Inclusion at Work: A Conversation on Ageism in Nursing

On September 28^th, join the Senior Nurses’ Network (SNN) at BCNU’s head office in Burnaby for a community dinner and educational workshop on ageism in the nursing profession and how to create safe and welcoming work environments for older nurses. 

In addition to a community dinner hosted by the SNN Chair and SNN regional representatives, members are invited to participate in a workshop on ageism led by Dr. Laura Kadowaki and Zena Simces. The workshop will be delivered in a hybrid format, inviting members throughout the province to join remotely as well.

Workshop Description:

The World Health Organization defines ageism as the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others based on their age. Ageism is pervasive within society, with 1 in 2 people globally estimated to be ageist towards older persons. 

The 90-minute interactive workshop will introduce you to core ageism concepts through a blend of evidence-based presentations, activities, and discussion. Core concepts covered will include:

• What ageism is
• The different types of ageism
• The harmful effects of ageism 
• How to recognize ageism
• Strategies for eliminating ageism

The workshop will also specifically discuss how ageism manifests in healthcare and workplace settings, including how ageism can impact older workers. 

Speakers’ Bios:

Dr. Laura Kadowaki is a Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist for the Healthy Aging Department at United Way BC. Through her work with the Raising the Profile Project and United Way BC, she has been collaborating with the community-based seniors’ services sector in BC since 2016 to raise the profile and build the capacity of this sector. 

Laura holds a PhD in Gerontology from Simon Fraser University. Her areas of research interest include community-based seniors’ services, social determinants of health, ageism, and seniors’ housing. Laura is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University. She is also an Executive Committee Member for the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism.

Zena Simces has devoted many years helping to improve the lives of older adults. She has been a member of the National Seniors Council of Canada from 2021-2025, providing advice to the Federal Minister for Seniors and the Minister of Health to improve the financial, health and social well-being of older adults across Canada. 

She currently sits as an Ambassador on the board of the International Longevity Centre-Canada, is co-chair of the Older Persons Advisory Committee and is a member of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism. 

She is a member of the Seniors’ Advisory Group providing advice to the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra.

She has had a long-standing commitment to promoting human rights, organizing lectures and dialogues in New Brunswick in collaboration with the Atlantic Human Rights Centre, and in British Columbia, most recently looking at housing as a human right and ageism and its impact on human rights.

This event will be held in hybrid format.

This event is not salary replaced. All members and students are welcome to attend.

Members must first register and receive confirmation of acceptance to the event.

No Scents Makes Sense: Scented products can cause adverse effects for many people. To ensure that our spaces are accessible and welcoming, please refrain from using scented products. Let's keep the air we share healthy and fragrance-free.

When:

In Person Meeting Location: