Non-UVRA Events
UVRA also aims to involve its membership through different valuable resources and educational programs offered by other organizations (i.e., AROHE, CURAC, and many more) that might interest some of its valued members. There are also invitations from various departments at UVic, and from students looking for 55+ participants for their research studies, received by UVRA for distribution to its membership. These items are first made known to UVRA members via emails, when appropriate, and then placed on the UVRA website under the Non-UVRA Events navigation bar.
Upcoming Events:
UVIC EVENTS
Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH)’s March 2026 Update
ABOUT: IALH’s March 2026 update covers important and timely topics, including nutrition, brain health, research opportunities, and upcoming community events. Explore what’s new from the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health this month, including talks, studies you can participate in, and learning opportunities connected to healthy aging and lifelong wellbeing.
LINK TO VIEW: https://e1.envoke.com/m/809e394f1d485310a4f65d4dd8412f60/m/e245b046c66e31e56b969a71844c68d3/?mode=3
UVic Continuing Studies Spring 2026 Comunity Health Courses
PSYCHEDELICS, SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Delivery style: Hybrid (online/UVic Campus)
Date: Tuesdays, April 7 to 21
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Fee: $84 plus GST
Registration and course description: https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/health-wellness-and-safety/courses/psychedelics-science-and-society
SCENT AND MEMORY: CRAFTING A MEMOIR THROUGH SMELL
Delivery style: Face to face (UVic Campus)
Date: Thursdays, April 9 to 16
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Fee: $90 plus GST
Registration and course description: https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/health-wellness-and-safety/courses/scent-and-memory-crafting-a-memoir-through-smell
CONNECTING WITH NATURE TO FIND INNER WISDOM
Delivery style: Face to face (UVic Campus)
Date: Thursdays, April 9 to 23
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Fee: $84 plus GST
Registration and course description: https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/health-wellness-and-safety/courses/connecting-with-nature-to-find-inner-wisdom
MOVEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR CHRONIC PAIN
Delivery style: Face to face (UVic Campus)
Date: Wednesday, April 29
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Fee: $46 plus GST
Registration and course description: https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/health-wellness-and-safety/courses/movement-solutions-for-chronic-pain
CURAC EVENTS
Youtube Video Recording of “Ear Essentials: Facts, Fun, & How to Keep Hearing Healthy”
LINK TO VIEW: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/rec/share/XiXYwVlafejLbuVh8SD6qCIVkIcX8lBU82SAbYszg8vamcdyLH-4wKXMjQEar56D.hnFct_j64EAtH4qM
PASSCODE: 9&$Qz^h8
Video Recording for CURAC's Retiree Association Zoom Conversation
belairdirect - car and home insurance
LINK TO VIEW THE VIDEO: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/rec/share/dwLED3BNcO8fP32_y6yuwy860CaRbnnK7iP2ahhYFXHC_JBVv6UbFG7ehlQmrsZj.AGBBsuavwoHxBiTk
Passcode: 7ID=9!a5
Video Post From Macmaster University Aging Portal
A BETTER SLEEP WITHOUT PILLS: SAFER STRATEGIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
ABOUT THE VIDEO: Nearly one-third of older Canadians take sleeping pills, also called sedative-hypnotics or tranquilizers, to manage insomnia or anxiety. But these medications — frequently benzodiazepines or “Z” drugs — often provide limited benefit and carry serious risks. Watch this short video to learn why sleeping pills may not be the best solution for older adults and discover safer, more effective ways to improve sleep.
CURAC Newsletter December 2025
WELCOME TO ISSUE NUMBER THREE OF THE RELAUNCHED CURAC NEWS
This issue features a longer list of stories from CURAC members across Canada. This issue also includes several opportunities for college and university retirees to become involved with CURAC, from participating in the Later Life Learning committee to joining the CURAC board or a committee.
MORE DETAILS: https://curac.ca/en/blog/december-2025-newsletter
CommonAge Annual Newsletter, January 2026
PRIORITISING WELLNESS FOR SUCCESS
MORE DETAILS: https://mailchi.mp/4d47b0c58ee9/commonage-welcome-newsletter-19881593?e=e64bbb6b5e
Invitation to UBC’s Dialogue on Aging: Dr. Mark Carpenter
A BALANCING ACT: AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN SENSORIMOTOR FUNCTION AND BALANCE CONTROL
DATE: March 30, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, PT
WHERE: Online via Zoom
ABOUT THE EVENT: Falls pose a significant health risk to older adults; falls are the leading cause of accidental death and the number one cause of hospitalization due to unintentional injury in older adults. Maintenance of balance under static (quiet standing) and dynamic (reactive) balance conditions relies heavily upon the integration of multiple sources of sensory information (visual, vestibular and proprioceptive), to trigger and modulate balance responses that are task and context dependent. This presentation will bring to light new evidence developed using novel techniques to measure balance-relevant changes in sensorimotor function in young and older adults, and discuss how these age-related changes in sensorimotor control may be associated with changes in static and dynamic balance performance. Special consideration will be given to understanding how psychological factors, such as fear and anxiety, alters sensorimotor control and balance function, and further increases fall risk in older adults. The effectiveness of current balance interventions and fall prevention strategies will be discussed, as well as future directions for aging and balance research.
REGISTRATION: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/qnQs0NhdRM2aqHSERJZaUg
Invitation to University of Toronto’s 21st Annual Senior College Symposium
CANADA AT THE CROSSROADS
DATE: April 15, 2026, All day (9am-4pm) Eastern Time
WHERE: Hybrid (U of T Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks or by Zoom)
ABOUT THE EVENT: Canada is facing challenges to its economy, governance, and sense of identity. We need to make urgent choices of direction to survive as a country in which we can take pride. While the most obvious threats are external, we also need to recognize strengths and weaknesses inherent in institutions we think of as distinctly Canadian. Join this symposium where eminent speakers will help explore and discuss where we are now and where we can go in the future.
IN PERSON REGISTRATION: https://uoft.me/21st-annual-attendance-symposium-85
Early registration $85 until noon on Mon. April 6, then $100 until noon on Mon. April 13 (refreshments, lunch, post-event reception included)
ZOOM REGISTERATION: https://uoft.me/zoom-symp-25
Registration $25; you will be able to upgrade later to in-person if you wish.
Invitation to University of Calgary Retirees Association HYBRID Session
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND FINANCE INCLUDING EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND GAME THEORY TO DECODE HOW DIGITAL TRADING AND GAME THEORY IS USED TO TRANSFORM MARKET DYNAMICS AND INVESTOR PSYCHOLOGY
DATE: April 08, 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm MDT
WHERE: Online via Zoom or Engineering G, G207
ABOUT THE EVENT: Research focus is on impact of technology on investor behaviour and securities exchanges, using game theory and controlled experiments.
REGISTRATION: https://events.ucalgary.ca/emeriti-events/event/497336-role-of-technology-and-finance-including-experimental
Invitation to Wilfred Laurier University Free Online monthly Lecture Series
In 2026, the Faculty of Social Work proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, a milestone that reflects six decades of leadership, learning and unwavering commitment to social justice. To honor this legacy, they invite you to join the Professional Development Office for a free monthly lecture series throughout the year.
All lectures will be held remotely through Zoom. There will be a maximum of 300 spots for each lecture.
LECTURES:
March 27: The New Clinician: Confidence Without Certainty in a Trauma-Shaped World
May 19: Joy on the Journey: Lessons from Positive Psychology to Increase Balance, Well-Being and Happiness -- and Project Against Burnout
July 16: The Embodied Self: How Presence Becomes the Somatic and Relational Foundation of Competence
REGISTRATION: https://continuingeducation.wlu.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=8043767
Trip Contest with Trip Merchant: Vietnam & Cambodia!
Want to win a 12 Day/11 Night package in Vietnam & Cambodia? This trip prize includes 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City (with an included city tour), an incredible first class 7 night Mekong River Cruise with Viet Princess Cruises between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and finishing with 2 nights in Siem Reap with an included tour of the Angkor Temples. Transfers will be included throughout. Also, Trip Merchant will be providing a $1500 CAD Airfare Credit to use towards flights.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Members must enter before March 31st, 2026
To register and access your travel site, follow these instructions:
- Register for the CURAC/Trip Merchant Travel Site: https://tripmerchant.com/register
- Fill in your details
- Use One-time Organization Code: 4fff
- Ensure the “Subscribe to Newsletter” box is clicked so that you receive the time-sensitive offers/deals, trips and more (sent two times a week)
- Click the Register Now button: You will then have access to the website
If you have already registered on the travel site, all you need to do is log in to https://tripmerchant.com/login using your email address and the unique password that you created.
For any other questions or requests regarding trips, please contact Trip Merchant by email info@tripmerchant.com or by calling 1-800-481-9739, Extension 0.
AROHE EVENTS
AROHE Matters: March 2026 Academic Retiree News
This issue of AROHE Matters highlights the value and contributions of volunteers and resources and opportunities for impactful service.
LINK TO VIEW: https://www.arohe.org/resources/EmailTemplates/%20AROHE%20Matters%202026-3/index_preview.html
Invitation to AROHE’s Online Event
DISCOVERING YOUR PURPOSE IN RETIREMENT
DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2026,3:00 PM, EDT
ABOUT THE EVENT: Retirement isn’t the end of your story; it’s the beginning of your most meaningful chapter. What happens when the titles, roles, and routines that have defined us for decades fade away? For many pre-retirees and retirees, this transition sparks a powerful question: What is my purpose now? Through heartfelt stories and actionable strategies, this event will help you - reconnect with your core values and passions, redefine success for life after work, and create a legacy that reflects who you truly are.
REGISTRATION AND DETAILS: https://www.arohe.org/event-6494053/Registration
Invitation to AROHE’s Six-session Webinar Series 2026
CHARTING THE JOURNEY TO A FULFILLING RETIREMENT
Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE), in partnership with Fidelity Investments invite you to participate in “Charting the Journey to a Fulfilling Retirement,” an exclusive six-session webinar series designed for you thrive in life’s next chapter.
- April 08 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement
- April 22 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Time Well Spent: Shaping Your Days with Intention
- May 06 (3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, EDT): Cultivating Social Connections and Support Systems in Retirement
REGISTRATION AND EVENT DETAILS: https://www.arohe.org/page-1827074
OTHER EVENTS
UBC Emeritus College | Winter 2026 Newsletter
The Winter 2026 issue of the UBC Emeritus College Newsletter is available online with:
- An Order of BC recipient's groundbreaking research on infant pain.
- An emeritus' research to examine preparedness for a magnitude-9 earthquake in BC.
- How an art- and imagination-based counselling method developed by an emeritus is bringing healing to children in war-torn Ukraine.
- Special interest groups and how they drive adventure in retirement.
- Important transitions to retirement information.
- Updates to health and travel insurance plans.
- How College subsidies support research passions in retirement.
- Exciting, upcoming events and more!
LINK TO READ: https://emerituscollege.ubc.ca/newsletter
Self-Management Programs
Self-Management BC offers a variety of online and telephone-based workshops and programs which provide support and tips on how to self-manage frailty, pain, and/or other chronic conditions.
- Virtual Self-Management Workshops - available for Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and Cancer: These 6-week workshops are conducted virtually, via Zoom. Groups of up to 8 participants meet virtually, once per week, for 2.5 hours per session.
- Self-Management Health Coach Program: This is a one-on-one telephone-based coaching program to support people living with chronic conditions to become better self-managers. Each individual is paired with a coach and receives a weekly, 30-minute phone call for a period of 3 months. Coaches are volunteers who may be living with chronic health conditions, and are passionate to help others to achieve wellness.
- New! Frailty Coaching Program: This is a one-on-one telephone-based program that supports adults in BC who wish to prevent and/or slow down the progression of frailty. A trained peer frailty coach connects with each participant by telephone once a week for approximately 30-45 minutes for 3 months. Participants will learn self-management strategies.
- Better Choices, Better Health® Online Program: Interactive group workshop sessions are posted online each week for a period of 6 weeks, and participants may log on at their convenience to complete weekly activities and interact with their group via internal messaging and discussion boards. Participants can remain anonymous.
- Tool Kit for Active Living Program - available for Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and Cancer: This is a self-study program in which participants receive the “Living a Healthy Life” resource book and self-assessment booklet. For those who enjoy independent self-paced learning.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-MANAGEMENT BC: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=0&delivery=0
Open Doors Travel
CULTURAL TOUR TO PORTUGAL WITH ROSA STEWART & FRIENDS!
ABOUT THE TOUR: For over 30 years, Rosa Stewart taught in Hispanic and Italian Studies, but she also led or assisted with tours organized by Continuing Studies. These tours were usually guided by UVic faculty and there was an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with the people that traveled with them. Sadly, the tours ended with COVID. Last year, Rosa was approached to lead a tour for the spring of 2026 by a company that organized tours for Continuing Studies in the past. She decided that this tour should be to Portugal, one of her favourite countries. This is a 12-day adventure in May of 2026 and her co-leader, Mané, is from Setúbal, outside of Lisbon. With Mané and Rosa you will see parts of Portugal often missed by big groups.
If you would like more information please check out this link: https://tours.opendoorstravel.ca/t/open-doors-travel/timeless-portugal-a-journey-through-history-culture-and-flavour Or, feel free to contact Rosa directly at rls@uvic.ca.
Cyber Seniors - Free Tech Help Webinar (March 30- April 03, 2026): Tech Safety & Smart Everyday Use
REGISTRATION AND EVENT DETAILS:
University of British Columbia(UBC)- Invitation to UBC’s Webinar
HOW CAN CANADA SHAPE A SHIFTING GLOBAL ORDER?
DATE: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 12:00-1:15 PT
ABOUT THE EVENT: Hear from UBC experts as they delve into what Canada’s role as a middle power will mean for democracy, economics, migration, global partnerships, and the country’s future. Consider what’s at stake for Canada—and how the nation can bolster its position within increasingly complex global realities.
REGISTRATION AND DETAILS: https://alumni.ubc.ca/event/how-can-canada-shape-a-shifting-global-order/
Call for Papers: Canadian Journal of Multidisciplinary Qualitative Research (CJMQR)
CJMQR welcomes high-quality qualitative research, critical commentaries, and scholarly debates from a variety of fields, including medical, psychosocial, arts, humanities, and health and caring disciplines.
Please see the website for more information: https://cjmqr.ca/index.php/cjmqr/index
Invitation to Island Health Research Dispatch
INTRODUCING… LIVE FROM RESEARCH
Check out the spring lineup below and register to save your seat today!
Wednesday, Apr. 22 (12 – 12:30 pm): “Complex Trauma: Building a Life Worth Living”
RESEARCH STUDIES
Participate in a Research Study at UVic
THE COGNITION AND OLDER ADULT STRESS (COAST) STUDY
IALH Research Fellow Dr. Theone Paterson and PhD Student Affiliate Cian Dabrowski, are conducting an online and in-person study to determine the impacts of stress experienced across the lifespan on cognition, aging, and brain health. The aim of this study is to investigate whether stress influences physical, psychological, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults. Individuals who are 65 or older and live in the greater Victoria area are eligible. Participants will be asked to complete an online confidential survey (~30 minutes) and an in-person cognitive assessment and fNIRS monitoring session (~1.5 hours). Participants will also receive a gift card for their involvement.
To participate, email COAST_study@uvic.ca.
Participate in a Research Study at Concordia University
PARTNERS’ ACTIONS TOWARD HEALTH (PATH) STUDY
They are looking for couples in which at least one partner is trying to change their diet and/or physical activity habits. The main goal of this study is to investigate how different types of couples’ behaviors influence changes in eating and physical activity behaviors over time. Earn up to $150 as a couple for participating in this study!
ETHICS APPROVAL # 30022923
ABOUT THE STUDY: https://concordiau.wixsite.com/sirhlab/pathstudy
INTERESTED? https://concordia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/sv_2g93lbxd0urogqy