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.
Community News
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
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.
Local Spotlight: Canada Scooters
Canada Scooters is the leading supplier of electric mobility scooters – offering a wide rage of 3 & 4-wheel new and used scooters, portable scooters, accessories and rentals. They deliver right to your door for an in-home demonstration or a test drive. They also carry mobility products such as walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, wheelchairs and bathroom safety products or equip your home with lift chairs, ramps, railings, and bathroom renovations. Canada Scooters offers service and repairs, safety courses and expert professionals with service across all Vancouver Island, all with flexible financing and payment options.
Light Therapy for SAD
It is hard to imagine that summer is now behind us, but it’s true. As we head into winter, we’re encountering shorter daylight hours and more grey skies. As a result, we sometimes find that winter will trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). How do we treat SAD? In severe cases, medications may be needed, and as adjunctive treatment, light therapy may be added. Effective light therapy is achieved by exposure to 10,000 lux cool-white light. Optimal exposure is for 30 to 45 minutes early in the morning upon awakening.
Overcoming Challenges & Gaining Confidence
Many women avoid gym programs for their exercise routines because they are self-conscious. It’s normal to feel this way, especially at the start of a weight loss program. So first, give yourself a break. Then, give yourself a kick. The hardest part is showing up, so think about what might help you do that. Here are some tips: Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are likely to be less crowded than lunchtime or before or after work. Bring a friend! It’s easier to try something new when you have support. Also find comfort in knowing that many of the women you see in the gym are embarking on the same journey as you.
The Gift of Great Teeth
This holiday season, why not give your loved ones the gift of healthy, great-looking teeth? Electric toothbrushes make fantastic gifts because they offer: 1) Better plaque removal – electric toothbrushes decrease plaque and gingivitis more than manual ones, especially if they have rotating heads. 2) Ease of use – electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, making them easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. 3) High-tech features – some advanced features include timers, pressure sensors, and brushing modes. 4) Whiter teeth – the bristle design and motion of electric toothbrushes can lift stains for an even whiter smile.
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
Ask The Expert
Q: I don’t see very well out of my lazy eye. Is there any way I can make it better? I’m 39 years old and my eyes are otherwise healthy.
A: That is likely difficult. A “lazy” eye means it didn’t develop functional vision by early childhood, and this can happen for a variety of reasons. At this point in your life, corrective lenses or vision therapy could give you some modest help, depending on how lazy the eye is. Children ought to have an eye examination at an early age for this very reason as it is more easily treatable at that time.
Holiday Greetings!
The Board and staff of the Comox Valley Senior Support Society wish you a peaceful holiday season and very best wishes for 2022.
BC Community Response Network
The BC Community Response Network is a provincial organization that supports local CRNs who in tun work to create strong community response for adults who may be experiencing or impacted by abuse, neglect, and self neglect. As the new host agency of the Comox Valley Community Response Network, Comox Valley Senior Support is looking forward to filling the vital role a CRN can play in the community. While, just getting up to speed with the work that needs to be done, staff are looking forward to the task at hand. Please stay tuned for future updates! Further information on BC CRNs can be found at: https://bccrns.ca
