Huron-Perth Boomers - Winter 2024/25

A FREE magazine for adults 50+
WINTER 2024/25 — Volume 9, Issue 4
FAMILY
Scam
alert!
Protect yourself
from con artists
COMMUNITY
Ageism
A growing
global issue
TRAVEL
Magnificent
Morocco
Many reasons to love
this African country
FREE!

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FROM THE PUBLISHER
While winter in Huron/Perth can sometimes feel like it will never end,
it inevitably does, and green grass will be here before we know it.
I feel that we were blessed with a long and sunny autumn, with temperatures
in the double-digits right until mid-November, which will make the piles of
snow they are predicting easier to deal with, and, with just a bit of effort,
even enjoy!
There are many winter activities to take advantage of, even if you aren’t
the outdoorsy type. Stockpile good books, attack that last of classic movies,
or catch up with old friends. There might even be a trip somewhere that
winter looks a lot different than Huron and Perth, complete with cocktails
by a pool, to look forward to.
CONTENTS
Scam alert! • 4
Stargazing • 8
Ageism • 14
Magnificent Morocco • 20
Family • 26
Recipe • 30
Featured in this issue we have a very important article by staff at Goderich
Place about protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud, as
scammers are becoming more sophisticated all the time. Also featured is
a group of intrepid adventurers who share their story of winter camping
in the Torrance Barren Reserve. We’re happy to include an article by
Dr. Al Lauzon about ageism in our society and how it’s now impacting
Boomers, while Amanda Modaragamage writes about the importance of
intergenerational relationships. Finally, Mandy Sinclair shares her expertise
and experience of travelling through Morocco, a definite must for your
bucket list!
I hope you all have a safe and healthy winter,
however you choose to enjoy it.
Amy Irwin, Publisher
Huron-Perth Boomers
WINTER 2024/25
Publisher
Amy Irwin
amy@huronperthboomers.com
Magazine Design
Becky Grebenjak
Advertising inquiries
amy@huronperthboomers.com
Huron-Perth Boomers welcomes
your feedback.
EMAIL
amy@huronperthboomers.com
PHONE 519-524-0101
MAIL
P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0
Huron-Perth Boomers is distributed for free in Huron and Perth
counties, and is published each March, June, September, and
December. Distribution of this publication does not constitute
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Boomers reserves the right to edit, reject or comment on all material
and advertising contributed. No portion of Huron-Perth Boomers may
be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

FAMILY
Safeguarding
seniors
UNMASKING THE LATEST SCAMS AND FRAUD
PREVENTION STRATEGIES BY ANNETTE GERDES
4 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Annette Gerdes
FAMILY
As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers seeking
to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Senior citizens are often
targeted because older adults tend to be more trusting, less tech savvy,
are frequently home during the day, and they answer their phones or
reply to emails.
Many older adults have also spent their lives accumulating assets, have
a healthy bank account, own their home and cottages, have shortand
long-term investments and good credit scores. This financial
stability makes our seniors the prime target for those scammers who
are lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce.
All of us need to continually arm ourselves with up-to-date information
to keep our families and seniors safe. In this article, we will explore
some of the newest scams, with a particular focus on how Artificial
Intelligence (AI) is being used to clone a person’s voice, along with
providing valuable tips on how to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The new AI voice scam – One of the most recent and highly
elaborate scams involves the use of AI to clone a person’s voice. This
voice scam is becoming so sophisticated that these scammers only
need a three-second audio clip of your friend or family members
voice to then clone it for deceptive practices. Scammers can use AI
algorithms to replicate the voice of a loved one or a trusted authority
figure, making it difficult for seniors to recognize the authenticity of
the communication thus falling prey to sending money for supposed
emergencies. This scam may take the form of phone calls, voicemails,
or even video calls. The scammers create a sense of urgency and
exploit emotions to trick seniors into providing important personal
and banking information or financial assistance. To avoid falling
WINTER 2024/25 • 5

From Jan. 1-Feb. 16, 2024,
the Canadian Anti-Fraud
Centre received reports totalling
$491,000 in victim losses
from grandparent scams.
victim always verify the truth independently, with
your friend or family member and be skeptical of
urgency. If a call comes in from an unknown number
and it sounds like a family member asking for money,
hang up the phone. Contact the person yourself
using a known phone number or email address.
Verify through trusted channels, always be skeptical
of emergencies, or have a family member or trusted
friend help check and confirm.
Identity theft – Scammers are always on the
hunt for personal information. Once they have it,
they’ll open accounts making purchases, apply for
government benefits, loans, etc. They will steal mail,
go through the garbage, they use online spyware,
viruses, hacks and phishing. Always shred documents
with any personal information as it pertains to credit
cards, bank accounts, signatures, date of birth, social
insurance numbers, full address, driver’s license and
passport numbers. Do not share passwords, PINs and
never give out any information over the phone, email,
text or the Internet. Avoid doing private business on
public computers in libraries or coffee shops. Always
shield your PIN and create strong or unique passwords
for online accounts and wifi networks.
Romance scams – The development of new
technology has contributed to romance scams being
on the rise. Older adults are increasingly using
online dating sites to find love and the scammers
are following right behind them. A senior may have
lost their spouse and hence turns to the computer
to combat loneliness. They may start chatting with
someone who supplies a picture showing a warm
and friendly face. In reality, it’s a con artist hiding
behind a fake picture, patiently lying in wait. Once
the senior’s trust is built, the requests for money,
bank transfers, gift cards all commence. To avoid
becoming a victim, keep your guard up. Make sure
you are using legitimate and reputable dating sites as
often these scammers will create fake websites. Never
send money or give financial information on a dating
website. Trust your instincts and most certainly, keep
up to date on the latest and forever changing scams.
6 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Annette Gerdes
FAMILY
Grandparent scams – These are on the rise,
and the OPP recently issued a warning about the
Emergency-Grandparent scams targeting individuals
in western Ontario. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 16, 2024,
the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received reports
totalling over $491,000 in victim losses associated to
this scam. These scams occur when a senior receives
a phone call from a “grandchild” who advises they
do not want their parents to know and asks the
senior to keep it a secret. They often pretend to be in
trouble, an accident, or are stranded, having vehicle
trouble. These scammers, posing as your grandchild,
call or email, pretending to be in distress, urgently
asking for money to cover an emergency or legal
issue. These are not your grandchildren, they are AI
replicas of their voices.
Other common scams include telemarketing scams,
phishing emails, fake charities, medical and health
insurance fraud, lottery or prize scams, home
improvement scams and investment fraud. These
target you by phone, at your door, and online.
Always ask for proof of identification and let them
know you do not donate in person, online, or transfer
funds without verification. Request the web address
and once thoroughly checked, you can decide to
donate/contribute if confident and interested. You
can always check with the Better Business Bureau
for authenticity of charities, lotteries and companies,
and be weary of an email from Canada Revenue
Agency telling you are entitled to a refund if you
click on this button – this is a scam.
Protecting seniors from fraud requires a combination
of vigilance, awareness, and informed decisionmaking.
By staying aware of the latest scams,
verifying communications and safeguarding personal
information, seniors can reduce their vulnerability to
fraud and enjoy a safer online experience.
Encourage open communication within the senior
community, share knowledge and support one
another in the collective effort to stay safe, and protect
against financial exploitation. Trust your instincts; if
something feels off or too good to be true, it probably
is. Don’t hesitate to double check if you are unsure.
Most importantly, if you have been a victim of a
scam, report it to Canadian authorities/local police,
whether action can be taken or not.
Reporting the scam, at minimum, enables authorities
to at least warn others and alert the media, which
ultimately may help to reduce the scam from
spreading.
Annette Gerdes is the General Manager of Goderich Place
Retirement Residence. Learn more at www.goderichplace.ca.
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WINTER 2024/25 • 7

RECREATION
St
rgazing
A WINTER SOJOURN TO TORRANCE BARRENS
DARK SKY RESERVE BY GARY STORR
Observing Orion.
All photos by George Armstrong
8 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Gary Storr
It had been a mild winter. Driving north in early
February 2024, I noted the patchwork of melting
snow on open fields and wondered if we would be
backpacking into our destination. If so, it would take
two trips, maybe more. Thankfully, we’d brought
firewood in anticipation of a scarcity on the over-
1,900 hectares of Canadian Shield, near Bala, in
Ontario’s beautiful Muskoka Region.
Pulling into the parking lot I breathed easy – there
was snow for the toboggans, calf-deep in places. A
sunny sky promised a crisp yet cozy afternoon. The
rest of the crew rolled into the parking lot one by
one and, after enthusiastic greetings, we set to work
loading the toboggans. Bruce Gunn, Doug Kelly,
George Armstrong, Ralph Orr and I had met 18
months earlier on a Nahanni River canoe trip in the
Northwest Territories; my nephew Drew Goodman
and Dan Bell were avid snow tramps with whom I’d
camped on countless occasions. In all, we numbered
six intrepid seniors and one token millennial. Dan’s
husky malamute, Nikita, was there too.
Towing our gear past Highland Pond to a point on
the eastern shore of Mossy Lake, we’d become damp
with exertion and were stripped to our underlayers.
We pitched our tents, scraped crusty snow from the
fire ring and hacked a hole in the ice to draw water
from the lake. The Torrance Barrens Conservation
Reserve, also known as the Torrance Barrens Dark
Sky Reserve, is located west of Gravenhurst and, on
RECREATION
a clear night, is a mecca for astronomers. We’d come
equipped with cameras and tripods to shoot stars,
planets, constellations and our own Milky Way.
To promote this activity, the Township of Muskoka
Lakes enacted a bylaw in 2014 regulating the use of
outdoor luminaries to reduce light pollution. The
Town of Gravenhurst followed suit and implemented
measures to ensure responsible use of outdoor
lighting.
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and
Parks staff in Sudbury kindly provided us with the
location of six campsites with box latrines and where
campfires are permitted. As of spring 2024, Ontario
Parks requires permits and a camping fee, but we
squeaked in under the wire and stayed for free.
Early February brings early sunsets. After setting up
camp, we kindled a crackling blaze in the firepit and
stepped into warmer clothing. Then out came the
camp chairs and hip flasks while we waited for a pot
of chili to simmer on the coals. During supper we
fell into the easy camaraderie we’d established on the
Nahanni. Afterward, we toted our camera equipment
to the end of the point, the beams of our headlamps
dancing on the snow in front of us. Emerging from
the forest we gazed upward, awestruck, as the inky
sky yielded its sparkling diamonds.
WINTER 2024/25 • 9

RECREATION
by Gary Storr
The raw bite of a winter night seems to intensify
the brilliance of each tiny speck of light. We had
lucked into a quarter moon, not yet risen, which
further reduced the light reflected from our own sun.
I couldn’t recall a winter camp that had commenced
so beautifully.
The crew
prepares.
Doug and I had brought our aging SLR cameras and,
when mounted on tripods, they ceased to function.
We’d intended to use our aperture timers so as not
to jiggle the cameras during long exposures, but the
timers were frozen – or broken. Fortunately, George
had invested in cutting edge cellphone technology
and, clipping it onto his tripod, produced stunning
photos of Orion, Ursa Major, Polaris and Jupiter.
The ethereal glow of our galaxy washed across the
heavens to the west. An app on George’s phone
identified myriad celestial bodies for our band of
unschooled stargazers.
Back at the campfire, we marvelled at the images on
George’s phone until drowsiness set in, always early
at winter camp. In the glimmer of a dying fire, we
stumbled off to our tents.
Crawling from our sleeping bags in the morning,
we faced a new challenge – how to cook breakfast.
Somehow, all four of the white gas stoves refused to
stay lit! The valves had apparently leaked and were
encrusted with frozen fuel. Taking apart a stove and
reassembling it without replacement parts is rarely
a recipe for success but we tried anyway. Again,
fortuitously, there’d been a hasty contingency plan –
isobutane stoves. As an afterthought, Bruce and I had
both tossed one of these single-burner gems into our
kit with enough fuel to get us through the weekend.
Isobutane doesn’t perform reliably in winter because
the canisters lose their pressure in extreme sub-zero
temperatures. The stoves did, however, serve us well
in the comparative warmth of -10 C. Breakfast and
the all-important morning coffee was served!
Our own Milky Way.
10 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM
Next on the agenda was an exploratory trek on the

by Gary Storr
RECREATION
trails. Junipers and stunted white oaks are a common
sight on the shield as are a profusion of scattered
glacial erratics, which host many species of lichen.
Deciduous trees and shrubs thrive where they can,
sporadically emerging from the thin soil to form
small copses, or groups of trees. More often the
barrens resemble a moonscape littered with isolated
individuals – aspen, white birch, red maple and
white pine.
As the glacier retreated some 12,000 years ago,
it scraped long gouges in the granite which have
become shallow lakes and ponds – home to beavers,
shore birds, reptiles, amphibians and Ontario’s only
lizard, the five-lined skink. The barrens are also
home to 28 types of butterfly and 157 species of
birds have been observed and recorded on the eBird
website. Black bears, moose and red foxes also roam
the reserve. All that to say that, if you hope to add to
your wildlife list, do not visit in winter! We only saw
two black-capped chickadees, a common raven, and
the tracks of a beaver near its lodge.
Bearing in mind that even the simplest task requires
more time in winter, it was imperative not to bite
off more than we could chew. Our group of astute
trailblazers had cleverly stored the Ministry of
Environment, Conservation and Parks map in our
phones and were ready to go. The idea was to head
west on the map’s yellow trail and then north on the
brown trail to scope out campsites and experience
the lay of the land. Missing a fork in the path, we
found ourselves back at the parking lot. Scratching
our toques, we decided to follow the yellow trail until
it looped back to the brown trail. Victims of our own
ineptitude, we made another wrong turn and soon
recognized the problem – the physical trail markers
didn’t match the colour codes on the map!
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WINTER 2024/25 • 11

RECREATION
by Gary Storr
Now on the Barrens Extension, we shrugged and
broke for lunch. We then plodded on – there
was still plenty of time to find our way back to
camp. The extension took us west along the south
shore of an extensive frozen wetland. Awkwardly
traversing a beaver dam, we lopped 20 minutes
from the duration of our excursion and began to
move in an eastward direction along the elevated
and sparsely treed north side of the swamp. The
upper crust of snow was wind-shaved and solid
enough to support our weight.
Occasionally, one of us, without warning, would
post-hole and startled, plunge through the
surface… once into a shallow creek, but happily
without consequence. Passing through the parking
lot yet again restored our bearings and from there
we trudged along the now conspicuous final leg of
our journey back to camp. We passed the evening
in much the same manner as the night before, but
spending less time studying the star-studded sky
and more time at the fire. Our stew was frozen
solid in two large blocks and had to be leaned
against logs by the fire to thaw. Dinner was late
but well worth the wait.
In the morning, we enjoyed our last meal together
and then broke camp and said our goodbyes – our
departures were staggered by our varying states of
readiness with myself, Dan and Nikita the last to
leave. Reaching the parking area with toboggans
in tow, we were surprised to see that none of
the other lads had yet arrived. Eventually, two
approached from an unexpected direction, while
another returned by road – he’d left his toboggan
on the shoulder for retrieval on the way out.
I was pleased that, in spite of our bewilderment on
the Barrens, we unanimously agreed it had been
a fun and stimulating reunion. There was even
noise of a repeat gathering next year! I’m all in,
but perhaps we should first sign up for a tutorial
in orienteering.
12 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Gary Storr
RECREATION
Gary Storr sits when he’s tired of standing. He and his wife
Debby live in Owen Sound and enjoy playing outside in all
seasons.
S500 ’S
STARTING IN THE
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All drawings are Artist’s Concepts only and may vary slightly from the final product. E&O.E. The home shown may be the reverse of the home purchased. Actual useable floor space may vary from stated area, and square footage has been calculated based on useable living space according to TARION rules and does not include garage or basement areas (unless otherwise stated). More detailed
information is set out in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Drawings may show optional features which may not be included in the base Purchase Price. Bulkheads and box outs may be required as chases for plumbing and mechanical. Garage man door, if applicable, location may vary subject to grade. In an ongoing review of our homeowner’s needs, changes may have been incorporated into our
“New Home Features” and construction techniques. All plans and specifications are subject to reasonable modification, as necessary, at the discretion of the Vendor, without notice. © 11/2024
WINTER 2024/25 • 13

COMMUNITY
Ageism,
the Baby Boomers,
and elderhood
BY DR. AL LAUZON

by Dr. Al Lauzon
COMMUNITY
There are now more millennials in Canada than
Baby Boomers, ending their 65-year reign as
the largest age cohort, one that dominated Canadian
life since the end of the Second World War.
To say Boomers have left their fingerprints on
Canadian society would be an understatement. They
have altered the very fabric of Canadian society in
terms of institutions, beliefs and values. And now,
as the Baby Boomers enter the last stage of the life
cycle, they are often viewed as a burden, ironically
victims of their own making; it was they who created
a culture whereby the value of the individual was
reduced to their economic productivity, and if you
were not engaged in economic productivity, then you
had little value. I have often met Baby Boomers who
have retired and look to simply keep busy until the
grim reaper knocks on the door and says, “Your time
is up, and you need to come with me.”
But busyness is not enough, and we know that
meaning is as essential to humans as water and air; all
people need to feel they are living meaningful lives.
Just because we have retired from the workforce does
not mean we do not have value, or are not able to
make contributions to society, albeit the contributions
we make may be different from those we made while
working. There is a freedom in retirement where
we have the freedom to speak our mind without
worry of repercussions that would jeopardize our
employment. In other words, free of ambitions and
aspirations, those who have left the workforce are in
a position to ask tough questions and challenge the
status quo.
Historically and currently in other cultures these
people would become elders and would be turned
to for guidance and wisdom that they had cultivated
over a lifetime of experiences. But in Canadian
culture, with the exception of Indigenous culture,
we no longer value the wisdom of our elders, nor
do we provide the supports and resources that would
help them cultivate and develop their wisdom. As
the psychoanalyst James Hollis has said, there are
no schools to assist and support the development of
older adults who are looking to make sense of their
WINTER 2024/25 • 15

COMMUNITY
by Dr. Al Lauzon
life lived to date. Failure to support the development
of our older adults is a function of societal ageism.
Ageism on a global scale
Ageism is rampant across the globe. In fact, according
to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism
is the only “ism” that remains socially acceptable
and is more prevalent than sexism and racism.
The WHO also noted in its Global Report on Ageism
(2021) that globally one-in-two people express
ageist beliefs. As they noted, ageism is prevalent,
ubiquitous, and insidious because it is unrecognized
and unchallenged. They further report that ageism
has serious and far-reaching consequences for
people’s health, well-being and human rights, and
costs society billions of dollars. In other words, there
is both a cost to the older adult and a financial cost
to society at large, not to mention the lost potential
of older adults who are ready to make contributions
to our collective well-being.
Too often we hold stereotypes of older adults,
characterizing them as frail and vulnerable, and, while
some older adults may be frail and vulnerable, others
are vibrant and can make significant contributions
to society through caregiving, volunteering and
assuming leadership and mentoring roles in
communities.
The idea of ageism was first introduced by Robert
Butler in 1969. He described it as a form of bigotry
we now tend to overlook. He maintained it was
characterized by an uneasiness experienced by the
young and the middle-aged and a personal revulsion
to – and distaste for – growing old, disease, disability,
and a fear of powerlessness, uselessness and death.
Not a flattering picture of aging and one we must
find a means of moving beyond.
The WHO has suggested that by 2050, people 60 or
older will constitute 22 per cent of the total global
population. Are we simply to dismiss the social
and economic contributions that can be provided
by almost one quarter of the global population?
Furthermore, we are seeing numerous older adults
choosing to stay in the labour force beyond normal
retirement ages either out of choice or necessity, but
we know that ageism will continue to impact those
who choose to stay economically productive. And,
despite workplace perceptions of older workers often
embodying positive stereotypes such as loyalty and
reliability, the negative stereotypes of resistance to
change, decreased capacity to learn, and decreased
productivity tend to outweigh the positive stereotypes.
Impacts of ageism
These negative stereotypes can lead to the
marginalization of older workers being passed over
16 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Dr. Al Lauzon
COMMUNITY
for further training or being placed in lower paying
positions with less responsibility. Unfortunately,
ageism permeates the lives of older Canadians and
permeates the very fabric of our culture including the
workplace, and in doing so, weakens our collective
health and well-being.
Part of ageism is the belief that we all age in the
same way, but this is not true and there is diversity
in the older adult population; the longer we live the
more diverse we become. We need to remember that
age is the number of years we have been alive, but
how we understand the meaning that we ascribe to
age depends upon context, purpose and culture. In
the context of ageism, it is often described as a social
disease whereby we stereotype all older adults as frail,
vulnerable and in decline, doing them an injustice
while we all lose this untapped source of knowledge
and experience acquired over a lifetime. And while
it is true that aging comes with some loss, what is
often not acknowledged is that, even though there is
loss as we age, there are new capacities that become
apparent as older adults seek to continue to live
productive and meaningful lives. The gerontology
literature highlights how as we age our creativity
and imagination grow, and how we are more likely
to challenge norms we think are unjust. It is in our
elder years that we have a lifetime of experience that
can be cultivated into wisdom, and wisdom is the
foundation of elderhood.
Thus, as we age, we have two choices – we can
choose to merely grow old and accept the stereotypes
and the limits placed upon us by ageist beliefs and
assumptions, or we can choose to age with awareness
and intention. For those who choose to age with
awareness and intention, elderhood becomes a
possibility, but first we need to develop the capacity to
escape our habituated patterns and ideas through
awareness and intention, and not be constrained by
the assumptions of an ageist society. This requires
the development of our authentic self, and, as older
adults engage in the necessary inner work, they
become capable of creating a new a vision of
reality that draws upon and gives consideration
to insights discovered and gained, allowing older
adults to contribute to the collective well-being by
offering these insights to the larger community. This
developmental process for older adults requires
courage and is not for the meek.
EXPERIENCE
Huron County’s unique
history & rural culture
www.HuronCountyMuseum.ca
110 North St., Goderich, ON
WINTER 2024/25 • 17

COMMUNITY
by Dr. Al Lauzon
Confronting ageism
Why is this task important? Ron Penvy’s answers
this question in his book Conscious Living, Conscious
Aging. Embrace and savour your next chapter by
stating the wisdom and gifts of elders has been
universally valued as necessary for the emotional and
spiritual health and balance of societies. We need the
guidance of elders in these troubled times we now
find ourselves living in. If we are to become a culture
that values and cultivates the development of elders,
we must provide the resources and supports that allow
them to get in touch with their deepest desires and
yearnings as they strengthen their connection to their
spirit, their passions and their desires.
They need to actively work to understand and remove
any blockages that impede their development, including
beliefs and attitudes that no longer serve them well as
This is a time of
discovery and letting go
of personal aspirations
and ambitions, and work
for the collective good.
they explore and heal unhealed wounds, and
explore unexamined life experiences. As they
do this they move from a “me agenda” to a “we
agenda.”
This is a time of discovery and of letting go of
personal aspirations and ambitions, and work
for the collective good. This letting go can be a
disorienting process for older adults as they enter
the liminal space that follows “letting go” – they
do not know what will emerge on the other side
of that space and this can be unnerving, requiring
courage to act, and in many ways this is an act of
faith that all will unfold as it should.
18 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Dr. Al Lauzon
COMMUNITY
If the older adult is successful in meeting the
demands of this developmental journey, it can lead
to an opening of both the mind and heart, increasing
older adults’ capacity for empathy and compassion
while deepening their capacity to reflect and think
deeply. This is the preparatory work for the older
adult to engage in to transcend ageist beliefs and
assumptions, laying the foundation for becoming an
elder. As Penvy has argued, we need our elders, and
perhaps this is the journey that Baby Boomers can
embrace as they complete the last stage of the life
cycle, continuing to serve our collective well-being
through their later years.
This story was first posted as a blog on www.
gatewayruralhealth.ca and used with permission.
It is an expansion of an online lecture, Season 4,
Episode 11 of Gateway Centre of Excellence in
Rural Health’s Virtual Lecture Series on June 4,
2024. Dr. Al Lauzon, alongside panelists Amanda
Mongeon and Lauren Van Ewyk, PhD Candidates
from Guelph University, discussed “From Ageing
to Eldering: Exploring the Development of the
Older Adult.”
Dr. Al Lauzon is a board member of the Gateway Centre
of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) and a Professor
Emeritus, SEDRD, Guelph University. Founded in 2008
in Seaforth, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health
research organization run by a community-based volunteer
board of directors. Its main mission is to better the health and
quality of life of rural residents through research, education
and communication. Learn more at www.gatewayruralhealth.
ca and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
WINTER 2024/25 • 19

TRAVEL
Magnificent
Morocco
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE THIS NORTHWESTERN
AFRICAN COUNTRY BY MANDY SINCLAIR
20 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Mandy Sinclair
TRAVEL
Though I no longer reside in Morocco full time,
the country has a certain je ne sais quoi that pulls
me back time and time again. No matter how hard
I try to settle into life in Huron County, where I
currently reside, an exciting project or just a longing
for the country’s pace of life, pulls me in.
Admittedly though, it’s not exactly a je ne sais quoi, as
I can say exactly what I love about the country. And
the list is long.
The people
From the largest cities to the smallest villages in
remote areas, the overall kindness and generosity of
the Moroccan people is unforgettable. Over cups of
sugary mint tea or sharing a joke with a Marrakchi
while crossing the famed Jemaa el Fna in search of
some street eats, the people I meet daily are never far
from my mind.
The food
I often told guests on the Tasting Marrakech tours I
hosted, the food is not spicy, it’s flavourful. Moroccan
food certainly hits the spot.
Whether tucking into fresh seafood cooked to
perfection in unassuming street-side grills in coastal
Essaouira, a piping hot tanjia (not to be confused
with tagines) cooked underground until the perfectlyspiced
meat literally falls of the bone in Marrakech,
or a refreshing cucumber-mint juice on a hot day, the
ingredients are local and the food is fresh.
My favourite dish though is a platter of couscous
with a stack of meat hidden beneath seven types
of vegetables and topped with a spoonful of tfiya
(cooked onions flavoured with cinnamon and
sweetened with sugar). As is tradition, I love to gather
with friends and loved ones following Friday prayers
to tuck into a platter of couscous at the Amal Centre
in Marrakech.
The landscapes
With the Atlas Mountains range running the length
of the country, the Mediterranean Coast to the
north, the Atlantic to the west and the Sahara Desert
to the south, a road trip through Morocco is endlessly
pleasing to the eyes.
The Sahara Desert is a place of pure magic where
silence reigns and the mountainous dunes seem
endless. That is until the sun sets and music is played
around a campfire on a starry night. One night
camping and camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
is a must. But it’s not just about the destination on a
trek to the Sahara Desert – given its remoteness and
the mountain pass, winding roads and picturesque
landscapes along the way, it’s also about the journey.
WINTER 2024/25 • 21

TRAVEL
by Mandy Sinclair
Essaouira
Draa Valley
Dar el Bacha
Palace in Marrakech
From Marrakech, travellers heading south to the
Sahara Desert voyage over the Tizi n’Tichka pass,
linking the city to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood
of Africa, where films including Gladiator and
Lawrence of Arabia have been shot. Heading south,
picturesque Drâa Valley feels like a step back in time.
Hovering palm trees protect small farm plots while
dusty paths wind through the groves where donkeys
are the main mode of transport. Nearby, mud-brick
villages house the largely Amazigh population. I
could easily stay in this area for a few days, enjoying
morning meanders through the palm groves, homestyle
cooking, and the interesting sites including the
caid’s palace near Agdz, the adobe synagogue in
a small village, and watching the potters make the
famed green pottery in Tamagroute using centuriesold
methods.
It truly is about the journey, and so is the return.
One particular voyage across the dry Lake Iriki
remains in my mind. The area had experienced
heavy rains just a few days prior to our crossing, and
we witnessed a herd of dromedary grazing on the
dry lakebed’s vegetation, contrasted against the Anti
Atlas Mountains.
It’s also about slow travel in this part of the country
because the area is also renowned for its hospitality.
The hospitality
Hiring a driver is my preferred, and recommended
way to visit Morocco’s south. After all, navigating
a road-less desert is not my forte. But it also means
chance encounters with locals. It’s not uncommon
to stop by a local family’s home for tea, a feast of
22 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Mandy Sinclair
TRAVEL
couscous, or fresh bread as it’s pulled from the oven
and ready to dip in olive oil. But that comes with
access a driver, typically from the region, can provide.
Atlas Mountains
Hidden far from the tourist trail, with private car and
driver required, the Ait Bougmez Valley is picture
perfect. Old granaries recall bygone days while
children play freely in the village streets. Verdant
valleys are dotted with small farm plots and make for
pleasant walks, or even longer hikes to lakes at higher
altitudes where nomadic families are known to graze
their herds in the summer. Weekly markets here are a
sight unto themselves. The folks at Touda EcoLodge
provide a wonderful stay, fantastic hospitality, and
local knowledge for getting out and truly exploring the
valley’s trails and natural beauty, marabouts and more.
The cities
Each city has its own distinct vibe, and typically their
own raison d’être – during the French Protectorate,
Marrakech became a tourism hub, Casablanca the
economic hub, and Rabat the capital. Essaouira
remains a charming seaside town, while Fez maintains
its importance as a cultural and religious hub.
Marrakech
It’s the city I called home for 10 years. The medina
with its palaces – Dar Si Said and Dar El Bacha are
two of my favourites – and its koranic schools (also
known as medersas), rooftop terraces for admiring
the skyline dotted with mosques, and the Atlas
Mountains hovering above, is endlessly inspiring. A
labyrinth of sorts, I love the way the centuries-old
mosques and synagogues blend in with the new
WINTER 2024/25 • 23

TRAVEL
restaurants, highlighting the contemporary design
and culinary arts, attracting creatives from around
the world. My favourite spot for watching the world
go by remains Cafe des Epices, always a colourful
spot where basket-makers peddle their wares against
a backdrop of myriad carpets and fragrant spices.
At night, musicians, acrobats and food stall vendors
come together on Jemaa el Fna, creating a buzz and
one of the liveliest shows in town. Yves Saint Laurent
also credits Marrakech for inspiring him to use colour
in his clothing collections, and a visit to Marrakech
must include a stop at the Majorelle Gardens.
The new towns, as they are called locally given that
they were developed between 1912 and 1956 during
the French protectorate era, are filled with art-deco
buildings, and Marrakech is no exception. I loved my
days spent gallery-hopping at Comptoir des Mines and
Galerie 127, stopping at the magazine kiosks before
heading to Amandine for a French-style patisserie.
Fez
Endlessly enchanting with its gorgeous medersas
decorated with impressive tilework and carved
stucco, inspiring artisans including metalsmiths
hammering trays with the most intricate patterns
and watching the leather-making process from start
(in the tanneries) to finish, the medieval city of Fez
is a wonder to see. When I need an escape from the
hustle and bustle of the medina, I like to meander in
the Jardin Sbil along with locals for an escape into
nature in the heart of the city. Catching a concert at
cultural hub Cafe Clock is always a fun evening out,
and a chance to hear live Issawa, Gnaoua or other
musical styles from the region.
Nevertheless, after a few days of wandering the
9,000 streets of the medina, I find I’m typically ready
for a day out and the countryside surrounding Fez is
perfect for an escape.
Moulay Idriss
by Mandy Sinclair
One of the holiest cities in Morocco, it is only in
recent years that foreigners have been able to stay the
night in this hilltop town. With little to see or do, the
main attraction for me is the food. My taxi always
drops me off just next to the smoky grills where
kefta (ground beef) is perfectly spiced and grilled
to perfection over an open grill alongside tomatoes
and onions. Then I grab some chewy nougat before
heading to the cafe for people watching.
The Roman ruins of Volubilis nearby are worthy
of an early-morning wander before the afternoon
heat hits. Despite being open to the elements, mosaic
floors remain perfectly intact and the grandeur of
the former village is still felt on a walk through. It’s no
surprise that the area is surrounded by olive groves,
and the olives and oils are smooth and flavourful.
Essaouira
Coming from bustling Marrakech, this seaside town
pulls me in with its laid-back pace and charming
street-side cafes. With little to do but wander, shop for
raffia shoes and colourful goods, and enjoy a coffee in
the sunshine, I often prolonged my stay here before
returning home with bundles of goodies ranging
from carpets to clothing to pottery, as shopping (and
haggling) here truly is a pleasure. Morning beach
walks at low tide, dinner at Umia, and admiring the
art collection while sipping coffee at Patisserie Driss
are always included in my itinerary.
Essaouira is the perfect end destination to another
amazing trip to Morocco.
Mandy Sinclair is a travel writer and consultant who spent over
10 years in Morocco. She still visits regularly and documents her
time abroad at mandyinmorocco.com.
M
m
C
d
fo
E
D
w
24 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

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FAMILY
Intergenerational
relationships
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD
BY AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE
26 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Amanda Modaragamage
recent study suggests that the gap between
A children now and older adults is the biggest
and most disconnected yet. With technology, the
pandemic, and the acceptance of those in the
2SLGBTQI+ communities, Boomers are feeling
less connected than ever with their grandchildren
and children, and this is causing tension in families
across Canada.
Although the disconnect is starting to get bigger,
healthy intergenerational relationships are so
important and benefit both children and adults.
For children, having a strong relationship with
grandparents, older family members or even elderly
neighbours can foster emotional growth and create a
reliable support system. Older adults can experience
improved mental health, reduced feelings of
loneliness, and a sense of purpose when connecting
with youth.
Although these changes seem hard to navigate, this
doesn’t mean these relationships are no longer critical;
in fact, fostering intergenerational relationships to
help bridge the gap is more important than ever in
today’s society.
It’s important for both young and old to approach
these differences with openness and curiosity.
Older adults can take small steps to understand the
perspectives of younger generations, while younger
people can learn the importance of respecting
FAMILY
and honouring their elders’ experiences. Building
mutual respect can help foster a better connection
for everyone.
Where to start
Sometimes, family relationships are not always
possible, but this doesn’t mean connecting children
and older adults is impossible. Elderly neighbours,
volunteer organizations, library programs, or faithbased
organizations can all be a great source of
connection for youth. Likewise, young neighbours or
even teens working at a local grocery store could be an
excellent source of connection for older adults. Finding
these connections can happen almost anywhere,
and approaching them respectfully can help build a
learning environment that benefits everyone.
Building a relationship with someone from a different
generation requires curiosity, open-mindedness, and
mutual respect. Start by finding common ground
– shared interests, family stories, or hobbies – and
ask thoughtful questions about life experiences
while sharing your own. Be patient and empathetic,
recognizing that generational differences may take
time to understand, especially in values or technology
use. Showing genuine interest, being a good listener,
and offering to teach or learn something new can
help bridge any gaps. Most importantly, approach
the relationship with kindness and an eagerness to
learn from each other’s unique perspectives.
WINTER 2024/25 • 27

FAMILY
by Amanda Modaragamage
Understanding technology
One of the most significant gaps between generations
is the advancement in technology over the last 20
years. Younger people often grow up in a world
dominated by smartphones, social media, and
instant communication, while older generations may
have a more limited understanding of these tools.
To bridge this gap, younger individuals can teach
older adults how to use technology, helping them
stay connected with family and friends and access
online information. On the other hand, older adults
can provide perspective on how to use technology
mindfully, offering balance and teaching patience
in a world of constant connectivity. This exchange
fosters mutual respect and breaks down the barriers
that technology can sometimes create, allowing both
generations to remain engaged in each other’s lives.
Local libraries are an excellent resource for learning
about technology. Often, they have programs for
older adults that teach them how to navigate the
online world, stay connected, and critically think
about the type of media they consume. This can also
be a great place for Boomers to connect with youth
in a safe space.
Benefits of these relationships
Emotional support – Younger and older generations
provide each other with companionship and emotional
stability, which studies suggest can help reduce feelings
of loneliness and isolation for both young and old.
Recently, a young woman took to Instagram to tell her
story about how, when she initially went to university,
her first and most important friend became an elderly
man who used to visit the bookshop where she worked
on weekends. She describes this 10-year relationship as
one of the best things that happened to her while she
was away from her family at school. When her 89-yearold
best friend walked her down the aisle on her wedding
day almost 10 years later, she noted that this relationship
was something that helped her through the toughest
times in her life. She also believes this gave her a sense
of purpose and love that never would have happened if
they hadn’t made the initial effort to connect. Likewise,
the elderly gentleman said he believes this relationship
helped heal wounds from his wife’s passing and helped
give him purpose in life again.
Learning and growth – It’s obvious that
youth can gain wisdom, life skills, and historical
perspective from older adults, but older adults can
also gain so much by staying connected to younger
generations. Several studies suggest that older adults
can sharpen their brains by engaging with new
ideas and technology introduced by younger people.
By being open-minded to new technology, older
adults can learn so much from younger generations
about how to connect with the world through social
media platforms and learn more about how cultural
changes and shifts are positive and are moving the
world in a new direction.
Bridging the generation gap – Intergenerational
relationships can help to foster mutual understanding,
reduce stereotypes, and promote empathy
between generations by creating opportunities for
communication and shared experiences. Cultural
norms have changed significantly in today’s society,
which can sometimes build a wall between young
and old. Instead of being closed minded about
cultural changes, older adults can embrace these
changes by showing up with, and for, youth. With
positive changes in acceptance for the 2SLGBTQI+
community, along with youth being the new voice
for change within communities, it’s imperative that
older adults listen to youth and learn from them
rather than disregard new ways of acceptance that
may be vastly different than when they grew up.
Improved health and well-being – Studies
show that intergenerational bonds improve mental
and physical health for both younger and older
generations, contributing to lower stress levels,
enhanced cognitive function, and greater life
satisfaction. Just being around youth can increase
overall stamina for elderly people. Simple activities,
28 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

by Amanda Modaragamage
FAMILY
such as baking together, going for walks, or even
practicing a new dance move, can offer significant
benefits for both young and old. Younger generations
can also use opportunities to connect with older
adults to help introduce them to new health trends,
such as exercise routines, better nutrition, or wellness
practices. In turn, older adults may model healthier
habits, like cooking, gardening, canning produce or
reading, that can promote physical well-being.
Preserving traditions
Sometimes, it’s hard for older generations to feel
that the preservation of traditions and cultures
will soon disappear as younger generations change
so drastically, but it doesn’t need to be this way.
Although changes in culture can be good and bad,
it’s important to pass down and preserve some
traditions. In several cultures, this is done through
connection with elders, which can be one of the
most significant ways to connect young and old.
These unique relationships offer new perspectives
about culture, improved health and well-being, and
an understanding of technology for older adults while
also offering youth a way to learn about traditions and
culture, emotional support and learning to slow down
from their elders.
Building these relationships can be daunting at
first, but being respectful and understanding of
other generations can be the first step in creating a
wonderful friendship.
Amanda Modaragamage is a Registered Practical Nurse and
wellness writer with over 15 years of experience in medicine.
She currently practices as a Fertility Nurse in Waterloo but
calls Stratford home. She is passionate about educating readers
on health and wellness trends using fact-based information.
You can follow Amanda online at @amandajanewriter.
Older adults serve as the keepers of family history,
passing down customs, rituals, and values that
generations have shaped. These may include holiday
traditions, family recipes and religious practices.
This passing of cultural knowledge helps bridge the
gap between generations, which helps to ensure that
important aspects of family history and identity are
not lost over time. It can also give younger individuals
a sense of pride and continuity, reinforcing their
place within the broader context of their family and
community. These shared experiences strengthen
family bonds and create a lasting legacy, helping older
and younger generations feel more rooted in their
culture and history. This connection can be especially
valuable in times of change or uncertainty, offering
stability and a sense of continuity across generations.
Although approaching intergenerational relationships
can be daunting at first, especially for those who do
not have close family members to connect with, these
relationships are crucial for both young and old.
Lauren Whitney helps make
your holidays cozy
101 QUEEN ST. E., ST. MARYS (519) 284-0550
WINTER 2024/25 • 29

FOOD & DRINK
Mexican turkey
tortilla soup
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 can chunky stewed tomatoes
1 tsp each chili powder, dried oregano leaves and ground
cumin
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
4 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth
3 cups water
4 cups turkey (about 1 lb/500 g), shredded
6 whole grain tortillas, thinly sliced into strips
½ tsp salt
1 cup Jack Cheese, shredded
½ cup fresh Coriander, coarsely chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Lime wedges
Instructions
In large pot, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over medium-high heat; add garlic
and cook until softened, about one minute. Add tomato paste, stewed
tomatoes, chili powder, oregano, cumin and red pepper flakes; cook,
breaking up tomatoes and stirring until most of the liquid is evaporated,
about four minutes.
Add broth, water and turkey; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer over
medium-low heat to combine flavours, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, on large rimmed baking sheet, toss tortilla strips with
remaining oil and salt. Bake in 425 F oven, turning occasionally, until
crisp and golden, about 15 minutes.
Divide cheese, coriander and green onions among six bowls. Top with
turkey soup, then tortilla strips. Serve with lime wedges.
*Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario
30 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

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