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Learn & Live: Enriched Learning Opportunities for All Ages

Coming of Age: the Wellness of Learning

This is a 3-part series at the library. Registration is for in-person only. For those who prefer, live stream will be available on the library's Facebook page.

The Learn and Live program is a new initiative that arose from one of the recommendations of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Wellness Committee. A small Steering Committee of local people has been meeting since the spring of 2021 to develop this initiative; the program will present a curriculum of themed seminars and discussion groups around a variety of topics delivered over a period of several months. The Learn & Live program will be integrated with other programming offered by the NOTL Public Library.

October 12 - THE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS OF LEARNING

Learning is our most powerful tool with which to reach emotional wellness. Even in the best of times, money, food, and employment insecurities, housing problems, and family turmoil are just a few of the threats that can leave us feeling anxious and depressed. These feelings are often worsened significantly during times of socio-political upheaval, climate change and global pandemic. Dr. Clavier acknowledges that we may not be able to eradicate such threats. But he will introduce effective neuroscience-based learning strategies that identify and challenge the negative self-images and attitudes that the threats can engender. Importantly, these strategies can be learned in early childhood; and by rewarding healthy brain functioning, they work for people of all ages. Learning is the gift that frees people to change their minds about their personal situations and gives them hope that things can indeed improve.  

Dr. Ron Clavier’s career as Brain Scientist served as the basis of his ongoing practice as a Registered Clinical Psychologist. He lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and divides his free time among: his family; his art studio; and his native ravine garden.  

November 9 - REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA

We hear many people and care providers talking about “confused older people” but these people talking about older people are confused. There is widespread confusion about, for example, the relationship between normal aging and dementia and the relationship between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to this ignorance, there are many wrong beliefs about dementia and normal aging. Almost all of these errors sustain the belief that until a drug for Alzheimer’s disease is developed there is nothing that an individual or society can do about dementia. However, there is strong evidence: first, that the brain is plastic, not static, and can improve at any age; and, second, that action can be taken by both individuals and society to reduce the risk of dementia. Research and development on interventions to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s are of vital importance but there is strong evidence that other causes of dementia can be prevented or reversed.

Former Scientific Advisor to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Professor Larry Chambers’ research career has included a focus on dementia prevention and support of persons living with dementia. Professor Chambers is Research Director of the Niagara Regional Campus of the McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. He will be joined by Niagara Regional Campus medical student, Madeleine Smith.

December 14 - AGING WELL

What is healthy aging? What does it look like? Can we stave off frailty, dependency, and cognitive impairment or are they inevitable? What can you do to help you age well?  Come and hear what a physician who specializes in the care of complex older adults has to say about these important questions.

Dr. Sam Thrall is a Geriatrician at Niagara Health and an Assistant Professor at the Niagara Regional Campus of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University. His passion is to promote and implement evidenced-based models of care for older adults and age-friendly care practices in the clinical milieu.

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