Age-Friendly Shaunavon hosts Wellness Day to support healthy aging

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

Promoting a supportive environment for local seniors remains front and centre for Age-Friendly Shaunavon, which recently hosted its latest Wellness Day event at The Bridge on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The gathering, which brought together almost 60 people including attendees, local displayers, and board members, marked at least the sixth time the committee has hosted this informative event.

Dedicated entirely to the concept of healthy aging, the day features a range of important and informative topics that consistently draws good crowds.

“Every time we’ve had this, people really like it,” said Terri Hetterly, who chairs the Age-Friendly Shaunavon committee. “We consistently have over 50 people there, so obviously something is working to bring people to the event.”

The morning featured several presentations before wrapping up with a soup and sandwich lunch.

Hetterly, along with local resident Wendy Thienes of the provincial Age Friendly program, kicked off the session by introducing attendees to the framework behind their efforts. Hetterly pointed out that the “Age-Friendly” initiative is actually a structured World Health Organization (WHO) model targeting eight specific areas of community

life: transportation, housing, outdoor spaces/facilities, communication/information, civic involvement/employment, inclusion, health services/community support, and social participation.

“We work to address these issues – to find out where the gaps are and see what we can do to provide these things for healthy aging in our communities,” Hetterly explained.

To help ensure the local committee is on the right track, organizers conducted a community survey during the event. The feedback will be incorporated into an upcoming action plan.

The morning also included practical safety and planning advice. Mary Scott of the Shaunavon  Economic & Development Committee, along with Sgt. James  of the Shaunavon RCMP, presented an informative session on safe technology usage. Dan Martens from Binkley’s Funeral Service spoke to the crowd about navigating final wishes.

Resource tables were set up at the back of the venue throughout the morning, featuring representatives from the Shaunavon Library, Grand Coteau Centre, Town of Shaunavon, and the Age-Friendly committee itself.

Hetterly also used the occasion to address a new local transportation initiative, specifically the Age Friendly Shaunavon transportation van.

She said the van service was up and running and had already completed 22 trips since the end of June. The crowd greeted this announcement with applause.

“It showed that the community is definitely supportive,” Hetterly said.

“Overall, it’s going good. Little glitches show up that we hadn’t anticipated, but we are able to fix them and keep the van on the road.

We haven’t had to turn down any requests.”

The medical and wellness trips done with the van have taken people to a variety of appointments in communities that have included regular trips to Swift Current, as well as less frequent trips to Moose Jaw, Regina, Medicine Hat and Saskatoon While celebrating its current use, Hetterly also used the event to look toward to the future, reminding residents that community support will be vital down the line.

“The van is aging and, just like all of us, it’s starting to fall apart as we age,” she said. “Within a couple of years, we’ll need a new one, so be prepared, we’ll be looking for ways to raise the funds.”

The Age-Friendly Shaunavon committee continues to seek volunteer drivers to ensure the program continues to operate. Anyone interested in becoming a  driver can text 306-294-7653.

The Age Friendly Committee includes members Terri Hetterly, Deb Giverhaug, Kathy Towle, Norm Lavoy, Stephen Oakey, Penny Kirkpatrick, Debbie Olesen, and Mary Scott.