Community News
December Events

Caregiver Support Group- December 2 from 1:30-3:00pm
Free Legal Clinic- December 7 from (various times available)
Caregiver Support Group- December 16 from 1:30pm-3:00pm
Free Legal Clinic- December 28 (various times available)
Caregiver Support Group- December 30 from 1:30pm-3:00pm
For more information or to register please contact Simren at 604-531-9400 ext. 201

SHARE Virtually

SHARE Virtually is our collaborative online platform that allows older adults to engage in programs, events, and services that keeps them connected to the community. Through the pandemic more organizations are required to leverage technology and the internet, to engage those who want to participate in services online.

Join Today

Seniors Come Share Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it’s from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community; therefore we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Visit comeshare.ca or SHAREvirtually.com for a list of our programs and events.

Donations

Donations are graciously accepted in support of the non-profit operations of Seniors Come Share Society.
Ways to donate:
Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/36058/donation. Mail: 15008 26 Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4P 3H5. By phone: 604-531-2502 ext. 209.

Donations Welcome as Holidays Draw Near

Donations to Comox Valley Senior Support Society can be directed toward any one of its programs or can be directed towards general operating expenses. Though many of the programs are volunteer powered, there are still numerous expenses for each. If you have any questions about any of these programs or about how a donation may best be used, please Contact Christopher Bate at [email protected] or 250-871-4950. Donations can be made by cheque or by following the link on the society’s website.

Gentle Reminder

As we head into the holiday season, please remember that many systematically excluded members of our community will be alone during this time. The frenzy of the season consumes many of us, but please take a moment to call or visit people you know who are isolated. A brief call or a short visit will make a world of difference for many people.

Second Home for Seniors

The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.

Life Stages and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages for various reasons such as genetics, exposure to loud noises, presbycusis, autoimmune issues and sometimes ototoxic medications. More dangerously, untreated hearing loss can cause issues, often psychological, which also tend to be the indicators.

If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, here’s a list of signs in each stage of life that may indicate a hearing loss.
Children
Signs of hearing loss in children often go unnoticed, hence it’s important to look for signs as early as infancy for quick treatment. If a hearing loss isn’t indicated now, it’s still a possibility as they age.
Here are some of the signs to watch for:
  • Lack of attention to sound and sound localization
  • Delayed speech development
  • Unable to monitor their own voice or follow verbal instructions
  • Behavioural changes and hyperactivity
  • Poor school performance
Teenagers
Diagnosing teens is easier because they’ve developed communication skills. Personalities influence any diagnosis because they affect our verbal interactions and reactions to different situations.
The following are some indicators:
  • Struggles with verbal cues and instructions
  • Often ask people to repeat themselves
  • Lack of participation in school activities, poor school performance
  • Isolated from social situations
  • Behavioural changes – may act out or do nothing at all
Adults and Seniors
In adults, signs of hearing loss present differently with age due to developed coping mechanisms. Seniors often lose their hearing as they age, but they can take action to treat it for a better quality of life.
Here are signs to look for:
  • Regularly ask people to repeat themselves
  • Talk very loud or quiet
  • Difficulties understanding verbal communication
  • Isolate themselves in noisy environments and don’t participate
  • May present with depression or anxiety
  • Complaints of dizziness, ringing in ears and exhaustion

If you’re concerned about hearing loss affecting you or a loved one, NexGen Hearing provides free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, sales and fittings. NexGen Hearing’s team is dedicated to helping you find solutions and discussing your hearing needs, goals and options to find the best outcome and support you every step of the way.

Author: By NexGen Hearing, NexGenHearing.com
Caregiver Support

In recognizing the needs of isolated caregivers during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have started a virtual Caregiver Support Group. This group gives caregivers an opportunity to connect with one another in a time where it has become increasingly difficult to build connections. The support group is a dedicated safe space for caregivers to share their experiences, as well as seek advice from those in a similar position, without fear of judgement. Support group meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays at 1:30 PM. To learn more or to join, contact Nisa Moman at 604-531-9400 x 219 or [email protected] or visit sharevirtually.com

The Perfect Workout for Seniors

As you age, some types of physical activity can become more difficult. The good news is that swimming, an activity that many seniors find easy, has many health benefits. Here are just a few of the health benefits of swimming you should take advantage of. 1. Bone Health. If you’ve developed joint pain and lower bone mineral density, swimming will give your joints a break while also lowering your risk of osteoporosis. 2. Heart Health. Swimming helps lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health. 3. Mental Health. Swimming can boost cognitive function, reduce stress and even help combat depression.