Empowering Seniors Through Knowledge: Highlights from the Seniors Active Living Fair

York Region Educational Services (YRES), in partnership with the Ontario Association of Councils on Aging (OACAO), hosted a virtual Seniors Active Living Fair on September 26, 2026, bringing together seniors and community organizations for a day of learning, connection, and discovery.

With more than 50 seniors participating, the fair focused on two important aspects of healthy aging: technology and digital literacy, and mental wellness and healthy living. Through interactive presentations, demonstrations, and discussions, participants had the opportunity to explore practical tools, discover community resources, and learn about ways to stay active and connected.

Building Confidence Through Technology

The morning sessions focused on technology, digital literacy, and online safety. Participants explored ways to navigate the digital world, use online tools, and build confidence with technology in their everyday lives. By making technology more accessible, the fair aimed to help seniors stay connected with loved ones, access information, and participate in an increasingly digital society.

Supporting Healthy, Active Living

The afternoon sessions highlighted mental wellness, healthy living, and community resources available to seniors. These discussions encouraged participants to explore opportunities for continued engagement, learn about available supports, and discover ways to maintain their well-being and social connections.

Connecting Seniors With Their Community

Beyond sharing information, the virtual fair created an opportunity for seniors to interact with presenters, ask questions, and connect with organizations offering resources relevant to their needs. The event also highlighted the value of intergenerational learning, particularly when it comes to technology, where guidance and demonstrations can help make digital tools less intimidating.

Through this initiative, YRES and OACAO reaffirmed their commitment to making learning opportunities and community resources more accessible to older adults. The Seniors Active Living Fair demonstrated how virtual programming can bring valuable information directly to seniors while creating opportunities for connection, participation, and lifelong learning.

At YRES, we believe that learning, connection, and community engagement should continue at every stage of life.We are grateful to the participating seniors, presenters, and community organizations who helped make this event a meaningful opportunity to learn, share, and grow together.