SSM

October 8 is Ageism Awareness Day. As we prepare for it, please consider the image below. Is this ageist? Why? Check out this response to a reader’s question published in Gray Matters Fall 2026 at this link:https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Auntie-Ageism-Fall-2026-for-Ageism-Awareness-Day.pdf

Coming up TOMORROW ahead of Ageism Awareness Day! This looks like an excellent webinar, "Aging Boldly: Challenging Ageism in Our Communities" presented by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario. You need to sign up TODAY to be sure you don't miss it. It's happening tomorrow, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

https://eapon.ca/webinars/aging-boldly-challenging-ageism-in-our-communities/

Today, October 1, is National Seniors Day in Canada, and International Day of Older Persons around the globe. The first International Day of Older Persons was celebrated by the United Nations in 1991. This year's theme for the United Nations celebration is The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.

That meshes well with SSM's vision of "Quality Life for All Older Adults in Saskatchewan."

To learn more about the UN's theme, go to this link: https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day

To learn more about what SSM is doing, day by day in Saskatchewan, check out our website: https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/

Another wonderful Celebrating Seniors Awards Gala has concluded, with about 200 in attendance, celebrating the volunteer service of 19 nominees over 9 categories. Hearing about the varied and dedicated volunteerism in our province is always inspiring. The audience was further inspired by The Honourable Ralph Goodale's words, and was stirred by Jesse Lamont's powerful vocals as he performed several well-known Elvis songs. Truly an evening to remember. Thanks to all who made the evening a success: staff, SSM Board members, volunteers, sponsors, the Conexus Arts Centre. And, as MC Barb Byers reminded us, it's not too early to start thinking about who you might nominate next year!

Celebrating Seniors 2026 is just over a week away! Have you purchased your tickets yet? It's a great opportunity to honour the amazing older adult volunteers who keep our communities going. It's also a great chance to hear The Honourable Ralph Goodale, our guest speaker this year, and to enjoy the music of Jesse Lamont. See the SSM website for details of how to purchase tickets. Hope to see you there! https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/celebrating-seniors-2026/

Do you have your tickets for Celebrating Seniors yet? SSM's gala celebration of older adult volunteers in the province is coming up on September 27. Guest speaker will be Ralph Goodale, and entertainer will be Jesse Lamont. For more info on how to purchase tickets, go to our website. https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/celebrating-seniors-2026/

Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation wants everyone to know that on July 18, as the sun begins to set, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will step outside simultaneously.

Everyone Outdoors Together is a national Canadian movement dedicated to amplifying the vital mental, physical and health benefits of connecting with each other, friends, family and the natural world.

To learn more, and to find out how to participate, click the link:

Everyone Outdoors Together Be part of this historic moment. Whether you’re hosting an event or joining one, every participant helps build this new Canadian tradition.

Just today and tomorrow to get your Celebrating Seniors nomination in! Nominations close June 30. Full details and nomination form at https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/celebrating-seniors-2026/

Time's marching on, but there's still a bit of time to get your nomination in for Celebrating Seniors. There are so many older adult volunteers in our province who deserve recognition and thanks. Look around your community -- who is that seemingly tireless volunteer who's always ready to lend a hand? Nominate them!

Nominees must be 55 or over, and a resident of Saskatchewan. The categories provide something for everyone: Advocacy; Arts & Culture; Community Leadership in three sections: Rural, Urban, and First Nations and Métis; Blooming Perennial (90+); Intergenerational; Well-being; Education; and Older Adult Friendly Business.

The deadline is Tuesday, June 30! Get your nominations in!

For more details and the nomination form, go to the SSM website at this link: https://skseniorsmechanism.ca/celebrating-seniors-2026/

Sunday, June 21 is National Indigenous Day. Go to this page to learn of ways to explore and celebrate Indigenous culture in Saskatchewan https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/get-inspired/passion-pursuits/indigenous-experiences .Connect.Belong

Indigenous Experiences | Tourism Saskatchewan Experience Saskatchewan’s rich Indigenous culture through traditions, art, historic sites, and authentic story telling.