January is the perfect time to focus on wellness, starting with your hearing. Clear, confident communication supports your relationships, boosts independence, and enhances overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed muffled conversations, increased volume on the TV, or difficulty hearing in noisy places, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Beltone Hearing offers comprehensive hearing assessments, advanced hearing technology, and personalized support to help you hear your best in 2025. Prioritizing your hearing now can prevent further decline and keep you connected to the moments that matter most. Step into the new year with clarity and confidence.
Community News
Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk with Exercise
Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.
Brokered Workers Needed
Do you know anyone looking to make some extra cash?
The Golden Circle’s Brokered Worker Program, administered through our Outreach Department, provides valuable help to community members with services such as:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One-time cleaning
The Golden Circle screens and interviews all Brokered Workers and matches them with clients. Reimbursement is $20/hour, with a two-hour minimum for housekeeping and other in-home work, and a one-hour minimum for snow shovelling or yard work. Clients pay the Brokered Worker directly.
Interested in becoming a Brokered Worker? Connect with Megan for more information. 403-343-6074 – [email protected]
Volunteer Drivers Needed
Do you have your own vehicle, a clean driving record, a clear vulnerable sector check, and a flexible schedule? Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that allows you to spend time with older adults while supporting their health and well-being?
The Golden Circle provides supportive transportation to adults aged 50+ in Red Deer, Red Deer County, and surrounding rural areas who have no other means of transportation. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to assist clients with medical appointments, escorted grocery shopping, and attendance at Golden Circle programs to help reduce social isolation.
Supportive transportation is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, individuals must first be assessed by an Outreach Coordinator.
If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Driver, please contact Sandy for more information.
403-343-6074- [email protected]
Clean Eating Recipe
Protein Oatmeal Cookies: 2 c oats; 1 c vanilla protein powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup stevia; 1/2 c + 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups oats, 1 cup protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ cup stevia. Mix well. Next, add in ½ cup + 2 tbsp of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls and press flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
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]
Book of the Month:
Move for Life: a Practical Guide to Building Everyday Strength, Balance, and Confidence for Thriving After 65 by Damien Joyner. Certified personal trainer Damien Joyner not only explodes the myth that growing older means growing weaker, he offers expert guidance and safe, simple, effective exercises to empower you to regain and maintain your strength and autonomy. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
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.
January Events for Seniors at RDPL
January Events for Seniors at Red Deer Public Library:
Red Deer Cancer Connect (Jan. 6 & 20)
Travel Memories: Petra (Jan. 7)
Service Canada Presentation: Canadian Dental Plan and Canada Disability Benefits (Jan. 8)
First Thursday Concert Series (Jan. 8)
Ukrainian New Year Tea Party (Jan. 10)
Readers’ Theatre (Jan. 15)
Sip n’ Stitch (Jan. 15)
Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (Jan. 15)
Roots and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (Jan. 31)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
Holiday Joy in Community
The Christmas season is a time for connection, warmth, and shared joy. Living in an independent senior community makes it even more special. Residents enjoy festive decorations, holiday concerts, and delicious meals without the stress of preparation or cleanup. There’s always company for card games, baking, or reminiscing over cocoa by the tree. With caring staff and a vibrant social calendar, no one feels alone during this magical time of year. Celebrating together, creating new memories, enjoying traditions, and feeling the true spirit of Christmas surrounded by friends who feel like family.
