We are excited to announce that Comox Senior Support Society has been contracted to run the Campbell River Better at Home program. The Better at Home program helps seniors/elders continue living in their own homes longer and stay connected in the community by providing some basic non-medical home support services.

Residents in Campbell River who are 65 years of age and older, and who meet the program’s objectives can access the Better at Home services within the program’s resource constraints. Becoming a Campbell River Better at Home client involves an initial meeting with our Better at Home Program staff to discuss the program, confirm eligibility, and complete registration forms.
For more information or to contact the office call: 250-830-8709, or email: betterathome.cr@gmail.com

As we age, once-easy exercises can become challenging due to changes in mobility, past injuries, or fear of injury. Finding a suitable fitness routine is crucial. Walking is an excellent choice for seniors, providing various benefits from short store strolls to leisurely park outings. It enhances mobility, aids weight management, boosts mental well-being, supports heart health, maintains strength, fosters social engagement, and reduces pain. Incorporating walking into daily life is a lifestyle choice promoting healthy aging. For those concerned about walking alone, a medical alert system offers reassurance, ensuring help is available at the push of a button. Start your walking journey today for a healthier body, mind, and spirit.

Relax & Unwind Citrus Chamomile. Winter can often bring feelings of sadness, but you can combat those winter blues with a comforting blend of chamomile and fresh citrus tea. Chamomile’s gentle and soothing properties mix well with the invigorating citrus notes, creating a beverage that calms the mind and uplifts the spirit. This delightful infusion can become a beacon of tranquillity by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Make a nightly ritual to sip on a cup of this tea before bedtime to enhance your well-being, and foster a peaceful night’s rest.

As with many areas of the body, your mouth is full of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. With proper oral hygiene and dental care, including daily brushing and flossing, you can keep the bacteria levels under control, reducing your chances of developing cavities and other teeth issues.

However, did you know that your oral health is also related to the overall health of the body? Research shows that problems with your oral health can impact other areas of the body. As your mouth is the entrance to the body’s digestive and respiratory tracts, research suggests that oral bacteria in the mouth can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body. Oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe gum disease might play a role in other diseases, including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. In addition, some conditions may affect your oral health such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Due to the critical role that good oral health plays in the overall health of the body, it is important that the Federal Government has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in December 2023. This new plan will help ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who:
• have an annual adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 and;
• don’t have access to dental insurance
For more information, check out the website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html. If you need any assistance with signing up, call us at: 250-871-5940.

Spring for Ayurveda encourages getting direct sun early in the morning, before 10 am (even with clouds). Consider a walking partner if this helps with accountability and enjoyment. Lean towards a warm, cooked, plant-based diet abundant in greens, clear fluids and a bit of heating spice. Letting go of heavy foods may present a challenge, but the payoff is well-being. Align with the seasonal shift by shedding excess weight like melting snow by engaging in more invigorating yoga postures. Opt for inspiring activities that feel fun and get you moving. In tune with the flowing spring rain, you’ll be in rhythm with the season.

The nexus between nutrition and senior oral health plays a pivotal role in overall well-being, especially with the heightened risk of tooth loss in aging. Optimal nutrition can mitigate challenges associated with tooth loss, impacting overall health. Water, with its fluoride content, combats tooth decay and enhances saliva production, crucial for pH regulation. Crunchy vegetables like carrots stimulate gums and support dental health. Dark, leafy greens provide essential calcium and minerals. Fiber-rich fruits such as apples and pears neutralize mouth acids effectively. Protein-rich foods like nuts, fish, and meat contribute to mouth-healthy saliva production, highlighting the integral connection between nutrition, dental health, and overall well-being in seniors.

World Records Set by Seniors: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

1. Oldest Marathon Finisher:
Fauja Singh from India, 101, completed a full marathon in Toronto, Canada. His perseverance shattered stereotypes about aging and showed that one’s passion can transcend any physical limitations.

2. Longest Career as a Professional Actress:
Dame Judi Dench holds this record for her illustrious career spanning over six decades. Her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility demonstrates that age does not hinder artistic prowess or creativity.

3. Oldest Person to Reach Mount Everest Summit:
Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura scaled Mount Everest at the age of 80 years old, breaking his own previous record at 75 years old.

4. Longest Career as a Professional Ballerina:
At 74 years old, Alicia Alonso had danced professionally on stage for seventy years without ever losing her grace or passion for ballet.

5. Highest Skydive by a Senior Citizen:
British veteran Bryson William Verdun Hayes took skydiving to new heights at 101 years old when he jumped from an incredible height of fifteen thousand feet.

6. Oldest DJ in History:
Sumiko Iwamuro from Japan became known as “DJ Sumirock” at the age of 83.

7. Oldest Professional Model:
Carmen Dell’Orefice, an American model, entered the fashion industry at just fifteen years old. However, her career reached new heights when she was declared the oldest professional model at 81 years old—an inspiration to aspiring models worldwide.

8. Fastest Non-Stop Solo Circumnavigation by Sailboat:
In 2019, Jeanne Socrates from Canada became the oldest female sailor at 77 years old to sail alone non-stop around the world.

9. Oldest Yoga Teacher:
Tao Porchon-Lynch from India holds this record for teaching yoga well into her hundredth year of life.

Comox Valley Senior Support is looking for volunteers for all our programs. Would you like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior? Or assist someone with accessing services in the community? If so, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. We offer training monthly so there are minimal delays to getting started. Volunteers are provided with monthly support meetings and regular education sessions. Contact us today to get started!

In winter, the possibility of extreme weather must be considered. Snow and/or significant rainfall with high winds are common occurrences here in the east coast of Vancouver Island. In the event of extreme weather please be sure to check on your senior neighbours to ensure that they are safe and warm.

In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support/