Safe Services for 2SLGBTQIA+ Older Adults: A panel discussion featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors and service providers on fostering inclusive care environments. The session focused on best practices for creating affirming spaces for older adults within community-based senior services (CBSS).
“I’m looking forward to using some of the new tools that other organizations use. It was also a relief to see that some of the challenges we face are shared by others, no matter where they are.” – 2024 Summit on Aging Delegate
World Cafes: Insightful Conversations
On November 7th, participants joined facilitated World Café discussions, a dynamic format for group conversations. Topics ranged from the specific challenges and opportunities related to aging in communities across BC to broader conversations about the national landscape of the Community-Based Seniors Services (CBSS) sector in Canada. These discussions were a Summit highlight, fostering collaboration and creative problem-solving.
“The World Café was definitely the most encouraging and energizing session for me. Good conversations, sharing, and collaborations left me with hope that we can come together to impact necessary change.” – 2024 Summit on Aging Delegate
Exhibitors and Entertainment
Exhibitor’s Hall: With 21 exhibitors and 7 sponsors, the Exhibitor’s Hall was a bustling space for networking, discovery, and learning about services designed to support aging populations.
Entertainment: Three uplifting musical performances brought the event to life, featuring performances by:
- The Health Arts Society
- MOSAIC Multicultural Seniors Theatre Group
- EnChor Choir
Volunteers
United Way BC volunteers and community volunteers played a pivotal role in the success of the Summit, contributing not only to its seamless execution but also fostering meaningful learning and engagement for themselves. From assisting with wayfinding to supporting workshops, volunteers were integral to the event’s operations—but their experience went far beyond the tasks at hand. Many volunteers expressed how the Summit deepened their personal understanding of aging-related challenges, built trust within their teams, and enriched their perspectives.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, organizing staff, and volunteers who made our fourth Provincial Summit on Aging such a success. A special thanks to the United Way BC Food Security, Indigenous Priorities, Emergency Response, Anti-Racism, and Hi Neighbor teams, as well as our volunteers, for their invaluable contributions.
