At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.
Community News
Wanted! Check-in Volunteers
Are you a cheerful person with good communication skills? Do you have 2 hours per week available to chat and connect with a senior in your community? Check‐In Services Volunteers are an essential part of the Nanaimo Lifeline team. They support seniors in the community by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within the community. This role is a great fit for individuals who are comfortable speaking on the phone and want to help people in their community stay connected and engaged. Training is provided by Lifeline staff and volunteers.
Stay Active and Keep Growing
People who reside in our independent living community don’t think of themselves as old folks. Residents are artists, writers, photographers and learners, exploring and discovering new things every day. Aging is inevitable; growing old is a choice. Resident, Janet Lancey wrote about the label old. In Janet’s words, “Age is not a number, and it has nothing to do with appearance or status. It is, indeed, how you choose to lead your life”. Janet emphasizes the importance of grasping opportunities to keep growing, learning, and helping others gain better lives. Residents are encouraged to participate in an array of activities.
Benefits of a Compounding Pharmacy
If you are unable to take a mass-produced medication, a compounding pharmacy can create a personalized medicine just for you. Reasons to turn to a compounding pharmacy include; the inability to swallow a pill, an allergy to gluten or dyes, or a drug that may be in short supply. The pharmacist works with the prescribing health care practitioner to create a solution that works for you. The compounding pharmacist can add appealing flavours, create unique dosage forms and provide innovative delivery methods to make it easier for you to take your medicine.
Talking About Hearing Loss
Onset hearing loss is usually gradual, so it can take a long time for people with hearing impairment to realize there is a problem. While starting a conversation with a loved one experiencing hearing loss may be difficult, it’s a key step towards a solution. Strategies for having productive conversations include: *Aim to have serious discussions early in the day, before navigating daily activities. *Ask helpful questions to create an open dialogue and make everyday communication easier. For examples: “Should we have this conversation in a quieter location?” *Focus on facts and specific symptoms and encourage them to get a professional evaluation.
Plan for the Future
For many of us, September seems like the start of a new year after a couple of months of fun and relaxation. As summer draws to a close, we plan for the seasons ahead. It is a perfect time to pre-plan our funeral. Pre-planning final arrangements brings a measure of certainty to the most uncertain time of our life. It reduces the financial burden on our loved ones in their time of distress. No matter at which stage of life you are in, you can gain comfort in knowing your plans are ready. Please request our free estate planning kit today.
“I Love Pasta!”
I love making pasta salad with tons of veggies, light vinaigrette dressing and playing with different local and fresh herbs.Pasta is a great complex carbohydrate, with fiber, tons of nutrients from the veggies and herbs. It tastes amazing with fresh vegetables from our local farmers’ markets. Pair the pasta salad with your choice of lean protein. Chickpeas are my personal favorite. By adding a source of protein to your pasta salad, you have a great, well-rounded meal.
Wellness Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo is the place to be on September 23 & 24 to Explore, Indulge, Escape & Shop. It is all about wellbeing, empowerment, fashion, friends and fun. Lots of great things to explore with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, fashion shows and over $3000 in prizes. FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See you there!
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.
Why Do Seniors Become Tutors?
The opportunity to impact lives and give back to the community are two reasons why seniors become volunteer tutors. Volunteer Tutor David shares his thoughts about tutoring: “It’s very easy to hibernate when you’re retired. I know many colleagues who did exactly that. Wanting to avoid that, I looked for something useful to do, and tutoring fills that need very well. Tutoring is very rewarding. It is wonderful to see a learner suddenly grasp a language concept that they should have learned in school, but never did.” Please contact us for information on becoming a tutor.
Supporting Mental Health for Busy Families
Adjusting lives for back to school and preparing for one of the busiest times of year is challenging for families at the best of times. With rising inflation and other pressures facing families, being able to take a break together is essential for supporting good mental health. SOS programs and services for children, youth and families, like our Family Night program, make a big difference. To learn more about free SOS programs and services, and how you can make a difference, visit our website, call us or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
