Seniors Week June 2020

Wednesday, june 3, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

Celebrate SeniorS Week

June 1 – 7

Remembering liberation, 75 years later Brent richter brichter@nsnews.com

75 years ago, when front lines really did mean front lines, and the Second World War was coming to an end in Europe, Sgt. Norman Kirby was there.

May 5, 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Two days after the liberation of the Netherlands, Germany surrendered unconditionally.

Kirby, now 94 and living in Lions Bay, recorded an interview with the Juno Beach Centre to commemorate the occasion.

Kirby signed up for the army at 17. He was part of the Juno Beach landing in Normandy on D-Day, and continued on through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany right up until the end of the war.

In the video interview, he recalls battles along the way, rooting out SS officers and spying on enemy tank movements from a civilian barge. But one in particular moment during the liberation of the Netherlands stands out.

When the fighting was over, Dutch children came streaming out, greeting Allied soldiers, waving banners and laughing. “They were all around me. I was standing there, pistol at my side and I just thought ‘Wow, this is what it’s all about. This is what I’m here for,’” he said. “It’s my favourite picture of the war and I treasure it.”

“I feel privileged to be in a position to talk about my experience. My grandfather was a veteran, so growing up I heard the stories,” he said in a release. “Hearing them taught me

sgt. norman Kirby is acknowledged by the crowd at the 75th anniversary of the d-day invasion at juno Beach, 2019. The 94-year-old Lions Bay resident was there the day allied forces liberated the netherlands. phoTo Juno Beach centRe

See Museum page 33

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

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Celebrating Seniors What are the Benefits of Maintaining Activity for Aging Seniors?

There is no doubt that you need to be active at any age. Our body and mind begins to lose normal function and natural healing ability as we age. Here are just some of the many benefits for keeping seniors active: • Better cognitive function. Social activities keep us mentally engaged. This is a simple way for aging seniors to prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Improved balance. Falling that can lead to hip fractures are very common in aging seniors. Physical activity and exercise will improve balance in aging seniors through strengthening muscles.

• Better mood. Aging seniors with social activities maintain good emotional health.

Connecting with other people can prevent depression.

• Boosted immune system. Social activity may improve immune-system function in aging seniors, as well as exercises. Exercising may delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, and stroke.

• Improve quality of sleep. Aging seniors who have no social activity may feel lonely. This feeling can lead to difficulty with sleeping.

This is why social activity is important for aging seniors to enable good sleep. On the other hand physical activity can help you to sleep better because of increasing your metabolism and releasing stress relieving hormones.

• Shorten healing time. A healthy body not only fights off illnesses and infections, but also cures and heals in a shorter time frame.

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SENIORS’ WEEK JUNE 1-7

A Message from B.C.’s Seniors Advocate to Seniors Seniors’ Week is traditionally a time when we celebrate the contributions of the one million British Columbians who are over the age of 65. During these uncertain times it is more important than ever to take the time to celebrate annual traditions such as Seniors’ Week as we recognize the wisdom, kindness and experience of the seniors in our province.

Every day in B.C. there are seniors who are pitching in, caring for each other and supporting their communities. To the many, many seniors who are caring for the other seniors in their lives, and to the volunteers who are helping seniors during the pandemic, I say thank you.

Please be safe, and if you need assistance call 2-1-1 or visit bc211.ca and take comfort in knowing that your community is here to support you.

For more information on our products and services contact us at Advanced Medical 1863 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 604-912-0106 AdvancedMedicalBC.ca

www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca

Wednesday, june 3, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

Celebrate SeniorS Week

June 1 – 7

Vitally important for seniors to stay active

Margaret Coates Contributing writer

While the province is beginning to reopen, physical distancing is still recommended, especially for seniors and at-risk people with compromised health or immune systems.

If you are like me and many other seniors, you may have some trepidation about adopting to the “new normal.”

As Dr. Michael Hochman states in the June newsletter of On Health: “We know immune systems change with age making it harder to fight off diseases and infections even if you’re otherwise healthy.”

He goes on to state that “older adults are also more likely to have health conditions such as high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes, that seem to worsen outcomes from COVID-19.”

But as some of us have experienced, coping while physical distancing is a continuing challenge. Suggested strategies for coping mentally, cognitively, and physically include eating right, maintaining strength, and staying socially connected.

Maintaining strength involves a good exercise plan and walking is one of the best ways to maximize your exercise regime. Dr. Bonnie Henry, our public health officer in British Columbia, has noted how walking outdoors is important to citizens as they cope with self-isolation and physical distancing. Of course, she advises us that we need to stay at least six feet apart from others who are not in our household bubble.

At this time of year and during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting out for a walk can have incredible benefits. As well as the health benefits such as improving vascular health, fighting diseases, strengthening bones, muscles, and joints, and promoting heathy weight, exercise can give us a mood boost.

According to McMaster Optimal Age Portal, “one study from California State University Long Beach found that there was a direct connection between mood and walking. In short, the more steps a person took per day, the more positive their attitude and outlook. One major reason behind the connection could be that walking helps naturally release endorphins and promotes circular breathing, leading to emotional benefits.”

We are lucky in North Vancouver to have some great walks such as the Spirit Trail, the West Vancouver Seawall, the Kings Mill Walk and the Maplewood Conservation Area. But walks in your neighbourhood are just as good and as I have experienced in some cases, they are somewhat safer as they do not always include the forgetful (or possibly uncaring) walkers who do not distance the required six feet. On a walk along a quiet street, I can get out of the way of these careless pedestrians more easily.

It has been suggested that along with walking, one could try some strengthening exercises for 30 minutes at least twice a week and a balance exercise such as standing on one leg and then the other daily.

Walking, strengthening and balance exercise

Getting out for a walk can have incredible benefits to the physical health of seniors while also providing mood-boosting endorphins. photo Cindy Goodman also have the bonus of helping to prevent falls and hip fractures.

If walking is not enough for or even too strenuous, try some online activities. For instance, Parkgate Community Services Society has created a video of a Keep Well instructor demonstrating some favourite exercises so you can stay active at home.

And Silver Harbour’s Tai Chi instructor has shared YouTube video for anyone who wants to continue to practise Tai Chi from home (you can find links to both videos in the online version of this article at nsnews. com).

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Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre It’s Seniors Week and for over 40 years Silver Harbour has been offering a gathering place for local seniors. Typically, we offer more than 70 programs and services, including physical fitness, indoor sports, games, visual arts, performing arts, languages, cultural groups, computer classes, special events, outings, and informative seminars. We also provide a number of important services such as legal advice, low-cost meals and refreshments, information and referral, affordable clothing and household goods, and transportation. We’re used to being a busy and active Centre, with hundreds of seniors and volunteers coming to Silver Harbour every weekday.

During these difficult times of COVID-19, Silver Harbour is currently closed to the public but we are still here to help by phone at 604-980-2474 or online. We are delivering hundreds of meals every week, hosting online programs, and helping seniors create

art at home. We’re also here to have friendly and supportive phone conversations. And Silver Harbour can connect you to helpful services, including those specifically created to assist older adults during COVID. Seniors Week is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the integral part seniors play in communities across British Columbia. We are celebrating seniors this week and hope you are too!

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020 SPONSORED CONTENT

Celebrating Seniors Shylo Home Healthcare is proud to be 100 per cent Canadian owned and operated Shylo Home Healthcare started out as Shylo Nursing and was founded in 1980

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As we all keep our homes and families safe, it’s important to consider the needs of our seniors, especially, maintaining their well-being during COVID-19 isolation. Remember that there are things we can all do to foster connection, hope, purpose, and support for seniors during this difficult time.

Enjoying the things they love.

Ensuring basic needs are met.

Get some exercise.

Caregivers, loved ones, and volunteers considered low risk (those under 65 without pre-existing medical conditions) can help seniors by running errands, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, helping with online orders of delivery of food and supplies, and taking care of other tasks outside of the home.

Spending time with loved ones doesn’t have to happen in-person to be meaningful. Video calls, Facetime, texts and emails can help seniors stay in touch with loved ones when they can’t be together.

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Life doesn’t stop when staying at home – uncovering old favorites can lead to new memories like an at-home spelling bee, a spirited game of cards, or a renewed love of art. For any activity and hobby, there’s a virtual version available.

Keep moving by getting steps in when you can or turn up the tunes and have a dance party in the living room! Lifting light weights at home can help keep muscles strong when getting out of the house may not be an option.

Maintain a healthy diet.

It’s important to keep in mind healthy options when snacking – avoid too many salty or sweet snacks and remember the food pyramid – fruit, veggies, calcium, grain, and proteins.

Find joy in everyday activities.

Take time to enjoy the small things – card games, baking projects, a good cup of coffee, a phone call with a friend, eating your favorite food.

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Wednesday, june 3, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

Celebrate SeniorS Week

Let’s Talk About Home Care

Museum compiling videos of vets

From page 29

about life, about the world.

It’s important for younger generations to understand what came before them so they can understand the present.”

The Juno Beach Centre is Canada’s Second World War museum located not far from where 14,000 Canadian troops landed in 1944. The centre has been compiling videos of veterans’ stories as part of their Legacy of Honour project.

“Every day there are fewer and fewer veterans, and those who are still with us are in their 90s,” said Honorary Lt.-Col Don Foster. “These men and women have stories to tell that are still relevant and important today. We are

a young sgt. norman Kirby meets dutch children after he took part in liberating the netherlands. photo library and archives canada

giving veterans the opportunity to share the lessons they learned, so what they endured is not lost to new generations. It really is a now or never circumstance, which is why the Legacy of Honour initiative was

launched by the Juno Beach Centre.”

To view the full interview or to read a 2014 profile of Sgt. Kirby from the North Shore News, go to nsnews. com and search for “Norman Kirby.”

Cleaning can be a good way to stay fit

From page 31

In the June special edition of the West Vancouver Scene magazine, the Health and Fitness Team state, “Although there may be some temporary limitations on the types of activities we can do, and where we can do them – there are plenty of creative ways left to stay active, well and happy during this challenging time.”

They suggest several times a day you could take a five- to 10-minute break to move around your home. Perhaps you could do some light or heavy gardening and often tidying and cleaning your house, car, or garage. Their advice is to find exercises that work for your level of comfort and repeat them daily. One way to look for suitable exercise classes is simply checking your North building 600 West Queens Rd North Vancouver Phone: 604-988-7115

cable TV for a fitness channel.

It is clear from our health authorities that the greatest risk of COVID-19 infection is exposure – and physical distancing is the most effective tool we have for prevention.

One of the best strategies for coping as we physical distance is exercise. It will not prevent us from getting the virus if, unfortunately, we are exposed to it. But physical activity prevents us from becoming sedentary which contributes to our overall health and well-being.

Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 50 years and has worked for and with seniors for 25 of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome Email: lions_view@telus.net.

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nsnews.com north shore news Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Celebrate SeniorS Week

June 1 – 7

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elvis tribute gets amica residents all shook up

Ben Bengtson bbengtson@nsnews.com

The King was spotted gyrating and belting a few choice numbers on the North Shore recently as part of a routine to entertain residents of a local retirement home.

Elvis Presley – in this case also known as Steve Elliott, a Vancouver-based Elvis tribute artist, vocalist and entertainer – performed some of his best-known hits, coupled with the King’s requisite way with swagger and showmanship, outside Amica Edgemont Village in North Vancouver on May 23.

The endeavour was part of Amica’s national #SmilesForSeniors campaign aimed at combating feelings of loneliness and isolation for seniors, especially as many older adults remain

elvis Presley, also known as steve elliott, a Vancouver-based elvis tribute artist, performs for the residents of amica edgemont Village in north Vancouver. Photo amica edgemont vulnerable or are forced into quarantining and self-isolation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Many residents of the

facility came out to their balconies to watch Elliott as Elvis perform from a safe distance during his 30-minute slot.

The Elvis entertainer

performed such King classics as “Hound Dog,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” and “All Shook Up.”

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