The month of March marks the transition to longer days, warmer temperatures, and new growth. We are planning lots of great things for spring at Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI).
Workshops and Partner Events
SSNVI is putting together a series of workshops with community partners to be held on March 25, April 22, May 27, 10:30 – 12:00, CV Presbyterian Church, 725 Aspen Rd.
More information coming. Check our resource page at https://ssnvi.ca/education-sessions/
Or get on our email list to be notified about these workshops and others at [email protected]
Income Tax Filing Support
Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) will once again be providing simple income tax return preparation for seniors 55+. Income thresholds apply ($40,000 for a single person, $50,000 for a couple). This service will begin at the beginning of March and run through the end of April. Returns are typically completed with seven calendar days. Currently, this service is only offered to SSNVI clients in the Comox Valley. Though drop ins are welcome, we do suggest calling before coming by the office. 250-871-5940.
Get Connected – Volunteer with Us
If you are looking for a way to connect in the community, check out opportunities with the Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI).
Interested in participating in the Seniors Intergenerational Action Network? This partnership program links seniors and families with young children in the Comox Valley. Weekly activities are being organised at the Comox Recreation Centre. To find out more, please consult the Comox Recreation Guide or contact Ann Brown at [email protected] , or Christopher Bate at [email protected]

March is Nutrition Month, a great reminder that what we eat plays a key role in overall health, especially as we age. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports energy, brain function, and heart health. Hydration is just as important—aim for plenty of water throughout the day. For seniors, meal planning helps maintain proper nutrition. Eating smaller, frequent meals can be beneficial, and including calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based options supports bone health. Good nutrition fuels a strong body and mind, keeping us active and independent for longer!

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.

The 2025 Seniors Resource Guides are now out. Please contact the office at C1-450 8th Street in Courtenay to get your copy. From our heart to yours, Happy February!

February is also the month to start thinking about taxes.
Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) will once again be providing simple income tax return preparation for seniors 55+. Income thresholds apply ($40,000 for a single person, $50,000 for a couple). This service will begin at the beginning of March and run through the end of April. Returns are typically completed with seven calendar days. Currently, this service is only offered to SSNVI clients in the Comox Valley. Though drop ins are welcome, we do suggest calling before coming by the office. 250-871-5940.

Keeping our hearts healthy and happy doesn’t have to mean rigorous exercise. Dancing to your favorite song, stretching gently in the morning, or even practicing chair yoga can improve flexibility, balance, and mood. It’s about finding what feels good for you and making it part of your routine.
• For more activities and recreation Check out the Comox Valley Recreation Guide, available at the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, Comox Recreation Centre, and Lewis Centre.
• Or maybe you want to get moving with something like, carpet bowling Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00pm, at d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre.

The warmth of human connection is just as vital as physical health. February’s focus on love and kindness is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to friends, family, or neighbors. A simple phone call, a heartfelt note, or even a shared cup of tea can lift spirits on both sides.
If you are looking for a way to connect in the community, check out opportunities with the Senior Support North Vancouver Island.
• Interested in participating in the Seniors Intergenerational Action Network? This partnership program links seniors and families with young children in the Comox Valley. Weekly activities are being organised at the Comox Recreation Centre. To find out more, please consult the Comox Recreation Guide or contact Ann Brown at [email protected] or Chirstopher Bate at [email protected]

February is Heart Month in Canada! But February can also often bring chilly days and sometimes more than a little rain. Small, intentional steps can make a big difference in keeping our hearts warm, happy, and healthy. Here are some simple and uplifting ways to nurture your wellness, find some fun things to do, and stay warm and dry while doing it.
February is a perfect time to show your heart some love. Heart health doesn’t require drastic measures—small changes can have a big impact. Try adding heart-healthy foods to your meals, like oats, salmon, nuts, and leafy greens.
• Get a copy of the Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook, available in English, French, Chinese, and Punjabi, as well as in audiobook version. To order a copy of Healthy Eating for Seniors: Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
Or visit the Resource Order Form at www.HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/resource-order-form.

Motion™ helps individuals with mobility limitations to navigate their homes with safety and comfort. These innovative solutions create barrier-free environments, preserving independence and improving quality of life. From ramps and stairlifts to grab bars and accessible bathrooms, these solutions are meticulously designed to cater to individual needs and ensure effortless movement throughout the home. With customizable options and contemporary designs, home accessibility solutions seamlessly combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, empowering individuals to age in place and fully enjoy their homes without constraints. Embrace independence and elevate your home with personalized accessibility solutions.

Trip #1: May 9-12. Blue Jays Vs. Mariners, Enjoy 3 nights in downtown Seattle, 3 baseball game tickets, all transportation via BC Ferries, and daily made-to-order breakfasts. Evening cocktail reception included.
Trip #2: APRIL 29 – MAY 5. 5-day Pacific Coastal Repositioning Cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess. Fully escorted from Comox Valley with flights to Los Angeles, a pre-cruise hotel stay, shuttle to the ship, and a mini tour of LA. Includes bus and ferry transportation from Vancouver to Comox, Courtenay, and Qualicum.