[Article] Voices from the North: Strengthening Healthy Aging Through Community Connections

From November 5-8, the Healthy Aging Alberta Community Development team travelled extensively, covering over 1,500 km to engage with several communities across Northern Alberta. Our journey began in Edson at the Healthy Aging Asset Index Training, hosted by the Regional Centre for Healthy Aging, and continued through Valleyview, High Prairie, Enilda, Drift Pile Cree Nation, Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, Manning, Peace River, and Grimshaw. Team members included our Regional Community Developers Michael Procinsky and Amanda Harriman-Gojtan, and myself, Rebecca Aspden, Community Development Team Lead. 

Challenges, Resilience, and Community Spirit: Insights from Northern Alberta

Our visit to Valleyview was particularly impactful; we were inspired by the Purple Light Nights campaign, which mobilizes the community against domestic violence and elder abuse. In Paddle Prairie, we were delighted to learn about their cultural workshops, which play a crucial role in preserving indigenous knowledge and skills.

The geographical isolation of rural and remote communities presents significant challenges. Basic services such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and social opportunities can be over 100 kilometres away. Moreover, many small CBSS organizations and FCSS offices operate with limited staff, which can strain their capacity to support older adults effectively.

Our discussions throughout the trip were rich and insightful, often over coffee, allowing for meaningful exchanges. These interactions helped deepen our understanding of the critical role of community in fostering healthy aging in rural and remote communities, especially in areas facing harsh environmental conditions like extreme cold and frequent fires. For instance, Paddle Prairie's proactive measure of equipping homes with wood-burning stoves and ensuring wood delivery for elders exemplifies local resilience and innovation.

Transportation remains a pressing need due to the vast distances between homes and community centres. Despite these challenges, the spirit of community support is strong, with residents often volunteering to help transport and care for older adults. 

Collaborating with Northern Leaders: Exploring Solutions for Healthy Aging

We had the opportunity to present to the Northern Alberta Elected Leaders group, where we emphasized the importance of municipal support for CBSS organizations to aid healthy aging in place.

We shared success stories from our funded partners, like Fox Creek's new accessible bus, the Fox Trot Express, and Smokey River's collaborative efforts with healthcare providers to streamline medical transportation. These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of our provincial service delivery models and the potential to replicate such successes across the region.

Mayor Myrna Lanctot of Donnelly expressed her appreciation for our involvement:

“The Northern Alberta Elected Leaders (NAEL), representing 40 municipalities, recently gathered for a meeting focused on collaboration and shared goals. This gathering is a fantastic opportunity for leaders to discuss common challenges and explore innovative solutions that benefit our diverse communities. Meeting in person offers a personable explanation of our unique needs, making it easier for us to connect and for others to understand our specific challenges in the North. We meet about three times yearly, and these face-to-face interactions are vital for building relationships and trust among our leaders.

We were incredibly grateful to have Healthy Aging Alberta join us as a key presenter. Their insights into promoting well-being and healthy lifestyles for all ages sparked meaningful discussions among our leaders. This collaboration reflects our commitment to working together for the betterment of our communities. Sharing resources and ideas can create a brighter future for everyone in Northern Alberta.” 

Connect with the Healthy Aging Alberta Community Development Team

Our trip highlighted the incredible resilience and community spirit across Alberta's North. We are thankful for the warm reception and the valuable insights gained, which will help inform our ongoing efforts to support healthy aging. We invite community members and organizations to collaborate and build capacity with us to further enhance the lives of older adults across our regions.

Please reach out to our Community Development team at info@healthyagingalberta.ca to explore how we can work together for a healthier, more connected Alberta.