Representatives from Turks and Caicos attended the 53rd Annual Canadian Association on Gerontology conference in Edmonton, Alberta

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 12 November 2024: Representatives from the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Department of Social Development and Welfare and the Aged Care and Rehabilitation Department attended the 53rd Annual Scientific and Educational Conference of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG), held from 24 – 26October 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The conference, themed “Agents of Change: Unraveling Complexity and Advancing Transformation,” highlights the innovative and transformative solutions in the field of ageing.

The CAG, featured experienced experts in gerontology and related fields from around the world, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.

The conference featured a range of sessions attended by the team including; age-friendly initiatives, adult day programmes, introducing a program of research evaluating their effects on persons with dementia and their families/friends, social isolation and loneliness in older adults: moving from clinical guidelines to dissemination of meaningful practice change, ageism, elderly abuse and mistreatment of older adults, isolation and social exclusion, geriatric long-term care on the books and on the ground, changing the story ingredient for successful partnerships and change and more.

This event provided a bird’s eye view for attendees from Turks and Caicos to engage with cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and policy frameworks shaping modern care for older adults. It also gave Turks and Caicos representatives the opportunity to network with global leaders in gerontology and explore trailblazing research and engage in discussions on emerging trends and practices that address the complexities of ageing.

“The relationships and knowledge we gained at the CAG conference are invaluable, and we are excited about implementing various strategies and programs shared at the conference,” the delegation said. They furthermore reinforced that they were committed to ensuring that seniors in the Turks and Caicos Islands enjoy graceful and healthy ageing while also promoting intergenerational initiatives and other programmes that will enhance well-being, social engagement, and support for older adults across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Turks and Caicos Islands resumed attending the conference in person since 2020. The delegation included Mrs Tanza Bain-Candio, Social Worker/ Department of Social Development and Welfare; Ms Prestianna Cox, Deputy Supervisor/ Registered Nurse; and Mrs Kenricka Fredrick, Client Care Assistant/ Aged Care and Rehabilitation Department. Their participation highlighted Turks and Caicos’ commitment to enhancing the quality of care for older persons and aligning with international best practices in ageing. The Department of Aged Care and Rehabilitation has also embarked on the development of a National Healthy Ageing Policy in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.