Community News
Free Entry for Seniors

Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade is celebrating its second anniversary in downtown Victoria by offering free entry for seniors on Thursday, February 26 and Thursday, March 26, from 2pm–10pm, at 706 Fort Street (between Douglas and Blanshard). Seniors aged 60+ are welcome to self-identify at the door—no ID required. Free Thursdays are made possible through the City of Victoria’s OUR DWTN Storefront Activation Program. The Artcade is a five-star interactive art experience featuring playful, hands-on musical sculptures by local artists and musicians. It has been featured on CBC All Points West, CHEK News, and The Upside. Come press our buttons!

Companionship Is the Right Referral

February can be one of the hardest months for seniors. The holidays have passed, days are still short, and winter isolation can feel heavier than ever. A companion provides more than help, they bring conversation, routine, and something to look forward to. Regular visits from a Comfort Keepers companion can provide emotional connection, mental stimulation, and reassurance during a time when loneliness often hits. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea, going for a short outing, or simply talking, companionship supports overall well-being. In February, having a friendly, familiar presence can make the month feel warmer, and far less lonely.

Start the New Year with Better Hearing

January is the perfect time to focus on wellness, starting with your hearing. Clear, confident communication supports your relationships, boosts independence, and enhances overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed muffled conversations, increased volume on the TV, or difficulty hearing in noisy places, it may be time for a hearing checkup. Beltone Hearing offers comprehensive hearing assessments, advanced hearing technology, and personalized support to help you hear your best in 2025. Prioritizing your hearing now can prevent further decline and keep you connected to the moments that matter most. Step into the new year with clarity and confidence.

Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk with Exercise

Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.

Take Charge of Your Health

Start by making conscious health decisions and taking a proactive approach to your health. With an ElevationMD plan, Personalized Genetic Reports are produced to give you insights into your genetic predispositions to over 100 common diseases. Our plans include: a medical team led by physicians who are focused on prevention and longevity, and much more! Our fully integrated medical clinic uses our services to provide excellent healthcare. Your personal health navigator guides you through our services, from seeing a physician, getting a medication review, to going through a cancer screening. Invest in your health. Call 250.800.2850 today to book a free meet-and-greet.

Time for a Medication Review

Yearly medication reviews help seniors stay healthy, safe, and independent. As we age, medications may need updating to stay effective. Annual reviews let doctors spot interactions, adjust dosages, remove unnecessary prescriptions, and identify new health concerns early. This helps prevent complications and reduces hospital visits. Comfort Keepers supports seniors throughout the process by helping schedule appointments, organizing medication lists, providing transportation, and assisting with following updated instructions from your doctor. Caregivers can also watch for some side effects and share concerns with families. A yearly review from your doctor—paired with Comfort Keepers’ support—helps maintain long-term wellness and quality of life.

Improved Balance in Winter Conditions

Orthotics improve balance in winter conditions by providing enhanced foot and ankle stability, which helps prevent slips and falls on icy or uneven surfaces. They also help manage pain and fatigue exacerbated by cold weather and winter footwear by distributing weight evenly, improving alignment, and absorbing shock. Other benefits include *Biomechanical Correction: Orthotics can address issues like flat feet, high arches, and other biomechanical problems that affect how the foot functions. *Injury Prevention: Orthotics can help prevent overuse injuries like shin splints and tendonitis. Could you benefit from orthotics this winter? Book an assessment today!

Are Your Affairs in Order?

It’s wise to get your affairs in order well before it becomes necessary. If a life-altering event occurs, such as an accident, injury, or death, having plans and processes in place makes it much easier to manage. “Getting your affairs in order” means organizing your personal, financial, and legal matters to ensure everything is properly handled in the event of death or incapacitation. This process provides a clear plan for the distribution of assets, end-of-life care, and other personal matters. Remember, it’s never too early to start.

New Year’s Denture Tips

Start 2026 with a fresh, shiny smile and new positive habits! Before bedtime, gently brush your dentures and soak them overnight to keep them comfortable and clean. Rinse your dentures after meals to stay fresh throughout the day. Do a daily smile check in front of the mirror — a simple way to boost confidence and keep your smile looking its best. If your dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, small adjustments can make a big difference. Enjoy every laugh, meal, and moment with ease, keeping that bright, healthy smile all year long!

Business Profile: Earth’s Option

Earth’s Option is a family-owned mobile funeral business. The mobile nature of their business allows them to present options to you in the comfort of your own home. They supply all the same services as traditional funeral homes so you and your family can make decisions that are right for you. Green burials, their specialty, are available without the expense or the environmental impact associated with traditional burial or embalming. In their effort to promote the use of ecologically friendly products, they offer a complete range of green caskets, shrouds, and biodegradable urns in addition to all traditional products.

Victoria Film Festival: Feb 6 – 19

For more than three decades, the Victoria Film Festival has become a go-to event for film lovers every February. The 32nd edition runs Feb. 6–15 at venues across Greater Victoria, including The Vic Theatre. Tickets for more than 100 films—ranging from those with Hollywood stars to international cinema and hidden gems from local filmmakers—go on sale January 9th. More than 350 volunteers help make the Victoria Film Festival happen. For tickets and information on volunteering, please visit VictoriaFilmFestival.com.