The City of Vaughan is committed to providing older adults with many programs and activities to help them stay active and engaged. In addition to all the great opportunities to get involved throughout the year, we are now offering two exciting new initiatives – Coffee Connections and Basic First Aid – thanks to funding from the Province of Ontario’s 2024-2025 Seniors Community Grant Program.

These FREE programs, aimed at enhancing the well-being and engagement of older adults, aged 55 years and up, support our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for seniors, which is a key objective in Vaughan’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan. More information about both programs can be found at vaughan.ca/OlderAdultRec.

Here’s a little bit about each initiative:

1. Coffee Connections 

These gatherings include 12 educational workshops covering six different topics relevant to older adults, as well as social activities and refreshments. Topics include emergency preparedness, crime prevention and creative arts to name a few, all of which align with the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan’s goal of promoting social inclusion and lifelong learning. 

Sign up now for the below sessions, while spots remain:

Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

Presented by Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service

Enhance your readiness and ensure you’re well-prepared for any emergency. Learn how to create personalized emergency plans, assemble essential supplies, and respond effectively to various types of emergencies so you can stay safe and ready in the face of unexpected events.

• Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Vellore Village Community Centre (1 Villa Royale Ave.)

Crime Prevention for Older Adults

Presented by York Regional Police Community Services

Protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams targeting older adults, enhance personal security and implement practical measures to safeguard against theft and fraud. Gain tools and knowledge to stay safe and secure in today’s world.

• Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Chancellor Community Centre (350 Ansley Grove Rd.)
• Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maple Community Centre (10190 Keele St.)

Art Against Ageism 

Presented by York Region Women’s Foundation 

This engaging session invites you to explore and reflect on your experiences with ageism through the creative power of art. You’ll use artistic expression to identify and confront various forms of ageism while discovering how art can be a therapeutic tool for sharing stories and emotions.

• Tuesday, March 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Vellore Village Community Centre (1 Villa Royale Ave.)
• Wednesday, March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (501 Clark Ave. W.)

2. Basic First Aid 

Accredited through the Lifesaving Society, this course teaches essential first aid skills, empowering older adults to assist themselves, family members or friends in emergencies. Participants receive official certification upon successful completion of the course. Due to very popular demand, these courses have already been filled. 

For more information on these initiatives, visit vaughan.ca/OlderAdultRec and go to vaughan.perfectmind.com to register. If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, visit the customer service desk at your local community centre, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or watch this short informational video.