2017 International Day of Older Persons

<> 1) Presentation of the Valued Elder Recognition Awards to honour dedicated volunteers who have given exemplary service to our community 2) A brief guided Interactive Tai Chi Demonstration by the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi® Victoria Branch. 3) A lecture by Dr. Adam Con: Exploring our vitality as we age: Sometimes less is more! <> As we age, there’s a certain nostalgia for what our bodies used to be able to do. Aging adults tend to shy away from activities they perceive as too difficult due to reduced flexibility and speed. However, the vitality of youth is different from the vitality of the mature. Economy of movement, efficiency of thought, and wisdom of experience are important ingredients to living well. Adam will share the research of Tai Chi Chuan and music – specifically singing – a combination that provides a glimpse into the secrets of vitality. <> Dr. Adam Jonathan Con is a conductor, a visionary, a respected teacher of choral conducting and Tai Chi Chuan, and a leader in the advocacy of music education. A native of Vancouver and a third generation Chinese Canadian, his holistic approach to choral music through a unique blend of kinesthetic whole body movement and Eastern philosophy continues to inspire singers of all ages in mind, body and spirit. His motto is “Music is more than notes in motion; music is notes in Emotion.” Dr. Con is a tenured Associate Professor of Music at University of Victoria where he teaches. His duties at the School of Music include teaching elementary music methods, music education foundations, choral conducting, choral organization, rehearsal techniques and literature, middle and elementary school choir methods, supervising music education students, as well as conducting the UVic Chorus. <> Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi® is a volunteer-based, charitable, not-for-profit organization. Taoist Tai Chi® arts contribute to the health of seniors and communities by providing physical activity, opportunities to volunteer and socialise, a sense of belonging, calming the mind and cultivating the spirit. The practice involves deep stretching with full range of motion, focused concentration, and relaxation.