The Society’s Senior Information and Access Services provides assistance with forms and applications, Income Tax, community resources / referrals. Food security is supported by providing help with grocery shopping, Food Bank pick up, and delivery of hot meals in partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society.
Community News
Ask The Expert
Q: I’m 77 years old and I remember my eyes used to be dark brown, but now they’re grey. My doctor said that’s normal. Are my eyes really getting less brown?
A: The colour of your iris usually stays the same throughout your life, but the cornea (the clear surface in front of the iris) can get a little cloudy over time. This is from normal lipid deposits, often within the outside edge of the cornea. If this happens in younger adults, we would wonder about blood lipid levels and that can be investigated of course.
Who Will Speak for You?
Advance care planning can provide you and your family with valuable peace of mind. By exploring various health and treatment options available and choosing a path that honours your beliefs and values, you can document this information and designate someone to be your voice should a time come when you are unable to speak for yourself. Studies show a significant reduction in depression following the death of a family member when the end of life wishes have been made known because it reduces the stress of making decisions at a time when families may have conflicting values, feelings, and opinions.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Unfortunately, putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems, which is why establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Alzheimer’s & Home Safety
If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society addresses the well-being of seniors though the provision of non-medical support services.
The Friendly Visitor Program assists Comox Valley seniors who are experiencing isolation and loneliness, or who are feeling vulnerable due to challenging situations they face or endure. This program has been operating via telephone or Zoom for the last 14 months; In person will resume as soon as Public Health Orders allow.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Doctor, can you give me something for my sleep walking?” she asked. “No, you need the exercise,” the doctor replied.
Clean Eating Recipe
No-Bake Peach & Almond Crisp. Ingredients: 6 ripe peaches pitted and sliced. 1 tbsp butter. 2 tbsp honey. ½ tsp ground nutmeg. ¼ cup chopped almonds. 1 ½ cups granola. 1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt. Directions: Heat skillet on stove-top over medium-high heat. Add butter and when melted, add the peaches in a single layer and cook 4-5 min. until beginning to soften and brown in spots. Flip the peaches and cook another 4-5 min. or until softened. Turn off heat; drizzle peaches with honey and sprinkle with nutmeg and almonds. Stir to combine and coat the peaches. Remove from heat, sprinkle with granola and top with yogurt. Enjoy!
0% Alcohol, 0% Sugar, 100% Clarity
Summer is in full-swing, and that means friends, family, and finally, Cocktails. Looking for a healthy and happy tasting – alcohol free – option? Us too! Here are 3 of our classic favorites, just in time for the sunshine… please the crowd and ENJOY! Sol’d Fashioned: 2 oz Solbrü Restore, 2 dashes bitters, 1 tsp maraschino cherry syrup, orange slice or smoked orange peel, Ice. Brü-jito: 2 oz Solbrü Elevate, 3 muddled mint leaves, 3 oz Soda, splash of lime juice, Ice, to sweeten add simple syrup. Grounded Müle: 2 oz Solbrü Elevate, 3 oz ginger beer, 1/2 lime juice, lime wedge.
International Self-Care Day (July 24)
With the year we’ve had, taking time for self-care is extremely important. Supporting your physical, mental and emotional/spiritual health increases your resilience to the different stressors you encounter. Mentally – practicing self-compassion and acceptance to keep you in a positive frame of mind. Emotionally/Spiritually – practicing activities such as meditation, journaling, prayer, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as maintaining positive relationships with family/friends. Physically – practicing regular exercise and healthy eating, as well as getting good quality sleep (for better sleep, avoid heavy carbs at supper, try no screens or snacking after 8 pm, and try some deep breathing).
