1. Make the most of your daily opportunities to socialize.
2. Practice a random act of kindness. It could be as small as smiling at someone else passing by – paying your happiness forward will not only brighten someone else’s day, but yours as well!
3. Find time to volunteer. Whether it’s participating in service clubs or joining a hobby group, you’ll find that there are many health benefits to volunteering. It can build self-esteem and confidence and expand your network of social support.
4. Combine social interaction with an activity. It could be a physical activity like walking together or a fitness class, or it could be something like a book club or a play. Ask someone to try a brain-challenging game together. Enjoy yourself while you positively impact your brain health.
5. Maintain old friendships and make new ones. Stay social through work, volunteer activities, travel, hobbies, family and friends. Be open to new experiences – accept invitations and extend a few of your own.

1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off.
3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-health benefits of social interaction.

Caregiving can be hard! Don’t do it alone! Provincial Toll-Free Caregiver Support Line – Unpaid family and friends’ caregivers can call this toll free number for one-to-one telephone support. 8-4 Monday- Friday. 1-877-520-3267. Caregiver Coaching assists caregivers in developing their own action plan that will support them in the very important role they fulfill as caregiver. Referral to this program id through the Caregiver Support Line. The Caregiver Learning Centre is available free of charge for anyone who needs it. It’s on the website at www.familycaregiversbc.ca.

We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area. In April or May. Please contact the CVSS office if you are interested in attending!

The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Beginning March 15, the team will be ready to go. Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.