Jill has presented internationally at the World Health Organization – Age Friendly City and at the American Society of Aging sharing how to keep older adults connected, engaged and thriving in recreation despite illness, loss and age!
Jill has been presenting and speaking in front of groups during her 23 years in the field of recreation. With passion and enthusiasm for community engagement Jill has been a outstanding leader at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre that boasts a membership just under 4000 people in a city with a population of 40,000.
Jill has been a strong advocate for social connections and changed the delivery of traditional recreation to protect social relationships enhancing the lives of elders in the community.
Research has shown that social relationships help people age well. The traditional model of service delivery in Seniors’ Centres needs to change to accomodate the demands of three generations in one place and needs to value social relationships and protect them while adapting to the needs of an aging population.
People are living longer and doing it well, learn the role Seniors’ Centre’s can play to ensure the highest quality of life for everyone despite personal struggles, losses and change.
Jill and her team have been working collaboratively with doctors, nurses, schools, public health agencies, chronic illness support groups, and non-profits to break down barriers to participation and creating a dynamic and supportive environment that makes aging fun, and gives people a reason to jump out of bed in the morning and connect with others.
