Northumberland PACE Kicks Off New Health Series on October 23

The Northumberland PACE Speakers Series is set to launch its new season with a virtual discussion focused on the theme of seniors living independently. The event, titled “Independent Living as We Age,” will take place at 17:30 on October 23, 2025, featuring guest speaker Micki McLean, a seasoned professional in the retirement industry.

McLean, who serves as the general manager of Palisade Gardens Retirement Community in Cobourg, brings over 20 years of experience to the conversation. She will share valuable insights and real-life stories from her work with residents and their families in long-term care settings. According to Jennifer Gillard, vice-president of patient experience, public affairs, and strategic partnerships at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), the focus on independent living reflects strong community interest. “Earlier this summer, we reviewed the speaker topics recommended by past participants and our planning committee, and there was a strong interest in the topic of living independently as we age,” Gillard stated.

Engaging Conversations on Aging

Gillard emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating, “We’re thrilled to be kicking off our new season with this important discussion and we’re looking forward to more great PACE talks through the year.” The series is a collaborative effort among various community health-care providers, including NHH and local residents, aiming to foster dialogue on significant health and wellness issues.

The upcoming session offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore the challenges and realities of finding suitable living arrangements as they age. Participants will also learn how to identify the right time to transition to new living situations. The format of the PACE talks allows for audience engagement, encouraging attendees to submit questions prior to the event or ask them live during the session.

The talk will last one hour, comprising a 30-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer period. Interested individuals can submit their queries via email at [email protected] before the event. Registration is required, with the first 300 attendees securing a spot. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom meeting five minutes before the start time to ensure a smooth experience.

Community Commitment to Health Education

Online registration for the October talk can be completed at www.pacetalks.com, where past recordings of previous sessions are also available. Since its inception in 2018, the Northumberland PACE initiative has provided free public education sessions covering a wide range of health and wellness topics, drawing significant interest from community members.

PACE, which stands for Personalized Assessment and Change Education, is inspired by TED Talks and aims to engage audiences in meaningful discussions. The planning committee for the series includes representatives from NHH, the Northumberland Family Health Team, The Community Health Centres of Northumberland, internal medicine specialists IMCare, the NHH Foundation, Community Care Northumberland, and the Ontario Health Team Northumberland, along with local patients and caregivers.

These monthly talks typically occur on the fourth Thursday of each month at 17:30, reinforcing the commitment of PACE partners to enhance community health awareness and education.