"What's happening in the world of Activities, Research and Interests of the Older Adult"
Senior Scene October 2008
It has been a busy time for us at the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society. We just recently held our annual Symposium and, this year, added a Conference to it. We had Professor Sutherland and Professor Graff come speak to us on brain elasticity and memory. We also had some local speakers come speak on depression in seniors (Twilla Welch) and The Heads Up Program (Healthy Brain, Healthy Aging), Laurie Myres. The responses have been very positive and very encouraging. Thank you for so many kind words and for that encouragement.
We do find though, time does not stand still and, we here, at the Seniors Wellness Society continue to offer both learning opportunities and social opportunities through our Learning in Retirement.
Our new calendar is out and we are hoping you will give us a call or come by and pick up a copy for your information. We are offering a number of sessions covering a variety of interests. November 20, 10:30-12:00 we are offering weekly sessions dealing with the issue of Climate Change. This will be dealt with in layman’s terms and in an informal way. This topic is very timely given the issues that face us daily in our environment. We also have a local author, Twilla Welch, who will be with us on November 4, 1:30-3:30 speaking about her book, Creative in Struggle. It is about the struggles of the people of Mynamar (formerly Burma). Come hear Twilla share with us her experiences in Mynamar.
We believe we have so many wonderful and exciting topics being offered in our new calendar. We are hoping you will join with us in continuing to learn and to grow. Both Professors Sutherland and Professor Graff, in our recent conference, stressed the benefits associated with the continued introduction of new ideas and we here at the Wellness Society believe the short sessions offered, plus the minimal cost, allow for this ongoing learning and growing.
We are also joining with The Arthritis Society on November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3 and 10, from 1:00 – 3:00 in their presentation of a Self Management Program.
November 6 at 10:00 there is a 2 hour session on Journeying with the Dying, wherein we will explore the needs of the dying as well as those who care for them.
We have had wonderful reports on those attending the “Your Philosophy” sessions where our leader leads us through hands on philosophy (discovering for ourselves our own philosophy and what is important to us). This will be reoffered in a two part session on November 6 and 13.
Buddhist Meditation with Selwyn Redivo is happening as we speak but will be reoffered November 21, 28, December 5 and 12, 2:00-3:30.
Revenue Canada will also be attending to inform and educate on November 12, 10-12.
There is so much to continue to learn. Please join us.
Pam Jackson,
South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society,
Penticton, British Columbia
Telephone:250-487-7455
Seniors Scene August 2008
An absence of disturbance or agitation; a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice and goodwill; calmness; serenity; silence; “at peace” with oneself.
As we reflect on the definition of peace we may find ourselves reflecting personally on our own journey in regards to peace or the lack thereof. Perhaps we have experienced the repercussions of a lack of peace. It could have been in our own homes where it may have been experienced as a war zone or it may have been experienced more globally as we take our place as members of the human race. We, as seniors, realize that it is so much about our own journey, our own life experiences which speaks to us of a lack of peace or that “peace which surpasses all understanding”.
Peace talk is not, obviously, exclusive to the senior but I do believe that it is the senior who has experienced that lifetime of change and transition, turmoil and tranquility, who can truly speak to this topic. I quote words of wisdom from Ghandi “Even as wisdom often comes from the mouths of babes, so does it often come from the mouths of old people. The golden rule is to test everything in the light of reason and experience, no matter where it comes from.”
If you are a senior, I invite you to take a few minutes and reflect on “Peace” and what it has meant to you in your lifetime and what steps you can take or you have taken to bring more peace into your life.
Too often, I think, we believe that we can not and do not make a difference in our society. That is a falsehood. Statistics Canada (2006) informs us that approximately 48% of the population in the South Okanagan is over age 50. On a national scale from the same 2006 stats 33% (1/3) of the Canadian population is over age 50. I think it is safe to assume that number is much higher at this time.
I invite you to Google “Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) and check out what is happening in the “peace” talk here in this part of the world. This is also a world wide movement as approximately 24 countries are working towards the formations of Departments of Peace the world over and thereby hoping that the focus will change perhaps from a” Military” focus to “a Peace focus”.
The issue of “Peace” is one of many important issues in which we, as seniors, can make a difference for society. There are others. We at the Seniors Wellness Society are here as encouragers of that “seniors” voice. We hope you will stop in or give us a call on matters of importance to you so that we may perhaps be helpful to give a collective voice to your concerns.
The United Nations designated September 21st as World Day of Peace. There will be a service on Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to mark the day. All are welcome!
Seniors Scene June 2008
Definition of Peace: An absence of disturbance or agitation; a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice and goodwill; calmness; serenity; silence; “at peace” with oneself. As we reflect on the definition of peace we may find ourselves reflecting personally on our own journey in regards to peace or the lack thereof. Perhaps we have experienced the repercussions of a lack of peace. It could have been in our own homes where it may have been experienced as a war zone or it may have been experienced more globally as we take our place as members of the human race. We, as seniors, realize that it is so much about our own journey, our own life experiences which speaks to us of a lack of peace or that “peace which surpasses all understanding”. Peace talk is not, obviously, exclusive to the senior but I do believe that it is the senior who has experienced that lifetime of change and transition, turmoil and tranquility, who can truly speak to this topic. I quote words of wisdom from Ghandi “Even as wisdom often comes from the mouths of babes, so does it often come from the mouths of old people. The golden rule is to test everything in the light of reason and experience, no matter where it comes from.” If you are a senior, I invite you to take a few minutes and reflect on “Peace” and what it has meant to you in your lifetime and what steps you can take or you have taken to bring more peace into your life. Too often, I think, we believe that we can not and do not make a difference in our society. That is a falsehood. Statistics Canada (2006) informs us that approximately 48% of the population in the South Okanagan is over age 50. On a national scale from the same 2006 stats 33% (1/3) of the Canadian population is over age 50. I think it is safe to assume that number is much higher at this time. You can Internet search “Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) and check out what is happening with “peace” talk in this part of the world. This is also a world wide movement as approximately 24 countries are working towards the formations of Departments of Peace the world over and thereby hoping that the focus will change perhaps from a” Military” focus to “a Peace focus”. The issue of “Peace” is one of many important issues in which we, as seniors, can make a difference for society. There are others. The Seniors Wellness Society is an encourager of that “seniors” voice. We hope you will stop in or give us a call on matters of importance to you so that we may perhaps be helpful to give a collective voice to your concerns.
he United Nations designated September 21st as World Day of Peace. If you are interested, there will be a service on Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to mark the day.
Seniors Scene May 2008
The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society has been holding workshops for older adults in what is called “Civic Engagement”. I came away excited about the vision for the future for the Wellness Society to continue to assist seniors to make a positive difference in society and, in particular, in their own lives as it pertains to levels of governments, politics and policies.
I will admit that I am speaking as one of the 25% of the baby boomer population in British Columbia that is growing and will be experiencing the current frustrations of our parents and elders unless we make positive changes. I realize that some of my cohorts do not recognize themselves as seniors and would in fact not embrace that title for themselves. But it is a fact. I and anyone over the age of 55 are considered a senior in our society. We are the younger seniors, mind you, and we are in a great position, especially with our numbers and talents to help our older friends and family. I get excited about this and indeed passionate about this as I realize that, as I seize the opportunity to make a difference for many who may be less able to speak for themselves (the frail and vulnerable of our seniors), I am indeed giving voice and form to my own journey through life and building a better journey for others to experience.
For all of us as we enter our senior years there are difficult decisions and difficult transitions to be made. As a baby boomer I do feel I am still in a position to help form the legislation, deal with our health care issues and the matters of ethics and well being which govern my life as I age. For myself, I believe I must, at this time of my life, be willing and wanting to engage in this whole business of “Civic Engagement”. It is for some selfish reasons perhaps for my own well being, but I am ever cognisant of my ability to effect positive change for those seniors require a voice to speak on their behalf.
The whole issue of Civic Engagement is not a short term commitment. It is long range planning with a view of being proactive in our own well being and the realization of health care issues and social issues which will need to be in place to sustain an aging society. We need a new system and sociological perspective which values and honours seniors. We, particularly us baby boomers, have a wealth of knowledge and life experience (and the numbers!) to create a more positive world to grow up as a senior in. I want to look forward to aging and growing older with dignity and respect, as so we should all!If you want to learn more and get involved in changes please give us a call at 487-7455.
Seniors Scene April 2008
I don’t know about you, but I have had heroes in my life. They are people who I attempt to model my life after and, as it happens, a number of them are seniors. One of those people was Mahatma Ghandi. His peaceful resistance to injustice and abuse impacted the world and has had an effect on our world so that it will never again be the same. Ghandi’s life impacted that of Martin Luther King Jr.’s and we also got to see that played out in the search for equality in the States and indeed the world over.
Ghandi’s peaceful movement began many years earlier, but it was at age 78 that he led a nation to a peaceful revolt of the intolerable conditions of his people. For me….I would say “Thanks be to God!”
Another senior who impacted the world over was Mother Teresa. Her work with the poor in the streets of Calcutta will never be forgotten.
You might say, but these were exceptional people doing exceptional things in our world and making an exceptional difference and I believe you would be right. They were exceptional people and they did indeed make an exceptional difference in our world.
But I would also say that everyday people are making exceptional differences in our world through exceptional giving. People give of themselves, of the gifts of their talents, their time or their monetary wealth for the benefit of society as a whole.
We see it at the South Okanagan Seniors’ Wellness Society as people may give of their time in being a “Friendly Visitor” or we see it in the giving of peoples’ gifts as they assume leadership positions in order to help facilitate “Civic Engagement” (that is how to work with government, perhaps, for the well being of others).
Whatever the program, we at The Wellness Society are very aware that there is a constant giving and we are blest in it. Here at the South Okanagan Wellness Society we too attempt to be helpful to the benefit of our seniors in the South Okanagan by putting people together (such as the Friendly Visitor Program) or offering various classes through the Learning in Retirement Program so as to alleviate any feeling of isolation or to help others become community (that is to say, connected).
Should you have any ideas for possible classes for our Learning In Retirement sessions or be willing to be a Friendly Visitor to a housebound senior, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We would be most interested to hear from you and to perhaps help you to make a difference in our community and in our world.
Seniors Scene March 2008
Recent studies show that staying mentally and physically active can strengthen one’s body along with one’s mind. The Canada Physical Activity Guide shows that 60% of older adults are inactive. Inactivity can lead to decline in bone strength, muscle strength, heart and lung fitness and flexibility problems. Staying fit and active can reduce the chances of heart disease, falls and injuries, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, depression, colon cancer and premature death. If you are a person that hasn’t been active through the years, that does’t mean you can’t start now. The benefits of becoming active are that you can meet new people at different functions; feel more relaxed and not so anxious and you will have better sleeping patterns. You will find the more you are engaged with physical or social activities you will feel more independent, more energized and have self-esteem along with reduced stress.
When we say increase physical activity that does not mean running a marathon, it simply means going outside for a walk. It means doing exercises in your home by bending and moving and not just sitting in one spot. Playing card games with friends or family members, swimming, dancing, hiking, skating, gardening, yard work, curling, bowling, vacuuming, washing the floors, wash your car, and moving frequently can all make difference to your health.
The best thing is to take it one step at a time, don’t rush into anything you are not comfortable with. Start out by looking into different activities in the community that you might enjoy. Ask a friend to join you for a morning walk. Join a walking group in the community. Pole walking can be a huge benefit for people that have problems with balance. The main thing is to be active as much as you possibly can. You will find that staying active will help you physically but also mentally as well.
If you are looking for ways to keep your mind active there are certain activities you can do to help keep the brain fit. Here are some examples, word searches, sudoku, crossword puzzles, reading, writing, puzzles, scrabble, chess, Chinese checkers, listening to music, and learning how to use and operate computers.
What you want to remember is to select activities that you enjoy. Try new activities on a regular basis. Each week take twenty to 30 minutes a day and do something active either physically or mentally. I have given a few examples on different activities you can use to increase your physical or mental state. There are also many services in the community that you can contact for more information: Seniors Wellness Society (250) 487-7455, Penticton Community Centre (250) 490-2426, Seniors Drop-In Centre (250) 493-2111, and the Seniors Penticton Computer Club (250) 770-7848. So, with spring in the air it is the best time to start or increase that activity to create a habit that will carry you on through the year.
Seniors Scene February 2008
“Socializing”, “Fun,” Friendly People”, “Sharing Ideas”, “Relaxed Environment”, “A Place to Meet Great People”, “Enjoyed the Leadership and Openness”, “Congrats to the Society for putting on this Program.” These are the words used by participants in their feedback on the initial study groups for Learning in Retirement. This senior volunteer program addresses the learning needs and interests of mature adults by providing affordable and accessible day-time opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal enrichment. The groups are facilitated by volunteer peer leaders who have a passion and interest in the topic with a view to getting others to speak of their own knowledge and experience.
There are twelve new spring sessions being held in March and April. These include: Beginners Bridge (a learning method of bidding in its simplest form to create a life long skill that keeps the brain active and fit); Governmental Responsibilities ( The roles of our Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments); Managing Grief and Loss (How grief impacts on our lives); Computing Down with Frustration, Up with Fun (Using the internet, e-mail and how to place pictures from your camera on to your computer); Exercising your Mind (fun computer exercises to increase memory power and keep the brain fit); The Real Shakespeare’s Identity (Examine the evidence in the Stratford and Oxford positions of the existence of Shakespeare); Gardening for Seniors (container gardening made easy); Household Technology (cell phones, voice messaging systems and emergency alert systems); Retirement Book Club (review delightful books); Intro to Memoir Writing (explores your life’s tapestry); “Memory Lane and Remember When” (bringing back the pleasures of our past); Traditional Chinese Cuisine (learn to make those favorite cultural dishes).
The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society would like to thank the people involved in the Learning in Retirement winter sessions: Cass Robinson, Karen Kellerman, Vee Dewar, Vera Merchant, Pam Jackson and Simon Nankivell and all of the special guests. Thank you to the Lohn Foundation and New Horizons Canada for their support.
For registration or information call the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society, at (250) 487-7455.
On March 10 don’t miss the presentation on “Managing Forgetfulness and Aging Successfully” to off the UBCO Okanagan Celebrate Research Week. A panel of scientists including Max Cynader of the UBC Brain Research Centre, Howard Feldman of the UBC Clinic for Alzheimer’s Disease and Jonathon Schooler, professor of psychology from the University of California, will provide “an update on the most contemporary and emerging research on brain health” says organizer Dr. Mary Ann Murphy of UBCO. “As part of the presentation, they will show us brain scans …. measuring what thought and age does to the brain. It has been discovered that 20 percent of blood flow goes to the brain and that the blood stimulates aging brains….this highlights the importance of staying active more than we ever understood before”. This event takes place at the Kelowna Community Theater on March 10 at 7:00 pm. Some tickets are available at the Seniors Wellness Society at (250) 487-7455 or can be booked at Select Your Tickets at 762-5050.
Seniors Scene January 2008
A recent article in the National Post talked about the conditions that need to be present to create “Happiness”. Although sadness and other negative emotions have been studied to determine causes and treatment, happiness has not warranted the same study until recently. So, what do you think can guarantee to make you happy? Ironically, economics are not a predictor of happiness. Even people with ample money are not necessarily happy. What seems to transcend beyond material wealth to create a condition for happiness is just simple “connection”. Connection to others and connection to community where we can express ourselves, engage with others, feel valued and form a strong self-identity.
Connection can take an infinite number of forms whether it is tennis with friends, working as a volunteer, watching football with a buddy or taking a walk with a group of like minded people focused on health and fitness.
So what does happiness mean to us as we get older? After all, we might have lost our life long partner and close friends or perhaps we relocated when we retired and it is hard to make new friends. Socialization is one of the most important factors, not only for happiness, but for maintaining and improving a senior’s overall well being. Finding ways to connect to others and stay connected is fairly significant the more we age. As it is said “a mind alone by itself for too long is not a good thing”!
So, to be well and “happy” it is important to get involved, meet people and nurture current relationships. Find something that you are interested in and don’t be afraid to make a call. The Seniors Wellness Society also has opportunities for seniors to participate and meet each other. The Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre has daily activities open to all seniors. A study done by Nancy Morrow-Howell on the well-being of older adults says that part-time jobs and/or volunteer work actually may help us live longer, more satisfying lives. It’s really all about getting out there, meeting others and feeling valued.
If you would like to help others get connected you might want to become a Friendly Visitor. One senior who would like to have a Friendly Visitor volunteer at this time is Joan (not her real name for confidentiality). This lovely, older woman enjoys conversation. She has a good outlook on life and a positive attitude. But she is lonely and needs a little extra attention through a connection with a caring person. Could you see yourself spending an hour a week visiting her? It would certainly help her feel more connected! Unfortunately, too many seniors in our community are in a similar position as Joan. They don’t ask for much but someone to talk with, have a card game with or to help with writing letters. If you would like spend a bit of time with someone like Joan. Call 487-7455 if you think you have some time to volunteer.
LEARNING IN RETIREMENT SOUTH OKANAGAN, BRITISH COLUMBIA: The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society is pleased to announce the launching of Learning in Retirement. This program consists of a number of study group courses designed to meet the needs of older adults who are interested in lifelong learning through less formal, more interactive approaches.
Learning in Retirement has a vision to “share the wisdom” among older adults. It is being implemented in Penticton in early 2008 by a group of volunteers through the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society. Study groups will focus on members sharing their knowledge, with a peer leader to guide the process. Learning in Retirement is not a new concept. Many retirement groups throughout North America have similar programs. Kelowna has a registered Society forLearning inRetirement that has operated for over 15 years and has several hundred members. The Penticton based program will address the learning needs and interests of mature adults by providing affordable and accessible day-time opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal enrichment. Its goal is to encourage and engage mature adults to participate and offer leadership in future courses. All seminars and workshops will be lead by volunteer peer leaders who have a passion and interest in the topic. Study groups scheduled to begin in January are as follows:Introduction to Basic Astronomy Managing on a Limited Income Introduction to Philosophy Mind-Fit program to help improve memory Exploring your Inner World with gentle meditations and creative visualizations Study of World Religions Spiritual Journey group to reflect on past and current influences on personal spiritual development Monthly Retirement Book Club that will explore titles of interest to the members. In addition to these study groups, the Museum is hosting a “Remember When” Tea on Friday, January 18th, and bookings for this can be made directly with them. More study groups are planned for the spring session. Registration and enquiries may be made with the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society at 250-487-7455. These are great opportunities to meet new people and brighten up your winter days.
Contact: Sandra Dean, Executive Director,
South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society
102-696 Main Street, Penticton, B.C.
Tel: 250-487-7455 or toll-free: 877-364-2345
The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society has established an advisory group for a new Volunteer Center to serve the region. The Centre, anticipated to open in 2008, will help fill an immediate need to increase the number of volunteers available to volunteer organizations. Many organizations that rely on volunteers are experiencing first hand the transition taking place in volunteerism. Volunteers are increasingly difficult to find, the current base of volunteers are burning out and potential replacements have differing expectations about what it means to volunteer. The growing population results in an increase in the demand for social services, yet the numbers of volunteers are not increasing at the same rate. While there are 200 Volunteer Centres in Canada, the closest one in Kelowna, the South Okanagan Region currently has no programs that address volunteerism region wide. The lack of attention at this level in the system places important social and other programs that use volunteers, at risk. Organizations, such as the BC Schizophrenia Society and the Seniors Wellness Society, are actively seeking new volunteers. The BC Schizophrenia Society is seeking 15 volunteers to fill volunteer openings such as event planners for Mental Health Awareness Week (May) and Mental Illness Awareness Week (October), library management, administrative assistant (office management) and graphics designer to revise brochures, posters, etc about the programs and services of the Penticton Branch. To learn more about the BC Schizophrenia Society contact Dee Rathwell at 493-7338, 221 Martin Street, Penticton. The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society is seeking 30 volunteers for the Friendly Visitor Program. Volunteers are provided training in health related issues for isolated and lonely adults. As little as an hour a week makes a big difference in the self esteem and wellbeing of those who have mobility problems, or are isolated for other reasons. To learn more about Friendly Visitor Program please contact Char Schultz at 487-7455, 696 Main Street, Penticton. Volunteer Centers provide a variety of services to not-for-profit organizations that enable them to be more effective. Services include encouraging volunteerism in the community, recruiting volunteers to available positions and offering training programs for volunteers and managers of volunteers. Volunteer Centers are particularly important to rural communities who rely heavily on social services. With increasing numbers of new residents, Volunteer Centres help newcomers feel connected by using their skills to help others. Earlier in 2007, the Seniors Wellness Society delivered board development related to governance, liability, ethics, fundraising and recruiting board members. The workshops, attended by over 100 directors of boards in the region, were part of the development of the Volunteer Centre. Funding for board development was provided by The RBC Foundation, Weyerhaeuser Canada and IBM. The Centre is also being built on a feasibility study conducted in 2006, and supported by organizations such as The Okanagan School of the Arts, The South Okanagan Women in Need Society, The Downtown Penticton Association, The South Okanagan Similkameen Immigrant Services, The Penticton and Area Women’s Centre, The Canadian Mental Health Association and The BC Schizophrenia Society. The first pre-Volunteer Centre meeting of the advisory committee saw the creation of a vision “A community that provides the ultimate volunteer experience”, and a mission “The South Okanagan Volunteer Centre is committed to building a vibrant community by connecting people through meaningful involvement.”
For more information on the Volunteer Centre contact Sandra Dean, Executive Director, South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society at 487-7455.
"What's happening in the world of Activities, Research and Interests of the Older Adult" 
