Seniors’ Mental Health seminar brings Ottawa community together at Tom Brown Arena hall
By Obasola Bamigbola
Saturday 27 September 2025
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club, in partnership with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, hosted a well-attended seminar on seniors’ mental health at the Tom Brown Arena. The event drew a diverse audience of seniors, caregivers, health professionals, and community members eager to engage in meaningful conversations around the growing importance of mental wellness in later life.
The afternoon began with attendees visiting the exhibit area, where local organizations like Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), Ottawa Public Health, Somerset West Community Health Centre, and Archipel Ontario Health Team shared resources and information on senior care, wellness programs, and mental health supports. This time also offered opportunities for mixing and mingling, creating a warm sense of community before the formal program commenced.
Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club Program Coordinator Godwin Ifedi opened the seminar with words of welcome, including a land acknowledgement, before introducing the Master of Ceremonies, Sharlene Clarke. Clarke set the tone for the afternoon, highlighting the critical role mental health plays in seniors’ quality of life and in supporting caregivers.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Gerd Shneider, Medical Director of the Glebe Centre and a practising family physician since 1973. Drawing from over five decades of experience, Dr Shneider offered a thoughtful overview of the mental health challenges seniors often face, such as isolation, depression, dementia, and the stigma surrounding mental illness. He emphasized the importance of early intervention, compassionate care, and the role of families and communities in fostering resilience among older adults.
Following the keynote, the MC introduced the panel of experts, each bringing a distinct perspective to the conversation:
- Sharon Roberts, a Mental Health Peer Support Worker, spoke movingly about lived experience and the power of peer networks in breaking down stigma.
- Dana Augustin, a Social Worker, discussed the structural and social supports available for seniors and the gaps that still need to be addressed.
- Janine Warner, a family caregiver, shared her personal journey and how the community was helpful for her.
- Professor Cassandra Morrison, an academic researcher specializing in ageing, presented findings on the intersections of ageing, mental health, and policy, stressing the need for ongoing advocacy.
- Kudirat Salam-Alada, a Registered Nurse, offered a front-line perspective, highlighting practical strategies for supporting seniors in clinical and home settings.
A lively question-and-answer session followed, with audience members asking thoughtful questions about navigating the healthcare system, coping with caregiver burnout, and ways to combat the isolation that many seniors experience. The discussion created a collaborative atmosphere, with panellists and participants exchanging practical insights and personal reflections.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks from the Program Coordinator, Godwin Ifedi, who thanked the speakers and attendees for contributing to such an engaging and informative afternoon. He reminded everyone of the importance of continued dialogue and collective support to ensure seniors not only live longer but live well.
The Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club succeeded in creating not just a seminar, but a forum for empowerment, empathy, and knowledge-sharing. Events like this underscore the need for community-driven initiatives to address seniors’ mental health, a conversation that is truly beyond overdue, and one that impacts us all.
