Join us for an engaging day of conversations on healthy aging. This symposium brings together experts, organizations, and community members to explore topics that matter to older adults.
The Age-Friendly Ajax Symposium is a FREE event and registration includes the following:
- Morning & afternoon refreshments
- Lunch
- Three educational workshop sessions
- Optional bus transportation from designated pick-up locations
Thursday, October 1, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Audley Recreation Centre | 1955 Audley Rd. N.
Community Hall
Need more information? Have questions? Contact:
Laura Tegelberg
laura.tegelberg@ajax.ca
365-282-5971
Registration
Symposium registration opens on Thursday, August 20 at 9 a.m.
Sessions & Workshops
Select from one of the following workshops:
Think Like a Scammer: Understanding the Tactics Criminals Use to Manipulate Your Trust
Presented by Debra Popa, KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation
If you think, “I’d never fall for a scam,” this session is for you. Join KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation to learn why scams work, how criminals manipulate trust and emotion, and the common tactics used in phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, and online shopping. You’ll leave with practical strategies to recognize red flags and make confident decisions online.
Ontario Tech University: An Age-Friendly Space for Lifelong Learning
Presented by Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University is one of a select number of Canadian institutions designated as Age-Friendly by the Global Age-Friendly University Network. The University is committed to creating inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning spaces for people of all ages. Spearheaded by Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Founding Chair of Ontario Tech’s Age-Friendly University initiative, this workshop will explore how post-secondary institutions can play a transformative role in supporting healthy aging through education, research, innovation, and meaningful community partnerships. Attendees will learn how the Age-Friendly University framework fosters lifelong learning, intergenerational connection, and collaborative approaches. Dr. Dogra’s research on age-friendly communities, health aging, and sedentary time will also offer practical insights into how we can help shape more inclusive and connected communities for all.
Select from one of the following workshops:
The Next Generation of Scams: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Online Safety
Presented by Debra Popa, KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation
Whether you use AI or not, it is already changing the digital world around you. Join us for an engaging introduction to AI and its impact on everyday life. Learn how AI is being used to clone voices, create convincing fake photos and videos, write realistic scam emails, and spread misinformation. We will separate fact from fiction and explore how this rapidly evolving technology is impacting your online safety.
Estate & Tax Planning
Presented by Alan Kelsey, Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth
This session is designed to empower Ajax residents to confidently approach estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfers using tax-efficient strategies. With many concerned about how to approach passing assets to the next generation, this session helps simplify the avenues available and build towards financial peace-of-mind. Complimentary consultations will also be available for those looking for personalized advice beyond the session.
Select from one of the following workshops:
Human Connection 101: Building the Foundation for a Happy & Health Life
Presented by Bobbie Breckenridge, Director of Programming, GenWell Foundation
Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life, but can’t quite put your finger on it? Many older adults experience this vague emptiness without realizing that the missing piece is human connection.
In this eye-opening workshop, we explore how fostering human connections can dramatically improve your well-being. Discover how subtle feelings of disconnection can affect your health, and learn practical strategies to build meaningful relationships that enrich your life.
Healthy Meals for One or Two: Simple, Nutritious & Affordable
Presented by Lisa Ireland, Registered Dietician
Want to eat healthier without spending too much time or money? Join us for an informative and inspiring session filled with simple ideas for preparing quick and nutritious meals at home. Discover easy ways to make healthy eating more affordable, less stressful, and better suited to your lifestyle – especially when cooking for one or two. You’ll leave with helpful tips, meal-planning strategies, and fresh inspiration you can put into action right away to enjoy healthy eating without breaking the budget.
Busing
Busing is available for this event from designated pick-up locations. Please see the route schedule below.
Age-Friendly Ajax Symposium - Busing Schedule
| South Route | North Route | ||
| Pick-up Location | Pick-up Time | Pick-up Location | Pick-up Time |
| Ashley Manor: 40 Kitney Drive | 9 a.m. | Village Garden Condos: 92 Church St. S. | 9 a.m. |
| St. Andrew's Seniors Centre: 46 Exeter Rd. | 9:15 a.m. | Pickering Village Seniors Centre: 29 Linton Ave. | 9:10 a.m. |
| Harwood Manor: 655 Harwood Ave. S. | 9:20 a.m. | Top of Westney Condos: 2 Westney Rd. N. | 9:25 a.m. |
| Westwood Manor: 960 Westney Rd. S. | 9:25 a.m. | Post Hill Apartments: 132 Kingston Rd. W. | 9:30 a.m. |
Participants taking the bus will arrive at Audley Recreation Centre at 9:45 a.m. The bus will depart Audley Recreation Centre at 3 p.m. at the conclusion of the event and drop participants back to their designated locations.