Speaking Topics
The aging of our society will affect us in all areas of our lives – healthcare, employment, law, housing, consumer trends and technology.
Blair's Speaking Engagements
Following are some highlighted speaking engagements from Blair.
Economic Implications of an Aging Society
The economic effects of aging extend all the way from pension plans to consumer markets. As a consultant to business, Blair’s insights are drawn from 30 years of investment banking experience, advising boards and management teams on growth strategies, mergers, acquisitions and capital markets. He holds both Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) and Corporate Finance (CF) designations.
Seniors’ Health Care
Health care is the largest single expense for most governments, and seniors’ care is the biggest component. As a researcher in health care services for seniors, Blair speaks to the growing demand for home care and nursing homes, lengthening wait lists, the burgeoning private-pay sector and the gaps in equity of access to seniors’ care. He holds a PhD in health policy and gerontology from the University of Toronto.
The Role of the Older Worker
As the role of the older worker expands, management teams and HR departments strive to reconfigure the workplace to accommodate the aging workforce. Blair holds a masters degree in critical disability studies from York University. He is Past Chair and a current board director of March of Dimes Canada, whose 2000 employees provide services for adults with disabilities, including employment assessment and placement.
Consumer Trends and Marketing Strategies for an Aging Population
We are seeing dramatic increases in demand for products and services geared to the older consumer, encompassing investment, leisure and health. In addition, consumer marketing strategies must recognize the growing proportion of older consumers across all spending categories. Blair holds an MBA from Toronto’s Schulich Business School, where he taught MBA and executive development courses over a 20-year period.
Technology: Opportunities and Challenges in the Seniors’ Sector
Technology has tremendous promise for improving the lives of seniors, with online banking, grocery delivery, and transportation services; aids for visual and hearing impairment; and remote monitoring for chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, adoption of technology by seniors lags that of the general population, posing a challenge to tomorrow’s tech designers.
Legal Rights and Issues Concerning Older Adults
Statutory and case law have transformed the landscape for seniors’ rights in recent years, though there is much yet to come. As a member of the Ontario Bar, Blair discusses the legal issues associated with human rights of seniors, age discrimination, accessibility, and the obligation of employers to accommodate older workers.
Seniors’ Fitness and Health
Blair is an avid promoter and speaker on seniors’ health and fitness. As a Masters track and field athlete, he has been a national and international sprint champion. In 2017, he completed the Seniors’ Fitness Instructors’ Course offered through Western University’s Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging.
Blair's Recent Video
Following are a few relevant messages from Blair. Click the play button to watch it.
