April 18, 2012

SENIORS ON THE GO! 2 1 0 2 g Sprin

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

seniors on the go

YOUR PENTICTON MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY BILL BARISOFF, MLA PENTICTON

210-300 RIVERSIDE DRIVE PENTICTON, B.C.

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Western News file photo

THERE’S NOTHING Jack Godwin (left), leader of the Kettle Valley Brakemen, enjoys more than telling a good story, unless it’s singing a song about it, with his fellow band members, like Phil Wiebe (right) backing him up on fiddle. Godwin, Wiebe and the rest of the Brakemen gang kicked off their 2010 season Saturday with a sold-out benefit concert at the Penticton Museum.

Brakemen on track for a 15th season Kristi Patton Western News Staff

When Jack Godwin was a teacher he found hooking students emotionally with anecdotes they could relate to capture their attention.

It is with that same thought process Godwin writes songs for the Kettle Valley Brakemen, turning history into music the audience can tap their feet to.

“When you are in any band playing at a bar and you have one table really listening to you, that is lucky. We are used to playing in concerts where everyone is listening intently and musicians love that,” admits Godwin.

“I got the idea for starting the KVR Brakemen when I was playing bluegrassfolk music and wanted to ¿nd out the neat little things about train history and turn those into stories and take it on the road.

Now we are in our 15th year and it has been a lot of fun.”

When Godwin started the Kettle Valley Brakemen he was able to interview a lot of railway engineers while doing research for his songs. Often the morose subject of how many people the engineers have seen die in front of their train would come up.

“Some would just say six and they would want to go onto something else really fast and then some would be like the ancient mariner who has to tell the story over and over. They would go into it and tell about each one. I could tell it was a very moving, emotional experience for them,” said Godwin.

It was a subject Godwin felt he needed to

put into song to bring awareness to the public about the dangers of railway crossings.

“It is those situations that absolutely everyday people get into where they pass through a railway crossing all the time and they just don’t think about it until the time when a train is there and they die,” said Godwin.

He sent the song called Railway Crossing to Operation Lifesaver Canada, who are dedicated to educating Canadians about the hazards surrounding rail property and trains, and received feedback from the national director that they liked the song and will possibly promote it on their website.

Joining Godwin and ¿ddle player Phil Wiebe this season are Debbie Liebrecht on bass and Craig Brown on guitar and mandolin. Liebrecht has ¿lled in on bass before and Brown is returning after an eight-year absence.

“We have a nice mix of different styles and it will let us change the sound that we are using. The ¿ddle is always wonderful with train songs because it has that train resonance. The mandolin, banjo and all of those instruments are all associated with traditional music from the past and, of course, the steam train era,” said Godwin.

The band has a number of upcoming dates in the region including Osoyoos on May 12, Naramata on May 16, The Grist Mill in Keremeos on May 20 and in Oliver on July 5 for Music in the Park.

“It is a show that gives everyone a slice of railway history that they may not have known. It is some folk-bluegrass music to tap their toes to and a chance to sing along.

It is always a lot of fun,” said Godwin.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

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seniors on the go

Spring brings changes to your skin René Serbon

Penticton Laser & Skin Clinic

While spring brings promise of new life and the warmer weather we have all been waiting for, this change in the air also brings change to skin.

Bursting blossoms and new grass sprouts, while pines drop their needles to make way for the new. The warmer weather makes you want to mow your lawn even though it is not yet long enough to justify it. The spring in our step makes us want to

dig and plant and water. Even exercise is viewed with new optimism!

The Àip side of the coin reminds me that my nose does not agree with the pollens as I am spring cleaning the back yard, or dusting the house. My nose is red and irritated, not to mention so, so dry from blowing continuously. Then I remember all of a sudden that yes, this is a time of change, and while most things are positive and enjoyable, people with sensitized reactive skin often struggle during this time of the year.

With skin already depleted from nutrients and nourishment as it survived the winter months, remember that the smallest encounter during this time can trigger signi¿cant reactions. Rosacea Àares up, and so does eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

If you have been lacking in daily care of your skin, these conditions can seem magni¿ed at this time of the year.

Your skin care regime should, at a very basic level, repair your barrier defenses.

If this barrier is not in tact intact, we are more susceptible to impurities entering

the skin causing mayhem. The right skincare regime will decrease the severity, and even prevent these unpleasant episodes of our skin reacting in ways it should not.

Aside from the irritants in the atmosphere, the sun is starting to stick its head out too. Your daily skin care regime should include the use of sun protection.

At Penticton Laser and Skin Clinic, we have multiple options available to treat your unique skin needs.

A great feeling after using Juvéderm René Serbon Penticton Laser & Skin Clinic

Were you on vacation? Just back from the spa? It’s great when people notice how refreshed and rejuvenated you look... and even better when no one knows why.

Who wouldn’t want smoother, ¿rmerlooking skin? Juvéderm™ is designed to replenish what natural aging takes away, for a fresher, rejuvenated look.

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Refresh what nature gave you Juvéderm is a soft, injectable gel ¿ller that your doctor uses to help replenish and refresh your appearance. It uses hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring sugar found in your body), which combines with the water in your skin to instantly restore lost volume and reduce lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic injections have also been shown to stimulate collagen production.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

seniors on the go

Auxiliary plays vital role in health care Janice Perrino For the Western News

Every hospital in B.C. has them: You know, the delightful volunteers who run the gift (or thrift) shops, hand out magazines, coffee/tea, water, give directions to friends and family of patients and most important; they know just when to smile. They are the auxiliary members.

Predominately a women’s organization however, they are fast recruiting the men, along with the young teen members better known as the Candy Stripers. These two organizations come under the umbrella of the British Columbia Association of Heath-Care Auxiliaries. As a group they volunteered with more than 1,300,000 recorded hours this past year. Truth is, this ¿gure is only what was of¿cially recorded. We know the number of unof¿cial volunteer hours are signi¿cantly higher.

What you might not know is that every auxiliary group raises funds for their hospitals and I’m talking about “serious” fundraising. The kind of fundraising that makes a professional fundraiser twitch with excitement. In 2010, the auxiliaries province wide raised nearly $6 million and granted back out more than $7 million.

They raised these funds in a variety of ways such as their local thrift shops, hospital cafés, organized events and donations.

They support their own local medical foundations and community hospitals by purchasing everything from stretchers to beds to ultrasound machines to MRIs, CT scans and digital mammography machines. Everything they purchase has to do with medical equipment and or patient comforts. Another important fact it is that they help supplement what government money isn’t able to fund.

They are well organized and are an important piece of our history. In fact, some

groups have been operating since the late 1800s. Over the years, provincially, their total fundraised dollars exceeds the $300 million mark; what a tremendous legacy.

The auxiliaries in our own region of the South Okanagan and Similkameen are the Summerland Heath Care Auxiliary, the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary, the Penticton Regional Hospital Gift Shop, the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary and the Princeton Hospital Auxiliary. They all support the Penticton Regional Hospital, their community hospitals, health centers and the care facilities for our most elderly frail residents. Since the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation started in 1981, our auxiliaries have raised more than $4.3 million towards the purchase of medical equipment, patient comforts and staff education. An amazing feat.

If you’re considering volunteering in your spare time and you want to know your

work will be valued and that it’s important to the community, the auxiliary is an organization you might consider. The work is enjoyable, requires all types of skill sets and means everything to the staff, patients and their families.

You might hear them call themselves “little old ladies” (or little old men) or “I’m just a volunteer” but it’s “hip” to be an auxiliary member and they make a profound difference in all of our communities. Join your local auxiliary today and if you aren’t able to help right now, be sure to say to them; thank you. They are our everyday heroes.

For more information about an Auxiliary in your area, call the British Columbia Association of Health-Care Auxiliaries head of¿ce at (604) 714-2392.

Janice Perrino is the executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation

Wellness society aims to bring seniors symposium back next year Kristi Patton Western News Staff

After 20 years of hosting the Seniors Symposium, the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society has had to cancel this year’s event.

Kelly Smith, executive director of the wellness society, said they are hoping to bring the event back in 2013 as a fundraiser for the society.

“Previously there was no charge for people to go to the symposium and we just can’t afford to do it that way anymore,” said Smith. “All non-pro¿ts are feeling the squeeze with funding issues, so it was just something we can’t put

on anymore in the capacity it has been over the past 20 years.”

Over the past year, the society has reviewed its programs and chosen to focus on their mandate of seniors outreach and community supports services. The shift means the society will focus all of their efforts on helping socially isolated seniors in the area. This, combined with a hard year in accessing funding, pushed the society to re-think the symposium.

“It’s not that we lost funding, but we really aren’t getting enough to sustain us. Unfortunately with us not being able to access gaming funds for this year, it put us in a situation that we had to take a look at our programming and what we

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could and couldn’t afford to do,” said Smith.

The society wouldn’t be eligible to apply for gaming funds until August, which means they wouldn’t receive funding until February 2013.

“We feel bad about not hosting it this year because everyone has been so supportive from seniors attending to exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors but we had to follow our mandate for the most vulnerable and it is not off the table completely,” said Smith.

Anyone interested in providing input into what they would like the Seniors Symposium become in 2013 are welcome to contact the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society at 250-487-7455.

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation Please support the Penticton Regional Hospital with a tax deductible donation Why make the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation part of your estate and tax planning?

Bequeathing a portion of your estate through your Will or gifting assets during your lifetime are terrific ways to ensure health care excellence for years to come for your family, friends and loved ones.

Will you leave a legacy of hope and healing?

South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation

ssummerlandseniorsvillage.com

550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6 Phone: 250-492-9027 • Toll Free: 1-866-771-0994 www.sosmedicalfoundation.com

Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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seniors on the go

Limited mobility doesn’t mean an end to exercise Exercise is important for all people, including the elderly. Yet, seniors who have limited mobility or are con¿ned to a wheelchair may think they couldn’t possibly exercise. However, there are many things such individuals can do to stay in shape — all while sitting down.

Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise for most people.

Exercise is beneÂżcial for

seniors because it keeps muscles from atrophying, improves mental alertness, strengthens bones, and leads to a healthier metabolism, among other things.

For seniors who think they won’t be able to handle traditional exercise, chair exercises or modi¿ed pilates can be effective, even for those with trouble walking or standing for extended periods of time.

To get started, all one

needs is some loose-Âżtting clothing and a chair. Begin by doing some stretching movements of the neck, arms and legs. Rotate the head left and right and in circles to stretch the neck and back muscles. Lift arms over the head and slowly drop down to the sides of the body to stretch arms and back muscles. Lift and lower the legs a few times to warm them up.

To begin exercises, start

slowly and gradually build up repetitions. Exercises to try include boxing or punching into the air, arm circles, and arm curls. For the legs, work the back and front of the legs. Kick the legs out in front of the body several times. Hold legs parallel to the Àoor (as much as possible) and do leg crosses. Put feet Àat on the Àoor and lift up the heels. Keep feet on the Àoor and push down to work the buttocks and the top of the thighs.

Individuals who have mastered these exercises

and have been told by a doctor that it is OK to do something a bit more strenuous may want to add very light weights to the equation for more resistance.

Two or ¿ve pound weights are all that’s needed to give muscles even more of a workout.

Those looking to change things up from day to day can think about doing yoga in a chair or even tai chi exercises. Deep breathing and meditation after workouts can be part of a cool down and stress-relief program.

If swimming is possible, or even simply entering a pool, water provides gentle resistance and could be a good way to work the body in a gradual manner. Buoyancy from the water will be easy on joints and this type of exercise is very low-impact.

Remember to always consult a doctor before beginning any type of exercise regimen, be it with a personal trainer or on your own. The doctor can discuss which type of exercises may be safe.

YOUR RETIREMENT DREAMS ARE UNIQUE Gerry Bate, C.G.A. Financial Advisor/Vice President, PCG Gerry Bate Wealth Management Group Raymond James Ltd. 100 - 498 Ellis Street Penticton, BC V2A 4M2 Phone 250-487-2018 Fax 250-487-2049 gerry.bate@raymondjames.ca www.raymondjames.ca/gerrybate

We understand that and manage your wealth accordingly.

As a Raymond James, Financial Advisor, I offer unbiased advice to help you design a truly individual retirement plan.

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EXERCISING IN a chair is an effective way for seniors to stay in shape.

Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

seniors on the go

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Izayana Pineda For the Western News

Many seniors enjoy gardening and here’s an extra reason to dig in the dirt this spring: studies show gardening improves both physical and mental health for older adults.

To determine the impact of gardening on seniors’ lives, Texas A&M/State University surveyed almost 300 seniors, using quality of questions based on the Life Satisfaction Inventory A. This inventory measures ¿ve qualityof-life components, including: zest for life; resolution and fortitude; congruence between desired and achieved goals; physical, psychological, and social selfconcept; and optimism.

The survey results were published in HortTechnology and demonstrated signiÂżcant physical and emotional beneÂżts for seniors who engage in gardening.

Seniors aged 65 and over are at greater risk of disease due to decreased exercise levels and poorer dietary and/or lifestyle choices.

Gardening is the second most popular activity listed by seniors (after walking) and confers beneÂżts that combat some ills of aging.

Gardening provides moderate physical activity and can lead to increased consumption of home-grown fruits and

vegetables, thus resulting in a healthier diet.

The survey showed gardeners were more satisÂżed overall with their lives and were activity engaged in planning for the future. Gardeners reported higher levels of energy and felt younger than non-gardeners. Of the gardeners who responded to the survey, 75 per cent rated their personal health as either “very goodâ€? or “excellent.â€?

Gardeners also reported eating more fruit and vegetables because of their exposure to gardening. “These factors, in conjunction with higher physical activity, result in healthier lifestyles and increased quality of life,� the researchers wrote.

As the population ages, a variety of new products also make it easier for people to continue cultivating their gardens. Examples include ergonomic garden tools, back-saving seats, raised planters and deck or window boxes.

(For additional information, see http:// today.msnbc.msn.com/id/12463994/ns/ today-today_home_and_garden/t/thesegadgets-will-keep-seniors-garden/#.

T4iHsdXjV8E).

Spring has sprung, so it’s a great time to get out and dig up some health.

Izayana Pineda is the manger of Sun Village Retirement Residence

Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

7

seniors on the go

Renovation tax credit helps seniors stay in their homes

Mark Brett/Western News

IN TUNE — Penticton Tune Agers director Gerald Nadeau leads the choir and orchestra during a recent performance at the Cleland Theatre. The group is made up of about 60 seniors who have performed in different countries throughout their over 40 years of existence.

A new B.C. Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit is available to help with the cost of permanent home renovations so that British Columbians aged 65 and over will have the Àexibility to remain in their own homes longer.

“Home is where the heart is. We know that seniors, like everyone else, are happiest in their homes,” Premier Christy Clark said. “That’s why our government introduced the Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit, to help seniors stay independent, healthy and in their homes.”

The refundable credit will be worth up to $1,000 each year, and it will be available to seniors or family members sharing their home, regardless of whether they own or rent.

“In addition to improving the quality of life for seniors in home care, this initiative will make it easier for many home care providers to do their job,” said B.C. Care Providers Association CEO Ed Helfrich. “With an increasing demand for home support services, seniors’ homes are increasingly becoming work places for care aides. The structural home improvements that will result from this policy change will make this work space safer and more ef¿cient for all.”

The tax credit will also help to protect and create jobs by supporting the home renovation industry.

Seniors continue to be victims of a classic scam

Scam artists continue to target B.C. seniors through deceptive ‘sweepstakes’ opportunities that come through the mail. It’s an age-old trick and unfortunately seniors continue to be victims of this type of scheme.

This is how the scam works: Martha is 82 years old and lives alone. She receives a letter in the mail saying she has won $2.5 million. All she has to do is send $30 in the mail as a ‘processing fee’ and include personal details, such as her telephone number and birth date. Martha takes some money from the bank, pops it into an en-

velope and sends it off. Not only is Martha out some crucial money from her limited budget, she has also been added to a ‘sucker list’ and receives more and more offers like this one in the mail. Of course, she never sees any winnings.

Just last year, Vancouver Police broke up a lottery mail-out scam that was pulling in thousands of dollars a day from seniors around the globe.

Here are some tips to protect you and your family from deceptive mail-outs and lottery scams: Q Do not pay up-front for any prize. A legitimate prize offering will never require you to pay

anything.

Q Be suspicious of free gifts.

Q Be careful if an offering asks for you to send personal information.

Q Before responding to a company you have never heard of, contact organizations such as Consumer Protection BC, Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre or your local Better Business Bureau to see if they have received any complaints about the company.

Q Do not ¿ll out surveys or questionnaires asking questions about gambling, puzzles or

sweepstakes.

Q If you are getting rid of documents that have your personal information on them (e.g., bills and bank statements), shred them.

Q Do not be fooled by glossy and colourful mail-outs. Scam artists are professionals and know how to make things look real.

Q Sit down with family members who might be vulnerable and explain how these types of scams work.

Q Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

seniors on the go

Rotary set to honour Penticton pioneers Mark Brett Western News Staff

The city’s past movers and shakers will be honoured again this year at the annual Rotary Pioneers Reception.

Sponsored by the service club since 1946 the event takes place Sunday from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Seniors Drop-In Centre on South Main Street.

“The Rotary Club was established in 1931 in Penticton and is one of the founding organizations that has helped in its own way with the building of Penticton,” said the club’s reception committee chairman, Ken Davis.

“At the time members felt we should

be recognizing and thanking those people who have contributed each in their own individual way.”

Those people include politicians, developers, farmers, orchardists and even the 1955 World Champion Penticton Vees.

“It was just sort of anything at all that we felt was a big bene¿t to the community,” said Davis. “I mean many of them were also just volunteers who did the kinds of things that helped.”

This is Rotary’s longest running continuous event.

Originally the reception — pioneers are generally regarded as people over the age of 65 and having lived in the re-

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gion for 50 years or more — as a men-only event however that changed a few years later.

Last year over 250 attended the afternoon gathering and the chairman expects at least that many again on Sunday.

“It’s just a great big fun event and it’s just a wonderful thing to see the expressions on their (pioneers) faces,” said Davis. “We expect many of the people will be nearly a hundred years old so there will be a lot of stories.”

As in the past Western News file photo the oldest man PENTICTON RESIDENTS Bernice Webb and George Moohr were and woman at the honoured as the oldest pioneers at last year’s Rotary Club Pioneer reception will be Reception. The 2012 event takes place Sunday at the Seniors Drop-In Centre from 2-4:30 p.m. recognized.

Rotary members will be dressed in Elected of¿cials will also be on hand their “¿nest serving attire” to hand out to take part. the refreshments and snacks to the speThe reception is open to the public cial guests. and is free of charge.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

9

seniors on the go

Centre offers comfort in time of loss Mark Brett Western News Staff

✃

Finding answers to end-of-life issues and questions can be an emotional nightmare.

For many people dealing with losing or the loss of a loved one, it is a time they are most fragile, and not knowing who or where to turn to only compounds the problems.

“The whole subject of death is one we avoid at all costs until it is thrust into our face and then we don’t know how to cope,” said David Head of the Penticton and District Hospice Society. “We’re getting more and more people who are passing away and leaving families behind, so they (survivors) have to deal with grief and bereavement and they have to deal with those end-of-life problems, so the need is growing as we speak.”

To that end the society recently opened the doors to its new resource and help centre at 626 Martin St. Although the organization is still in the development stage for the planned outreach programs it will offer in the future, Head says anything that can be done immediately to help people in their time of need will be done.

“We certainly know by our study done last year that this is something that is badly needed in this community,” he said. “Experience has

Mark Brett/Western News

DAVID HEAD of the Penticton and District Hospice Association and program director Kelly Phipps of the new Bereavement Resource Centre on Martin Street look over some of the material available for people in need of support services.

shown that most everybody who goes through this feels isolated, that they feel alone, they need to deal with their grief.”

Training for the volunteers who will work in the ¿eld is expected to begin soon, with a target date of late this summer for the broad range of

services to be available.

Similar programs in other cities like Kelowna, Vernon, Mission and Abbotsford are being looked at by society of¿cials for additional ideas.

One of the most important aspects the 2011 review revealed was

providing a Àexible mobile service.

“A lot of people don’t want to go into a facility such as the hospice, no matter how nice it is, they want to die at home,” said Head. “So having volunteers out in the community helping people who were going through some sort of end-of-life is-

sue is critical.

“Sometimes they just need some sort of respite, it’s got to do with them needing some sort of support in their home during the time a loved one is passing.”

That could mean just having someone sit with the person while the family member is out of the house or it could simply be a matter of having someone to talk to.

“Everyone is different,” he said.

“It’s not so dif¿cult to ¿nd out what people need. They often know exactly where their stress points are, but most can’t do it on their own.”

And while having a loved one pass away from natural causes such as age or long-term illness is dif¿cult enough, the sudden death situations are even more dif¿cult.

But according to Head, in either circumstance those left behind need to be helped through the period of grief with the result being positive.

“It’s not so that you get over the death of somebody, but you learn to live with it,” he said. “You don’t want to forget the person who has died, you don’t want to get them out of your mind, so what you want to do is to learn to live with it so that pain is not debilitating.”

Anyone who would like more information about the services or volunteering to assist in the various roles at the centre can contact the of¿ce at 250-490-1107.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

11

seniors on the go

Region must be ready for influx of baby boomers Kelly Smith For the Western News

British Columbia has one of the most rapidly aging populations in Canada. Consider that in 2015, one in six British Columbians will be over age 65 and in 2018, there will be more people in B.C. over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. (BCMA, Charting the Course, Designing British Columbia’s Health Care System for the Next 25 years, 2012.)

In our service region alone, 27,330 seniors, or 44 per cent, are 55 years and older.

Seniors in Penticton age 60 to 85-plus years represents 10,050 older adults. Penticton also has one of the highest populations of elderly over the age of 85 in the Interior region (four per cent or 1,680) with this group expected to grow by 18 per cent in the next few years. Over 30 per cent (6,000) of the population in Osoyoos and Oliver are older adults over age 64. (Interior Health Community Pro¿les, 2006) Colin Reid, assistant professor of health studies at UBC Okanagan and co-leader of the B.C. Network for Aging Research, indicated in his 2007 report A Boom in Aging Research, “The boomers are coming! The Boomers are coming!” “Canada’s baby boomers are about to reach retirement age in huge numbers — and by 2026, one in ¿ve Canadians will be 65 or older. So what are we going to do about it?”

To off-set the need for early admission into care facilities and to support “aging in place” successfully, it has been determined that encouraging healthy lifestyles and providing opportunities for social connected-

ness contributes to higher quality of life, increased life satisfaction and enhanced mental and physical well being (including the delay of dementia, reduction of falls and prevention of mistreatment of older adults).

In comparison, seniors’ social isolation is associated with higher levels of depression (“Here to Help” indicates that 22 per cent of suicides in British Columbia are committed by people age 60 and over), disability from chronic disease, increased rates of premature death, and decreased overall well being. (Healthy Aging through Healthy Living, B.C. Ministry of Health, 2005) Research points to strategies that decrease social isolation such as: increasing community awareness of services for seniors; supporting informal caregivers; increasing the capacity of small service organizations; and developing volunteerbased outreach programs. (B.C. Ministry of Health Services — Healthy Children, Women and Seniors, 2004) Volunteering has also been identi¿ed as supporting social connectedness. In addition to improved mental health, seniors who volunteer may reduce their chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2010) The need for the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society’s seniors outreach programs has never been greater and will continue to grow with the increasing number of seniors living in our region. Bene¿ts of our programs to seniors and the community include: Q The quality of life in the community overall is raised when seniors are healthy

and satis¿ed with their lives.

Q Helping seniors remain independent reduces the pressure on their families and the seniors themselves.

Q Isolated and lonely seniors are provided the opportunity for social interaction and referral to social supports thereby assisting them to remain in their homes longer.

Q Independent seniors reduce the cost to provincial and municipal governments including reducing the cost of hospital emergencies, doctors and other health care professionals.

Q Non-medical outreach senior support programs are cost effective to run and have been identi¿ed in the Province of B.C. February 2012 report Improving Care for B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan by recommending expansion of non-medical home support to help seniors stay at home longer.

In the last year, the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society has experienced a progressive transformation with new faces and new outreach programming in order to ensure that seniors, especially those who are isolated and vulnerable, have access to non-medical outreach community supports.

With the implementation of a ‘Seniors Outreach and Community Supports Services’ model, The South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society provides services to meet these identi¿ed strategies to help seniors remain in their homes longer as follows: Q Friendly Visitor/Tele Friend (screened visitor volunteers provide weekly one on one visits and/or telephone calls to isolated and vulnerable seniors) Q Elder Abuse Prevention Workshops

Q Seniors Information & Referral Services — (‘One Stop Shop’ information & referral supports) Q Seniors Support Program — (assists seniors with forms and to help ‘navigate the system’ when accessing services) Q Caring Connections — (sessions for businesses, non-pro¿ts, community at large to recognize seniors at risk or self-neglect and where to refer these concerns) Q Monthly Interest Learning Sessions The following comments from clients, volunteers and colleagues indicate the need and impact of our programs: “My life has started again since you (Friendly Visitor) started visiting. This is the happiest I have felt since my spouse passed away, even my depression has left me.”

“My buddy was found deceased in her home from the previous afternoon so it has really hit home that I should have somebody call me to check in to see how I am doing through the Tele Friend program” “I have no doubt that your programs will save the life of a senior, the support you offer the community is invaluable” “I feel so lucky to be a part of my client’s life, she has become a wonderful part of our family.”

For more programs information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call us at 250-487-7455, drop by our of¿ce Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Suite #102, 301 Main St., Penticton or visit our website at www.seniorswellnesssociety.com.

Kelly Smith is the executive director of the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society

Seniors Outreach & Community Supports Services

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, April 18, 2012

seniors on the go SOME OF LAST YEARS WINNERS!

BEST of the

South Okanagan

Join the Penticton Western News in finding the Best of the South Okanagan!

We’re compiling a special “Best of” list again this year, but we need your expertise… your first-hand knowledge of the best places to go in the region (between Summerland and Osoyoos).

Simply write your choices in the corresponding blanks and we will compile and print your preferences in a special section to be published in May. To make sure your vote is counted, your entry must be received by April 27, 2012.

Tell us your favourites and you could

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Best pub _________________________________________________

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Best winery _______________________________________________

Best place to buy shoes______________________________________

Best night club _____________________________________________

Best place to buy health foods /vitamins _________________________

Best spa/esthetician ________________________________________

Best place to buy fresh produce _______________________________

Best golf course____________________________________________

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Best place for fitness/yoga/pilates/dance ________________________

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Best gym _________________________________________________

Best grocery store __________________________________________ Best garden centre/flower shop _______________________________

Leisure Activities Best place to walk your dog___________________________________

Best beer and wine store_____________________________________ Best beach _______________________________________________ Best mens clothing store ____________________________________ Best tourist attraction _______________________________________ Best womens clothing store __________________________________ Best childrens clothing store __________________________________ Best home furniture store ____________________________________

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Automotive Best place to buy a pre owned vehicle __________________________ Best place to buy a new car __________________________________

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Best place to buy a new truck/SUV _____________________________ Best place to buy/service an RV _______________________________ Best auto body shop ________________________________________ Best muffler and brake shop __________________________________ Best place to buy tires _______________________________________

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One entry per person. Original ballots only. Faxed or photocopied entries will not be accepted. Please drop off or mail your entries by April 27, 2012 to:

Best of the South Okanagan 2250 Camrose Street Penticton, B.C. V2A 8R1

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YOUR NAME ______________________________________