Age Friendly Edmonton (AFE) and the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC) are marking this year’s Seniors’ Week in a very meaningful way. For the first time in over two years, AFE and ESCC hosted an in-person event for older adults, one of the demographics most adversely impacted by the pandemic.
“This has been a difficult couple of years for many older adults,” said AFE Co-Chair Dr. Anwar Haq. “It is important to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions every day and this is a great way to do that.”
The celebration on June 6th served as a kick-off to Seniors’ Week in Edmonton, with Mayor Amarjeet Sohi in attendance to officially proclaim the week. “I want to convey … the appreciation of all Edmontonians for the contributions seniors have made to Edmonton,” Sohi said. “It gives me great honour to make this proclamation.”
The event also featured a video message from Councillor Andrew Knack and a reading of ‘The Gift of Age’ statement by former Edmonton Poet Laureate Alice Major. ‘The Gift of Age’ is a written recognition of the value older adults provide to our community.
In addition, Age Friendly Edmonton unveiled a never-before-seen video which recognizes the contributions of older adults and serves as a starting point for opening up a conversation about ageism.
“Let’s embrace growing older, together,” encouraged AFE Co-chair Glenda Tarnowski in a video message shared during the event. “Older adults have much to offer through their life experience – we all benefit when older adults are respected, included, and supported.”
Missed the event? Check out our photo gallery and celebratory video, below.
Seniors’ Week is recognized across the province annually during the first full week of June. It is intended to celebrate and recognize the contributions seniors make to enhance the quality of life in Alberta. Seniors’ Week was first recognized in 1986.
Seniors' Week kick-off event in photos
Seniors' Week celebratory video
| Video commissioned by Age Friendly Edmonton |