Empowered Seniors Speakers Series

Caring For Others – and Yourself – Over The Holidays

Providing care to someone in your life is a rewarding experience, that sometimes comes at the cost of not taking care of ourselves to the best of our ability. The holidays are a time full of more tasks and responsibilities on top of what we already manage on a day-to-day basis. The holidays may also bring up a variety of emotions that seem difficult to handle in the moment. We all know it is important to care for ourselves, but what does that look like and how can we begin doing that to ensure the holidays are meaningful and memorable?

This month Emily Ayenew, the Regional Lead for Western Ontario at the Ontario Caregiver Organization, will join the community to speak about the importance of caring for yourself while caring for others, with an emphasis on understanding the unique experience of caring for someone during the holidays compared to other times of the year. You will leave more confident after learning practical tips on how to care for yourself, strategies to connect with those you are providing care for and learn about what supports the Ontario Caregiver Organization provides to caregivers across the province.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• What is caregiver stress and burnout
• How to identify caregiver stress and burnout
• Simple steps to self-care
• Navigating the holidays and emotions associated with it 
• Programs and services available to you in your role as a caregiver

Join us on December 10, 2025 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Attendees are asked to contribute to the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series Holiday Food Drive in support of the Burlington Food Bank. Most needed items this year are:

• Cereal (Hot and Cold)
• Large Soup
• Juices (Boxes and 1 Litre)
• Granola Bars (Peanut Free)
• Peanut Butter
• Crackers
• Canned Fruit

Your help filling the shelves at the Food Bank to feed the hungry in our community will be appreciated by many!

Fraud Prevention for Seniors - Protecting Yourself in a Digital World

We hear about scams on the news all the time, but the truth is that fraud is getting harder to spot. Today's scammers are patient, believable, and often build emotional connections before taking advantage. Seniors are especially at risk, from online romance scams and identity theft to misuse of Power of Attorney.

This month's Empowered Seniors Speaker Series is all about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.

Join Dave Oswald, CPA, CFF, CFE, Principal of Forensic Restitution and one of Canada’s leading forensic investigators, for an engaging and practical session on how to recognize, avoid, and prevent the scams that most often target seniors.

With over 25 years of experience uncovering multimillion dollar frauds across Canada, Dave will share real stories, including how one senior lost over $600,000 to a romance scam, and the simple strategies that can help you stay one step ahead.

Because knowledge is protection, and awareness is your best defense.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• The most common scams targeting seniors in 2026
• How emotional manipulation fuels romance and online fraud
• What Power of Attorney abuse looks like and how to prevent it
• Red flags for identity theft and tech scams
• Simple, practical steps to safeguard your finances and personal data

Join us on January 14, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Women & Wealth: Planning for Longevity, Security, and Independence

Women often outlive men—but are they financially prepared for those extra years?

In this focused and empowering session, financial expert Neela White returns to the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series to address the unique financial realities women face in retirement.

If you're in your 70s, 80s, or even 90s, you may still have 15-20 years ahead of you. Whether you've had career gaps, earned less over your lifetime, or simply want to make the most of your savings, this presentation will help you build a strategy for lasting financial security.

We'll explore:

• How to make income sources like CPP/QPP, pensions, RRIFs and TFSAs go the distance
• What to do when savings are tight—downsizing, government benefits, and more
• Smart strategies to protect your independence, from health care planning to low-risk investments
• Steps you can take today to feel confident and in control of your future

Join us on February 11, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

TBA

Description coming soon

Join us on March 11, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Living Well Expo 2026: Discover, Connect, Empower

This month's session takes a vibrant turn! On April 8, 2026, the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series is proud to host our second annual Living Well Expo—a one-day, in-person event designed to inform, empower, and connect.

Come explore over 30 local exhibitors, including community organizations, service providers, health professionals, and businesses who are passionate about supporting older adults and their families. Whether you're planning ahead, actively navigating aging transitions, or simply curious about what's out there, this is your chance to gather insights, resources, and inspiration—all under one roof.

Join us on April 8, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Aging Boldly: Because Getting Older Isn't for the Faint of Heart

Forget the outdated image of aging. This session is about strength, vitality, and embracing what's next with confidence and intention.

In May, the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series welcomes Annie Gaudreault, a women's health coach, nutritionist, speaker, and endurance athlete. Annie brings lived experience, humour, and real-life strategies to help you thrive in this chapter of life, whether you’re navigating your own aging journey or supporting someone else through it.

You'll leave with a new perspective on how to maintain energy, wellness, and independence as you age—plus a renewed sense of possibility.

What you'll learn:

• What really impacts energy, health, and mental sharpness as we age
• How to care for both your body and brain in practical, sustainable ways
• Simple habits that support strength, mobility, and emotional well-being
• The difference between lifespan and healthspan—and why both matter
• How to live boldly, age intentionally, and stay connected to your purpose

Join us on May 13, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Beating Social Isolation

Description coming soon

Join us on June 10, 2026 for this informative and relevant seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON