The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society's purpose is to relieve loneliness and isolation of older adults and improve their mobility and independence by providing educational, cultural and outreach programs. The Society has operated for 33 years, and is the only seniors' organization in the region to deliver outreach and educational programs to seniors.  Five programs delivered with the support of over 100 volunteers and a professional staff. The Society hosts North America's largest Seniors Symposium, now in it's 19th year. Programs are open to the public. Society programs enable and encourage seniors' independence. Healthy active seniors remain employed or volunteer in the community contributing to overall economic and community health. 

The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society is as a non-profit, charitable organization. It is operated by volunteer Board of Directors and a professional staff. The  Society's programs are designed to meet the needs of a very active older adult population as well as those who are confined and need support .

Volunteerism is an active and rewarding way to participate in the community, meet wonderful people and take on projects that meet with one’s interest and level of skill. All programs and services of the Society being developed and that are underway require the help and expertise of volunteers.

>The Friendly Visitor & Tele Friend program: main objective is to help maintain the independence of lonely, socially isolated, immobile, elderly seniors, and where possible, encourage their participation in the community. Elderly seniors referred to this program often have health concerns such as depression, or the early stages of dementia or may also have a disability that affects their mobility. Most elderly seniors referred to the program are unable to pay for private care, and they have no family living near by. Friendly Visitor

>Monthly Interest Sessions: main objective is to draw on the skills and interests of seniors and create peer-lead learning initiatives while encouraging social connectedness. It is challenging, informal learning program that develops a new kind of older person who intends to be a major force for moral, spiritual, environmental and economic good. Learning in Retirement is run with the support of volunteer leaders.

>Seniors Symposium: The Seniors Symposium is an educational venue for seniors, their families, caregivers who assist seniors and educational researchers interested in gerontology.  It was established to provide educational information to the general public on latest research and products and services for older adults.  This is accomplished by 100 or more exhibitors and speakers in adjoining conference rooms.  The Symposium growth area is to focus more on research, prevention care and treatments for specific theme areas relating to seniors health and to attract partners and sponsors for these areas.

> Elder Abuse Prevention Workshops: Provision of community workshops & resources on elder abuse issues, recognition and prevention. For more information on these programs as a participant, volunteer, or to book a workshop please contact: Evelyn Blaine, Out reach Program Coordinator at  250-487-7455 or eblaine@telus.net

> Information & Refferral Services: "Seniors One Stop Shop" for information & Referral Services in the South Okanagan on topics such as seniors housing; health; recreation/educational programs; crisis supports; Government depts; transportation; legal; errands, etc. 

> Seniors Support Program: Staff and trained volunteers will provide one on one supports for seniors to assist with issues such as; filling out forms, helping newcomers navigate the city i.e. bus routes, support organizations. Assessment of referral needs and provision of contact numbers and first contact support.

> Caring Connections: Staff and trained volunteers will provide workshops for businesses, non-profit agencies and community members to recognize their seniors clients, patrons, neighbours, etc. who may be at risk.  Start date: Spring 2012

 Brochures: 

2011 Brochure

  

Continuation of Brochure 2011

   

2011 November Newletter:       

November 2011 Newsletter