Nutrition and community take centre stage for Aylmer seniors

Tashi Farmilo

A nutrition-focused event held at the Centre d’action bénévole Accès brought together local seniors on January 30 for the launch of the 2026 Café-Rencontre series. Catherine Richard, a public health nutritionist with Santé Publique, led the session, which focused on how food choices impact aging, energy levels, and the prevention of chronic illness.

This Café-Rencontre is part of a broader range of services offered by the Centre for older adults in the Aylmer area. Julie Cool, Executive Director of the Centre, said the day programs are designed for seniors who are living independently but often face isolation. “Oftentimes, when you hit the age of 70 or 80, you’ve lost your spouse, your friends, and you kind of give up that you’ll ever make new friends,” Cool said. “But when they come here, they create new friendships. It’s really powerful to see people in their 80s discover that they can still be part of a group.” The Centre runs two full-day and two half-day activity programs each week, including exercise, lunch, social time, and occasional guest speakers. Space is limited, and registration is required.

In addition to onsite programming, the Centre coordinates a number of volunteer-led services aimed at helping seniors remain at home longer and reduce isolation. These include weekly friendly visits, transportation to medical appointments with full accompaniment, and a daily automated phone call system that escalates to emergency contacts if unanswered. “It’s not just a ride to the doctor,” said Cool. “It’s someone walking with you to your appointment, waiting, and making sure you get home safely.”

During tax season, volunteers offer free tax filing for low-income seniors. The Centre also helps direct prospective volunteers, including students, to community organizations in need of help. Cool said the response has been strong. “People are really interested in volunteering. The community wants to get involved.” Cool said demand is strong and growing. “We want people to feel that they’re still part of something, that the community hasn’t forgotten them.”

For more information, visit www.cabacces.ca