November is a heartwarming month for many seniors, filled with connection and colourful leaves. Family gatherings like Thanksgiving offer precious time with loved ones, while traditions spark memories and joy. The season’s slower pace allows for meaningful reflection, warm blankets, and quiet moments. Community events, volunteering, and preparing for the holidays also bring purpose and excitement. With crisp air, a warm jacket and a focus on gratitude, November offers seniors a beautiful balance of peace and celebration. It’s a time to embrace simple moments and the richness of life’s memories and relationships.

Island Lift Systems, a division of Island Mediquip, specializes in home accessibility equipment, including stairlifts, home elevators, ceiling track systems, and vertical platform lifts, to help people access different levels of their homes. We are a locally owned and 100% Canadian company that prides itself on providing quality installation and repair services across Vancouver Island. We provide ongoing support so that you are never left stranded. Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment.

Are you retired and looking for a smarter way to boost your cash flow? Thousands of Canadians 55+ are using the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank to unlock their home equity, tax-free. Whether covering health care costs, renovating to age in place, supplementing income, or handling unplanned expenses, CHIP offers flexibility with no monthly payments required. You can access funds as a lump sum or in installments and even consolidate debt. Want to see how others are living retirement on their terms? Contact me to learn more.

Approximately 25% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. An active lifestyle is important to maintain mobility and overall health; aching knees can greatly hinder mobility and independence. Custom foot orthotics and knee bracing are conservative forms of care to offload a painful knee joint, to allow for improved mobility! Wait times for a knee replacement can be long and painful – the use of custom knee bracing and custom foot orthotics can keep you moving and supported in the interim. Book in for an assessment at Common Sense Orthotics to see if orthotics or braces can support you and your active lifestyle!

Memory Connections offers two programs for people experiencing memory loss. Memory Café Victoria offers activities focusing on the arts, music and recreational activities for persons living with memory loss and their care partners. Our activities improve well-being and quality of life by focusing on imagination and creativity. Team Pivot is a social and recreational program for people living with Young Onset Dementia (before age 65). We provide a physically active and supportive environment, with interactive activities geared towards the specific interests and needs of those with young-onset memory loss. The weekly gathering includes lunch and physical activities. Contact us for more information.

Wed, Oct 8, 1 – 4 pm, Seniors Aging in Place Expo, Wellesley Senior Community, 2800 Blanshard Street, Victoria. FREE to attend. Presented by Comfort Keepers.

Wed, Oct 22, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, St Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria. VSBN is holding a FREE session “Navigating the Real Estate Landscape for Seniors”. You will you’ll gain valuable insight into the process of moving including timing, preparation, pitfalls to avoid, the sale process and how to maximize your equity from industry experts. Tickets are available by calling 778.200.3387 or from the event website. NavigatingTheRealEstateLandscapeForSeniors.eventbrite.ca

Oral frailty, often seen in older adults, involves reduced oral health and function, which can impact overall well-being. Dentures play a crucial role in managing oral frailty. Well-fitting dentures help maintain proper chewing ability, improve speech, and support facial structure, which can contribute to better nutrition and quality of life. However, if dentures are not properly fitted or maintained, they can exacerbate oral frailty by causing discomfort, making eating and speaking difficult, and potentially leading to additional oral health issues like sores or infections. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure dentures address and not worsen oral frailty.

Victoria is more than just a beautiful city! It’s a city where seniors play an active and vital role. Whether volunteering at local charities, mentoring younger generations, creating art, leading community initiatives, or sharing decades of knowledge and experience, Victoria’s seniors are a unique and inviting bunch. On National Seniors Day, Comfort Keepers pause to celebrate these contributions and acknowledge the challenges many older adults face with ageism, isolation, health issues, and increasing living costs. It’s also a time to renew our commitment to building an age-friendly city! A place everyone can age with dignity, purpose, and connection.