Redefining Aging, Together
From October 26-28, VSAN attended the 2026 Healthy Aging Summit in Richmond, hosted by United Way BC. Under the theme Rooted in Community: Growing the Future of Healthy Aging, the Summit brought together community leaders, service providers, researchers, caregivers, and older adults from across the province to explore how communities can respond to the changing needs of an aging population. Through shared learning, collaboration, and community-led approaches, participants were challenged to rethink what healthy aging can look like and how seniors can remain active, connected, and engaged in their communities.
From Small Seeds, Big Ideas Grow
Attendees took home seed-infused paper, a fitting symbol of the conversations and connections made throughout the Summit and the potential they hold for future growth.
Breaking Stereotypes One Scary Movie at a Time
One of the most memorable experiences was the screening of Silver Screamers, a heartwarming documentary that follows a group of older adults as they step far outside their comfort zones to create a horror film. Filled with humour, creativity, and unexpected moments of courage, the film challenges outdated stereotypes about aging and celebrates the power of lifelong learning, friendship, and reinvention.
Those interested can watch the official Silver Screamers trailer and the finished short horror film, The Rug, created by the seniors featured in the documentary.
Turning Ideas into Action
The Summit program combined keynote presentations, plenary discussions, wellness activities, and practical workshops focused on the opportunities and challenges facing older adults today. Sessions on regional transportation advocacy highlighted how solutions must be tailored to local realities, while discussions on dementia-inclusive communities demonstrated the importance of designing spaces, programs, and services where everyone can participate and belong.
These conversations reinforced a central theme of the Summit: effective solutions are built at the community level, informed by local needs and shaped through meaningful engagement with older adults themselves.
Seeing the Future Through a Different Lens
Among the many thought-provoking presentations, the keynote addresses by Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate, and Armine Yalnizyan, economist and columnist, stood out. Their perspectives challenged participants to think differently about aging, not as a challenge to be managed, but as an opportunity to strengthen communities through thoughtful planning, investment, and inclusion.
Armine's presentation was particularly compelling. Drawing on economic and demographic trends, she highlighted the growing importance of the care economy and the critical role that caregivers, community organizations, and support services play in both social and economic well-being. Her message challenged the notion that an aging population should be viewed as a burden and instead emphasized the value of investing in people, relationships, and community supports that help individuals thrive throughout their lives.
Dan Levitt's keynote complemented this message by emphasizing the importance of ensuring seniors' voices are reflected in the decisions that shape programs, services, and public policy. Together, these presentations offered both a reality check and a sense of optimism about the future of aging in British Columbia.
More Than Just Exercise
The Summit also highlighted that healthy aging extends far beyond healthcare. Activities such as Chair Yoga and Dancing with Parkinson's showcased the power of movement, creativity, and social connection in supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These sessions demonstrated how inclusive and accessible programs can help people remain active, engaged, and connected to their communities at every stage of life.
Building Communities Where Everyone Belongs
A consistent message echoed throughout the three days: age-friendly communities do not happen by accident. They are built through collaboration, innovation, and the meaningful involvement of older adults in shaping the programs, policies, and services that affect their lives.
From transportation and housing to dementia inclusion and community connection, the Summit showcased inspiring examples of what is possible when older adults are viewed not simply as service recipients, but as valued contributors, leaders, and partners in creating stronger communities for everyone.
As communities across British Columbia continue to adapt to changing demographics, the ideas, conversations, and innovations shared at the Healthy Aging Summit offered both inspiration and practical guidance for creating a future in which all older adults can thrive.
