We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Community News
Live Theatre – Perfect Arrangement
It’s 1950, and new colours are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. Tickets are on sale now for October 6–26, 2024.
It’s Not the “Things” that Matter
“The secret to having everything in life, is believing that you already have it.” Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. It’s not the ‘things’ that matter. It’s the people, the experiences, the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to continue to make new friends, have new experiences and make more wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!
Dangers of Social Isolation
Social isolation in seniors is a very serious problem affecting thousands of people across Canada. Health changes that prevent people from visiting others, such as the loss of a driver’s license or the death of loved ones, can contribute to the loss of social opportunities and contacts. These challenges can lead to depression and premature moves to assisted living facilities. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to keep seniors connected. Contact Nanaimo Lifeline, and we will be happy to connect you with organizations and services in our community that can do everything from daily phone calls to driving you to appointments.
Regular Denture Maintenance
I made a set of fangs for my daughter when she was in grade school—a long time ago. They were a huge hit because they looked so real. Dentures with fangs might be just up your alley! The fall is the eating season. Long weekends, relatives, garden harvest, canning… so much to eat. Regular relines are part of denture maintenance. They should be done every 2-3 years. Neglecting denture maintenance has serious consequences, including jaw protrusion, misaligned bite, sore spots, and difficulty chewing. Contact us today to book a complimentary evaluation. We are part of the Canadian Dental Care Program.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, causing pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg. This is often due to nerve root compression in the spine, lumbar disc issues, spinal stenosis, or tight muscles like the piriformis. Acupuncture can effectively treat sciatica by relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, and regulating the nervous system, offering a non-surgical alternative to pain medications. Studies show it can relieve symptoms and enhance the effects of other treatments. Various exercises can benefit you as well. For chronic pain, you may need 2-3 sessions to notice relief.
Help for Seniors
With the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing for seniors, we’re seeing an increase in the number of residents we consider vulnerable. In fact, according to Food Banks Canada, 1 in 4 British Columbians are living in poverty. And in our area, we have witnessed this troubling crisis firsthand. With community support, we have been able to recover more than $200,000 in backpay for local seniors since July 2023. Get in touch with us if you know a senior who could use our assistance. Financial donations are gratefully accepted online, by phone, or in person. Thank you!
Volunteers Needed
When someone needs a hand, our dedicated team of Sendial volunteers is happy to help. Volunteers take and shop orders for customers who, because of injury, frailty, or other physical reasons, can’t easily grocery shop themselves. Love to talk??!! Phoning volunteers are needed at our Parksville and Longwood Station locations. Volunteers take customer orders, calling weekly or biweekly. Phoning is done from home, and orders are submitted in person or by email. A two-hour general orientation (Zoom) is the first step, followed by role-specific training (Zoom), and then in-store shopping observation. Interested? Please contact us by phone or email.
Stress Can Make or Break You
Most of us are probably aware of the impacts of distress, which is the type of stress that leads to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm and often requires coping mechanisms to manage. Eustress is the type of stress that pushes us to pursue something we are passionate about and inspires us to grow and strive toward our goals. How we view our stressors can determine their impact on our health. Disclaimer: There are some negative stressors that even the most optimistic mental gymnasts can’t turn from negative to positive. Yet it’s a great cue to use when looking at managing the stress in your life.
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Good Oral Health
A healthy mouth is an important part of overall health. Periodontal or gum disease can increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke and is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults. A dental hygienist works with you to help keep your mouth healthy and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Regular cleanings are extra important for everyone to maintain the foundation around their teeth as well as maintain the health of the enamel. Reach out to us today. We accept the Canadian Dental Plan.
