Seniors are living longer than ever before. Advances in oral health care prevention and disease treatment mean that many seniors will have some or all of their natural teeth.
When we age, teeth undergo changes. Sometimes these changes are affected by chronic diseases and the use of medications. Some changes may include:
• Sensitive teeth – teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and/or touch
• Exposed roots – gums may start to pull away from your teeth as you age. Exposed roots are exposed to bacteria that can cause cavities
• Darker or yellower teeth – the colour of teeth naturally changes with age. Also, consuming staining food and drink over a lifetime can change the colour of teeth. Plaque also builds up faster as we age and can accumulate stains.

People in British Columbia whose first language is Tagalog or Hindi can now access the updated BC Seniors’ Guide in their own language.
The enhanced 12th edition of the guide was published in July 2021 in seven languages: English, Chinese, French, Punjabi, Farsi, Korean and Vietnamese. All languages can be accessed online in PDF format, and print copies can be ordered through the Office of the Seniors Advocate.
To access the BC Seniors’ Guide in all nine languages, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/seniorsguide
To order free print copies, call (toll-free): 1 877 952-3181

The 2023 Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide is now out! This free guide is being dropped at locations around the Valley, but if you want one, or more, set aside for you, please contact the office (250-871-5940) and we will either hold one for you or arrange for delivery! This spiral bound guide were created in partnership between Comox Valley Senior Support and Denman and Hornby Community Health Care Services and are available free of charge.

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.

We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area in April or May. Please contact the CVSS office if you are interested in attending!

The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.

The Comox Valley Senior Support Society’s Second Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The first Spelling Bee was such a community success that we decided to get a larger space and invite more people! We look forward to seeing you there.

What better time to think about how you take care of your mouth? Not only is good dental health important to having healthy teeth and gums, but it may also lower your risk of chronic disease. Four things you can do to maximize oral health:
1. Make nutritious food choices – avoid high sugar and high acid foods and drinks. 2. Visit your dental professional regularly – if accessing affordable care is a challenge for you, please contact Comox Valley Senior Support and we will do our best to assist you. 3. Brush and floss every day!
4. Avoid tobacco.

According to a recent survey, 90% of homeowners between the ages of 55 and 75 would like to stay in their long-time home as they get older. And, not surprisingly, 66% of seniors believe their home is where they will be most comfortable, with 53% believing they will stay healthier in their own home. But living out that scenario and remaining in the driver’s seat calls for a plan of action – and an understanding of potential safety risks in the home. Home care makes it possible to remain home despite physical challenges. From respite care to 24-hour in-home care, services can be tailored to meet your needs.