According to the International Federation on Aging, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active." (Current and Emerging Issues Facing Older Canadians, International Federation of Aging, 2012). However, social isolation is not a state unique to seniors: Canadians of all ages can feel a lack of social connectedness.

Through funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Ever Active Schools supported the social participation and inclusion of seniors by connecting Treaty Six Elders and Knowledge Keepers with Tri-Region youth. The goals of this initiative were to forge deeper understandings and connections between Elders and youth by providing space for mentoring and sharing. Through these active experiences, elders and youth experienced improve health outcomes and connected with each other, therefore reducing social isolation for individuals in both groups. Reconciliation also occurred through relationship building.

Walking with Elders complemented active living strategies and other youth engagement strategies with a focus on participation. The project left a legacy of video storytelling that was shared with the participating communities. A community gathering was hosted to build bonds between seniors within the community and children and youth.

ACTIONS:

The September 30, 2022 Walking with Elders event in Stony Plain to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation hosted approximately 250 participants (80 seniors, 80 adults, 80 youth, 4 Elders, event hosts and media). This collaborative event between EAS, the Town of Stony Plain, Alberta Parenting for the Future, and Native Counselling Services of Alberta was proof of the need of connection between participants and the importance of reconciliation for all who attended. Most participants completed the entire 1km walk from the Community Centre to the Family Connections Centre, evidence that this event format was successful.