Community News
Why Test at 50?

Hearing experts recommend that everyone get a baseline hearing test around age 50. While hearing loss is often associated with older age, it commonly begins earlier and can progress quietly for years. A hearing test at 50 helps detect changes early, when treatment options are most effective. It also creates a clear baseline, so future changes are easier to track. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and increased fall risk. About one in four adults aged 50 to 65 already experiences some degree of hearing loss. After 50, testing every two to three years is recommended, with more frequent checkups after 65.

These Orthotics are Meant for Walking

Walking is great for your health and wellness. Recent research supports that walking approximately 7,000 steps per day—a more attainable goal than the traditional 10,000 steps—can reduce the risk of premature all-cause mortality by over 50% compared to a sedentary lifestyle. For individuals looking to reach this daily step goal, orthotics can be a critical tool in enabling consistent movement by improving comfort and confidence. Orthotics also improve balance, can help prevent overuse injuries like shin splints and tendonitis and help with pain and fatigue. Could you benefit from orthotics? Book an assessment today!

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal that you make by letting them rest overnight. Enjoy this decadent (but healthy) recipe! Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats, 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut. Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and refrigerate overnight.

Join WIN and Our Community of Care

This International Women’s Day, stand with Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative (WIN) and help to foster gender equity, empowerment and safety. WIN is a community of care. Our resale shops, online store, and donations directly fund programs that support women, trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people through crisis, change, and rebuilding. Together, we create a steady system of care rooted in dignity, choice and practical support that is guided by our program participants themselves. Please consider joining us by shopping, volunteering, donating items or gifting a monetary donation in support of WIN’s community programs. You can learn more on our website.

Profile: Red Light Therapy

Do you, or a loved one, suffer from chronic pain, achy arthritis, or cognitive decline? If so, your suffering is no longer a life sentence. We have scientifically proven therapy that has helped millions heal; 900 random trials, 4000 published papers over 60 years of research. Our Red Light Therapy is non-invasive and free of adverse reactions and is a Health Canada-approved medical technology. A New Dawn is ready to help you at our Langford Clinic. Your healing is just a phone call away. Book a visit today.

Free Entry for Seniors

Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade is celebrating its second anniversary in downtown Victoria by offering free entry for seniors aged 60+ on Thursday, March 26, from 2 pm–10 pm, at 706 Fort Street (between Douglas and Blanshard)—no ID required. Free Entry is made possible through the City of Victoria’s OUR DWTN Storefront Activation Program. The Artcade is Victoria’s unique 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!

Plan for Your Retirement and Your Funeral

Did you know that even if you don’t require a funeral service, you will need the services of a funeral director? Planning your funeral package ahead of time is a smart financial move. It can be as low as $30.00 monthly with no money down. Pre-paying freezes costs at today’s rates, shielding you from inflation. Pre-planning lets you invest in peace of mind: your wishes are locked in, and your loved ones won’t face last-minute expenses. If tragedy strikes while making payments, your funeral package is fully insured. Contact us today to explore options that fit any budget.

Unlock Equity to Age in Place

Over 90 percent of Canadians aged 45 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to a recent HomeEquity Bank survey. To Age in Place, homes often need to be modified with features such as stair lifts and wider doorways. Caregivers may need to be hired to provide in-home support. The costs can really add up. Fortunately, as a homeowner, you can access the equity in your home to pay for these costs. A Reverse Mortgage is a simple and sensible way to unlock the value in your home to help you live life on your terms.

March Trivia

.1.What food never spoils?
2.What percentage of the immune system is linked to the gut?
3.True or False? Eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids.

Did You Know?

About 60% of your brain is made of fat, which is why healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish, nuts, and seeds) are important for brain health.