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Dr. Patricia Spindel has worked with youth and engaged in systemic advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families and older adults for over forty years. She taught at both the University of Guelph-Humber and the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where she also coordinated the Social Services Worker Program and was an Associate Dean of Health Sciences. She is a former President of Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities, co-founder of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, organizer of the Ontario Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, and co-founder of Seniors For Social Action Ontario.

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This week on the podcast, CEO Christina Bisanz speaks to Dr. Raza Mirza, Florene Shruber, Alexis Hart, and Jessica Hsieh, who are all key contributors to University of Toronto’s Aging and Health Course’s intergenerational classroom in partnership with Christie Gardens Retirement Residence. This innovative and experiential learning experience brings two generations together to study aging from different perspectives, bringing learning to a new level and redefining what makes a “classroom”. Described as a wonderful, energetic, and mind-blowing experience, this unique course is one of the few dedicated to aging at the University, offering growth opportunities for all ages.

Dr. Mirza is the Director of National Partnerships at HelpAge Canada and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Florene Shruber is an advocate and educator, formerly the principal of Montessori Teachers' College & Montessori Dementia Program. Alexis Hart holds an Honors BSc in Human Biology and Psychology and was part of the program’s first undergraduate cohort. Jessica Hsieh, a PhD candidate at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, specializes in gerontology, focusing her research on elder abuse in dementia caregiving.

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In this episode of the podcast, CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz talks to Michael Braithwaite from Blue Door. Over 80,000 people are facing homelessness across our province, and this number could amount to 300,000 within the next ten years if support and plans are not put into place to address the need for affordable community housing. Social interaction in the community is important for seniors as well as everyone. By organizations joining to work together, we can put the York Region Homeless Strategy to the top of the priority list.  

Michael Braithwaite has over 32 years of experience creating innovative solutions to better support vulnerable people. Michael joined Blue Door in March of 2019 as

CEO and previously worked at Raising the Roof and 360kids in York Region. Michael is a Board Member of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, as well as a Board Member of Waterfront Toronto. 

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In this episode, CEO Christina Bisanz and CEO Amy Coupal from the Ontario Caregiver Organization discuss the journey of caregiving, how to connect caregivers with support, the importance of caregivers having a voice in the health care system, a National Caregiving Strategy, and resources available for caregivers.

Amy Coupal is a leader with over 20 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, Amy is passionate about mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and building collaborative initiatives that positively impact the lives of individuals and communities. The Ontario Caregiver Organization is a charitable organization that exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends, and neighbours.

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In this episode, CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz and Alzheimer’s York Region Society CEO Kari Quinn-Humphrey discuss caregiving in dementia patients, the stigma behind dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society First Link Program, what a dementia friendly community is,” Bill 121, Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, 2024”, as well as aging in place and senior’s care. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Aging Gracefully," the podcast that champions aging with dignity and choice right in your community. In this episode, we embark on a journey of exploration into the ever-changing landscape of aging.

Join us as we delve into the topic of navigating transitions in aging, from retirement to shifting healthcare needs and beyond. Through heartfelt interviews with individuals who have traversed these transitions firsthand, we uncover valuable insights and practical advice for embracing change with resilience and optimism.

Our expert guests lend their wisdom to the conversation, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of healthcare options, financial planning, and maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment as we age.

Whether you're a senior embarking on a new chapter of life, a caregiver supporting a loved one through transitions, or simply curious about the dynamics of aging in today's society, this episode is packed with valuable resources and heartwarming stories that illuminate the beauty of growing older while maintaining independence and choice.

Tune in as we embark on this transformative journey together, because at CHATS, aging isn't just a phase of life — it's an opportunity to thrive.

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