January can be a difficult month for many, especially for older adults. The build up and excitement of Christmas is over, and research has shown that there are a great many people who feel down in the dumps in January. There are a lot of ways to combat the January Blues and The Golden Circle is here to help! Stay Active – Exercise, while important all year round, can be vital to lifting your spirits during the winter months. The Golden Circle has a variety of fitness classes that you can join. From Registered classes like Yoga, Zumba, Stretch, Flex and Strengthen, and Tai Chi and our drop in Sit and Be Fit class and the Hardy Walkers Club that meets every Wednesday. We have a variety of opportunities to suit everyone’s ability level, and if you can’t get down to the Golden Circle there are a few classes offered on Zoom as well. Eat a Balanced Diet –
Eating a balanced diet is essential for older adults and is a natural way to boost your mood and energy. You can come down to the Golden Circle three days/week when we are serving meals, or you can access our Homestyle Frozen Meal program! Socialize – Being around other people and/or talking to them can lift your spirits. Come on down to the Golden Circle at 4620 47A Avenue in Red Deer; there is always something going on! You can start your morning in the coffee shack Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 11:30am, or join in on one of the activities like Mahjong, Art Club, Cribbage, Bridge, Quilting, Ukelele Jam, Pinochle, Scrabble, Canasta, Euchre, Music Jam, The Golden Circle Singers, Carpet Bowling, Bocce Ball, and more! Did you know that we have a Men’s Club as well? Mengagement is committed to engaging men in life and living. They endeavour to develop activities that encourage socialization, connection, learning serving and fun to enhance a sense of safety, identity, belonging, purpose, worthiness, and healthy aging for men in our community! You can also sign up to be a Golden Circle Volunteer! We have many areas within our organization for people to get involved in. From working in the kitchen or the dining room, to helping at the front desk, to supporting us at special events or even hosting classes – there is an opportunity for everyone at the Golden Circle!

From our friends at the Alzheimer’s Society: did you know that Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss? When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it is known as age-associated memory impairment.
Age-associated memory impairment is part of the natural process of aging. For most people, memory generally remains strong as they get older, and doesn’t decline rapidly or substantively. However, brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are different.
The idea that dementia is an “old person’s disease” is not just stigmatizing, it’s also a myth. While most people living with dementia are over the age of 65, a small number of people in their 40’s and 50’s can and do develop dementia. This is known as young onset dementia.
With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach almost one million in 10 years, we are grateful for the Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to enhancing its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
Because of the effects of dementia, a person’s ability to communicate may become impaired, making it difficult to talk with them, but this doesn’t mean they should be ignored. All persons with dementia have the right to be treated with respect. If you are looking for more information on Dementia or Alzheimer Disease, please reach out to the Alzheimer Society 1-866-950-5465 or [email protected]

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible. While it’s difficult to predict symptoms, the order in which they will appear or the speed of their progression, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something is not right. These changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression.

Welcome to the vibrant community of 2024, where a renewed focus on community, health, and wellness is shaping our collective journey. Let’s amplify our connections, breaking through virtual barriers to create a genuine sense of belonging. Health isn’t just about defeating illness—it’s a dynamic equilibrium of mind, body, and spirit. We’re all about embracing active lifestyles, savoring nourishing nutrition, and fortifying mental resilience. Search the WellnessHubAB.ca for great health tips, articles, and connect with local businesses and practitioners. As we embark on this journey together, let’s celebrate the harmony of community, health, and wellness in 2024 and beyond.