News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The newest group of Healthy Aging Champions met for the first time on May 18 for an orientation session at the Wu Centre at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

“I am very pleased to say we have nine Healthy Aging Champions in the latest group,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “I am excited to see what each will do to promote healthy aging in New Brunswick. Each of these people are someone to look up to as we all strive for healthy aging.”

It is the first group of volunteers selected since the program name changed from the Senior Goodwill Ambassador program. The change was made to better reflect the program’s goal of spreading awareness about healthy aging.

The new group are:

• Adeline Misener

• Jesse James

• Joan Bourque

• Joanne Duguay

• Lesley Brennan-Caravan

• Lillian Surette

• Dianne Thomas

• Jane Stewart

• Catherine Savoie

They will spend the next two years promoting healthy aging during celebrations for New Brunswick Day, Canada Day, Intergenerational Day, National Seniors Day, and at local fairs, exhibits and other events.

“New Brunswick seniors want to age at home,” said Shephard. “The Department of Social Development is focusing heavily on aging at home and the mandate of our Healthy Aging Champions will help make this possible. Healthy aging will help seniors stay in their homes—and communities—longer.”

The program offers people 60 and older a chance to share their healthy aging experience and spread the message about the importance of leading a healthy, active life as a person ages. The original program began in 1991. More information is available online.