Events

9:00 a.m.–9:35 a.m. ET

Registration and Refreshments

9:35 a.m.–9:45 a.m. ET

Opening Remarks

9:45 a.m.–10:45 a.m. ET

Working towards a Common Goal of Social and Emotional Health

What is at the heart of social and emotional health? Discover how person-centred care and community engaged initiatives prioritize individual values and preferences. This panel – with Jane Teasdale, Principal and Director of Business Development for Mosaic Home Care Services and Community Resource Centre (50+ Festival Platinum Sponsor), along with Dr. Eliza Chandler, associate professor in the School of Disability Studies and Executive Director of the Office of Social Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University, will discuss fostering collaborative partnerships to create more compassionate, effective, and equitable systems.

10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. ET

Activation Activities Break

Get to know your fellow festival-goers! Use this time to move through the space at your own pace and take part in a range of light social activities. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, there is something for everyone. Make new friends, share stories, and come away with a feeling of community.

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET

50+ Singers: Celebrate with Song

The 50+ Singers are a choral ensemble that includes both trained and novice voices. Under the musical direction of J. Rigzin Tute, they bring their love of music and later life learning to the stage. Enjoy an exclusive Festival performance featuring songs by the Bee Gees, Gordon Lightfoot, and Todd Rundgren -- complete with an audience sing-along.

12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. ET

Lunch

1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET

Defy Dementia: Music for Brain Health

Music lifts our moods, evokes memories, and gets our toes tapping. It may also slow cognitive decline and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Join Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation) and Dr. Claude Alain (Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, BARE) as they host an interactive and playful discussion about how music can engage your brain and benefit you at any age! Audience members will have the chance to ask our experts their questions as part of a Q&A.

4:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. ET

Closing Remarks

9:00 a.m.–9:35 a.m. ET

Registration and Refreshments

9:35 a.m.–9:45 a.m. ET

Opening Remarks

9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. ET

Aging with Creativity

Embrace the intersection of imagination and longevity in our moderated panel, where we’ll move past the tendencies to only see the challenges we face as we age. Creative expression and a playful mindset foster cognitive health and emotional resilience. Join us to discover how staying playful isn't just a hobby or an activity – it's a lifestyle for thriving.

11:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m. ET

Home Stairlift

Home Stairlift (50+ Festival Gold Sponsor) will share everything you need to know about making home mobility accessible, for longer. Our workshop explores how stairlifts support independence, prevent falls, and make multi-level living accessible again. Learn about modern tailored solutions that are designed for comfort and support active lifestyles, keeping mobile, maintaining routines, and staying engaged in the home you love. Home Stairlift believes aging at home should be safe and empowering.

11:20 a.m.–12:10 p.m. ET

Film Premiere: ACT II STUDIO’s Short Film

Join us for the premiere of Programs for 50+ and ACT II STUDIO’s first short film. Developed by older adults for older adults, and led by award-winning director Sean Cisterna as part of our CSAC 606 - Reel Stories course, this screening celebrates original storytelling shaped by lived experience. Don’t miss this special opportunity to encounter diverse voices and perspectives rarely seen on screen.

Following the screening, stay for a short Q&A with the filmmakers and actors, who will offer insight into the creative journey and the experience of making a film later in life.

12:10 p.m.–1:30 p.m. ET

Lunch

1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Theatrical Performance: Talking Matters

Join act2studioWORKS and Moving Scenes for a presentation of Talking Matters. Inspired by research into the ways that language can be used to enhance memory and cognition in seniors with dementia, this production showcases the sensitive and upbeat story of two elderly residents in a long-term care home and their spirited caregivers. The play follows an intergenerational journey of discovery as David and Inga struggle with language and their longing for respect and dignity. A talk-back with the actors and director will follow the performance.

3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ET

This is Aging

The “This is Aging” project creates a space where students and older adults learn together in a shared educational setting. This session explores how this approach can shift perspectives on aging, connection, and learning across generations. Join the research team for a talk about this intergenerational classroom model, which promotes dialogue and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and perspectives between generations.

3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET

Participant Q&A/Raffle

4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Closing Remarks