Homeward Bound NS

10/06/2026

Applications are now open for the CIHR Institute of Aging Summer Program in Aging (SPA) 2027!

We’re excited to share that Cape Breton University (CBU) will host SPA 2027 next summer!

SPA brings together trainees and leaders in aging research for an interdisciplinary learning and networking experience. The 2027 program will focus on building care and services to support community-dwelling older Canadians.

Are you a graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or trainee interested in aging research? This could be a great opportunity to learn, connect, and grow your research skills.

Learn more and apply through CIHR:
https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/54814.html

10/02/2026

Celebrating Aging Well!
Seniors’ Week 2026 runs October 2–9 across Nova Scotia. Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are a few places to start:

Attend an event:
The YMCA Senior Expo is happening October 7 from 10 AM–12 PM at the Frank Rudderham Family YMCA in Sydney.

Explore events & resources:
The Government of Nova Scotia has a full schedule of Seniors’ Week events, along with resources for aging well.
https://novascotia.ca/seniors-week/

Explore HealthyNS:
Find free online classes, wellness tools and resources covering physical activity, healthy eating, mental wellness and more.
https://www.nshealth.ca/primary-care-and-family-medicine/healthy-ns

Find something to read:
Check out Halifax Public Libraries’ Seniors Week: Celebrating Aging Well reading list.
https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1135550427/2846045757

Hosting an Event? Leave the details in the comments section!

Whether you attend an event, explore a new resource, visit your local library or spend time connecting with others, there are lots of ways to celebrate aging well this week.

10/01/2026

October 1st is the International Day of Older Persons, designated by the United Nations. The 2026 theme is The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.

Aging Well Nova Scotia knows how older adults keep our communities and volunteer systems running, and we will continue to advocate for system change at all levels to ensure that older adults in our province have the opportunity to live well in the community of their choice.

Tune in here from Oct 2 -9 as we celebrate Nova Scotia Seniors' week and share photos and stories from groups across the province.

Thank you to Lori Taylor for the submission of this photo of a Pop-up Beach Yoga at Clam Harbour Beach.

09/24/2026

We’re hiring!

Homeward Bound is looking for a Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team and help share research, connect with communities, and support meaningful engagement.

This full-time position with Cape Breton University will support our work to help older individuals across rural Nova Scotia age in the right place.

Interested in joining the team? Visit https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/cbu/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/1485 or scan the QR code to learn more and apply.

Deadline: October 11, 2026 at 11:00PM.

09/22/2026

The Homeward Bound team will be attending the Community CARES Youth Outreach event tomorrow! Stop by to learn more about local resources, services and supports, and connect with organizations in the community.

Wednesday, September 23 from 12:00–3:30 PM at CCYO, 55 King St., Sydney Mines!

🍂DON'T FORGET ABOUT TOMORROW'S COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FALL FAIR 🍂

Come out and connect with your community at Community C.A.R.E.S.!

Join us Wednesday, September 23 for an afternoon of local resources, food, prizes, freebies and fun.

🤝 Meet representatives from 20+ local helping organizations and discover services, resources and supports available in our community.

- FREE food truck vouchers for the first 50 attendees, featuring Little Lenny’s!
- Check out a special pop-up dress boutique.
- Enter local raffles and pick up free giveaways throughout the afternoon.
- Kids and youth can grab a free snack bag, while supplies last.

Bring a friend, bring the family, and come see what your community has to offer!

📅 Wednesday, September 23
🕛 12:00–3:30 PM
📍 CCYO, 55 King St., Sydney Mines

09/16/2026

The Homeward Bound team was happy to attend the Friday Welcome Ceremonies at St. Peter’s Pirate Days! We enjoyed connecting with community members, sharing information about our research, and learning more about the community. We also loved seeing all the creative pirate costumes and the incredible community spirit!

09/11/2026

The Homeward Bound team was pleased to attend the Annual General Meeting and Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Seniors Take Action Coalition in Richmond County.

We enjoyed hearing from Dr. Katie O’Connell, Executive Director of CBU’s Centre of Excellence for Healthy Aging (CEHA), who spoke about the opportunities and challenges of aging in rural communities across Cape Breton.

We were also happy to share more about Homeward Bound and our upcoming Community Café research events with community members. Thank you to the Seniors Take Action Coalition for inviting us!

09/10/2026

Homeward Bound is excited to join the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia for two upcoming Community Week events.

Our team will be attending and we’ll be sharing information, connecting with community members, learning from local experiences, and chatting with everyone who comes out.

New Waterford
Sunday, September 20 | 1:00–4:00 PM
New Waterford Community Wellness Centre
5 Charlesworth Street

Learn more & register here: https://alzheimer.ca/ns/en/whats-happening/events/new-waterford-community-week-2026

St. Andrews
Tuesday, September 22 | 1:00–3:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Community Centre
81 Pomquet River Road

Learn more & register here: https://alzheimer.ca/ns/en/whats-happening/events/st-andrews-community-week-2026

These free community events are an opportunity to learn, connect with others, meet local service providers, and build community. We hope to see you there!