Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown. In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 85 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and lays out an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org.

You really do not want to miss out on this incredible week of Celebrating Seniors! While membership is optional and never a requirement to participate in our programs and activities, there are a ton of benefits to becoming a member. From supporting the important work our non-profit does in Red Deer and surrounding area, to getting our information-packed weekly newsletter, members receive discounted rates on in-house dining, event tickets and fitness programs as well! Golden Circle membership is only $25.00/year for an individual, or $45.00/year for a couple. Call us at 403-343-6074, visit our website www.goldencircle.ca or stop by 4620 47A Avenue in Red Deer to find out more. Thank you, from all of us at the Golden Circle, to all of you seniors in our community. You are our walking history, our knowledge keepers and we appreciate you so much. Everything we do is for you, and it is an absolute privilege to be able to serve and to celebrate you!

During the first full week of June, Albertans can show appreciation for Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to Alberta. Seniors’ Week has been recognized since 1986 to celebrate and recognize the contributions seniors make to enhance the quality of life in Alberta. Seniors’ Week was inspired by the vision of the late Alice Modin. 38 years ago, Alice Modin began a campaign to start a seniors’ day in Strathcona County that helped pave the way for this annual event. Seniors Week 2024 is June 3rd through 9th and the overall theme for this year is Aging is More and is focused on exciting all Albertans about aging. At the Golden Circle we are excited to go on a journey of sorts with you as we embark on a world tour with having theme days throughout the week showcasing different parts of the world. It is going to be a week packed full of food, entertainment, and celebration here at the Golden Circle located at 4620 47A Avenue in Red Deer! Monday, June 3rd is kick off day with a North American theme. Join us starting at 11:00am where Mayor Ken Johnston will be reading an official City of Red Deer proclamation to kick us off, and we will have Elder Lloyd joining us to share a blessing for the week. Join us for a BBQ lunch from 11:30am to 1:00pm and enjoy the vintage cars on display in the parking lot from 10:00am to 1:00pm as well. Tuesday, June 4th is our Seniors Information Fair and Pancake Breakfast! We will be focusing on a European theme this day. Come down to the Golden Circle and visit more than 20 different organization’s booths while enjoying a pancake breakfast from 8:30am to 12:00pm. Wednesday, June 5th is – Australia and New Zealand themed. We’ll be having meat pies and pavlova for lunch from 11:30am to 1:00pm. At 1:00pm we will be doing an intergenerational “Walk the Talk” event with Grade 5 students. This fun and exciting event is promoting intergenerational connections and to foster better mental health and wellness in our community. You do not need to be a walking senior to participate, and all are welcome to join! The vintage cars will be on display in the parking lot again from 10:00am to 1:00pm as well. Thursday, June 6th we are taking this show on the road! We are chartering a bus to take some of you fine folks to the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton! Tickets will go fast for this one so please make sure to call the Golden Circle at 403-343-6074 to see if there are any more seats available. Friday, June 7th is our Asian-themed Wrap up Dinner with entertainment. Doors will open at 5:00pm and we will be enjoying an Asian themed meal cooked up by our very talented kitchen team. Be sure to call the Golden Circle at 403-343-6074 to see if there are any more seats available!

Osteoporosis, a disease that renders bones porous and frail, causes over 30,000 hip fractures annually in Canada. While most people associate osteoporosis with women, around 25% of these fractures occur in men. To help prevent osteoporosis, make sure to exercise regularly, suited to your health. This will encourage bone cell renewal. If you can’t get enough nutrients from your food, you may require a dietary supplement such as calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. Speak to your Central Alberta Co-op Pharmacist for more information.

The Golden Circle’s Homestyle Frozen Meal program offers a wide selection of affordable, nutritious, and ready-to-eat meals made, packaged and frozen for your convenience right here in our own commercial kitchen. We also offer in-house dining: Soup and Sandwich on Mondays from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Hot Lunch on Wednesdays from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm and Breakfast on Fridays from 8:30 am – 11:00 am. You don’t have to be a member to purchase frozen meals or to join us in person in the Dining Room, but if you are a member, you get a discounted rate on in-house dining, special event ticket prices and more!

Did you know that the programs and services we offer here at the Golden Circle contribute to mental wellness? You may think you’re just playing cards, or having lunch, but you are connecting with peers and combating loneliness and social isolation and in fact improving your mental health! Physical activity is not just beneficial for maintaining a healthy body, but also for improving mental health. Physical activity is an important aspect of maintaining good mental health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost self-esteem, enhance cognitive function, and reduce symptoms of depression. Physical activity is a natural stress reliever because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress and anxiety and at the Golden Circle we offer a variety of fitness programs from Yoga to Zumba, to a Stretch Flex and Strengthen class and Sit and Be Fit, and Tai Chi. We have a Bocce group, Carpet Bowling and a Hardy Walkers Club – all get together year-round! Engaging in mental activities can help improve our cognitive function such as planning skills, decision-making, and short-term memory.
We also have weekly board and card game offerings to keep your mind sharp, like Canasta, Bridge, Cribbage, Pinochle, Mahjong, Scrabble and Euchre.

Our friends at The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) have declared May 6 through 12, 2024 as Mental Health Week. Their theme is “A Call to be Kind” because compassion connects us all. We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week is centered on the healing power of compassion. In a world plagued by suffering, CMHA is hoping to emphasize that kindness is equally intrinsic to our humanity.

While many people in Canada struggle with their mental health, certain groups face unique challenges because of systemic racism, discrimination, socio-economic status, or social exclusion. Among these communities, seniors have experienced many challenges to their mental health.