80 Is The New 60: Aging Well In The 21st Century
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About the Series
Date(s): Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 4
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Place: In-person or Live-streamed at St. Paul's Centre in Orillia
Price: $80 +HST for the whole 4 lecture series; $20 +HST for a single talk.
This engaging lecture series is designed especially for retired and senior folks (and their networks!) who want to embrace aging with confidence, vitality, and clarity. Blending the latest scientific insights with practical life strategies, the series explores how today’s older adults can thrive—physically, mentally, socially, and politically—in a rapidly changing world. Each lecture is approachable, inspiring, and led by subject matter experts! Keep checking in as we update the speaker roster......this is going to be an exciting one!
Please bring your own mug to enjoy a hot beverage during the intermission. Alternatively, TALL branded travel mugs will be available for purchase for $5 (cash only).
If you are unable to attend the lectures in person, a link will be sent to all registered participants for viewing from the comfort of your own places and spaces! Be sure to invite folks in your network, near and far!
Plus: Enjoy a FREE Lecture on January 29th, celebrating the President’s 60th Anniversary Public Lecture Series from 7-9pm on the Orillia Campus or livestreamed. Register for this lecture here.
Aging Canada 2040
Jordann Thirgood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
This lecture will discuss findings of the CSA Public Policy Centre’s research and engagement on the future of aging in Canada. Our recent report Aging Canada 2040: Policy Implications of Demographic Change explores the impacts of population aging and applies a foresight model to understand how trends could play out in possible future scenarios between now and 2040. This project entailed horizon scanning research, workshops with experts to co-develop scenarios, and a representative survey of 2,500 Canadians. Following the release of the report, we convened nearly 200 people to further explore innovative approaches to building a future that Canadians want to see. Our research reveals the potential for significant disparities in health outcomes, financial security, and social inclusion among older adults in the absence of thoughtful policy reform. As policymakers look ahead to 2040, they should consider taking a whole-of-government approach that reimagines where we age, transforms our understanding of health, safely leverages technology, prioritizes equity, and embraces the valuable contributions of older adults.
Jordann Thirgood is Manager of Public Policy at the CSA Group, where she leads research projects at the CSA Public Policy Centre including recent work on healthcare, disability, and the future of aging in Canada. Prior to joining CSA, Jordann held policy positions both inside and outside of government, advising on social, economic and regulatory issues. Jordann’s work has been published by academic journals, media outlets and research institutions. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Toronto and serves on the Board of Directors of Breakaway Community Services.
Cognitive Aging: It's a No Brainer
Dr. Heather Palmer
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Changes in the ability to think are a common, frustrating and often life altering part of the aging process. These changes can impact all aspects of life including relationships, psychological well-being and daily function. Fortunately, it is now well understood that the brain does have the capacity to develop new connections between regions to compensate for areas of weakness (a concept commonly referred to as neuroplasticity). Neuro-cognitive rehabilitation, founded on neuroplasticity, is designed to promote neural networking to improve how your brain functions. Through simple, sustainable and effective strategies you can rewire your brain to maximize your capacity, reduce your risk of dementia and enhance your overall cognitive well-being. The time is now to be proactive and learn techniques to help you think, feel and function your best.
Dr. Heather Palmer is a Clinician Scientist specializing in brain-behaviour relationships. She is the founder of Maximum Capacity, which operates in both Canada and the US, providing brain fog programs designed to help people improve how people think, feel and function. Heather has been published in scientific journals and spoken internationally on the topics of cancer-related brain fog, dementia, cognitive rehabilitation, seniors brain health, social isolation and loneliness.She has been featured on television and radio as a leading expert in these fields.
Myths and Realities of Ageing and How to Live to 100
Dr. Samir K. Sinha, MD, Dphil, FRCPC, FRSM, FCAHS, AGSF
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
*Note: This lecture will be held virtually with Dr. Sinha, zoomed into St. Paul's and livestreamed. We encourage folks who are able to attend in person for the social and refreshments!
Dr. Samir Sinha is a Geriatrician and Clinician Scientist at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, the Director of Health Policy Research at Toronto Metropolitan University’s National Institute on Ageing, as well as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Medicine.
A Rhodes Scholar, Samir is a highly regarded clinician and international expert in the care of older adults. As a former member of the Government of Canada’s National Seniors Council and a current member of its Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia he helped to develop and now oversee Canada’s National Dementia Strategy and recently led the successful development of Canada’s new National Long-Term Care Services Standard.
Internationally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the International Centre for Future Health Systems at the University of New South Wales. Furthermore, as a longstanding member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and a recently appointed member of the Board of Trustees for HelpAge International, he remains committed to supporting the implementation and administration of unique, integrated and innovative models of geriatric care and support that reduce disease burden, improve access and capacity and ultimately promote health.
TBD
Myles Harrison
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
TBD
Soon to be announced!
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
How to Buy Tickets
The Winter 2026 session of Third Age Learning Lakehead will be delivered in person at the St. Paul's Centre in Orillia and virtually. Light refreshments (coffee and cookies) will be served if attending in-person. Please bring a reusable mug.
Tickets for the full series are $80 plus HST. Single lecture tickets are $20 + HST.