2018 ARTA Advocacy Retreat
Lorraine Balen and Joan Henry | HARTA
Educational, inspiring, and empowering describes
the 2018 ARTA Advocacy Retreat held in
Canmore, May 27 to 29. The days were packed
with informative speakers imparting current
information on physical, mental, and fi nancial
health. The conference centred on advocating for
awareness of and making improvements to these
areas of wellness.
Dr. Duncan Robertson,
Medical Adviser to Alberta’s
Dementia Strategy and Action
Plan (ADSAP), informed us
about the diff erences between
dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease as it relates to memory
function. He shared Alberta’s
action plan with us, including
Dr. Duncan
improvements needed in
Robertson
the system. Dr. Robertson
speaking on
anticipating an
also encouraged us to be
aging Alberta
proactive in maintaining brain
health and to be empowered to do so by means
of attention to diet, exercise, social connection,
quality sleep, managing treatable conditions, and
reducing vascular risk factors. We were encouraged
to advocate for people living with dementia and
their caregivers. Dr. Robertson’s suggestions
included improving understanding of dementia
through education to reduce risk, increase timely
recognition and diagnosis, and provide clinical
management and high-quality care.
Dr. Larry Ohlhauser, author of The Healthy
CEO, showed us how to increase our personal
awareness of our medical risks and encouraged
us to make changes to improve our physical
well-being. He shared his personal story that
redirected him to become ‘the CEO of his own
health.’ Dr. Ohlhauser advocates healthy eating,
limited caff eine and alcohol, quality sleep, and
Marilyn Bossert introducing Todd Hirsch, ATB Economist
staying active both physically and socially.
Attendees were challenged to make one positive
change toward improved wellness.
Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist with ATB
Financial, informed us about trends in Alberta’s
economy, including employment, interest rates,
and greater diversity as it applies to our aging
population in their retirement years.
The retreat was about advocacy, and CARP’s
Wanda Morris spoke about how to advocate to
transform health care, to ensure fi nancial security
for seniors, and to counter ageism.
Deanna Thompson introduced retreat
participants to mindfulness meditation; Jeff Mah
presented a participatory yoga session; and the
Wellness Committee organized a nature walk.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn
more about both ARTA and CARP as advocates
for seniors.
Each day ended with humorous entertainment
and social time, which provided the opportunity
to connect with ARTA staff and other ARTA
branch members from across the province,
including the satellite branch from Kelowna,
British Columbia. Attending an ARTA retreat is a
great way to learn about the organization and to
network with others from around the province. ●
news&views AUTUMN 2018 | 53