By: John Meyer, Co-Chair
June 25, 2014

Some 75 members attended the AGM and were informed of their Chapter’s activities, the election of new Board members, and to hear two informative presentations by a gerontologist and a seniors’ centre Executive Director.

Past Chair, Larry Duffield, presented new candidates who were acclaimed for the Board: James Drysdale (Sun Life Financial), Shirley Lessard, Sylvia Flanagan (Chartwell, LaSalle), Andy Moro, Bruce Peacock (Mroo, Leamington), and Caitlin Shanahan (Life After Fifty=LAF, Windsor Senior Centres). The Board now consists of a full complement (12 Directors) with some gender equity and county representation.

Recognition was given to the long term service of those leaving the Board: June Cox, Craig Erickson (Dignity, Windsor), Ryan Jershy (HomeInstead), and Terry Hall (Financial 500), and Phil Partington. In a subsequent brainstorming session for future directions and the election of officers for the Executive, John Meyer and Bruce Draper became “CoChairs”, Shirley Lessard, Secretary, James Drysdale, Treasurer, and Sushil Jain as Past Chair.

Anne Sclater, MD. Presented a overview of the implications of the aging process for health care. She has served as a faculty member of the Medical School of Memorial University, N.L., and undertook additional research and studies at the University of Toronto and Harvard University. Life spans for the aging are now extended into the 80s, 90s, and 100s due to improved health care, exercise, sanitation, and medical breakthroughs. She also stressed the need for good nutrition and socialization to stimulate the brain. She believes that dementia that is growing at high rates will be prevented or arrested by medical research. She noted the lack of sufficient health care providers specializing in gerontology and the new for medical students to receive more extensive training.

The second presentation was by Cal Little, Executive Director of “Life After Fifty or LAF” which is the new branding for the two senior centres supported by the City of Windsor and government grants. He indicated that the clients of the LAF range in ages from 49 to 90s with an average of 70-75 years of age. The services provided range from nutrition classes to yoga to pickleball to a new “Intergenerational Summer Camp” and placements for fourth year Nursing students from the University. Cal indicated that the promotion of activity at various levels will increase cognitive and motor skills.

It was noted by the entire assembly that CARP does an outstanding job of ADVOCAC Y and that the Chapter has participated in both an all candidates election meeting, advocacy for the retention of thoracic cancer surgery services in Windsor, the Veteran’s Affairs Office, and now the retention of Postal Services for those challenged.

It is the intention of the new Board and leadership to make better contact with its members and offer not only advocacy but social activities.