Better with Age Mieux avec l'âge Spring 2022 - Volume 5 A Message from the Seniors Take Action Coalition Welcome to our second year publishing Better with Age. In Spring 2021, we published our first issue to share information and promote opportunities for seniors . We also wish to celebrate the lives and contributions of older adults in Richmond County. As strong advocates for age-friendly communities, we will increase the awareness about, and emphasize the importance of, age-friendly communities for people of all ages who live in Richmond County. Bienvenue à notre deuxième année de publication Better with Age. Au printemps 2021, nous avons publié notre premier numéro pour partager des informations et promouvoir les opportunités pour les seniors . Nous souhaitons également célébrer la vie et les contributions des personnes âgées du comté de Richmond. En tant que fervents défenseurs des communautés amies des aînés, nous allons accroître la sensibilisation et souligner l'importance des communautés amies des aînés pour les personnes de tous âges qui vivent dans le comté de Richmond. Once again, it’s spring! Perhaps, more than ever, we look What's in This Issue: forward to new beginnings. And reacquainting with friends and family, old and new…over afternoon tea, in the garden Page 1: and enjoying our natural surroundings. Update from the Seniors Take Action Coalition Yet we know that many in our communities have struggled Page 2: over the past two years. The pandemic has shown us how Age -Friendly Communities fragile and unorganized our support system is in Richmond County. We can help to change this through participating in Page 3/4: the opportunities for input to the Municipality’s strategic Who are the people in your Neighbourhood? planning focus. It is an opportunity to stress the value of age- Shirley McNamara friendly communities for all. Page 5: There are other issues of concern to seniors- expected Spotlight on: Walking for the Mind, Body & increases on our power bills, increased cost of food, and Soul housing insecurity. There is also a need for a system to ensure safety of all of those who live in Richmond County Page 6/7: when faced with disasters. Finally, the cost of the Shingles Spotlight on: The Universe has a way of Vaccine and the shaky state of our healthcare system are all making all your heart’s wishes possible issues that as a Coalition we are adding our voices while we strongly advocate for change. Page 8: Did you know? Let’s enjoy the coming season and strengthen our bounds with each other to make Richmond County an amazing Page 9: place to live! Community Corner Services and Programs in your Community Take care and enjoy the season! Page 10: Dorothy Barnard, Coalition Chair Upcoming Events, Courses, and Other Useful Links and Tidbits Page 11: Grants Available Page 12: Last Words: Sonicson's Fitness Seniors' Clubs in your Community Staying Connected: Click here to subscribe to the newsletter For more information about the Seniors Take Action Coalition, or if you mailing list! would like to become involved contact: [email protected] Pour plus d'informations sur le groupe Seniors Take Action Coalition, ou si vous souhaitez vous impliquer, contactez: [email protected]
AGE-FRIENDLY communities An age-friendly community has policies, services, settings, and structures that support and enable people to age actively by: Recognizing the wide range of skills and experiences among older people. Anticipating and responding flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences. Respecting the decisions and lifestyle choices of older adults. Protecting those older adults who are most vulnerable. Promoting the inclusion of older adults in, and contribution to, all areas of community life. Une collectivité-amie des aînés : Reconnaît la vaste gamme de compétences et d'habiletés propres aux aînés; Connaît les besoins des aînés liés au vieillis une collectivité-amie des aînés:sement et y répond; Respecte les décisions et les choix de vie des aînés; Protège les aînés vulnérables; Sait que les aînés ont beaucoup à offrir à leur collectivité; Reconnaît l'importance de la participation des aînés à tous les volets de la vie communautaire. Creating Webs of Social Connectedness With spring comes a new Community Connector and Photo Credit: Cecil Wright, Danny Almon and Bill VanGorder (right) renewed efforts to increase connections amongst seniors living in Richmond County. As some of you are aware, Claire Doyle, as our new Community Connector, has been reaching out to our seniors’ clubs to understand their concerns, triumphs and programs. So far, Claire has reached out to eleven senior clubs and the Richmond County Senior Council to renew our relationships, re-build our network of communication and strengthen our coalition. It’s been a long two years since Covid-19 reaped havoc in our lives and in our communities. The pandemic has hit the seniors really hard, especially with their social network of friends. Senior clubs are eagerly awaiting the lifting of restrictions and welcoming the return to normal. Good ole Cape Breton hospitality, where people meet, hug and chat, enjoy song and dance, meals, bingos, card games, exercise programs, club meetings, coffee clubs, celebrating milestones, and so much more. In the next four months, with funding from the Strait Richmond Community Health Board, Claire Doyle we hope to: build a collaborative network of individuals, groups and organizations passionate about working together to address issues impacting older persons in our communities. determine priority areas on which to begin our work together to create an environment where older persons are respected, included in community affairs and able to thrive. develop an action plan with achievable goals. WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT CREATING WEBS OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS PROJECT? Claire can be reached at: [email protected] or call 902-228-2856. Coming Soon: Zoom Chats coming in April 02 \"What's On Your Mind... an opportunity to chat about your concerns, ideas, and opportunities about being an older adult in Richmond County.\" Visit the Seniors Take Action FB Page for more information
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? by Celeste Gotell Shirley McNamara “A trailblazer is a pioneer, somebody who's willing to take risks and go in a path that isn't already there.” When people in Richmond County hear the While her own parents were name Shirley McNamara (formerly Ferguson) many would definitely refer to her as a trail neverattached to a political party, blazer. Shirley was raised in Kempt Road with her her cousin, the late Earl Wallace six siblings. In 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, Francis and they were together for Urquhart, was former MLA for 27 years. Shirley and Francis had two children, Richmond County, leader of the Connie who now lives in Wallace, on the North Shore and Arnold, who lives in the family home NS Liberal Party and then served in Kempt Road. The greatest joys in Shirley’s life now are her four grandchildren, all boys! And of as Liberal Senator until his death. course her two great granddaughters. Shirley also ran as the NDP Shirley has been a trail blazer, not once but twice, in two male dominated occupations. candidate in the provincial First when she joined the elite club (with Mary election in 1984 before she Shirley McNamara lives in Hureauville. Morrison) one of only two women school bus began her municipal career. She is currently Chair of the the Eastern drivers in Richmond County. For over five decades, Shirley has been a permanent fixture, I was surprised to learn before Counties Regional Library and the with the welfare of many school- age children entrusted in her hands. When someone spends Shirley began her municipal Strait Richmond Health Care that many years driving a bus of course I needed to know how she started out. Shirley first began career, she ran and lost once in Foundation and the Richmond her bus driver career in Inverness County in 1968, the1980s before being elected in 1991. County Literacy Network. when her brother-in-law suggested she come and learn to drive the bus as a spare. She was Following her first attempt, her former husband at the time ran then hired to replace him while he was on a leave and continued as a spare for a couple of against the same person, won and then went on to serve years in Inverness County. When the two terms. When he decided notto reoffer, Shirley ran again schoolboard advertised for full-time bus drivers in 1972 for Richmond County, she applied and against the same person who had defeated her years earlier, this has never looked back. time was elected and remained Councillor in that District- from When I asked Shirley what the secret is for what 1991-2016 until she retired. many would see as a stressful job driving a bus load of kids, this is what she had to say; “There One of only 10 other women in history to have served on the has never been a day when I minded going to work… and always found that when you are municipal council in Richmond County, Shirley played a key role respectful to the kids, they will show you (with Councillor Gail Johnston) in the establishment of the respect back. You need to let them know the rules.” Richmond County Literacy Network in 1998 and has provided key She did admit that on occasion, not often, there leadership to the organization over the years. She has also were incidents, but, when that did happen, she servedon many committees and boards in her role as a municipal always found it best to talk to the kids and parents privately to address the issue. councillor. Shirley’s second foray as a trail blazer was in the Shirley said one of her main motivations for getting involved was area of local politics. For 25 years, Shirley was a household name, serving multiple terms at the to help people in her community who had less and needed municipal level, until she retired in 2016 when support. One of the things that she is most proud of following her the Council decreased from ten to five districts. 25 year political career is that she was able to maintain close contact with the people she served and helped along the way. Shirley is third from left in back row Richmond County Municipal Council 2004-2008 03
Shirley is also very grateful to have met many wonderful people in the community, with whom she has worked with over the years to improve the quality for life for Richmond County residents. In September, 2020 Shirley was recognized as Volunteer of the Month by the Municipality for her years of time and energy as a community volunteer and advocate. She is currently the Chair of the Eastern Counties Regional Library and the Strait Richmond Health Care Foundation, the Richmond County Literacy Network. She also as serves as a member on the board of directors of the Strait Area Transit. In addition to the public volunteer work Shirley does, she also quietly supports community members, behind the scene, with a project that provides gift cards at Christmas time to families in the area. For the past 38 years, she has been involved with several other community members, churches and organizations who generously donate their time and resources to make the Christmas season more joyous! Her many hobbies include playing Tarabish with her grandsons, small woodworking projects, stained glass work and leather work. She loves to read and especially enjoys a good historical novel, and a good biography or auto- biography. Over the years, she has used her many creative talents to gift the special people in her life with projects that she has made, including wooden keepsake boxes for her grandsons. Tarabish is a card game that is popular in Shirley’s mantra for life is Never Say No, there is always something we can do Cape Breton. It is played with a regular to help people. We just need to look at all the possibilities. deck of playing cards, with some of the cards removed. The game is over when one or both teams accumulate 500 points or more. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Trivia 04 What percentage of seniors are aged 65 or over in Canada are women? Quel pourcentage des personnes âgées de 65 ans ou plus au Canada sont des femmes? a) 24% c) 54% b) 38% d) 63% Tune into our next issue to see if you have the correct answer! Lisez notre prochaine édition pour vérifier si vous avez coché la bonne réponse !
Spotlight on: Walking for the Mind, Body & Soul by: Cynthia Curtis \"Inexpensive, immediate, oh-so healthy-- just simply rewarding in so many ways.” Walking has long been known for its many and varied benefits. In fact, Hippocrates, the renowned doctor of ancient Greece, frequently praised the virtues of walking, regarding it as “a man’s best medicine” (and, by that I’m sure he meant a woman’s as well!) Turns out that, centuries later, the good doctor was quite right about the virtues of Gail Hearn poses with her walking. And they are two-fold—both physical and emotional. According to the medals from her many walks Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation,(HSF) “walking benefits your heart and lungs, and improves fitness, muscle tone, strength and balance. [It also] improves sleep, relieves stress and helps combat depression.” The HSF encourages us to eat better and “walk the walk”, suggesting that “80% of premature heart disease and stroke could be prevented with healthier lifestyles.” Several medical experts have also noted that physical exercise, such as walking, can also benefit mood and better memory capacity and cognitive function. Though it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before undertaking any new exercise routine, many now- committed daily walkers started out with short and easy activity, building to a more demanding routine. The sports app- recommended 10,000 steps a day is a popular long-term goal. But quick, ten-minute walks a couple times a day, small jaunts to the post box, climbing the few flights of stairs, and even parking your car further away from the store are great ways to start your interest in walking. And Consumer Report writer, Sally Wadyka, reassures beginners and long-haulers alike that it is amongst the safest athletic choices. “Walking is the most popular aerobic activity and has one of the lowest injury rates of any other form of exercise.” There are many in Richmond County who take their walking pretty seriously. Gail Hearn, of Rocky Bay, is one of those individuals. She has been an avid hiker and walker for many years, but recently that interest has become quite a passion. Back in January of 2021, she came upon an opportunity on Facebook that involves walking--virtually--on a global scale. The organization is called CONQUEROR. https://www.theconqueror.events/ For a fee, it provides participants with the virtual experience of walking in a wide variety of places around the world. Gail uses her Apple Watch to load her daily steps into the program and then can go on the CONQUEROR website to view the landscape and buildings she would have seen had she actually walked that distance there. She even receives postcards to print from highlights along the way! At the end, walkers receive a beautiful medal and certificate commemorating their success. An added bonus to joining CONQUEROR is the support and encouragement participants get from other members. With 50,000+ members world wide, the opportunities to learn about other countries and cultures are endless. Currently involved in a longer tour, The Appalachian Trail, Gail has now walked about 4,400 km since she joined with her sister, Maria, who lives in Halifax. Often talking on the phone as they walk, both complete at least 10 km per day. She says that that they are each other’s competition and inspiration and is convinced that “a walking buddy is critical in maintaining interest and commitment.” Gail admits that she thrives on the daily exercise and that the benefits have become “quite addictive.” So, whether you are a “mail-box” beginner or a CONQUEROR die-hard, the benefits of walking are undeniable. Good for both the body and the mind, Nike, after almost a quarter century, still gives us the same good advice: “Just Do It!” Gail's many medals “If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” - Hippocrates 05
Spotlight on: The Universe has a way of making all your heart’s wishes possible by: Julie Freeman Three months to backpack-travel Here, in Portugal, the Path opened up for us. Extreme storms off the North Atlantic Europe…finally. Or…could we take on the developed a severe leak in the bedroom challenge of El Camino de Santiago de window of the sweet apartment we had rented in Lagos. Sadly, we took leave so Compostela at 70 years of age? Timing the owner could get the window said we couldn’t do both. Camino the replaced, and moved up the coast to Porto. French Way (the most popular) would What a magnificent city…art and history take us a good 8 weeks, and be and charm. And a little bookstore that undertaken no earlier than April, completely changed our course. – and lives. weather allowing. But Italy, Spain, Portugal, France – well, those journeys could easily fill the winter months, in weather that would still be a decent break from our Canadian winter. A couple of things made our decision for Livraria Lello dates back to 1880, and was Gordon us.: we also decided to make this ‘The and Summer of the Epic Sail’ from Georgian featured in one of the Harry Potter Julie's Bay in Ontario, to Bras d’Or Lake in Cape journey Breton. Prepping and provisioning must movies…hence turning it into a widely be in May, for an early June launch. Plus, sought tourist spot. And in such a dear friends who would be making that sail with us, decided to join us for a bookstore, one must buy a book. Am I month of travelling through Spain. Two right? …a small book, a guide to the very compelling factors. The Way of St. James would wait for another year. Camino – I swear it almost jumped into my hand, and became mine. But sometimes, the universe has a way of making all your heart’s wishes And that evening, in our tiny B&B, I discovered one of the several paths one can possible. take on the pilgrimage is from Portugal, and that it was feasible to join at the Sicily was cool, in January, in every way: a Portugal/Spain border, an hour away by bus. Thanks to the North Atlantic storm, cold, almost unheated apartment in Trappeto wasn’t fun, but with a rental car we had a spare week to walk the 126 kilometers from there into Santiago de we explored every inch of that Compostela, the culmination of all the camino paths. Meant to be, yes? Indeed. spectacular island over 10 days. It culminated with a train trip to Salerno For us, travelling - being in almost constant motion - has defined our nomadic on the mainland that involved our entire lifestyle. And our finances drive the way we manage it. Our budget is always train folding itself onto the ferry. Remarkable. limited, so we use public transit, research our least expensive acceptable options, and design our plan to take advantage of seeing the most while paying Italy. Some revisits for me, all new for Gordon. And not enough room in this the least. This adventure would be no different: transport for the next week article to begin to do justice to the food, the wine, the beauty – and the hills would be ‘pony shanks’ as my mother used to say…our own legs. (walking we’d appreciate late for the toning we were developing Each leg of the journey from Tui, through O Porrino, Arcade, Pontevedre, Caldas inadvertently). de Reis, and Padron before arriving finally in Santiago de Compestela (on Easter Sunday morning!) would be between 12 and 25 km’s, estimated times of 4 hours to 8 hours each. Terrain and weather would demand layers of clothing, sturdy boots, rain ponchos and for me, hiking poles. Long inclines are a typical feature of Julie on the trail the topography, which likely accounts for why some of our days were more like 8 hours of walking. Spain. Barcelona, Sagrada Familia; trains, blizzards; Toledo, ancient walled city; Granada, stunning Alhambra, downtime for illness; Marbella, more hills, warm sunshine, Mediterranean Sea, ferry to Tangiers; Ronda, white villages, bull rings, beauty, gorges and history. Portugal. Lagos, sweet apartment, 06 Algarve beaches, Piri Piri; Sagres, birth of navigation; Porto, port wine. And fado. Oh! The fado!!!
In anticipation of carrying our 40 lbs. backpacks daily, we lightened them by mailing home books, heavy clothing and anything else we would not need. As it turns out, for 5 Euro a day, our backpacks could be picked up each day and transported to our destination for the next night, so all we needed each day was a daypack with essentials. Clearly, money well spent. There are several options for sleeping, all very inexpensive and geared to the very diverse means of the Pilgrims. If one is swift, and arrives early enough at the day’s destination, it’s possible to find a dorm bunk bed at the local monastery or church for perhaps 8 Euro, and that could include a simple supper of bread and hearty soup, plus a breakfast of coffee and toast. These cannot be booked ahead and we never arrived early enough. The next option is a bed in a dorm at a hostel, and we did do that one night, sharing a 4-bed/bunk room with another couple. Comfortable enough, very clean, and although tight, not offensive in any way. That was 12 Euro per person. Most evenings we took a double room in an ‘albergue’ – a small and often very charming inn or guesthouse– that we were able to book online for 20-30 Euros. As I recall, the most we paid was 35 Euros for an actual hotel room in Caldas de Reis. Most places included a Pilgrim’s breakfast of excellent coffee and toast, and we carried a block of wonderful Spanish cheese, some cured meat and fruit and nuts to sustain us during the day. In each village we passed through, there was always a café, filled with the sound of Pilgrims chattering, patching blisters, and consuming the best of coffees and simple fresh food to be found there. One of the small delights along the Way was the water. We filled our water bottles up at the plentiful wells and pumps provided for the pelegrino’s. I’ve never tasted better water, cold – always cold – and a taste that said its source was pure, if ages old. Pelegrino’s – pilgrims – we met along the way enriched the journey. Whole families, young couples, individuals seeking introspection, true pilgrims on a sacred journey – and the occasional senior. Statistics for 2021 state that 60% of Camino pilgrims are between 30 and 60 years. And less than 16% were 60+. At 70, we were an obvious minority. Those older folks we met were often less than conventional in their approach. An elderly man and his son walked together, but the mom was not physically able to accompany them and so hired a car/driver each day to drive her from point to point, waiting for them to arrive with ready accommodation and supper arranged. Another couple walked only 10 km each day, and stayed over longer in lovely ancient towns to explore and restore. It’s very much a self-paced journey, in every way. Rewarding in ways I find hard to express, it felt great to know we can still push ourselves and achieve. It’s satisfying to experience the humble action of walking in the footsteps of Saint James, religion or no. There is a peace and spirituality that soaks into your soul, along silent, wooded trails, on moss-covered Galician pathways, alongside farms that have existed unchanged for many centuries, in the welcoming words and ways of folks who live alongside and encourage passers-by with a cheerful ‘Bon Camino’ and exhibit such respect for every pelegrino. The timing of our arrival in Santiago de Compostela on Easter Sunday was actually unplanned. We realized only after committing to do the Walk, that it would work out that way. It seemed like a blessing, somehow. As the bells of the ancient cathedral rang out, we walked into streets with people from all over the world, here for this remarkable experience, and it was overwhelming, unforgettable. Our spirits were caught up and lifted in gratitude, in ways we will never, ever forget. This link is so true to the experience we had ourselves, including the weather: A Typical Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Gordon and Julie in Sculpture, located at the Santiago on Easter Sunday. Cathedral in Santiago carved on all four sides. (I walk straight, I walk upright, I walk looking for meaning. I walk with a purpose and I won’t stop until I meet my destiny.) 07
DID YOU KNOW? Telile Community Television Telile Community Television has been providing Seniors’ Advisory Council of Nova Scotia community programming since 1992. The Seniors Advisory Council of Nova Scotia, formerly called the Group For a small fee of $10.00 you can convert VHS and of IX, serves as an advisory body to Government through the Department some super 8 tapes to DVD...depending on the size. of Seniors to facilitate the development of government age-related policies, programs, and services. The Council is dedicated to improving Milestone Birthdays from Age 60-70-80 years and the inclusion, well-being, and independence of older adults living in Nova over for free. Scotia. The Seniors Advisory Council is an independent body of elected Anniversary greetings from 50 years and over for volunteers representing nine seniors organizations. With over 100,000 free. older adults affiliated with those organizations, this representation strengthens the voice and presence of seniors in influencing government They will post all activities for seniors clubs and decision making. events for free. Current members: They host TV Bingo every Wednesday night at CARP Nova Scotia Chapter; 6:00 p.m. Community Links; National Association of Federal Retirees; If you are an older adult living in the community and Nova Scotia Federation of Seniors; have any show ideas...reach out and chat with Becky Nova Scotia Government Retired Employees Association; Bourinot at 902-226-1928 or [email protected] Regroupement des aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse; Section of Senior and Retired Doctors NS An Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL) card will Retired Teachers Organization of the NSTU; provide you endless hours of entertainment, no matter Royal Canadian Legion, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command where you are! All seniors and seniors’ groups are encouraged to make their views known to us, as our representation and advocacy is not limited to the Drop in to one of ECRL’s library branches to learn about nine organizations. local services. Find information about your local library For further information please contact the Chair, Terry Donovan, at by visiting https://ecrl.ca/locations or call ECRL [email protected]. Regional Office toll-free at 1-855-787-7323. Content has been printed as it appears on the Nova Scotia Government Department of Seniors webpage. If you are unable to visit in person, you can use the Borrow by Mail service or digital library services to Learn more about mental health as you age and explore other access the library. ECRL’s Borrow by Mail service allows Government of Canada resources for seniors: http://ow.ly/wFTH50Ic1ZV users to receive and return library materials by mail. Source, Government of Canada: Employment and Social - Requested items will be shipped from the ECRL Development Canada Regional Office directly to the borrower via Canada Post. Items will arrive in a black bag that also includes a prepaid return slip. ECRL also offers a great selection of library services that you can access online. Your library card gives you access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, newspapers, music, and more. They carry Large Print and audiobooks on CD, both are popular with many of senior library users. Borrow accessible reading materials through Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS), or borrow Large Print books, audiobooks or ebooks from ECRL’s collection. You can also learn a new skill, a new language, or get reading recommendations for your next great read. Visit our website:https://ecrl.ca/digital-library-services Need a new library card? Visit https://ecrl.ca/using- the-library/registration to register online. 08
COMMUNITY CORNER Services and Programs in Your Community Did you know? Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre ... For more information, contact Michele MacPhee (902) 587-2800 ext: 5 or [email protected] SAFE AND SOUND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUDS AND SCAMS To report online fraud, click here. If you suspect or are experiencing a fraud/scam, report it. If you are receiving phone calls you can add your number to the Call,1-888-495-8501 National Do Not Call List. You can also file a complaint to report Competition Bureau: File a complaint about a false or a scam call. Click here to add your name to the list. misleading advertising, call 1-800-348-5358 To learn more about reporting fraud and cybercrime, click here. Little Black Book of Scams Check out Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia publication Crime Stoppers: Report crimes anonymously. on scams, identity theft and other forms of fraud here. Call, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) ACTing Collectively: Dalhousie Research Older adults can live at home longer, healthier, and more actively when there are sufficient community supports and services to meet their needs. Dalhousie University is working with the Municipality of the County of Richmond to understand what community services and programs older adults need, and to evaluate if a personalized list of local resources assists them in locating services. Older adults living at home in Richmond County will be invited to be interviewed about their concerns. At the end of the interview, each older adult will receive a list of resources mapped to their prioritized needs. By combining their responses, a report will be created to inform Richmond County about the services most needed to assist older adults in their community. This initiative will begin this spring, and is in partnership with the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care Age Friendly initiative. 09Click here to learn more.
UPCOMING events, courses, and other useful links and tidbits Provincial Websites National and International Websites https://caregiversns.org/ https://www.carp.ca/ https://alzheimer.ca/ns https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/ https://ns.211.ca/ https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/ https://nscommunitylinks.ca/ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health- https//novascotia.ca/seniors/ promotion/aging-seniors.html https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/ https://cnpea.ca/en/ https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/ https://www.endsocialisolation.org/ housing-programs-seniors https://www.nia-ryerson.ca/ https://mha.nshealth.ca/en Global Campaign to Combat Ageism - Toolkit (who.int)/ https://fountainofhealth.ca/ https://www.canage.ca/ COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division https://www.seniorsactionontario.com (salvationarmy.ca) http://www.eapon.ca/ https://www.legalinfo.org/ NEW http://agesafecanada.ca/ Social Isolation: https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/ Are You at Risk? Healthy Aging CORE Canada Discover the risk factors. https://www.nicenet.ca/talk2nice Learn how social isolation https://www.who.int/ageing/decade-of-healthy-ageing impacts health and well- being, and practical ways to reduce your risk. Social Isolation| McMaster Optimal Aging Portal 30th edition of the Seniors Can! (Aînés Debout!) is an initiative of HelpAge Canada Positive Aging Directory: designed to help low income seniors across Canada avoid isolation Guide to Programs and and loneliness and to engage more fully with their Services for Older communities. Visit: https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/ Adults in Nova Scotia. Click here to read. Well-Being Grants of up to $10,000 Innovative Programming Grants of up to $10,000 Emergency Relief Grants of up to $10,000 The Seniors' Pharmacare program year begins April 1st. Look 10 for the renewal package in your mailbox soon! Learn more about the Seniors' Pharmacare program or to update your information, call 1-800-544-6191 or visit: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/ L'année du programme Seniors' Pharmacare commence le 1er avril. Cherchez bientôt le paquet de renouvellement dans votre boîte aux lettres. Pour en savoir plus sur le programme Seniors' Pharmacare ou pour mettre à jour vos informations, appelez : 1-800-544-6191 ou visitez https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/
GRANTS AVAILABLE for organizations and individuals If you’re over 65, the Seniors Care Grant may be able to help. With the Senior’s Care Grant, you can get up to $500 towards household chores like lawn care, grocery and laundry delivery and more. For more information call 1-800-670-4357 or visit www.novascotia.ca/seniorscaregrant to apply now! Applications close May 31, 2022. Si vous avez plus de 65 ans, la subvention pour soins aux aînés peut vous aider. Avec la subvention pour soins aux aînés, vous pouvez obtenir jusqu'à 500 $ pour les tâches ménagères comme l'entretien de la pelouse, la livraison de l'épicerie et de la lessive et plus encore. Pour plus d'informations, appelez le 1-800-670-4357 ou visitez www.novascotia.ca/seniorscaregrant pour postuler maintenant! Les candidatures se terminent le 31 mai 2022. Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence - The Flex Individualized Funding program provides supports and Helps homeowners pay for home adaptations services to adults with disabilities who live at home with their so seniors with low incomes can stay in their families or who live independently with support from their family homes independently for longer periods of time. or personal support network. The program provides self-directed A one-time forgivable grant of up to $3,500 is and self-managed funding to eligible participants. available. Click here to learn more. Flex provides individualized funding to participants living at home Senior Citizens Assistance Program - Provides with their families or who live independently with support from assistance to senior homeowners (age 65+) who their families or personal support networks. would like to remain in their own homes, but cannot afford necessary repairs. Click here to Funding is used to: learn more. purchase supports specific to a participant’s disability-related Call one of our caseworkers today at needs and goals; 1-844-424-5110. promote the participant's independence, self-reliance, and social inclusion; and The Nova Scotia COVID Relief (NSCR) Fund was offer an alternative to, prevent or delay a participant’s established by the Government of Nova Scotia placement in a DSP-funded residential support option. from the Federal Safe Restart Agreement in April 2021. This fund supports low-income Nova Scotians For more information: struggling to pay their home heating or electric https://novascotia.ca/coms/disabilities/FlexProgram.html bill as a result of income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding provides one-time assistance of up to $400. COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division (salvationarmy.ca) HomeWarming offers home Coming Soon: Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia The government is providing a one-time investment of $3 million to energy assessments and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to support mental upgrades for income- health and addictions projects across the province. Click here to read more. qualified homeowners, at no cost for people living on Government of Canada's Community Services Recovery Fund: This fund is a one-time, $400 million investment to help charities lower incomes. For qualifying and non-profits adapt and modernize. This investment will strengthen the sector as it supports Canadian communities to homeowners, if determined recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more. that upgrades like draft- 11 proofing and insulation will help reduce your heating and power bills, upgrades can be installed at absolutely no cost to you. Apply Here.
LAST WORDS Celebrating and thanking the many local businesses and organizations in our communities operated by older adults Prior to Sonia Morris coming to Canada from Liverpool, England in 2008, she always had a strong interest in fitness, health and wellness. She also had a career in working in long term care. In 2019, Sonia offered her first class at Isle Madame IFit Centre in Arichat and has never looked back. She started a local women’s Fit Fam FB group, partnered with Richmond County Recreation and for the past few years has been involved in organizing several events to promote a health and wellness, including a Canada Day Walk, New Year’s Resolution, Halloween walk, and Santa Invasion in Arichat, with funds raised going to local charities. They have also partnered with https://woundedwarriors.ca and the local Royal Canadian Legion for a fund raising Walk of Remembrance. Since 2011, Sonia has been employed at St Anne Centre in Arichat as a CCA. In 2020, Sonia decided to turn her passion into a business to share her love for health and fitness. She offers groups classes, low impact, and strength and cardio programs. She believes in what she refers to as functional fitness, which looks at range of motion, balance and muscle strength which are all very important as we age; all can be tailored to fit a person’s abilities. Sonia is committed to providing programming that is both accessible physically and according to a person’s ability to pay. Visit Sonia’s Facebook page to learn more about what she is up to. SonicSon's Fitness Aims to support family and friends within the community to promote health, wellness, social, and emotional support via physical activities such as online videos,and fitness events. SENIORS CLUBS IN RICHMOND COUNTY in your community Arichat - Susan Marchand Port Hawkesbury - Francis Lamey Isle Madame New Horizons Seniors Club Strait Area Evergreen Senior Citizens' Club [email protected] [email protected] 902-631-3853 902-625-3962 Red Islands - Howard MacIntyre Dundee/St. George's Channel - Doris Matthews Bras D'Or Lakers Seniors’ Club, South Mountain Arm of Gold Association [email protected], [email protected] 902-631-5643 902-345-0495 River Bourgeois - Kim Henebry River Bourgeois 50+ Seniors, Grand River - Joanne McCormack Dundee/St.George [email protected] Grand River Seniors Club Channel 902-563-6386 [email protected] Rocky Bay - Cynthia Blackmore 902-587-2143 Red Islands Rocky Bay Irish Club, [email protected] L'Ardoise - Rene Samson Port River 902-302-3922 L'Ardoise Jolly Seniors Hawkesbury Bourgeois St. Peter's - Ken Leachman [email protected] Bonnie Brae Senior Citizens Club 902-587-2446 West Bay St. Peter's Grand River [email protected] Lower River 902-535-2835 Louisdale- Robert Goyetche Louisdale L'Ardoise West Bay - Murray McPhee Fleur de Lis Seniors Club - Head of the Bay Seniors Club [email protected], Arichat Rocky Bay 902-345-2988 902-345-2232 or Cell - 902 227-7079 or Sedley Rafuse [email protected] Lower River- Peggy MacNeil 902-345-2063 Riverdale's Seniors Club 55, [email protected] Other Seniors Groups 902-625-0166 Le Regroupement de Aines et Aines de la Nouvelle-Ecosse Richmond County Branch of Retired Teachers Janine Lacroix, [email protected] Marlene Boyd 902-226-0077 [email protected] 902-625-3096 Richmond County Seniors Council Claire and Wilfred Marchand, [email protected] 902-345- 2499 or 902-302-1650 If you have comments, feedback and ideas Newsletter Committee for future issues let us know at Celeste Gotell [email protected] Cynthia Curtis Si vous avez des commentaires, des Julie Freeman réactions et des suggestions pour nos Newsletter Design prochaines publications, faites-le nous Celeste Gotell and Janelle AuCoin savoir à [email protected] Health Promotion Team Mental Health and Addictions Nova Scotia Health 12
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