Sudbury’s vibrant senior community will take center stage next month as the city prepares to host its annual Healthy Aging Fair, coinciding with National Senior Citizens Day. The event, scheduled for August 21 at the Caruso Club on Haig Street, promises to deliver a comprehensive celebration focused on the well-being and empowerment of older adults across the region.
The fair, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., has been meticulously organized to provide seniors with access to vital information on health services, community support networks, and recreational opportunities specifically tailored to their needs. What distinguishes this year’s gathering is its deliberate emphasis on holistic aging—addressing not only physical health concerns but also mental well-being, social connection, and financial security.
“We’ve designed this event to be both informative and enjoyable,” explains Martha Cunningham, coordinator of the Healthy Aging Committee. “Our seniors deserve recognition not just for their past contributions, but for their continuing role in strengthening our community. This fair acknowledges that while providing practical resources to enhance their quality of life.”
Attendees can look forward to an array of interactive displays from over 40 organizations spanning healthcare providers, financial advisors, recreational groups, and social services. The Greater Sudbury Public Library will showcase its digital literacy programs specifically developed for seniors, while representatives from Canada News outlets will discuss media consumption habits among older adults.
The event will feature mini-workshops on crucial topics such as fall prevention, nutrition for aging bodies, estate planning, and technological skills development. These practical sessions aim to address the most pressing concerns faced by seniors in their daily lives.
“What we’re seeing is an evolution in how we approach aging,” notes Dr. Eleanor Matheson, geriatric specialist at Health Sciences North. “Today’s seniors are more active and engaged than previous generations, but they also face unique challenges in navigating healthcare systems and maintaining independence. This fair provides a one-stop resource to address these multifaceted needs.”
The timing of the event deliberately coincides with National Senior Citizens Day, a recognition that carries particular weight in Sudbury, where demographic shifts have resulted in a growing senior population. According to Statistics Canada, adults over 65 now represent approximately 20% of Greater Sudbury’s population, slightly above the national average.
Local officials, including Mayor Paul Lefebvre, are scheduled to attend, underscoring the municipal government’s commitment to age-friendly policies. The city’s Age-Friendly Community Plan, launched in 2018, continues to shape infrastructure and service delivery decisions throughout the region.
“Events like these represent the practical application of our age-friendly principles,” states Councillor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, who chairs the city’s Seniors Advisory Panel. “We’re creating spaces where older adults can not only access services but also contribute their perspectives on how we can better serve their needs.”
The fair will feature entertainment throughout the day, including performances by the Sudbury Seniors Orchestra and demonstrations from various seniors’ dance and exercise groups. These showcases highlight the active lifestyle many older adults maintain while providing inspiration to their peers.
A free shuttle service will operate between several seniors’ residences and the Caruso Club, addressing transportation barriers that often prevent older adults from participating in community events. Volunteers from CO24 News student program will assist attendees in navigating the venue.
As our population ages and healthcare advances extend lifespans, how will communities like Sudbury adapt to ensure that longer lives translate to better quality of life for all citizens regardless of age?
