Day One :

The 48th annual convention of the United Senior Citizens of Ontario was held in Kitchener on August 28, 29, and 30, 2006. The conference opened with Sergeant G. Mitchell, R C M P, and Kitchener Town crier Scott Fraser leading the executive and board members into the assembly.

This years' conference was dedicated to "Health and Wellness." In attendance were 158 delegates - of that number 10 were Field Representatives and 10 were Executive members.

Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr welcomed all attending the convention. National Pensioners & Senior Citizen Federation president Art Field brought greetings and wished us well during our proceedings. Our next speaker was John Malloy M.P.P. for Kitchener who welcomed us and was pleased to work with U S C O and help us with our endeavours with seniors.

Next to speak was the Honourable Jim Bradley - Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Senior Issues. He spoke on the first World Wide Elder Abuse Day last June 15th and showed clips of very vivid T V announcements that were sent to all TV stations and asked how many had actually seen them. He mentioned how the government is working on Basic Care Standards in retirement homes, low rental housing and putting an end to mandatory retirement at age 65 at the end of December 2006.

We took our first look at the 2006 resolutions. Following the completion of the agenda, dinner was served. At 7:30 p m our workshops began. We hosted 4 workshops.

Workshop # 1 - Health and Active Living for Older Adults, Presenter: Susan Wilgress

You are never too old to exercise. Being active reduces the risk of heart
disease, falls and injuries, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, depression, colon cancer and premature death. There are many ways to exercise like walking, sitting or standing using rubber bands, water bottles filled with sand and stretching which are not costly

Workshop # 2 - Living with Diabetes in the Year 2006, Presenter: Heidi Shulz

We were made aware of the seriousness of the disease. It is estimated that 3 million Canadians will have diabetes type 1 or 2 by the year 2010. If this disease is not controlled it can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, amputations and nerve damage. Although diet is one of the primary controls, exercise is very important, take advise from your doctor, and take your medication regularly.

Workshop # 3 - Medication Awareness, Presenter: Tom Smiley

It was very interesting to find out that a pharmacist has to have a minimum of five years university. We should always feel comfortable discussing our meds and how to take them, for example - what time of day is best. They welcome our questions. It is important that we know the chemical as well as brand name of our meds. They must be stored in a cool dry place, away from sunlight and humidity. Never keep meds in the bathroom or kitchen. Any unused meds should be taken to your pharmacist and he will dispose of them safely.

Here is some interesting information: (1) Herbs are still a form of drugs. In fact, some herbs of yesteryear are today's meds. (2) twenty-five percent of patients over 50 who enter hospitals are there because of misuse of meds. (3) As we age we become more sensitive to drugs. (4) Flu shots are dead viruses and should be taken early as the shot takes time to take effect. October is recommended. (5) Due to modern medicine since 1962 there are 15% fewer people with disabilities. (6) The most important item to remember is to carry a current record of your meds. This will enable hospitals to treat you more effectively.

Workshop # 4 - Mental Health and Addictions in Older Persons, Presenter: Randi Fine
"Keeping your mind as well as your body healthy"

Depression is NOT part of getting older. The rate of suicide is higher in older people than in teenagers. 15 to 20% of people 65+ are depressed. She told us about symptoms, facts and treatments that works when depression is detected. The cost of treating depression should be weighed against the non-treatment cost. Risk factors for depression could be family history, change in brain chemicals called "neurotransmitters", alcohol abuse, distressing events such as a loss of a loved one, retirement or physical illness. Other factors could be anxiety, pain, fear and hearing problems. It is important to listen if older persons want to talk, if you heard it before just ask for another story.

Day Two :

The convention was called to order at 8:30 a m on Tuesday August 29th. Our next speaker at 9 a m was Catherine Turner of Johnson Insurance Inc. who spoke on the insurance received since partnering with U S C O. They now have 1,200 travel and 200 homes insured for U S C O members. We then returned to address more resolutions.

At 9:30 a m our next speaker on the agenda was Doug Janes from New Horizons for Seniors Program. He explained that there was still money available for seniors new programs. He gave details on how to apply. He stated that out of 387 applications they have money available to help approximately 250 applicants. They concentrate mainly on new projects.

We then returned to work on more resolutions before and after lunch. At 2 p m our speaker was Stan Buell from Small Investors Protection Assoc. (SIPA) He explained that there is no government agency to protect seniors with small investments. He gave many instances where "widows" etc. have made bad investments through lack of knowledge. He was asked questions on "Reverse Mortgages" - which he did not recommend. He urges members to contact this protection association before investing.

Our banquet guest speaker was Tricia Hasenclever. Her topic was "Learn with Laughter." She delighted us with a very funny story about taking her elderly mother into the city of Toronto. Entertainment for the banquet was supplied by "Bows and Bells" a square dancing group from Kitchener. Their costumes were very colourful as they swirled around the floor. This was a very entertaining ending to a very enjoyable evening.

Day Three :

On Wednesday our convention came to an end with the election of officers.
Marie Smith is our new president and Ken Cunningham is our new 1st vice-president
Three new board members were elected. They are: Richard Kratz from Toronto,
Peggy Hawthorn from MacTier and Susanne Robarts from Peterborough.

This completed the agenda for the convention. Following the dismissal of committees, the hymn "May the Lord" was sung followed by "The Queen."

Compiled from reports sent in by Isabel Richardson, Zone 11 Field Rep and Cliff Flavell, President of Club 325, Gravenhurst. Thank you both for your kind contributions.