Senior Living Magazine March 2015

inside: Family caregiving guide + BC’s 50 Active BC’s Lifestyle 50+ Magazine Active Lifestyle Magazine

mArch 2015

Refresh & Rejuvenate & Rejuvenate at

Senior Expo

2015

INSIDE:

Vancouver Crooner

Phil Moriarity Living Life to the

EXTREME

Salt Spring Island:

Food to Fork

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Our advantage?

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Independent and assisted living choices for today’s senior.

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Over 3,500 BC Athletes expected to attend.

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Be forever.

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MARCH 2015

Senior Living is published by Stratis Publishing.

Publishers Barbara Risto Barry Risto

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Editor Bobbie Jo Reid editor@seniorlivingmag.com

FEATURES

Office Manager Shayna Horne 250-479-4705 office@seniorlivingmag.com

6 Living Life to the Extreme

Lifestyle, attitude and believing nothing is impossible are driving seniors to set new limits.

Advertising Christine Bollenbach 250-479-4705 ext 102 Lorraine Brett 604-351-8497 (Vancouver) Bob Ramsey 250-479-4705 ext 104 Kathie Wagner 250-479-4705 ext 103

10 Food to Fork

Salt Spring Island is a foodie’s dream come true.

15-24 Caregiving Guide

For advertising information, call 250-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com

Resources and articles for family caregivers.

25 Life’s Work Doesn’t Stop in Retirement

Head Office Contact Information: Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

After 50 years in his career, retired professional printer Mike Misic doesn’t have time to put his feet up.

Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705

32 Switching Lanes

E-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

Busy author, researcher and entrepreneur Kathleen Arnason always finds time to do more.

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42 Memorable Moments

Once retired, Vancouver singer/songwriter Phil Moriarity launched his entertainment career.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@ seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living is distributed free throughout British Columbia.

Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living (12 issues per year). ISSN 17103584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

BC Housing Guide for

Seniors

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BC Housing Guide for

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DEPARTMENTS 36 Travel 39 Grandparenting 40 Attractions & Entertainment 47 Classifieds

COLUMNS 4 The Family Caregiver

by Barbara Small 44 Fit for the Adventure

by Eve Lees 45 Courageous & Outrageous

by Pat Nichol 46 It’s Just That Easy

by Shell Busey 48 North of 50

by Colin Campbell

Cover Photo: Pat Bigwood, photographed in The Spring Prelude room at The Butchart Gardens, SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Victoria, is one of the models appearing in the fashion show at the annual Senior Expo. See page 28-29 for more details. Photo: Geoff Robson Senior Living is distributed at all BC Pharmasave locations.

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Attractions & Entertainment • Butchart Gardens, The (pg 40) • Chemainus Theatre Festival (pg 40) • Cinecenta (pg 41) • View Royal Casino (pg 41) Charities • Family Caregivers Network Society (pg 17) • Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (pg 23, 30 & 31) • Kinsmen Foundation of BC, The (pg 34) • North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (Inside Back Cover) • Vancouver Foundation (pg 1) Health | Wellness • 55+ BC Games (Inside Front Cover) • Care & Company (pg 16) • Clinical Trial Spotlight/RESolutions LLC (pg 34) • Connect Hearing (pg 10) • HME Mobility & Accessibility (pg 21) • Motion Specialties (pg 22) • Nexgen Hearing/Mainland Hearing (pg 14) • Pharmasave (pg 26) • Saanich Recreation (pg 3) Housing • Agecare Harmony Court Estate (pg 24) • Alexander Mackie Retirement Community (pg 38)

• Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. (pg 7 & 43) • Baptist Housing/Shannon Oaks (pg 12) • Berwick Retirement Communities (Inside Back Cover) • Beulah Garden Homes (pg 33) • Biscay Manor (pg 48) • Carlton House (Oak Bay) (pg 35) • Concord Retirement Residence (pg 26) • Glenshiel Housing Society, The (pg 21) • Harmony Court (pg 24) • Island View Place Care Inc. (pg 27) • Kiwanis Village Nanaimo (pg 35) • Langley Lodge (pg 19) • Legacy at Westridge Landing/Centre Metropolitan Capital (pg 13) • Legion Manor (pg 33) • Norgarden (Inside Front Cover) • Oak Tree Manor (pg 46) • Origin at Longwood (pg 8) • Parc Retirement Living (pg 5) • Revera Inc. (pg 45) • Rose Manor (pg 23) • South Granville Park Lodge (pg 3) • Sunridge Gardens (pg 38) • Trillium Care Services (Back Cover) • Unicare Homes Inc. (pg 32) • Wesbrooke, The, Seniors Living Community (pg 11)

Insurance | Legal | Politics | Real Estate • Enabled Financial Solutions (Inside Back Cover) • Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp./Carol Cluff (pg 27) • Kenneth Walton Law Corporation (pg 8) • Royal LePage Realty/Cheri Crause & Rick Hoogendoorn (pg 25) Senior Care • Alpha Home Care (pg 9) • Nurse Next Door (pg 17) • Saint Elizabeth (pg 4) Services • 1-800 GOT JUNK? (pg 37) • Casalinga (pg 33) • Chef on the Run (pg 25) • City of Vancouver Mountain View Cemetery (pg 44) • Everything Organized (Inside Front Cover) • Molly Maid (pg 24) Travel & Leisure • Mile Zero Tours (pg 38) • Pitmar Tours (pg 37)

South Granville Park Lodge

Trails & Treks

2015 Season Begins Mar 5th!

Our lodge family is committed to each resident experiencing meaningful days by: • Honouring and continuing their life story • Forging respectful relationships with care givers

GENTLE WALK & TALK Thursdays, 9:30-11am March 5th - Swan Lake

and other residents

• Supporting their ability to be independent and express preferences

Meet at end of Nelthorpe Rd. off McKenzie

• Living in a safe and healthy environment

March 12th - Interurban Rail Trail

Meet at Red Barn Market, 5550 W. Saanich Rd

WEEKEND WALKS Once a month, Sunday, 1-3pm March 22 - Parks of Gordon Head SL_HalfPage_BusinessDirectory_MAR2015.indd 1 Meet at Gordon

Head Rec Centre.

2/19/2015 7:44:01 PM

No registration necessary just meet at designated spot.

• Provide support for all levels of care needs • 24 hour registered nursing care • Dietician supervised homemade meals • Daily recreational and therapeutic programs

For complete listing of walk locations call 250-475-5408 or visit www.saanich.ca/parkrec/parks/trails/

to enhance meaningful days

1645 West 14th Avenue vAncouver For tours and information call

604-732-8633

email: sgplodge@telus.net | visit our website: www.sgplodge.com

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email: sgplodge@telus.net MARCH 2015 53 www.sgplodge.com

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Community Resources to Help Assist Family Caregivers

M

any people want to try to stay in their own homes as they age or as their health and independence declines. This can put added stress on to the family members who will be caring for them. However, there are many resources in the community that can help assist family caregivers and aid in reducing the impact of caring.

The types of resources will vary dependent on the community where you live, and the costs can range from free to a fee-for-service. Below is a list of some of these services: Family caregiver support organizations and support groups: See page 18 for a list of these throughout the province or call the Family Caregivers’ Network at 1-877-5203267 for one-on-one support, help navigating the healthcare system, referral to community resources and other services.

Home support (Health Care Assistants) can provide assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene and toileting. Subsidized home support is available through your local health authority; fees are based on the income of the care recipient. Private home support agencies also provide these services on a fee-for-service basis.

Better at Home Program helps seniors with day-to-day tasks so they can continue to live independently in their own homes longer by providing non-medical support services like housekeeping, yard work, grocery shopping and transportation to appointments. Seniors who receive Better at Home services will pay a fee for some services, based on their in-

BY BARBARA SMALL

come. Some services may be free. Visit www.betterathome.ca for more information.

Volunteer organizations may also provide home visitors, walking companions and volunteers to assist with odd jobs, letter writing, and driving to appointments or shopping. Some agencies also provide reassurance calls to check-in with your family member each day to ensure they are okay.

Medical equipment and aids: A variety of aids and equipment are available for purchase or to borrow through equipment loan cupboards to help individuals with communication, mobility or specific personal care needs.

Occupational and Physiotherapists: Rehabilitation professionals are available through the Home and Community Care department of your local health authority. These individuals can do a home safety assessment to ensure the home environment is safe and supports optimal functional independence.

Check out the BC Caregiving Guide starting on page 15 for more helpful information for caregivers and information about the new Provincial Family Caregiver Program funded SL through Patients as Partners, Ministry of Health.

Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. 250384-0408 www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Saint Elizabeth

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Aging has never looked better.

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Living Life to the Extreme

BY TIM COLLINS

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Mountain climbers Esther and Martin Kafer

Mountain biker John Blok

Kitesurfer Chris Glazier

Scuba Driver Gordon Ross

Photo: Geoff Robson

ylan Thomas was scarcely in his twenties when he penned his poem Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night in which he proclaimed that “old age should burn and rave at the close of day.” It was a strange sentiment coming from a young man, but perhaps it’s the nature of poets that they’re able see what the rest of us have trouble comprehending.

Nearly a century has passed since that poem exhorted the elderly to squeeze every bit of joy from their lives, and it seems that today’s seniors – at least some of them – have finally taken that message to heart. Increasingly, the Baby Boomer generation (and in some cases the pre-baby boomers) are demonstrating that it’s possible to ignore the passage of time through a combination of lifestyle, attitude and a firm belief that nothing is impossible, regardless of how many candles light up their birthday cake.

Of course it helps that improvements in medicine, healthcare and other lifestyle factors have added some 20 years to our expected lifespan since Dylan’s time.

But folks like Jeff Morris of Sidney, BC would argue that it’s not how long you live, but what you choose to do with the time that you have.

Jeff is in his mid-seventies now, but 15 years ago decided there was a need for a system of compassionate flights for cancer patients who needed to get to their treatments in Vancouver. He founded Angel Flight, a non-profit group of volunteers who now provide that service free of charge. Jeff also still flies his own plane as part of the program.

“Age is just a number,” says Jeff. “It’s whether you’re doing what you love that determines whether you’re truly alive.”

That sentiment, increasingly shared by today’s seniors, has led some to embrace activities that would have been considered foolish, perhaps even unseemly, by their parents’ generation.

But that trend isn’t without its critics.

In April of 2014, Dr. David MacKinnon, a trauma specialist who works at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, made national news when he spoke out about seniors engaging in “active sports.” Concerned about the rising incidence of injuries amongst seniors at his trauma centre, he was quoted as saying that for the “exact same injuries, the elderly will have significantly higher mortality rates.” In other words, they could kill themselves taking part in some activities. He suggested that seniors consider other, less dangerous pastimes.

Yet some seniors scoff at the idea that the fear of injury should cause them to abandon their activities. “You know what’s dangerous?” said one octogenarian who regularly races his bike in extreme long distance races. “Dangerous is sitting on the couch, and not doing what you love… that’s what. Life is fun… go play.” It’s a sentiment shared by all the extreme seniors to whom we spoke.

Take to the skies and meditate

Take Martin Nowoselksi. He lives in the Fraser Valley where, 15 years ago, he decided he’d like to try his hand at paragliding.

He fell in love with the sport and, now 62 years of age, he continues to fly about 300 hours a year.

“I started out hang gliding on my fortieth birthday,” he explained, “but after a while, I found that some of the other hang gliders were getting older and didn’t want to play anymore.

That’s when I saw some guys parasailing, and thought, ‘Hey, that looks like fun.’”

Despite what some people may think, Martin maintains that the sport is quite safe. “The hardest thing is hiking the gear up the mountain to launch yourself,” he says. “The actual flying, if you know what you’re doing, is pretty safe. It’s more dangerous driving to the mountain than it is to jump off the mountain under a wing.”

Martin says some people have accused him of being an adrenaline junkie, but he disputes that characterization. “The equipment has gotten really good, and if you listen and learn… and you’re not a goof… it can almost be like meditation.”

“That’s not to say there aren’t some older guys out there doing dangerous things. I get that… like I wouldn’t be inclined to throw myself down a mountain on a mountain bike with a metal pipe between my legs… that sounds dangerous,” laughs Martin. “But parasailing? It’s amazing. It makes me feel alive.”

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Let’s face it, you’re going to fall

For John Blok, throwing himself down a mountain is what it’s all about. At 60 years of age, he’s an avid mountain biker, triathlete and snowboarder. “Let’s face it, if you go downhill, you’re going to fall sooner or later,” says John. “I moved to Whistler 15 years ago and I’ve been to the clinic five times for injuries. I’ve had a couple of broken ribs… toes; I’ve had a torn meniscus.”

But for John, the thrill of riding or sliding down a hill is worth it. “You have to stay fit, of course,” he explains. “I ride about 5,000 km a year on my road bike and I swim… my wife joins me and it’s great… I do a lot of races… the Xterra Triathlon, for example. And my wife is my greatest supporter and travel agent to get to those races.”

John says his wife rides just for the fun of it, but that means she has a pretty good understanding of what he’s trying to accomplish.

“I think that we inspire each other,” he says.

John also inspires others. He still works as a fitness trainer and personal trainer in Whistler, often coaching others who are half his age. “It’s a lot of fun training others. It keeps me moving.”

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And moving is what it’s all about for John. “Look, the thing is to keep challenging yourself. Sometimes you have to do the things that scare you. It keeps you alive,” he says.

“There’s no secret to this, at any age, if you stop moving and challenging yourself, you’ll stop moving forever. I’m never going to stop.”

Go fly a kite

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That’s a sentiment shared by Chris Glazier. “The real danger is being sedentary,” he explains. You can hurt yourself doing anything, but sitting around is more dangerous for you than getting out there and having fun.”

For Chris, that fun comes from donning a wet suit and letting his special kite send him screaming across the waves on his kite board. It’s a sport that’s a little like surfing, but without the need for big waves to carry your board. You simply get to some water, wait for a breeze, launch your kite and hang on. Oh, alright, it’s a bit more technical than that, but Chris contends it isn’t irrationally dangerous.

“You can kill yourself in almost any water sport,” he laughs.

“This has some risks, but they aren’t unreasonable risks.”

Those risks are amplified when, like Chris, you stretch your abilities and challenge the waves with spins and jumps; trying to get as much “air” as possible before splashing back down for the next trick.

“Of course, it’s all about doing those moves,” he says, chuckling. “On water it’s not too bad… I’ve kite skied on snow and, there, the landing is a little tougher.”

Chris spends about 100 days a year on the water and his love of the sport has given him the impetus to travel the world. In the past year, for example, he’s travelled to Maui and Baja to kite surf and it’s a trend he intends to continue.

“It’s an unfair stereotype to say that I’m too old. There are plenty of us out there over 60 doing this sport. Baby boomers are staying active these days,” he says.

“For me...I don’t think too much about age. It’s about skill level. It matters how good you are, not how old you are,” Chris says with a smile. “And me? I’m very good.”

Fifteen things to do

Gordon Ross, 70, is yet another example of someone who refuses to let the aging process rob him of his passions. After spending much of his life in Alberta, he and his wife moved to the west coast two years ago and Ross is thrilled with the move.

“The great thing about the coast is that you wake up with 15 things to do, and time to do any three of them. It’s fantastic!”

That range of possibilities stems, in part, from the wide spectrum of activities that Gordon continues to relish. He and his wife enjoy hiking and Gordon rides a motorcycle, challenges white water in his kayak, and recently bought a 16-foot catamaran so he can sail around the coastal waters of Vancouver Island.

But mostly, Gordon pursues his main passion – scuba diving.

“I’ve done over 5,000 dives all around the world,” he says.

“In all that time, I’ve never really had an emergency I couldn’t 810

SENIOR LIVING

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Featured Business handle. It’s all a matter of knowing what you’re doing.”

Despite his contention of never having had an emergency, Gordon admits he’s had a few situations where equipment failures or other unforeseen circumstances have forced him to rely on his years of experience to stay out of serious trouble.

“I went diving with sharks a little while back. That was interesting. I didn’t see this big fellow coming up behind me and I turned and his big, wide-open mouth was right there,” recalls Gordon. “I just put my hand on his head and pushed up. I swam right over him. That was weird.”

Gordon’s diving experience also includes some commercial work where he was required to swim up pipelines, and these days he still enjoys ice diving (that’s going through a hole in the ice into frigid water), and, oh yes, did we mention cavern diving?

“Caverns can be a little scary if you’re at all claustrophobic,” explains Gordon. “You turn off your light when you’re in there, and all you see is this tiny opening in the distance.”

“I don’t think it’s at all strange that a guy my age does the things I do,” says Gordon. “You need to do things to stay healthy, and as long as you’re healthy, you can do things.”

Another mountain to climb

And in case these intrepid seniors aren’t inspiring enough, we have Esther and Martin Kafer. Born in 1928 and 1927, respectively, they have always enjoyed the mountains.

“We climbed our whole lives,” says Esther. “If you check out the climbing guidebook you’ll see our name on a lot of the peaks on the BC Coastal Range as the first ones to climb them.”

Ester says she and Martin used to venture out into the wilderness to challenge mountains no one else had ever tried climbing.

“Half the time, we didn’t even know where we were,” she jokes.

“We didn’t have GPS back then… just maps and good sense.”

During that period they managed ascents that were up to a grade five technical challenge. (For those who aren’t climbers, that’s really hard and steep climbing.)

Now, at 88 and 87, Martin and Esther tend to restrict themselves to mountain hikes. “I’ve had some heart troubles and my knees bother me sometimes, and Martin has had two hip replacements,” says Esther. “So we had to slow down a little.

Our hikes these days aren’t longer than four or five hours… but we still love the mountains.”

So much so that the couple still buy their annual lift tickets at Whistler. Avid downhill skiers, they take every opportunity to hit the slopes. “Sliding down mountains is a lot easier than climbing them,” explains Esther. “Martin says he wants to die on his skis.”

But never let it be said that Esther and Martin just faded away from mountain climbing. Two years ago, they decided they’d finish their climbing career with a bang. In so doing, they managed to get their name in the Guinness Book of World Records when they became the oldest people to ever climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Honestly, I think some of the other mountains we’ve climbed were tougher, but it was still a thrill,” says Esther.

“You just have to keep going… that’s my advice for everySL one. Never stop doing what you love – never.”

Alpha Home Health Care Celebrates 40 Years The family business was founded by Lois Swindell, who was a true pioneer in bringing affordable health care services to the Victoria community. Current owner operator for the past 20 years has been her son, Don Swindell.

The success of Alpha over the years is attributed to our commitment to providing personalized and professional home health services. A testimonial from Joan Kenning says” Such incredible caregivers whose competence was matched by their kindness. Without their support I don’t know how I would have managed.”

Our administrator Robin Alpha Home Health Care Peterson has over 30 years of home care experience and is is celebrating our 40th knowledgeable of all the commuanniversary of bringing home health care services nity resources that can enhance your health care needs. to Victorians.

“Our people give the best care possible; they are both compassionate and dependable. Our workers are screened, interviewed and then selected for their education, skills, experience, reliability and caring nature. They are bonded, insured and are required to have criminal record checks. I truly believe that our people in the field set us apart,” says Robin Peterson.

Alpha goes over and above the required industry quality assurance standards. We make sure the service provided conveys respect for the dignity and uniqueness of the individual as a valued member of a family and of the community. We monitor all the service provided to make sure it adheres to this level of quality and review with the client and family their satisfaction to ensure the appropriate level of care is being delivered.

Our motto says it all; “Our Focus is on Caring”. When you or your loved one needs care, we are here to help. Our goal is to meet the needs of the individual, promote independence and enhance quality of life.

Being locally owned and operated allows us to be flexible to the needs of our community; we are available with an Alpha support team member 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. You can count on Alpha for quality service that is flexible and affordable.

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Food to Fork Salt Spring Island

BY JOAN BOXALL

S

alt Spring Island is the largest and most-visited of British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands. With a population of over 10,000, its inhabitants are some of the best-fed islanders in the Salish Sea. Food-to-fork permaculture roots back thousands of years to Coast Salish hunter-gatherer harvests of fish and shellfish, berries, roots and bulbs.

Farming origins on Salt Spring Island harken back to the first 17 settlers who arrived in 1859 and began cultivation. Root crops, apple orchards and creamery goods were nurtured alongside rooting pigs, grazing cattle, horses and sheep. Salt Spring Island seed companies have continued to grow their own.

Educator, author and seed-saver Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds specializes in open-pollinated and non-GMO seed varieties. “[Seeds] have the power to feed, clothe and shelter us… the power to clean our air and water.”

Whether it’s food to fork, field to feast, farm to table, seed to cup, agritourism, or food lit like Food Aritsans of Vancouver

Island and the Gulf Islands by Don Genova or The 100-Mile Diet

by Alicia Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, it’s that sense of knowing one’s food is grown organically and sustainably, nearby.

The shorter the chain between raw food and fork, the fresher it is and the more transparent the system.

–Joel Salatin, farmer, lecturer, author Salt Spring Islanders have adopted the slogan, “make it, bake it, grow it.” The Salt Spring Island Agricultural Alliance implements and oversees the local Farm Plan with the Farmer’s Institute, the Island Natural Growers, and a team of committed others including the Salt Spring Island Farm Land Trust, whose mandate is to acquire, manage and preserve farmland. The Farm Dinner Series, offered May through June, features four farms, four chefs and four memorable meals.

Wait until September and there’s The Harvest Food and Wine

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Festival’s Sip and Savour Salt Spring, a fiesta of local and regional food and wine.

Locavores dine and dance the night away at Moby’s Pub as an “apple-tizer” to Apple Fest the next day.

Tsawwassen to Salt Spring (Long Harbour) is a three-hour, three-island tic-tac-toe – Galiano, Mayne, Pender. With each embark/disembark, we shed all cares and relish our breakfast-with-a-view. From Long Harbour, it’s an unhurried pedal to the Harbour House Hotel, where farm and fork are footsteps away.

Photos: Joan Boxall

Whole wheat berry pancakes and warm quinoa pudding.

What was once a hundred-acre farm at the head of Ganges Harbour, remains 15 acres of fruits, vegetables, livestock, eggs, hives and Big Leaf (syrup-yielding) Maples.

Hotel guests, restaurant visitors, and passers-by to one of the island’s many roadside farm stands all profit from Harbour House Farm’s 100 varieties of local produce.

Farm manager, Rob Scheres says, “I’m doing what I was doing as a 13-year old with my grandfather in Holland… and now I’m in my late seventies!”

Harbour House Hotel chef Brooke Winters says, “The true love of the ingredients and where they come from inspires me.”

We take a stab at some winter greens for lunch, scissor-cut that morning in the garden, with Dungeness crab and shrimp in champagne citrus vinaigrette. For dinner, Salt Spring Island mussels in a white wine and garlic butter broth, handmade ricotta gnocchi in a wild mushroom cream sauce, and farm vegetables fill us with gladness. For breakfast, whole wheat pancakes and warm quinoa pudding keep our spare tires taut.

Newly Opened and in full operation

Directly behind Harbour House Hotel, Still Point Yoga Studio owner-operator Celeste Mallett Jason has 30-year experience that led her to therapeutic and restorative work. Hers is the relaxing endof-day backstretch at the Harbour House Farm Wellness Retreat.

Salt Spring Island provides visitors with opportunities to munch on the move in an A to Z of activities from accessing beaches, boating, cycling, to fishing, golfing, hiking… on one’s merry alphabetical WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

way to whale-watching, yoga and Zumba.

Ron Pither, a Southern Gulf Islander, has been a communitarian (a believer in connecting community with individuals’ shared interests and geography) these past 45 years. A farmer and a fair trade activist, Ron has helped spearhead an interisland enterprise called Island Hopping Excursions in partnership with Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Clouston.

Friday evenings, from the end of June MARCH 2015

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The author and her husband, Ken, enjoy Salt Spring Island fare.

until Labour Day Weekend, visitors walk, bike or drive aboard the Bowen Queen for a Friday-night fling to Galiano, Mayne, and/or Pender Islands and back again to Salt Spring.

Island-hopping attractions include view-gazing from Bluff Park on Galiano Island, Miners Bay on Mayne Island, or Hope Bay on Pender Island.

On Galiano Island, the Kunamokst Mural, 190 artists, 231 original paintings is an all-encompassing collage, and only a six-minute walk from the ferry. Artists followed the notion of Canadian illustrator and Mural Mosaic artist Lewis Lavoie.

Given a panel and a colour scheme under a wild-West-Coast theme, the whole concept was born (a mother orca and her calf) before the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. We are better together, as the Chinook word, kunamokst, suggests. That’s the watchword in this culture-sharing, island-hopping initiative.

Take in the Tree House Café with simply-delicious granola, yogurt and berries. Lattés in hand, we have the perfect pretext for people-watching at this Ganges hub – tourists, local business people and families gather, either on the patio or under the massive plum tree. We’re compelled to return for dinner under the stars to savour a Garry Oaks Pinot Noir, and listen to live music in this former 1920s heritage cottage, a plum’s throw from the proposed Ganges Harbour-hugging boardwalk.

A short weave away is the urban winery, Mistaken Identity, where oenologist or grape fermenter Jesse Cooper teams with his partner, Melanie, to produce organic estate wines and grapes.

“Growing 10 varieties in one vineyard is quite unique,” says Jesse. “We have a northern Mediterranean climactic zone on Salt Spring.” That is why their wine is mistaken for European blends.

They pair wines with local cheese and chocolate, art exhibits and live theatre. We steal away with a Charmela 2011 dessert wine blended with Chardonnay grapes and 17 apple varietals, reflecting Salt Spring’s heritage as British Columbia’s apple capital in the early 1900s.

Foxglove Farm and Centre for the Arts, Ecology and Agriculture is at the foot of Mount Maxwell. Olivier, the farm manager, walks us around the five acres of cultivated farmland, just a portion of the total 120 forest-and-field acres.

“Whether you’re involved in 50 acres or just a few pots,” says

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Olivier, “there’s something very meaningful in producing something for yourself… putting time and faith in nature… physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Olivier is an Australian who crossed paths Down Under with Michael Ableman: farmer, author, photographer, food advocate and co-founder at Foxglove. With his wife, Jeanne Marie Herman, an environmental consultant, outdoors educator and CSA board member (promoting Salt Spring’s community-supported agricultural relationships between eaters and growers), they started farming the property in 2006.

“Our programs include one to five-day retreats and workshops with well-known writers, artists, musicians, farmers and ecologists sharing their knowledge within the context of a working landscape. We also offer a summer ‘farm camp’ for children, guided tours, school programs, culinary events, and an annual open house with tours, music and food,” says Jeanne Marie.

Brian Webster and Peri Lavender of Salt Spring Apple Co. live the apple-a-day philosophy from their orchard B&B. Apple to pie to plate – trellis to tart – Brian’s obsession with apples started at Salt Spring’s Apple Fest a few years ago.

“Salt Spring Apple Co. now has 325 varieties of dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, organic heritage and connoisseur types, 1,500 trees, trained to grow a specific size and shape… thanks to Peri’s grafting.”

Brian mixes and matches over 2,000 trees on three acres. B&B visitors can view and munch the product from their patio breakfast, two minutes away from downtown Ganges.

“Strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart apples,” says Brian. “North American apples are tart; Japanese apples are sweet. So find that crisp and juicy one with a wonderful crunch. Peri’s pies find the ideal apple texture and flavour.” Take home an apple tree grafted to your own specification.

The Farmers’ Markets draw visitors and locals on Saturdays and Tuesdays at Centennial Park or Wednesdays in the United Church meadow, all within Ganges central.

From Hedgerow House, a Gulf Island inn, it’s a quick walk or ride to the market, if we can pry ourselves away. We enjoy

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the luxurious bed linens, towels and bath robes in our bird-themed nest. The décor reminds me of William Morris, designer of the arts and crafts movement, and his tenet – nothing without use or beauty.

Proprietors Peter and Jayne LloydJones present a mouth-watering array of dishes, and pepper them with lively conversation. Apricot clafouti (a rustic French tart) and smoked Sockeye scrambled eggs are part of our morning mélange. “How are these eggs so yellow?” I ask Jayne.

“We keep trying different egg stands on the island… all deliciously fresh.” A weather report, a Mt. Maxwell coffee topup, some double chocolate cookies for the road, and we’re away.

Palu Rainbowsong stands at the market entrance, ready to interpret the past or future of passersby with his solar meditation bow. I watch a kaleidoscope of colours glint behind closed eyelids, and it’s a fine market primer – for the busker who strums his guitar with ankle-wrap tam-

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bourine, for Julie Matthews’ lavender jam, for Glass Foundry earrings, for Barb’s Buns from Barb’s Bakery & Bistro, for over 140 market tables and tents. A palatable potpourri.

Past and future drop, kerplunk, into a satisfied present. What is made, baked and grown, we wear or ingest.

Jason Griffin and Yael Wand of Western Splendour Tour Company have a table at the market. Both come from extensive backgrounds in tourism and culture. What’s your interest? Wine, beer, culinary craft, arts and crafts, nature walks, history, politics, storytelling anecdotes? You propose it – they tour it.

Leaving Ganges, we put our bikes on the Fulford Harbour bus bike rack to avert the big hill. We’ll hitch a ride up the hill, then on to the ferry. We’re soft foodies (or food softies) with a transit solution. We’ll catch a second ferry home on one of Swartz Bay’s hourly crossings. That’s the plan.

However, others have the same idea. The rack only holds two bikes, one is already hitched on, and a young man is in front of us in line, with his barebones road bike without rat-trap, and a parcel tucked under one arm. In startling courtesy, he offers to ride his bicycle up the hill if we’ll carry his parcel aboard the bus. He’s young and we’re… not. Still, his gallantry touches us in the same way the island has. At the top-of-the-hill bus stop, we’re off and he’s back on. Getting familiar with Salt Spring’s food-to-fork events has been a rocket-booster crop of heart and tummywarming encounters.

We plot our course from the Island Pathway Road and Bike Routes map. Island Pathways is a non-profit society promoting safe bikeways. Our route takes us along an undulating and shaded road with ocean views, past two cheeseries – Salt Spring Island Cheese (goat and sheep) and Moonstruck, a Jerseycow variety. We stop in at Salt Spring Island Cheese for cheese making 101.

All cheeses are fermented milk products, like yogurt, and all Salt Spring Island cheeses are made from pasteurized milk. The riper the cheese, the firmer it is. Of course, our preference is for an indulgently spreadable slice...

SL we’re softies and foodies, after all.

For more information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/food-to-fork

Caregiving Guide MARCH 2015

GOOD NEWS!

for Family Caregivers across BC Are YOU caring for an adult family member or friend because of disease, disability or aging? Find the services and support you need. You are not alone.

Family Caregiver Support Line 1-877- 520-3257 Online Resource Centre www.familycaregiversnetwork.org Find FREE tools and resources including: • Network News Newsletter • Upcoming (and recorded) educational webinars • Employer toolkit (creating caregiver-friendly workplaces) • Links to other helpful resources We are very pleased to acknowledge the Ministry of Health, Patients as Partners Initiative, in funding expanded services for family caregivers through the new Provincial Family Caregiver Program. This program also includes Provincial Caregiver Engagement and Health Sector Collaboration efforts to advance patient and family centered care. Take action, take care! Call or visit the website to find out more.

This Guide is presented by Senior Living in partnership with the Family Caregivers’ Network Society.

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MARCH 2014 2015 MARCH

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Functional Fitness for Family Caregivers

BY MATHIEU POWELL

A

re you aware of your functional fitness? If not, your ability to care for your family member or friend could be at risk.

“Functional fitness” describes a person’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

The six primary ADLs include bathing, dressing, self-feeding, personal grooming, toilet hygiene and transferring.

“Functional fitness exercises have proven benefits for people with cognitive decline, osteoporosis or multiple medical conditions,” says Johanna Booy of Care & Company. She has witnessed tangible results for her clients with exercises. For example, a woman who was no longer able to drive due to early onset Parkinson’s disease was prescribed multiple sets of left leg presses to regain strength to engage her car’s clutch. “In six weeks, the power behind the move was incredible and she was driving again.”

Functional fitness makes sense for the person I am caring for, but how can it help me as a family caregiver?

Functional fitness exercise will increase your core strength

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and immensely benefit your ability to continue to provide care.

“As you care for someone, you end up taking on more of their weight – especially when transferring,” says Johanna. “Your back is going to take a beating.

Learning to support your core; learning how to properly push, pull, carry and lift is vital.”

Johanna believes family caregivers need to be much more aware of their core strength. The primary claim made by professional care providers to WorkSafe BC are back-related injuries. That’s despite the increasing number of available courses teaching core strength and awareness. The point is, professionals will get time off when they hurt their back. You won’t.

Johanna is concerned a family caregiver’s lack of knowledge about their own functional fitness will translate into injuries when they are faced with an emergency. For instance, if your family member falls suddenly, your instinct to leap to their aid may have serious consequences. As an analogy, consider trying to rescue a drowning person. They experience the same blind panic and could easily pull you down with them.

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Even helping with something as simple as getting into your car can be risky. Garnering the strength and skill to safely transfer the person you care for is imperative.

Okay, I’m convinced. But I’m wrapped up in my family member’s daily routine. How do I find time to exercise?

Trying to find a block of time to exercise seems like just one more thing to feel guilty about not doing. Johanna suggests a different approach. “Incorporating exercises into your daily routine will make them far easier to accomplish,” says Johanna. Here are some ideas that will benefit both you and the person you are caring for: 1. In the kitchen – perform 10 squats while holding onto the counter.

2. While cooking a meal – transfer your weight from one leg to the other. If you can do it safely, balance on one leg, then the other.

3. Before settling in to watch your favourite TV program – perform 10 “sit to stands” or press your hand into your thigh and lift your leg up for five seconds.

4. Walking through the living room – pick up those three pound weights and do one repetition of bicep and triceps exercises.

5. When watching a fitness DVD with your family member or friend – engage them in the activity by creatively modifying the exercise for them while you perform the full moves.

6. When stopped at a red light – activate core muscles with a series of tightening and slow releases.

7. If your family member is in a wheelchair – pack both of you up and get out to Beacon Hill Park. Properly engaging your core muscles while walking will give you a workout; a really good workout. The point is to have fun, so it doesn’t feel so much like exercise.

Should we be exercising together or separately?

“It depends,” says Johanna. “Exercise with your family member, if you can, but if you need respite, schedule regular time to visit a fitness centre to work on your core strength.

While building and maintaining the strength and function you presently have, you’ll also benefit from some social interaction and enjoy the effects of endorphins.”

With a little creative thought and guidance, you can find ways to self-care and exercise. The alternative could easily lead to injury. Then you won’t be any good to anyone – least of all yourself.

Functional fitness exercise and core strength maintenance will help you maintain or increase your personal strength, empower you to care for your family member or friend more SL effectively and give you greater peace of mind.

For more information about functional fitness for family caregivers, visit www.seniorcareandfitness.com

Join the celebration across BC

THANK our family and friends who care

Show your appreciation during Family Caregiver Week May 4-10

www.familycaregiversnetwork.org 1-877-520-3267 WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2015 2015 MARCH

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Family Caregiver Support Resources in BC Vancouver Island Family Caregivers’ Network Society #6 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, BC V8X 1R1 250-384-0408, 1-877-520-3267 Email: caregiversupport@fcns.ca www.familycaregiversnetwork.org Victoria Support Group: 1st Monday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM #6 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria Sidney Support Group: 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 AM – Noon Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney Salt Spring Island Support Group: Wed, 11:00 AM – Noon Seniors for Seniors Centre, Ganges Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society PO Box 210, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 250-743-7621. Call for locations and times of support groups.

Email: info@familycaregiverssupport.org www.familycaregiverssupport.org Duncan: 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesdays, 2nd & 4th Mondays Ladysmith: 2nd Tuesday Chemainus: Last Thursday Lake Cowichan: As needed Youth Carers: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Widows Group: 2nd Tuesday Mid-Vancouver Island Caregiver Support Line Tel: 1-866-865-2221 (M – F) Mid-Vancouver Island Caregiver Support Groups Isobel Gemmell, 250-468-5687, Email: relationships123@shaw.ca Parksville: 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 PM, Serious Coffee Qualicum: 3rd Thursday, 2:30 PM, The Gardens Nanaimo – Day: 2nd Wed, 3:30 PM, Woodgrove Save-on Foods Nanaimo – Night: 1st Mon, 7:00 PM, Woodgrove Save-on Foods Port Alberni: 2nd Tuesday, 1:00 PM, Echo Centre Healthy Caregiver Drop-in Groups - Parksville Allison Reeves, 250-927-6548, Email: info@allisonreevescounselling.com 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10 AM, Meeting Rm, Parksville Pharmasave Gabriola Island Caregiver Support Group Angela Nutter, 250-247−9732, www.phcgabriola.org 1st Wednesday, 2:00 PM, PHC Community Resource Centre For a complete list of provincial resources, visit the FCNS website: http://www.fcns-caregiving.org/resources/provincial-resources/. Many of the disease-specific organizations in your community, such as the MS Society and the Alzheimer’s Society, will also offer support for family caregivers caring for someone living with that particular condition.

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Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society #491A – 4th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1P6 250-871-5940 http://comoxvalleyseniorpeercounselling.com/our-programs/caregivers/ Women’s groups: 1st Tuesday, 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Monday, 1 – 3 PM Men’s group: 3rd Tuesday, 1 – 3 PM

Lower Mainland Burnaby Family Caregivers Project Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society #106 - 2101 Holdom Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5B 0A4 604-291-2258 Email: bsoss@telus.net www.bsoss.org Group meets 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10 AM - Noon Delta Caregivers’ Education and Support Network The Centre for Supportive Care 4631 Clarence Taylor Cres, Ladner, BC V4K 4L8 604-948-0660 or Laurie Pettman 604-943-3921 Call for information on services.

Email: info@deltahospice.org Langley Caregiver Support Group Langley Senior Resources Society 20605 - 51B Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 9H1 778 328-2302, ext. 2 Email: info@lsrs.ca www.lsrs.ca Every Thursday, 1:15 - 2:30 PM North Shore Community Resources, Caregiver Support Program #201 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S3 604-982-3320 Email: Karyn.davies@nscr.bc.ca www.nscr.bc.ca/information/caregivers.html Caregiver Network Group: 1st Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM and 2nd Wednesday, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, #203 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver Walks and Talks: Call for dates, times and locations Richmond Caregivers’ Education and Support Program 604-271-3646; Fridays 1-2 PM, Rosewood Manor, 6260 Blundell Road Caregivers Network of Surrey/Delta 604-686-3793 Email: info@caregiversnetworksurrydelta.com www.caregiversnetworksurreydelta.com 109-14998 101A Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 0T1 Seniors Come Share Society - Newton Last Monday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

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13855 68th Avenue, Surrey, BC Northcrest Care Facility 3rd Wednesday,10:00 AM -12:00 PM 6771 120th Street, Delta, BC Kennedy Senior Recreation Center 3rd Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 PM 11933 88th Avenue, Delta, BC Fleetwood Villa Last Thursday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 16028 83rd Avenue, Surrey, BC

Upcoming Events for Family Caregivers Many Caregiver Support Organizations offer workshops, tele-workshops and webinars for family caregivers. Some of these events are free and others have a minimal fee.

Please call the organization in your area or visit their website for details about upcoming events and programs.

Seniors Come Share Society, Caregiver Support Program Email: caregivers@comeshare.ca www.comeshare.ca 15008 26th Ave Surrey, BC V4P 3H5 6047-531-9400 ext. 202 Please call or email for times and locations of support groups.

Tri-Cities Caregiver Support Program (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody) 778-789-1496, Karen Tyrell Email: SeniorCaregiverProgram@gmail.com Support Groups run until June 2015 Central Coquitlam: 2nd & 4th Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St. North Coquitlam: 4th Thursday, 10:00 - 11:30 AM Glen Pine Pavilion, 1200 Glen Pine Court Maillardville: 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 PM Maillardville Community Centre, 1200 Cartier Ave. Port Coquitlam: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Astoria Retirement Resort, 2245 Kelly St.

The Family Caregivers’ Network Society offers free BC-wide webinars. (www.familycaregiversnetwork.org) Upcoming topics include: • Long-term Caregiving: Staying Emotionally Well Over the Long-term • Needs and Wants: You Both Have Them!

• I Just Don’t Have the Time: A Webinar for Family Caregivers • Elder Abuse: What Is It? How Do We Deal With It? • Guilt and Frustration: How Changing Your Expectations Leads to Emotional Wellness Full descriptions and information about many of these events can be found at: www.seniorlivingmag.com/caregiving-events

BC Interior Caregiver Network for East Kootenay Seniors’ Society 1-877-489-0803 or 250-489-0802 (Liz Duchscherer) Email: lizd@shaw.ca Cranbrook 2nd & 4th Mondays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM Joseph Creek Care Village Board Room Kimberley 1st Thursday, 1:00 – 2:45 PM “The Pines” Day Program Room Creston 1st & 3rd Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM Community Room – Public Library Golden 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Hospital conference room Invermere 3rd Tuesday, 3:00 – 5:00 PM Columbia Garden Village Fernie 1st Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:00 PM Tom Uphill Centre

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End-of-Life Caregiving

BY CARA PEARSON AND KELLI STAJDUHAR

M

ost people who are terminally ill would prefer to be cared for at home during their final days of life.

Whether or not this is possible often depends on family caregivers. Caregiving can be an enriching and rewarding experience. Being able to share intimate moments together and to fulfill a family member’s final wishes are just two benefits of caregiving at home during end-of-life.

Burdens of end-of-life caregiving can come in many forms, including physical, social, psychological and financial. Lifting and moving the patient, as well as sleep deprivation, make the role physically demanding. Caregivers may experience isolation and a lack of social support from friends and family. They may need to become advocates and coordinators of care, in addition to maintaining employment and parenting responsibilities. Sustaining a sense of normalcy at this difficult time can be a challenge.

Family caregivers also need to be recipients of care, at this time, so they can maintain their own health and deliver the best possible palliative care to their dying family member. Burnout can happen when support is insufficient to buffer against the burdens of caregiving, therefore reducing the caregiver’s ability to provide care at home.

The good news is that caregivers can receive support in many ways. Research at the University of Victoria Centre on Aging has shown that the following can be helpful to family caregivers providing end-of-life care: Having their needs recognized and their contributions respected are essential. Receiving spiritual or existential support can help caregivers be hopeful, feel in control and feel that caregiving is meaningful.

For believers, trust in a higher power is important. Support

groups can help caregivers feel more confident and reduce stress, depressive symptoms and feelings of burden. Relief from caregiving, or respite, allows the caregiver to enjoy time as a family member, get other important tasks done or just relax. Being able to take time for themselves is vital to family caregivers’ well-being.

Practical help can also allow caregivers to focus on providing care. Assistance with cooking, cleaning and transportation to and from appointments can reduce stress and worry.

Help with managing finances and locating different sources of financial support are also useful. Even help with decisionmaking can reduce some stress.

Caregivers also benefit when the patient is well-supported.

If the patient is receiving adequate health care and is getting help with basic daily tasks (e.g., baths, moving around the home), this helps the caregiver. Stress, discomfort and uncertainty can be reduced when families are given good information about their family member’s disease, prognosis, potential symptoms, treatments and side effects. Information on how to provide physical and psychological care is also important.

During this difficult time, emotional support for the patient and caregiver are necessary. Having a good relationship with the health care team can help with navigating the health care system and having access to care around the clock. Effective support during the bereavement period includes the identification and treatment of “complicated grief” and help to come to terms with the death.

The following support is also beneficial for people caregiving at the end-of-life: • Reliable, consistent information designed to meet each

My Voice: Advance Care Planning Guide Advance care planning allows you to have a say in the healthcare you will receive if you are too sick to speak for yourself. By documenting your wishes and discussing them with your family and healthcare professionals, they will be better able to act on your behalf.

The instructions and tools you need to do this are provided in My Voice: Advance Care Planning Guide – Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment provided by the BC Ministry of Health and is available to download at their website: www.health.gov. bc.ca/library/publications/year/2013/MyVoice-AdvanceCarePlanningGuide.pdf 22 20

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person’s needs is invaluable. Nurse help lines (Healthlink BC – 811), health professionals, the Family Caregivers’ Network Society (1-877-520-3267), friends, the internet, books and governmental health guides are all helpful sources of information.

• Nurses, particularly, can demonstrate caregiving tasks such as changing dressings, moving and lifting the patient, and administering medications. Other professionals such as occupational therapists, social workers, pharmacists and dieticians can also be invaluable sources of information.

• Continuity of care is important. If possible, try to identify one or two people in the care system (often a home care nurse) who can be the point person to address questions that other providers may have. If there are tasks you like done in a certain way, consider writing down the steps to avoid having to repeatedly share the same information with people who come into your home.

• Supports such as a night’s respite or education to increase feelings of competency and hope can help also. These can be available through your health authority, private businesses or your local caregiver support organization.

Maintaining the health of family caregivers is essential for fulfilling terminally ill patients’ wishes to die at home.

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606 Douglas Street Cara Pearson is a Master’s student in Public Health and works at the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria. Kelli Stajduhar is a Professor in the School of Nursing and Centre on Aging at University of Victoria.

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Men Who Care

BY JOHN HARRIS

A

lthough BC has an excellent health care system, many of us are providing unpaid care to a family member or friend with a long-term need. It is a common response to a health issue, disability or advanced aging. In fact, over the past year, more than half of family caregivers reported caring for their own parents or in-laws.

What may surprise you is that 46 per cent of family caregivers are men. We’re inclined to think of women taking such roles, especially in the caring professions. What’s the difference for a male caregiver? I asked a number of men for their perspectives on the family caregiver experience.

Former television reporter Rick Hoogendoorn’s father had cancer. Most of Rick’s caregiving was in support of his stepmother while she cared for his father. Rick raises a point shared by other caregivers – the importance of maintaining your own health and well-being. “That’s not an approach that comes easily to men,” says Rick. “But to become overwhelmed as a result of being stubborn or macho does no good for the ones you are caring for.”

Rick says it can be difficult finding the right support

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among friends and family, but that it’s too important to ignore. He discovered there were few specific support systems for men when he began his role as caregiver. “There were no workshops, little available training and no support groups.

It’s awkward to give your dad a bath or help him with the bathroom – awkward both for him and for you. It’s important to have someone else to talk with about it,” he says.

Rick says another challenge for men as family caregivers is admitting how difficult it can be looking after another person. “Sometimes you’re going to fail and feel guilty about it, but you simply can’t be on top of everything all the time. Ask for help.”

Like Rick, Ben Ziegler also believes it’s harder for men to ask for help. Now a professional mediator, his caregiving began helping out part-time with his aging parents. Through support, Ben discovered most men genuinely enjoy sharing authentic feelings and can be open and positive. “You need their feedback on your experience to maintain perspective,” he says. “There are so many medical and personal issues that come up during caregiving.” Looking back at the learning

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curve, Ben wishes he had joined a support group sooner.

Perspective is also a valued benefit for Neil Holland, who lost his wife to cancer after 43 years of marriage. He says, “Perspective is vital. You’re dealing with new tasks and responsibilities – bathroom care, bathing, feeding, administering meds, learning how to do injections and advocating for your loved one.”

He admits it was a challenge to accept being vulnerable and having to ask for help.

A publisher, Neil finds strength with counselling and especially values feedback from other men. “It starts with just being there,” he says. “You learn to do your part. Honour your feelings, even the anger and frustration. Use those to speak to authority, including doctors. Be that rock for your loved one.”

“If there’s a reward for being a caregiver,” Neil adds, “it’s a satisfaction in stepping up to the plate. I’m happy I was able to be there, even when I didn’t feel able. In a way, you end up doing it for yourself as much as her.”

Peter Denby is active with the South Vancouver Island Soccer Association and recently competed in an international tournament for players over 70. He’s been a family caregiver several times, caring for his mother-in-law until her death at the age of 88, and sustaining his wife through blindness and then cancer. His daughter shares his wife’s genetically caused blindness.

“While we cared for my wife, my daughter and I talked about wanting to have no regrets,” he says. “We agreed that you have to give it everything you’ve got. But make sure you take care of your own health, both mental and physical.” That perspective seems to be working for Peter. Now retired from his dental practice, he remains close to his daughter and enjoys travelling to play soccer.

Peter feels the long-time friends he and his wife made through their lives together were the kind of support they needed during caregiving. “But you have to be honest with each

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52 23

other, too,” he says. “Don’t make assumptions. Instead, ask male caregivers, although they may not want to ask for it. “I your partner what they really want.” wish FCNS had been around when I was a part-time caregiver So, where does that leave someone only beginning to learn for my parents,” he says. “It was hard to get feedback on your to cope as a caregiver? Today, family caregivers have many experiences. That made it harder to learn new ways to handle more tools for finding support and training. “I think it’s im- challenges. Now, it’s much simpler to find a support group.” portant we make the term ‘family caregiver’ widely underFamily caregivers shoulder many different responsibilistood,” says Rick. “There are all kinds of professions who ties. Those include a lot of driving (73 per cent of caregivers), are termed as caregivers but the foundation is really in family as well as housework (51 per cent), house maintenance and and friends.” outdoor work (45 per cent). You may be scheduling appointRick got involved with the Family Caregivers Network ments, managing finances, helping with medical treatment Society and used his and giving personal professional expericare. And if you’re “If there’s a reward for being a caregiver, ence in television to not doing any of it’s a satisfaction in stepping up to the plate.” help create a library these activities now, of training videos. as a family caregiver, –Neil Holland, Family Caregiver “We have about 60 you likely will be. videos on Youtube,” he says. “It’s under the title ‘Family “If you don’t think you need to consider preparing to be a Caregivers Network Video Series’ and covers just about ev- caregiver, try this reality check,” says Rick. “Draw a timeline erything you’ll encounter as a caregiver.” from now ahead through the next 10 or 15 years. At the near Rick combines his involvement in FCNS with a busy end, write how old you are now and also the present age of real estate practice. “I found FCNS when I needed help in your mom or dad or your oldest relative. Now, start adding supporting my stepmom around Dad’s cancer. I grew a lot up their ages as you go along that timeline. You’ll quickly see as a caregiver, listening to those men sharing their experi- how old your elders will get over that time.” He adds, “My ence and I wanted other men to benefit from that kind of in-laws still live in Victoria; nobody in the family but my wife Cheri and I live here now, so we’ll be backing them up one of experience, too.”

SL Ben agrees with Rick on the value of support groups for these days. You just do it.”

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Life’s Work Doesn’t Stop in Retirement

BY JUDEE FONG

B

efore his retirement four years ago, Milan (Mike) Misic experienced many changes, spanning his almost 50 years as a professional printer.

“I went to trade school in Croatia when I was 15. On the first day, the instructor told all of us, ‘I have one rule: You have to work hard if you want to pass, and you have to pass, to get a job.’”

In Europe, 15-year olds chose either a trade or, if they had the money to continue their education, move on to university.

“I worked six hours in school and four hours in the shop learning as a technician, not an apprentice,” recalls Mike.

At that time, Mike performed type-setting manually as a technician in school.

“All the letters were made of wood, which you don’t see anymore. The letters were all sizes depending upon the printing job.”

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Completing his schooling as a technician, Mike spent five more years as an apprentice, learning all the aspects of the printing business: composing, book binding, type-setting, different printing presses, and more, before working as a full-time tradesperson. Most of his time was spent in the composing room.

“My first job was at the second largest printing plant in Belgrade,” he says. “We printed chemistry and mathematical text books, other school books, some magazines and four or five newspapers in different languages.”

Technological changes were most evident in the composing room and in the printing presses. Mike remembers the early days when he printed using a stone press. Today, stone lithography is popular with artists who can create limited editions of their art by directly painting or drawing onto a prepared flat stone to create their image for printing.

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In 1964, when Mike began working in a small print shop in Canada, the press was metal. Today, printers use offset presses where digital cameras and computers do the work once manually done by a human printer.

Eventually settling in Victoria, Mike worked at the Times Colonist for many years. At that time, the Daily Colonist was the morning paper and the Victoria Times was the afternoon one. Mike recalls, “If there was a news-breaking story, we would need 12 hours to get

it printed and out on the streets. If it missed the morning deadline, there was an afternoon paper to print the news.

Now, with only a morning paper, if it doesn’t make it to the printing room on time, then it will be another day before it’s printed. The news is already old news by the time it’s read in the papers.”

After 1978, Mike’s job in the composing room changed to computer tech.

A “master” or primary computer controls one or more secondary systems by gathering information while the “slave”

A little support goes a long way Living an active lifestyle is essential to you and your loved one’s overall wellness, but sometimes injury, disease, or advanced age can limit our ability to walk, stand up and sit down, or get in and out of vehicles easily. That’s when it’s essential to ask for assistance to help get back on track. When you or a loved one are faced with the danger of falling due to weak or injured legs and ankles, it’s a good idea to find products that will provide good support to help improve everyday life. At Pharmasave we’re here to help you and your loved ones Live Well at Home with a variety of Home Health Care solutions.

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or secondary computer did all the work of type-setting, formatting, etc.

“Everything comes in digital files,” he says. “The stories come from editorial and we do a paste-up with the ads on it, then we set it up ready to print.

Everything is done electronically.”

Mike recalls an interesting conversation he had with one of the staff in 2010.

“I talked to a lady at the paper and told her we use to have more news on the front page than we have now. And she said, ‘What do you mean?’ And I said, ‘When a reporter went to court, there would be a two-column coverage of the actual cases but today, the story reads like a Hollywood movie, not real news.’

And she said to me, ‘Well that’s what the young people want to read.’ So, I call over our 20-year-old janitor and I say to him, ‘Do you buy the paper?’

And he said, ‘I don’t buy the paper. The only people who buy the paper are old people!’”

Retired for almost four years, Mike has kept himself busy with numerous projects. He looks forward to his annual

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Hawaiian vacation.

“I like to visit Hawaii as I have friends there. As soon as the door closes on the plane, everything flies out of my head. I don’t think of anything else for a whole month.”

Family also keeps Mike moving between a daughter in Edmonton and a son in Vancouver. Thinking of the changes in each generation, Mike says, “I remember my mother waking me up to go with her to buy fresh bread and milk for our family. It was during a time of rationing. I stood in one line for the bread and my mother stood in another for our milk. Looking at my grandkids, it’s a very different life for them.” Mike laughs, “Each generation may have different lifestyles but, basically, young people are the same. When I was 20, I told my parents, ‘You’re old-fashioned and don’t understand.’ When my son was 19, he said to me, ‘You don’t understand. You’re too old-fashioned.’ One day my grandkids said to me, ‘Grampa, my parents are so old. They don’t understand!’”

With pride in his craftsmanship and an eye for innovative details, Mike built a 9,000 square-foot house in the Mount Newton area. He renovated his existing house by enlarging the original rooms; constructing a large garage and creating an additional wing, whereby doubling the size of his original house.

“Most of the construction was done while I was still working,” he says. “I would come home from my job, sleep for a few hours and then work on my house before returning to my printing job. Building was hard work and the printing job was a rest!”

Since retiring, Mike continues work on his house. He plans a downstairs suite and a workshop. Mike maintains his European roots by baking his own bread, making his own cheeses and sausages. His ongoing projects are the restoration of three cars and his garden.

Despite living close to a golf course, Mike has not yet taken up the sport.

“I don’t have the time. Maybe one day I’ll learn but, right now, I’m too busy with all my other activities.” SL

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Enter for a chance to win (up to $3000 value)

1st Annual Fashion Show 1 p.m.

Be sure to join us for our premier Fashion Show.

Freshen your style with help from our fashion experts and find out what’s new for 2015.

Includes a feature presentation of Canadian Designer Simon Chang’s spring collection.

Presenting Sponsor: Connect Hearing

Victorian High Tea 12:30 & 2 pm

Enjoy a refreshing elegant English tradition provided by Today’s Lunch Company Ltd. Treat yourself to homemade scones with jam and Devonshire cream, delectable sandwiches and pastries.

Limited opportunity – only two sittings of 20 patrons each. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 250-479-4705 ext 100. $25 per ticket.

Entry by donation.

Please help support this annual event with a donation of $5 or more.

This event brings significant value to our community and we continually strive to offer new and exciting programs & activities.

Your attendance and financial support help make this possible.

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The Victoria Ballroom Dance Society 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

A crowd favorite every year, the Ballroom Dance Society offers the opportunity to learn to dance in a fun and non-pressure environment.

Retirement Concepts Concert Series: Music that is so nice to come home to 11 a.m. & 2 pm

Retirement Concepts and Health Arts Society are joining together to celebrate BC’s communities through the arts. During the year-long concert series, guests will enjoy sophisticated musical performances by talented local artists alongside Retirement Concepts residents at various venues and have the opportunity to sample first-class cuisine from an executive chef. Come have a sneak peak preview of this concert series at the Senior Expo and enjoy some samples of their excellent cuisine.

1st Annual Senior Living Fashion Show 1 pm

We are pleased to present our 1st annual Fashion Show at this year’s Senior Expo. Senior Living staff and friends will be modeling fashions from local retailers, as well as the new spring collection of Simon Chang.

Fashion Expert Teresa Lindsay will provide commentary and style advice throughout the presentation.

Senior Expo Bus Tour

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Collect special offers from participating exhibitors by getting your Passport stamped at the booths of your choice and enter our draw to win a fabulous Attractions Package including 2 nights accommodation at Accent Inn, Butchart Gardens Gift Basket, tickets to the Robert Bateman Gallery, Chemainus Theatre tickets and more.

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MARCH 2015

13 29

Eldercare Foundation presents

March 2015

March is Embrace Aging Month!

For details, visit gvef.org or call the Eldercare Foundation at 250-370-5664 or stop by our booth at the Senior Expo on March 10th

The Eldercare Foundation invites you to explore the possibilities, make connections and discover the wealth of resources available year-round to help you embrace the journey of aging. There are free workshops, activities and events island-wide and all ages are welcome.

Thanks to our Media Sponsors:

www.gvef.org 32 30

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Eldercare Foundation • Embrace Aging 2015 Senior Living Magazine

Embrace Aging…Get Connected Get connected to inspiring people, ideas, activities and valuable resources during the month of March.

There is so much to see and do! For more information, go to www.gvef.org and follow the Embrace Aging links or call the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation at 250-370-5664.

Don’t become part of this statistic! Everyday If you ask what health conditions represent life contains stress for all of us: the important the highest cost burden to our healthcare thing to keep in mind is to not let the stress system, the answer might well surprise get to an overwhelming point. For people of you. Cancer, heart disease and stroke may all ages, it is important to Be Well, Be Secure, come quickly to mind, but none of these Be Connected and Be Enriched. These are the answer to this question. Respiratory four concepts are the pillars of Embrace disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal Aging Month, an initiative of the Eldercare disorders are definitely on the rise as our Foundation, now in population ages but, its 10th year. During again, these are not the Chronic stress can lead to depression. the month of March, most costly conditions.

For seniors, in particular, stress can arise the Eldercare Neuropsychiatric from coping with situations such as: Foundation will diseases are at the • Economic fears (poverty levels are highlight free top of the spending on the rise among Canadian seniors) workshops, activities charts across Canada, • Declining physical health and events across costing the public • Indecision regarding housing options Vancouver Island. Two purse more than 1.5 of the workshops that times than the runner• Caregiver burnout specifically counteract up, cardiovascular • Loss of loved ones stress are Buddhist disease, according to a • Social isolation Meditation given study prepared for the • Loss of established support systems

by Kay Zwicki and Ontario Public Health • Fear of change Meditation: Finding Association.

Peace in Our Lives Included under given by Neil McKinlay.

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Eldercare Foundation • Embrace Aging 2015 - Right Page Senior Living Magazine

MARCH 2015

29 31 33

Switching Lanes

Kathleen Arnason considers her Camino hike one of the most important things she has done for herself.

BY JUDEE FONG

K

athleen Arnason’s life has always been focused on family, writing projects, publications, art, marketing, social media, motivational coach and much more. Active in new projects, she laughingly says, “Busy people always find time to do more.”

Kathleen recognizes opportunities that come her way and is bold enough to grab them. She recalls, “I wanted to be a builder and I am. I built my life. I build books and help others build books. I build projects and that’s never done alone because building with others is sharing a dream, a goal.”

One night, Kathleen dreamt a vision that made a lasting impression. “I remembered a fountain made of stones with seven towers on it and the dream message was, ‘If you want

peace, you have to start with the children.’” Talented friends designed and built a small replica of her fountain for her “Peace Fountain” tour in 2010. Supportive friends helped with food and lodging as Kathleen crossed Canada and spoke to numerous schools.

Four hundred children were interviewed on their thoughts for world peace. As a researcher, Kathleen wanted to know

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where children go to find their personal peace, especially in times of poverty, stress, strife and survival. She emphasizes, “I wanted the children to understand personal peace.”

With the help of sponsors like National Trust for Land and Culture Canada, For a Greener Planet and Sierra Club BC, plus volunteers and experts, Kathleen will chair the first “World Children’s Summit on Peace and Nature,” taking place in Victoria on May 19-22, 2015. The Summit will provide opportunities for children from different cultures and backgrounds to share their stories with each other; to explore new ways of finding their peace in nature; and to teach other children what they learn.

The conference will be streamed live to the rest of the world. All the participating children, ages 10-14 years, will meet again on September 21, 2015 at Alix Goolden Hall to present what they have learned from experts generous in sharing their knowledge and skills: Vice-chairperson Renee Lindstrom on contemplative movement; David Bouchard on culture/ storytelling; Frances Litman, nature/photography and Molly Rahner Newman, music/ukulele.

Embracing life with enthusiasm and joy, Kathleen continues to forge ahead. March 2015 will unveil Kathleen’s Bee Happy Clothing line, designed for infants, toddlers and young children.

“I’m so excited about Bee Happy Clothing because

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brought in by a young artist. It was a scene from the Camino and the artist’s story of her pilgrimage appealed to Kathleen’s adventurous spirit. Seven years later, Kathleen’s 800-kilometre journey on the El Camino Napoleon route began in France from St. Jean Pied de Port and ended in Spain at Santiago de Compostela.

“My two sons rank first, but walking the Camino ranks second as one of the most important things I have ever done for myself.”

This Camino route had the most challenging start by walking over the Pyrenees, and Kathleen almost changed her mind.

She vividly recalls, “I couldn’t do this and turning around, I walked straight into a man’s chest. It was a man I knew when I did the Fountain of Peace tour. He was climbing the Our 60th Anniversary serving the needs Pyrenees, too, and I was too embarof physically disabled throughout B.C. rassed to tell him I was about to quit.

Our Mission is to help fund & support Help us to help others!

I started walking with him. Eventually, organizations and individuals facing I told him how I felt and he said, ‘No, challenges, and improve quality of Our Accomplishments include: life and independence. you must do it. I will see you over this •Technology for independent living mountain.’ And I said, ‘Even if you have •Noble House •Education programs to carry my backpack?’ And he replied, •Support of Ronald McDonald House ‘Even if I carry your backpack because And, we are “Calling All kin” as well! you need to do this.’ I did.”

Please support our programs! Learn more, and donate at: www.goingstrong.ca “I’m from the Prairies, and I got to Thank you for 60 years of support!! We have a variety of ways that you can help!! the top of this mountain thinking goFor more info, Email: kinsmenfoundationofbc@shaw.ca

they’re wearable ‘fun’ pieces that make children want to dance and be happy.”

Kathleen’s cherished storybook characters such as her Icelandic elves Snorrie and Snaebjorn, faeries Ocean and Janey will be imprinted on her Bee Happy clothing. A Bee Happy Pillow with a cheerful bee sitting in the middle of this big, plump pillow will also be available to comfort and help a small child understand his/her feelings and actions. Kathleen explains, “Rather than a ‘time-out’ in isolation, a child has the chance to calm down, to talk about his/her feelings, to have a voice and share his feelings with a parent who listens.”

Kathleen was working at a gallery when she saw a painting

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ing down would be easier, but it was even steeper. All I could think was, ‘Only God would play a trick like that on a Prairie girl!’”

Kathleen remembers two days before completing the walk, she was sitting in a Spanish café. “A young woman looked at me and said how much she admired my walking stick. I said, ‘Thank you, it’s from Vancouver Island.’ She replied, ‘I’m from Vancouver Island, too.’ She continued, ‘I like your walking stick because I’m an artist.’ I said, ‘Oh, I use to work in a gallery.’ And she said, ‘I use to hang in that gallery’ and then the penny dropped. This was the artist who first told me about the Camino. She was doing the walk again. When she heard I would be writing about my experiences, she offered to do the cover for my book. Life is a Camino debuts this month and the cover shows three people going up the Camino – my artist friend, myself and the third person is a woman we met who had cancer surgery a few months before and was also doing the walk for the second time.”

Thinking about life, Kathleen muses, “Everything you’ve done before retiring is part of who you are today. Today is the day you can be as great as you want to be. You don’t ‘retire,’ you just ‘switch lanes’ and have a blast doing it!”

SL For more information, volunteering and/or donations to the World Children’s Summit, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/switching-lanes

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73 35

Travel

Diversity:

the Pride of Panama

W

hat most showcases each country we visit is always on our travel agenda. The Panama Canal is indeed on Panama’s pedestal – considered “One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”

While figuring out our approach to seeing this marvel of engineering, my husband Rick and I spend our days wandering around central Panama City with its uber-international vibes.

Ex-pats from all over the world make their home here (to work or retire) resulting in restaurants with a dozen different cuisines on the same street, ethnic foods in supermarcados, huge malls, skyscrapers, mucho condos and a mini-Vegas of casinos.

The stunning waterfront promenade becomes a favoured spot to wile an afternoon away. A statue of Vasco Balboa towers with a raised sword in one hand, a Spanish flag in the other. In 1513, this explorer, starting from the Atlantic side, is credited with being the first European to cross the isthmus.

“Discovering” a body of water on the opposite side, he waded in knee deep and pierced the sandy bottom with a flag claiming it for Spain – a claim which of course did not stick being that it was the Pacific Ocean.

The “City Sightseeing Panama – Canal Tour” hop-on/ hop-off bus proves to be a great way to navigate about. It’s a given that the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks, just outside the city, will be our first “hop-off.” We arrive at the Visitors Centre in time to watch a freighter loaded down with containers make its way through the canal with guiding electronic locomotives, called mules, tethered to the freighter to keep it centred. Quite a sight!

The canal’s history unfolds in a small museum on the main floor. The idea to join the two major oceans was hatched soon after Balboa came and went. But it was not until 1881 that the 38 36

SENIOR LIVING

BY IRENE BUTLER

first firm effort to build the canal was undertaken by the French, which did not end well with 22,000 workers dying from accidents/tropical diseases before the company declared bankruptcy a dozen years later.

In 1904, Panama negotiated an agreement with the United States and the canal was successfully completed; officially opening under US control on August 15, 1914. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 gave a time of joint control, with Panama taking over fully in 1999. The three locks, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel on the Pacific side and Gatun Lock on the Atlantic side, use a system consisting of two lanes that operate as water elevators, which raise ships from sea level to the 26m above sea level of Gatun Lake (manmade for this purpose), and then lowers the ships back to sea level on the opposite side of the isthmus. This introduction has us planning to see more!

On the bus again, the route takes us past the highest point in the city, Cerro Ancon at 199m, then down the long narrow Amador Causeway. Our next “hop-off” is the historic old city of Casco Viejo (a.k.a. Casco Antiguo). As Panama City grew and sprawled, its colonial buildings were neglected for decades.

Some are restored as restaurants/cafés/shops, while others remain in a crumbling state with wind whispering tales from the past through hollows where windows once were.

The many churches call forth the faithful and spectators alike.

Most impressive is the Catedral Metropolitana with its stone façade, wooden doors and mother-of-pearl encrusted bell towers.

My front-runner is Iglesia de San Jose (Saint Joseph’s Church), so plain on the outside, we almost missed it. But oh, the inside is divine! Our eyes glue to the glorious altar veneered in gold – the subject of legend, which an English speaking local shares with us. “This alter was covered with a coat of black paint to appear

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worthless when pirate Henry Morgan plundered the very first settlement east of here in 1671; it was later brought to this church.” We concur if Morgan had seen what we stand before today – he wouldn’t have left without it.

The old city streets lead to the Pacific Ocean where a brisk market is underway along the water’s edge. I am excited to see many of the sellers in the small stalls are Cuna (Kuna), the indigenous peoples who first migrated to Panama from Colombia centuries ago. Although the men have succumbed to western clothing, the women are exquisite in their traditional dress of gold ear and nose rings, forearms and calves bound in rows of coloured beads – and their famed molas – the panels on the front and back of their blouses. These panels are of different coloured cloth that is cut and basted to form designs, which are now incorporated into sale items for tourists – like my purse with a snake in gold and black on a background of green!

The Cuna, who mostly live along Panama’s northern mainland and the islands of San Blas Archipelago, have been in the medical limelight recently as they do not suffer from high Historic old city

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blood pressure, ever – not even with advanced age. Their basic daily diet consists of plantain, coconut, fish and fruit, and a quart of Flavanol-rich cocoa. Rick is quick to say, “See, I told you we should be eating tons more dark chocolate!”

It is high time for us to see more of the Panama Canal, specifically, the less frequented Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side; a two-hour-drive from Panama City. We are also keenly interested in seeing this side’s Canal Expansion, and book a private tour.

Okay – this is where it’s at! From our Gatun viewing deck, a ship in the lock furthest from us begins its journey from the Atlantic side; in eight or nine hours will exit to the Pacific. At the same time, in the lock nearest us, we are in for a mega-thrill! Sizable vessels that started out on the Pacific side are now entering the Gatun Locks from Gatun Lake AND we are chatting distance away! We call out to the crew who wave and call back!

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Leslie, a lock attendant, is on hand with details on the ships passing right under our noses. “This is the Hanze Groningen, from the Netherlands – 590ft long, 98ft wide, so,” she chuckles, “with the canal being 110ft wide, with a maximum allowable boat width of 106ft – it’s a tight squeeze.” She continues, “This Netherlander’s weight is 20,200 tons – the cost to go through the canal is $93,292.85 US.” Pointing out a ship anchored on Gatun Lake, Leslie says, “That’s the Coral Princess cruise ship from Fort Lauderdale in partial transit. After coming through Gatun Locks, its 2,400 passengers spend the day in Panama City, before leaving through Gatun Locks again.” She checks her ledger, “At 78,800 tons the canal charge is $321,600 US.” We leave WOWED by these close encounters!

A short distance away we arrive at the viewing area for the Canal Expansion Project of mind-boggling complexity to accommodate today’s super-sized vessels. Beginning in 2007, the original targeted completion date was 2014 to commemorate 100 years of the Canal’s operation, but due to money issues and labour disputes the operational date is set for January of 2016.

Back in Panama City, we take in more sites and meetings with gracious Panamanians… and see the expat appeal! SL For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/pride-of-panama

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Grandparenting

Making Sense of Physical Punishment and Children

BY KATHY LYNN

W

hen my husband and I were raising our children, an offence should be prosecuted. In the case of the spanking of spanking was a commonly used and accepted form children, guidelines could require parenting education, parent of punishment. Today, attitudes towards physical pun- support and guidance or a simple reminder that hitting children ishment are changing, and, if we are going to be good supporters is not permitted in Canada.

Think about a situation in which a couple is in an intense arof our children while they raise our grandchildren, it’s important gument and one slaps the other. It’s not particularly serious and we understand the changes.

Hitting kids is not a good way to teach them how to behave. is a result of the heat of the moment. There is likely not going to In 1978, when I first started my speaking business, the idea that be a charge of assault placed on the perpetrator.

What about using force to keep a child from harm? Would it disciplinary tactics should not include physical punishment was revolutionary. But I felt that it was neither a necessary nor an ef- be illegal to grab a toddler who is about to run onto the road?

How about wrangling a preschooler into a car seat? Or taking fective way to discipline children. the hand of a child to remove Today’s parents have a them from a classroom when host of skills and resources they are disruptive? Consent to help them raise children Attitudes towards physical punishment to reasonable force can be eiwithout using violence. The ther expressed or implied. It idea of hitting kids reflects an are changing, and, if we are going to be is expressed when, for examattitude toward children that good supporters of our children while they ple, written consent is given no longer exists. for a medical operation. It Research shows that the raise our grandchildren, it’s important we is implied when the person risks of physical and psychounderstand the changes. against whom the force is logical harm are definite. We used would have consented, now accept that children are if competent to do so. not chattels; they are human The common law has long beings who possess all of the recognized that parents and teachers may have to use reasonable basic human rights including freedom from physical harm. force to remove a child from harm, put an unwilling child to But, questions remain, so, let’s address them.

Many people believe that spanking is not hitting. However, bed, in a car seat, or on a school bus. These are common, childany time an open hand moves with speed toward a body part, caring actions for which the law implies consent on the part of that is a slap or a whack. The fact that the body part is the child’s the child. They are entirely different from hitting a child for corbottom is irrelevant. Hitting is hitting, no matter what other rection and do not constitute an assault.

Over the years, the courts have put limitations on the ways names we give it, and if we believe that violence is never the in which parents can hit their children. They can no longer use answer, we won’t hit our children.

What about the criminalization of well-meaning parents who switches, paddles or belts, but only hit with an open hand. You hit a child? Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada states can no longer hit a child on his head. And children under the age that “every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of two or over 12 are not to be hit.

Our children deserve the best we can offer. Positive discipline of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if that never includes causing them physical pain, but does teach the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circum- them right from wrong, will prepare them to become capable SL stances.” In my view, this section is unnecessary to our criminal adults. law because for some parents, it offers permission to hit kids.

Although banning spanking would mean that hitting children For more information on physical punishment and positive diswould fall in the same category as hitting adults and would, cipline, visit www.corinnesquest.ca therefore, be an offence under the Criminal Code, it would rarely be prosecuted. Prosecution is only appropriate where it is in the Kathy Lynn is a parenting expert, professional speaker and author. To public interest. Prosecutors have discretion in deciding whether learn more, visit www.parentingtoday.ca WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2015

14 39

Created by

Richard Maltby, Jr.

Conceived by

William Meade

Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg

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Ballet Victoria: Tea for Tutu Seniors can get a FREE taste of what’s in store this season at Ballet Victoria at a special “Tea for Tutu” in Victoria on March 4 & May 13. “Tea for Tutu” offers quality innovative daytime performances in a friendly community atmosphere with refreshments offered by our sponsors. The program for each event includes an introduction to ballet, a demonstration of the training, creation and rehearsals for new works, and a performance of repertoire from our upcoming production. Call 250380-6063 to reserve your seat. www.balletvictoria.ca Ballet Victoria: Amadeus – Dances with Wolfgang “Amadeus – Dances with Wolfgang” offers the passion and drama of a musical genius. The music of Mozart and of Queen’s Freddie Mercury meet in this incredible balletic journey to stardom. Watch Wolfgang’s unbridled talent torment and consume him in this poignant ode to the artist. Royal Theatre, March 10 & 11. www.balletvictoria.ca Butchart Gardens Year round colour and majestic foliage grace this historic Island attraction. Don’t miss our fabulous “Taste of Spring – Admission and High Tea Special” until March 15, 2015 and experience “Spring Prelude,” our indoor garden until March 31. Limited seating available for our “5 Chefs – 5 Plates, Dine Around Special Dinners” – reserve now! Check out the benefits of a 12-month pass offering unlimited visits for one year from date of activation, plus bring friends or family at a discounted rate (some restrictions apply). Your pass allows you to attend 50+ evenings of entertainment at no extra charge. Saturday Fireworks and Special Event days are excluded. Adults $57.50. Or purchase the special 2015 Fireworks Pass (Adults $84.90) for all the benefits of a regular pass, plus admission to one Firework show. Passes offer additional benefits of 10% discount on all food purchases and most gift store items, and $2 off our regular Boat Tour rate.

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Chemainus Theatre “Project Johnny Cash” is a musical tribute to the Man in Black.

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Enjoy over 35 hit songs. Nestled in the seaside community of Chemainus, this vibrant and fully professional theatre features some of the finest performers in Canada. www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca See ad on page 40.

Cinecenta at University of Victoria Cinecenta is an inexpensive movie alternative for students and the public at large. Cinecenta loves seniors. Their cozy 300-seat theatre and terrific concession bar features tasty baked goods and great coffee. Popcorn with real butter at no extra cost too! Seniors (65+) only $5.75. www.cinecenta.com See ad on page 41.

Senior Expo Join us March 10th at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria for Senior Living’s Annual Senior Expo. Over 125 exhibits, plus all day entertainment. This year features our first annual Fashion Show, an afternoon tea, and a variety of special entertainment. Come enjoy a day of refreshment and rejuvenation.

9am–3:30pm. Admission by Donation. www.seniorlivingmag.com See ads on page 28-29.

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Arts & Entertainment

Memorable Moments

BY KEVIN MCKAY

I

n his 67 years, Phil Moriarity has been a lot of things, but one thing he has most definitely not been is boring! From his earliest days to the present he has been a rebel, a rogue, a choirboy, a military engineer, a real estate agent, a private eye and so much more. And now, he is living the good life as a singer/songwriter in the Lower Mainland.

Born and raised in Paris, Ontario, Phil spent most of his early years doing his best to avoid his studies. He says, “Growing up I hated school. I did like sports, especially playing pool in the local pool hall during school hours. The downside is that I received no formal music lessons as I was busy avoiding school and classes. My only singing, at that time, was in church as a choir boy.”

At 18, he joined the army and served three years as a military engineer in BC and Germany. While receiving training in Vancouver, Phil met Catherine, the young woman he married upon his return from Germany. The couple moved to Phil’s hometown, where he went to work as a real estate agent in his dad’s company. Despite getting married and starting a family, something was still missing.

“After a few years, we moved to Windsor, where I ran a few businesses and hit as many bars as I could,” says Phil. “Eventually, we moved back to Vancouver and I became a Private Eye, but was still really restless. I took some university courses and became a policeman, first in Delta, then later in Vancouver.”

Before retiring in 1994, Phil was in charge of the International Organized Crime Portfolio in the Intelligence Unit for the VPD. Once he had retired, the father of seven and currently grandfather of 11 needed another outlet. After years of working for others, he decided to take the plunge and act on his long-held desire to be a singer.

“I thought I would record some songs to see what happened with my CD,” he says. “I went to Federico’s Supper Club on Commercial Drive, a really classy dinner dance place. I put a small band together and sang some of my original songs, which I had written out of frustration from lack of musical release. I was arrogant enough to think I could do it. As soon as they saw me up on stage, they asked me to start doing shows there. I got booked to perform two to three times a week for a few years. Federico’s is where I got my first big break and 44 42

SENIOR LIVING

Vancouver crooner Phil Moriarity

where I got my feet wet.”

One thing led to another and, the next thing you know, Phil found opportunity after opportunity to share his gift of music with happy audiences. He would perform theme shows at various venues around town, either alone or with his band or sometimes another singer. People would see him perform and, as a result, he would wind up with more bookings.

“Many musicians get focused on their art and lose out on opportunities that would gain them success and later allow them to focus on their art the way they want to,” says Phil. “I will do a gig on a cruise ship and will turn that into a garden party once I am back in town and that turns into a wedding a few weeks later. If you are open to things, doors will open for you. I sing in my church choir and get asked to do a few solos, which help with my confidence. Now, I’m being asked to do weddings and funerals. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will find opportunities.”

If you go to a Phil Moriarity show, you will hear a wide variety of musical stylings. He has been influenced by per-

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Featured Business formers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones.

“Typically, I will sing a few original songs and a lot of covers. I usually do a mix of popular songs that people know. It is an eclectic variety. I don’t want people to have to listen to the same beat all night. I like to mix it up, so people hear songs they want to hear.”

Currently, Phil is in the studio working on a remake of his first CD of original music. He claims he was inexperienced in the music industry, at the time, and feels he can do a much better job now.

“When I finished that first album, Federico saw something in me that even I didn’t,” he says. “I have learned a lot over the years and that will come out in the re-release, even in terms of orchestration and song arrangement. There is a mix in the songs I write. Some are somber and reflective, but, musically, I like to keep them up tempo and not have every song sound the same.

My experiences and observations feature prominently in my songs. You can’t get away from it. One of my songs is about being a rogue. Age melts things down; you don’t do what you used to, but you certainly remember.”

One great thing about his singing career is that Phil feels younger than he did years ago. He opened a couple of businesses when he retired, and is still running them today, but claims while he felt close to 60 then, he feels closer to 40 now. This is, in large part, due to the enjoyment he gets from performing in front of an appreciative audience.

“I don’t go out to perform as a tribute artist, but I pay tribute to Sinatra, Tom Jones and all the rest by putting out my own rendition on their songs. There is so much to be said for inflection and phrasing and that can change the tenor of the song so much.

It creates its own tapestry. Just to keep myself amused or in the moment I will even change things up on the fly.”

Phil’s career as an undercover cop helped him to not be intimidated by new situations, though he was still a little nervous the first few times. He says, “I was nervous, shaking, had a drymouth, but I was used to that. You are not alive until you are close to death. I am an adrenaline junkie. It becomes a challenge and then it’s like, ‘I can do this, so shut up and go do it.’ Everything is new until it isn’t any more. If you make it fun, it helps you relax.

I make a lot of mistakes on stage. I’m talking between notes. If I miss a cue, I just catch up and pick it up. No audience is the same, so they have not heard the same thing before.”

One aspect of performing Phil really enjoys is interaction with his audience, making his shows more enjoyable for everyone.

“I like to come off the stage and sit on people’s lap and interact with them,” he says. “It creates a more vibrant and vital performance. You feel their energy and we feed off each other. Then, the band picks it up and the whole thing just builds. I always go around and touch shoulders. It creates more of an interactive experience for the audience. When you see a show, you don’t want to watch someone up there preening. They didn’t just come to hear me sing, they came for an experience. At my age, I want as SL many moments as I can get.”

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That difference could be the Amica philosophy of Wellness & Vitality™, where every day residents enjoy themselves doing what they like best.

With access to a host of services, activities and events that stimulate the spirit, nurture the body and encourage friendships, an Amica community is a place where wonders never cease. Many have tried to identify the unmistakable appeal of an Amica community, yet none is able to match it. If your retirement destination is the West Coast, here is what Amica Mature Lifestyles communities have to offer in British Columbia.

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Amica at Rideau Manor in Central Burnaby is an active residence close to parks, churches, malls, restaurants and transit. 1850 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby. 604.291.1792.

Amica at West Vancouver - Located in affluent West Vancouver, this residence has fine shops and restaurants at its doorstep, in addition to wonderful amenities and services for residents. 659 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver.

604.921.9181.

Vancouver Island Amica at Somerset House is an intimate, thoughtfully designed residence with enviable views of the ocean, in the seaside neighbourhood of James Bay, Victoria. 540 Dallas Road, Victoria. 250.380.9121.

Amica at Beechwood Village, in the picturesque seaside town of Sidney, boasts beautiful gardens, and is a short stroll away from waterside parks and marinas. 2315 Mills Road, Sidney. 250.655.0849.

Amica at Douglas House, in the charming and historic neighbourhood of James Bay, overlooks beautiful Beacon Hill Park and is within viewing distance of the Pacific Ocean. 50 Douglas Street, Victoria. 250.383.6258.

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MARCH 2015

54 43

Fit for the Adventure Street Smart Your Exercise

I

f you walk or run outdoors regularly, no doubt you cherish the feeling of well-being the activity gives you. Unfortunately, attacks against runners (particularly females) do occur.

Always remain alert. You’re less vulnerable if you are aware of what’s happening around you. Avoid wearing headphones, or keep them at low volume. You may not hear an approaching car, or an approaching attacker.

Run against traffic to see oncoming vehicles.

Run in familiar areas and avoid unpopulated routes. If pos-

BY EVE LEES

sible, run with a partner or a dog. If you must run in the dark, choose a well-lit course and wear reflective clothing.

Write down or leave word of where you are walking or running. Change your route occasionally.

Befriend neighbours, or businesses on your regular routes.

Take note of Block Parent or Block Watch homes. When passing an approaching person, look directly at them – be aware and observant. However, keep your distance and keep moving.

Use discretion in acknowledging verbal harassment. Usually, it’s best to ignore it.

Attackers expect submission. If you project calmness and authority, you will project strength and discourage an attacker.

Don’t wear jewellery. It may attract unwanted attention from thieves.

Carry your cell phone and identification, or write your name and phone number inside your running shoe.

Carry a noisemaker, such as a whistle. A scream is also an effective silence-breaker and attention-getter.

Take a self-defence course.

Call police immediately if something happens to you or anyone else.

By becoming observant, you can also help with community protection. Practice noting the characteristics of strangers.

Learn to memorize license plates. Trust your intuition in reporting suspicious people or happenings. Use the information obtained through your Neighbourhood Block Watch program to be aware of strange occurrences. You can report sightings and incidents if you have a description of a vehicle or of a suspected lawbreaker.

You can also help improve your community, and enhance everyone’s safety by approaching city planners with such concerns as clearing overgrown trails or improving lighting.

Be safe, run smart.

SL Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www. artnews-healthnews.com

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BY PAT NICHOL

T

Don’t be Everything for Everyone

aking good care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

It is one of the most courageous things we can do.

Have you ever been on a plane and listened when the cabin attendants are going through the safety instructions?

They come to the part about depressurization and the oxygen masks dropping down, and they tell you that no matter who is dependent on you, put on your own mask first. Take care of yourself first. If you don’t, you won’t be able to take care of those who need you.

A recent mental health report I read about stated “Canadians caring for chronically ill older relatives are stressed out at a time when an aging population means more people will require such care.” We can’t afford this.

I grew up at a time when there were many “Type E” personalities in the population. Type E meant trying to be everything for everyone. That was the way it was done. If you didn’t put everyone else first, you were perceived as selfish, uncaring of others, thinking only of yourself. An E-type person is guaranteed to burn out from stress long before they have an

Photo: Frances Litman

COURAGEOUS and OUTRAGEOUS

opportunity to be the amazing person they were meant to be.

We need to stay strong, first of all, for ourselves, then for the others. People are living longer. Are you aware that the reason the retirement age was originally pegged at 65? Because in 1880, when it was decided upon, most people didn’t live that long. Today, more of us are living to over 100. I plan on being around to 115, and I’m sure that by the time I get close to that, there will be lots around me about the same age.

So, back to my original statement. Taking good care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. The key phrase is taking care of yourself – eat right, exercise to the best of your ability and love yourself.

When you attend the Senior Expo, please come and give me a hug. Hugs are one of the best things we can do for ourselves – and each other.

SL Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her at mpatnichol@gmail.com or visit www.patnichol.com

Complimentary lunch Complimentary dinner

Choice – it’s what living at a Revera retirement community is all about.

That’s why, Revera – Parkwood Place would like to invite you and a guest for your choice of a complimentary lunch or dinner and tour. Take the opportunity to learn about your retirement options, explore our beautiful amenity spaces and speak with residents about what it’s like to live at Parkwood Place. See why they tell us they “should have done this years ago.”

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Parkwood Place 3051 Shelbourne St Victoria

250-598-1565 reveraliving.com

MARCH 2015

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It’s Just That Easy!

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Selecting a Roof for Your Home

hen the time comes to re-roof your home, you should research your options carefully – this is a long-term investment that will affect the value of your home and its curb appeal. I cannot stress the importance of hiring a qualified roofing contractor. Asking the right questions is the key to selecting the right roofing contractor: • Are they certified installers and covered under the warranty plan of the roofing product?

• Are they fully licensed in your area to perform roofing work?

• Are they adequately insured for your protection?

• Do they have a proven reputation for providing quality roofing?

• Do they treat the roof as an integrated system?

Roofing materials vary from the traditional three tab or strip shingles that have been around for many years, to architectural shingles, treated cedar, composite or metal roofs.

When deciding which product to use, consider the overall style and look of your house, as well as the style of your neighbourhood. Ask your installer for locations where you can see the material used on another house. When selecting laminated fibreglass shingles, pay attention to the quality, weight and the composition of the shingle. Good, Better, Best – Heavier weight and re-enforced shingles will perform better. It should be noted that replacing your cedar roof with new treated cedar shingles and converting to laminated fibreglass shingles are very similar in price.

Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continuous flow of outside air through the attic, protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space. It consists of a balance between air intake (at your

48 46

SENIOR LIVING

eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge).

Consider a minimum of at least one square foot of attic ventilation for every 200 square feet of attic space. Proper ventilation in the attic will reduce heat build-up, moisture and condensation, weather infiltration and ice dam build-up.

Poor attic ventilation can ruin your insulation, destroy your shingles, and raise your energy bills.

When installing a new roof, it’s always best to remove the existing roofing materials. This reduces excess weight, giving you the opportunity to properly examine the roof deck for defects or damages. It also allows installation of waterproofing underlayment.

Waterproofing underlayments (Ice and Water Shield) should always be used in valleys, on ridges, at eves and around chimneys and skylights. On low pitch roofs, the entire roof should be covered with Ice and Water Shield prior to installation of shingles. This will create a watertight seal that keeps water out at the most vulnerable areas of your roof (at the eaves and rakes, in valleys, around chimneys, etc.)

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties range from 20 years to lifetime. There are two types of coverage that you should ask your contractor about: coverage against material defects and coverage against workmanship errors. Look for warranties that cover materials and labour.

SL

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Home Service Referral Network provides qualified trades (vetted by Shell) to homeowners. For more information, go to www.askshell.com and join Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Club. Phone: 604-542-2236.

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CLASSIFIEDS COLLECTOR SEEKING VINTAGE/ COLLECTABLE cameras, binocu-

lars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc.

Mike 250-383-6456 or send e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net (Victoria)

HEALTH CONCERNS NIGGLING YOU? Call Healing Specialist Marcia

R.N.,B.Sc.N. 250-686-3081. Victoria Area. Let Me Help You Be Well.

FANTASTIC HOUSECLEANER 29 YEARS EXP. in all areas of cleaning.

RELAIS & CHATEAUX Pro Housekeeping and supervisory skills. 4 & 5 Diamond hotel trained. Own supplies.

Reliable friendly service. Bed changing and special requests welcome.

Tons of excellent refs. Serving Duncan, Cherry Point, Maple Bay, Crofton areas. Call Melinda 250-715-1185 mclemente@shaw.ca AFFORDABLE LIVING FOR 55+ CROWD. 2-Bedroom 2-Bath. Low

Strata Fee includes all utilities. Social atmosphere! Shows Amazing. $219,000. Solomon 604-679-4560.

SENSUAL MASSAGE. Are you miss-

ing touch? I’m a Certified Sexological Bodyworker, I work with Couples and Individuals. Sher 250-889-4166 or sexeducator@telus.net

CHANGING PLACES Downsizing and

relocation specialists SINCE 1991.

Moving? Aging in place? Need help?

Don’t know where to start? Let us take care of all the details from start to finish. Call Jane 250-721-4490 Victoria and the Island, John 778-628-0725 Vancouver for a free estimate Visit www.victoriamoves.com

AFFORDABLE, SAFE, COMFORTABLE HOUSING For INDEPENDENT LIVING SENIORS North Park Manor Society is accepting applications for Bachelor & 1 Bedroom Suites.

Maximum rent 30% of income for qualifying Seniors

Email: northparkmanor@shaw.ca

875 N. Park St., Victoria (250)383-7611

WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Call Michael at 250-652-9412 or fenian@shaw.ca HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE can help with compassionate, personalized home care services in your own home, once a week, or every day.

Our CAREGiversSM are extensively trained, insured, bonded, professional and reliable. We take pride in matching our CAREGivers to your preferences. Please call us today for your complimentary care consult. We would love to help! 250-382-6565.

DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES in

the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Call Debi at 250-477-7505.

IN HOME PERSONAL CARE, FOOT CARE, companionship and more.

Safe, reliable service. “We treat your loved ones like our own”. Lower Mainland. Two Nurses With Big Hearts 604-807-0991.

BARGAIN: ROYAL ALOHA CLUB TIMESHARE. Condo, 1bdrm, 1 week/

year.

Many locations. + Banked weeks. Search: RAVC.com $3,000 USD OBO. Evenings 604-581-1727 successbuilder@shaw.ca

SOOKE SENIORS TRANSPORTATION & COMPANIONSHIP SERVICE.

AFFORDABLE transportation, housekeeping, cooking, gardening. Insured, bonded, 41 years accident free driving www.sookeseniorservices.ca Call 778-977-5428.

WANTED: Old stereo/audio equip-

ment. Any condition. Amplifiers, turntables, speakers, receivers etc. Honest/friendly. Victoria and V.I. Call Bob, 250-896-2268, or send an email to northtowns26@gmail.com

ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s professional mobile foot care nurses.

Debbie Mason LPN and John Patterson LPN. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Experienced, qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. 250-390-9266.

DOWNSIZING?

OVERWHELMED?

Downsizing Diva can take the stress out of a move. Sorting, packing, unpacking, advising, and more. Free estimate call Cathy 250 634 3207. BBB WANTED: Antique firearms, swords,

medals, coins, estate jewellery, oil paintings. Mid-Island, Can Travel. Call Alexander 250-324-1892. $ABSO-

LUTE HIGHEST PRICES PAID.$

SANDY FOR SENIORS Transportation

to appointments, shopping, cooking, cleaning and odd jobs. Caring, reliable, honest. Bonded and insured.

250-216-0253.

AROMA MASSAGE/ESSENTIAL OILS

Vancouver in/out hotel services. Caregiving services offered. Also searching for a permanent companion, willing to relocate Frances 778-839-6583.

HAVEN HOME CARE LTD. In home

care providers. Helping our clients lead dignified independent lifestyles.

Greater Victoria. Call 250-213-3684. www.havenhomecare.ca

FUN ADVENTURE BUS TOURS Staff Assisted Wheelchair Equipped

Serving individuals and groups up to 20

COASTAL COMPANION DBA COASTAL MEDIC

Call 250-883-0406 | info@coastalmedic.com

Refresh Your Property before Listing!

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North of 50

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Would You Like an App With That?

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BY COLIN CAMPBELL

hen it comes to keeping up with technological change, I confess to having lost that battle around the time the transistor radio was invented. Now, my family is urging me to upgrade my cell phone and it’s causing me no end of grief.

I appreciate why they’re doing this.

My current phone has one of those dopey little keyboards where the letters come in clusters of three and even four, designed for someone with fingers as delicate as toothpicks. As a result of my sausage-digit jabbing, family and friends puzzle to decode my responses to their texts: Tanjk zou fnr xyooyr klind bhhirdazy wirrshirts. Cnnolim.

For most people, I suspect, purchasing a new phone would be no big deal.

They’d just amble into one of those phone places that look like airport washrooms, sign over their first born, and walk out minutes later with a shiny new Raspberry or Kamakaze. For me, it would be like Stephen Leacock attempting to withdraw two dollars from his account at the Mariposa bank.

That intimidating.

The problem is I’m not very good at taking instruction, although I did recently manage to scrape a pass in a night school course: Card Shuffling for Dummies. On matters technological, I need simple, clear-cut explanations delivered at a pace I can cope with. My experience with techie types is that they’re not that good at explaining stuff to the hardof-learning. They assume too much, for one thing; take it for granted that you can tell an app from an amplifier. In my case, it took months of asking questions and scribbling notes before I twigged that programming the VCR was not rocket science, and then right when I was on the verge of getting the hang of the thing, the device went the way of civility and the wind-up car window.

That’s not to say that I’m a complete Luddite. I typed this on the computer, after all, and I can comprehend the difference between a download and an updraft, and appreciate that modems bear no connection whatever to houses of ill repute. I admit to having trouble recalling passwords – you need so many of the blessed things. But I’ve solved that

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SENIOR LIVING

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little problem by writing them down in a notebook, which I store in my sock drawer away from prying eyes, comfortable that nobody would venture in there without a hazmat suit.

So, where does this leave me? Should I bite, or byte, the proverbial bullet and boldly go where no Colin has gone before? And if so, what will be my fate?

Will I emerge with a comfortable understanding of the basic functions of a new and improved, but not too complex phone, grateful to the sympathetic young salesperson for his undying patience? Or, will I encounter some high-speed technoranter who’ll babble away about the merits of the Elderberry Mark V Smartphone’s “light emitting diode pretzel optimizer with high resolution embedded multifacer gigabyte doohickey, and Martian android interceptor capabilities,” until my head spins and I fall over?

Will I then get completely flusterpated, and end up signing a life-long contract that requires me to pay hundreds of dollars a month, plus do 8,000 hours of community work and undertake not to come within 10 kilometres of a Better Business Bureau?

I can’t do it. The more I think about it, the process is likely to be about as pleasant as negotiating with a car dealership on a trade–in price for my 1998 Ford Fidgit.

For now anyway, the family is just going to put up with my wayward tappings.

Besides, I’m doing them a favour: like crosswords and Sudoko, the exercise of decoding is stimulating for the brain.

They should appreciate the mental SL workout.

Colin Campbell, a retired teacher-librarian, is the author of two books and was a columnist for many years. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Carol.

Berwick House (Victoria)

Berwick Comox Valley (Comox)

Berwick Royal Oak (Victoria)

Berwick by the Sea (Campbell River)

Berwick on the Lake (Nanaimo)

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