Senior Guide 2025

Seniors

Richmond

Guide

Spring 2025

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

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Contents Seniors

Richmond

Guide

Spring 2025

FEATURES 7 ‘PLAN 60’ INCLUDES FINDING BALANCE IN LIFE 8 RICHMOND SENIOR STAYS ACTIVE WHILE STILL WORKING FULL-TIME 9 RICHMOND SENIOR SAYS PHYSICAL, MENTAL HEALTH EQUALLY IMPORTANT

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR: Manny Kang EDITOR: Maria Rantanen CONTRIBUTORS: Valerie Leung, Maria Rantanen SALES SUPPORT: Brenda Coulbourn ADVERTISING SALES: Alsion Clay, Brenda Coulbourn, Nayeli Garcia, Collin Neal, Anis Zunuzi DESIGN/PRODCUTION: Tracy Trydal

11 RICHMOND SENIOR VOLUNTEERS, DANCES IN RETIREMENT 15 RICHMOND A DAILY DESTINATION FOR VANCOUVER PHOTOGRAPHER 31 SIBLINGS CLOSE SHOP AFTER WORKING DEEP INTO RETIREMENT YEARS 33 SENIORS CAN HELP THEMSELVES AND OTHERS THROUGH MENTORING

8

35 WHO WANTS TO DANCE? 37 3 FUN AND EFFECTIVE OUTDOOR EXERCISES FOR SENIORS 38 DATING LATER IN LIFE 39 TIPS TO HELP SENIORS TRAVEL SAFELY SENIORS EXPO 21 SPEAKER - DR ROMI FUNG 23 SPEAKER - DR KIM CHRISTIE 25 SPEAKER - ERIN TURNER 27 SPEAKER - MAUREEN FAKARO 28 GREAT PART-TIME JOBS FOR RETIREES

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

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Guide

‘Plan 60’ includes finding balance in life

BY MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news.com

I

turn 60 this year.

I write this as I eat a homemade chocolate chip cookie for lunch.

Finding a balance between healthy living and enjoying life has always been a challenge for me.

But as I watch that big 6-0 loom in front of me, I have come to the conclusion the scales should tip more toward healthy living as I get older, and maybe I’ll enjoy a longer and more enjoyable life if I do.

We put together a series of inspiring stories for this Richmond Seniors Guide, and I am always struck by the common denominator of those who say they’re enjoying their retirement years – with one senior describing it as the “best time of my life.”

That common factor seems to be activity, whether it’s being physically active, mentally active or actively

volunteering and giving back to the community.

At the Richmond News, we usually seem to tap into that community who is inspirational in their level of commitment to staying active.

But we also need to acknowledge life doesn’t always deal everyone a great hand of cards.

Many people struggle with physical ailments that don’t allow them to go running, cycling or even walking.

Others might have financial challenges and they need to keep working just to feed themselves and possibly their extended family.

Mental health challenges can also bring people down, and that’s a long tunnel to navigate out of.

Others might have extraordinary challenges – a long life means a long history, sometimes filled with tragedy.

I, too, faced a significant tragedy in my life a few years ago. It would have been easy to crawl into bed and never

Maria Rantanen is the Acting Editor of the Richmond News. come out.

But a sage friend, who has his own challenges, gave me these words of wisdom: Get up every day and make your bed.

And that’s what I’ve done.

Now, I am working on what I’ve called my “Plan 60.”

It involves eating better – less ground beef, more fruits and vegetables – getting outside to move, including this morning’s

2.5-km walk/run, and staying connected to family, friends and community.

The best part of being on this side of 50 is perspective.

Life is a complicated journey, but it’s all we have.

I hope you are as inspired by the stories on these pages and enjoy your senior years as much those featured here seem to. t

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

Guide

Richmond senior stays active while still working full-time

BY VALERIE LEUNG vleung@richmond-news.com

A

Richmond resident and senior is taking staying active to another level, especially on her days off from work.

At the age of 60, Angie Estabrook is still working fulltime as a care aide for elderly Richmond residents.

But on any given day off, she can be found at Minoru Centre for Active Living for close to five hours doing some form of exercise.

Staying physically fit is important for her line of work, Estabrook said, but going to the gym and exercising is more for her personal happiness.

“I just love to exercise, it makes me feel good,” said Estabrook.

“Being a senior, you have to accept the fact that you’re getting there and have to be active. You start getting pain and aches at a certain age, and when you don’t move, you

become depressed.”

Richmond has a lot of lovely trails and parks to walk around in, but Estabrook favours the dikes where she can be found walking for more than an hour when the weather is good.

“The dike is a great place to be in Richmond. Smelling the fresh air, seeing the birds flying around the dike – it just makes me feel so alive.”

When Estabrook isn’t outdoors, she takes part in different fitness classes Richmond has to offer such as spin class, high-intensity courses and Zumba.

As a full-time health care worker, Estabrook said finding time to go to the gym can be difficult, so she exercises in the early morning on days she needs to work.

She told the Richmond News that she has also been tempted to reach for her phone and scroll on social media first thing in the morning but ends up getting mad at herself “for wasting time.”

To combat the temptation,

Angie Estabrook exercises as much as she can to keep herself in shape as she ages. | PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE ESTABROOK she registers herself for early fitness classes such as cardio and weightlifting.

“I find myself more energetic and happy when I work out early in the morning, so I remind myself that I’m doing it for myself to be healthy. It becomes a great start to the day,” she said.

“You sometimes go to the gym and see people who are in their 80s and still working out. That’s encouraging because if she can do it, I can do it also.”

Estabrook said Richmond has a variety of activities for seniors to stay active, not only physically but mentally.

She finds being able to meet new friends and grab lunch together after a fitness class

Honouring Your Legacy

one of the greatest joys of living in Richmond.

Estabrook describes herself as a very social person with “a passion to take care and help the elderly.”

“My work involves physical, mental and emotional strength because I work with mentally fragile and elderly residents.

“You have to be more patient to understand their situation.”

With this in mind, Estabrook always greets everyone she meets — whether it be in the gym or during a walk — with a smile and hello.

“Saying hello to people when they walk by themselves, you can make their day by saying good morning. You don’t know what that person has been through.”t

SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

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Guide

Richmond senior says physical, mental health equally important

BY VALERIE LEUNG vleung@richmond-news.com

M

aintaining both physical and mental health while staying joyful is the daily goal for one Richmond senior.

Mariana Stevens has been keeping herself busy throughout her life even after she retired in 2022.

The 66-year-old Richmond resident lived in Steveston from 1982 until 2009 when her husband was relocated to Kelowna for work.

After 14 years in the Interior, Stevens wanted to be closer to her family and her aging mother, so they moved back to Richmond in 2023.

Despite being retired, she said her days are “so full” with volunteering, exercising and activities.

“I like to keep fit because this body is getting older and it’s not going to do any good just sitting around,” said Stevens.

In order to stay physically

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active, she attends Minoru Centre for Active Living’s fitness classes for those 55 and older, and she swims and volunteers in the senior centre.

Stevens takes part in fitness classes twice a week and volunteers as a cashier in the cafeteria once a week.

Even though she likes attending these classes, her favourite activity is still walking along the dike.

“I like to breathe in that fresh air and just be out there. It’s just so cathartic and I love it.”

And when it’s raining, Stevens can be found walking inside a mall, specifically when it’s closed as to avoid the temptation of shopping.

“We all have aches and pains, like the knees go, the shoulders go. This is part of the act of an aging person.

“This is why it’s so important to keep moving and stretch every day.”

On top of keeping physically fit, Stevens highlights the importance of maintaining a “mentally fit” mind.

Mariana Stevens volunteers in the seniors centre cafeteria at MCAL. | VALERIE LEUNG PHOTO Stevens always makes sure she has a book within arm’s reach or a book of Sudoku puzzles.

“I do play games on my iPad as well and I love interactive games that get my brain thinking.”

But the most important to her is staying connected with others in the community.

She helps host a monthly program called Dining Thru the Decades, which brings together generations through cooking activities and even hosts bus trips from the seniors centre.

“Wonderful things like volunteering, socializing, being with people and not isolating yourself are ways to stay mentally fit and sharpen one’s

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mind,” she said.

“Taking the first step is difficult, but after you do it once, you know you’re doing it for your health.”

Connecting with others in the community is one of the ways to alleviate the fear of “getting out there,” according to Stevens.

But sometimes it’s about the community reaching out to individuals to bring them into the seniors centre and introduce them to what they offer, she added.

“It’s a safe place and there’s no pressure. No one’s perfect, we’re not asking for perfection as those days are gone.”

This is what the seniors centre was made for, she added. t

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

Guide

Richmond senior volunteers, dances in retirement

A

t 72, Angela Haigh said retirement is the “happiest time” of her life.

The active volunteer and hula dancer is encouraging other seniors, or those approaching retirement, to get involved, socialize and keep active.

Volunteering at a Richmond seniors centre almost came by accident for Haigh – in fact, it started after a serious car accident.

While rehabilitating from the crash, Haigh was told she had to strengthen her core muscles through exercise. Her response: she hates exercising.

But then someone suggested hula dancing, an exercise form that is all about “love,” she told the Richmond News.

And, in the end, hula dancing at the seniors centre at the Minoru Centre for Active Living’s seniors centre led her to myriad volunteer opportunities with Richmond seniors that keep her mentally, physically and socially active.

After her accident, Haigh spiralled into isolation and depression. When she started volunteering and seeing people “instead of hiding at home,” it

was easier for her to get out into the world.

Her first volunteer position at the seniors centre was as a hostess, welcoming people as they arrived.

Now, she’s involved in programs for isolated seniors and she sits on the board of directors, participating on the program and special events committees.

While her volunteer work helps other seniors stay connected, Haigh said she feels she gets more back than what she gives. She has seniors tell her how she brightened their day, but her response is “I want to thank you.”

“Because they don’t realize how much they’ve given me – they give me so much, they give me a reason to keep going,” Haigh said.

“If I can bring a smile to one of those people out there, it makes my day,” she added.

Haigh takes part in a wellness program, whereby volunteers pick up seniors who have mobility issues, or isolated seniors, and spend the day with them.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Angela Haigh performs hula dancing, a dance for she says is “all about love.” | PHOTO SUBMITTED

11

Help Richmond Seniors Stay Healthy, Independent & Socially Connected!

Flexible and rewarding volunteer opportunities are available as: • Friendly Visitors • Better at Home Drivers • Grocery Delivery Drivers • Senior Peer Counsellors By sharing just a little of your time, you can make a profound difference in a senior’s life!

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

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Guide

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 After picking them up, they usually do an hour of exercise, and then possibly a craft or go on a field trip – a few weeks ago they went to the Steveston Tram. Then they have lunch together and the volunteers take them home.

Haigh’s passion is to work with seniors, who she thinks deserve a good quality of life after having worked all their lives.

There’s a wide range of opportunities for seniors to get involved, Haigh said. For example, at MCAL, they can be on the board, be a host or hostess, help in the cafeteria, serve at special events/dinners, do flower arrangements and play piano and entertain people.

Or they can just “hang out” in the lounge where there is free music and dancing.

For those on a tight budget, there are a lot of free programs where “you can learn a lot,” Haigh said.

“Nobody has to be lonely here, nobody,” Haigh said. “You can come in here – we have such great volunteers here, that somebody who is always willing to sit down and talk to you if you need to talk and listen.”

Haigh recommends those who are approaching retirement should think about getting active and involved.

Angela Haigh volunteers at the seniors centre at MCAL but also does hula dancing as much as possible. | MARIA RANTANEN PHOTO A big mistake people who retire make is just staying at home, which can lead to social isolation.

Haigh said as an extrovert, it’s easy for her to socialize. But for introverts, it might be hard to take that first step.

“Go out there in the community and see what you can do to help,” Haigh said.

While MCAL has a large facility, other community centres in Richmond have seniors programming as well.

Hula dancing ‘all about love’ Finding that one physical activity you especially love can make all the difference.

For Haigh, it was hula dancing.

Hula dancing uses the hips a lot and strengthens one’s core muscles, something Haigh needed after her car accident.

But it is the emotional part of the dance that Haigh enjoys the most.

“Hula is all about love,” she

said. “The feelings – it just brings the love out in you.”

Haigh performs Hawaiian hula dancing at various venues including seniors homes and Van Dusen Gardens.

She has seen the emotional connection hula dancing makes with an audience – she has even seen seniors crying watching her because hula dancing “touches you so deep.” t

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SPRING 2025

15

Richmond

Seniors

Guide

Richmond a daily destination for Vancouver photographer

D

espite being a Vancouver resident, Ngam Chua, 65, travels to Richmond almost every day to enjoy the city’s landscape and nature.

As a former strata manager, his daily schedule used to be jam-packed with meetings, not giving him much time outside of work.

During the pandemic, he decided to retire early and picked up photography as a self-taught hobby while spending time with his wife exploring local trails.

“A lot of my friends said if I was interested in nature, I should visit Richmond,” he explained.

“During the pandemic, me and my wife actually found a lot of trails to walk along and (to hike) and that’s how it started.”

Chua said photography was a lot of trial-and-error for him and he learned mostly through YouTube with some guidance from his brother-in-law.

“At first, you kind of don’t know what to do and you just

play with the camera,” he said.

“And then you try to figure out why the picture didn’t turn out the way you want it to be and from there you kind of dive into learning more to improve.”

Birds and animals in action are Chua’s favourite subjects in Richmond.

“I find it more interesting because they’re moving around and trying to capture their action, the behaviour, that’s really intriguing for me.”

Chua told the Richmond News photography has opened up friendships with other shutterbugs in Richmond, including local Good Morning, Richmond contributor Anabelle Wee. “When I take a good photo, I like to share it with my friends and family.

“Because of these friends that I’ve made, we often exchange information or share what’s another good location to take photos of wildlife.”

His daughter then suggested submitting his photos to Good

Ngam Chua is a regular Good Morning, Richmond contributor | NGAM CHUA PHOTO

A group of snow geese landing on the snow-filled ground at Terra Nova. | NGAM CHUA PHOTO

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Morning, Richmond to share with the community.

Readers of the Richmond News might have seen our daily Good Morning, Richmond (GMR) posts at RichmondNews.com, featuring snapshots of the breathtaking scenery around the city.

GMR started in 2021 and has featured more than a thousand photos so far.

To Chua, photography is not only an activity to pass the time. Rather, it is a way to learn more about nature.

“You walk out there and you never know what to expect.

You learn a lot from wildlife habitats, the environment and all that changes at different times of the year,” he said.

When Chua isn’t on the trails with a camera in his hands, he can be found practicing calligraphy and volunteering.

“When I retired, I just knew I wanted to give back my time to the community somehow and volunteering seemed like the best way to stay connected while helping others.” t

A coyote enjoying a walk in Richmond. | NGAM CHUA PHOTO

Great blue heron in Richmond. | NGAM CHUA PHOTO

17

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APRIL 9TH, 2025

2025 Richmond

SENIORS

EXPO

FREE ADMISSION PAY PARKING

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2025 Richmond

SENIORS

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April 9th, 2025 10am - 2pm

KPU, Richmond Campus 8771 Lansdowne Rd, Richmond, BC Entrance by underground parking

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FREE ADMISSION PAY PARKING 10:30 - 11:00 am

Dr. Romi Fung | Naturopathic Doctor

11:30 - 12:00 pm

Dr. Kim Christie | Richmond Clinical Trials

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Preregister by visiting: www.richmond-news.com Proudly Presented by

21

SPRING 2025

SPEAKER

Dr. Romi Fung where he's also a Ph.D. candidate in aging and health.

"I believe health is more than the absence of disease, and even beyond the diagnosis," Dr. Fung said. "What we do on a daily basis impacts our health. Our habits dictate our wellbeing and our choices differentiate between approaching health or disease."

Dr. Fung said he enjoys working with patients, understanding that no two patients with cognitive decline are the same.

"There are many reasons behind decline and the relationship between the patient and practitioner is of collaboration," Dr. Fung said. "I simply cannot tell my patients exactly what to do, but give them informed consent and options for their care."

Dr. Fung believes in continual learning. He's recently been studying bio-identical hormones as there's growing literature on hormone optimization and cognitive health.

"I love to learn and I thrive on learning," he said.

Dr. Fung also teaches Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine — Boucher Campus in New Westminster — "for fun" — and he supervises fourth year senior interns at the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic.

Naturopath Dr. Romi Fung focuses on the root cause of diseases.

Dr. Fung also volunteers his time at the Richmond Public Library and at Richmond community centres to educate the public about what health means, and about health promotion and disease prevention. He also serves as the vice-president on the Senior Link Society board of directors.

Dr. Romi Fung has been practicing naturopathic medicine for more than six years.

For his own health, Dr. Fung keeps physically active, walking whenever he can and doing resistance exercises a few times a week.

Like any other doctor and primary care practitioner, he works with his patients to understand what their symptoms mean, diagnose their conditions and treat them accordingly.

"Physical exercise is probably the best medicine in physical well-being, mental health and longevity."

However, Dr. Fung doesn't just try to understand what his patients' symptoms mean, he also explores what's contributing to the symptoms, looking for the root cause of disease.

Dr. Fung has a bachelor's degree in health sciences from SFU, a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and a master's degree in science, aging and health from Queen's University

In 2023, Dr. Fung was chosen as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. He was also chosen at the Best Naturopath at the Richmond News Readers Choice Awards in 2024. t

DR. ROMI FUNG WILL BE GIVING A PRESENTATION AT THE SENIORS EXPO AT 10:30 A.M.

23

SPRING 2025

SPEAKER

Dr. Kim Christie Dr. Kim Christie is the president of Richmond Clinical Trials and Okanagan Clinical Trials and a sub-investigator in clinical research into dementia.

For 11 years, she's been overseeing operations at clinics conducting research.

Dr. Christie's role entails supporting new research initiatives in multiple indications including neuroscience, mental health and general medicine.

This includes research into diabetes, cardiology and infectious diseases.

Dr. Christie has a master's degree and a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

She has also completed post-doctoral fellowships in neuroscience at the University of Calgary and the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Her professional philosophy is to contribute to work that will benefit the community.

One highlight of Dr. Christie's career was creating a free memory clinic in 2015 at Okanagan Clinical Trials. The second biggest highlight was the initiation and growth of Richmond Clinical Trials In her spare time, Dr. Christie loves the outdoors, camping, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. t

DR. KIM CHRISTIE WILL MAKE A PRESENTATION AT THE SENIORS EXPO AT 11:30 A.M.

Dr. Kim Christie leads research into neuroscience, mental health and general medicine.

25

SPRING 2025

SPEAKER

Erin Turner Erin Turner, a proud native of Vancouver, B.C., is an accredited Seniors Real Estate Specialist and the founder of Seniors Real Estate Solutions program.

As a committed realtor with RE/MAX Crest Realty, she serves clients from five conveniently located offices throughout the Greater Vancouver area.

With nearly two decades of experience in senior care and a decade in real estate, she expertly merges these fields to cater to her clients' unique needs.

Additional needs are often overlooked in traditional real estate transactions.

Erin's extensive qualifications and awards showcase her exceptional talent in providing outstanding representation when it's needed the most.

Her background in healthcare equips her to understand the needs of seniors, persons with disabilities, medically fragile individuals, and those in convalescence stages.

Erin and her care team assist families in the downsizing process by offering support and tailored services to alleviate the stress of the sale and transition.

She is passionate about improving the lives of seniors and offers free consultations to evaluate the needs of the entire family.

Erin's leadership in senior communities has earned her respect and recognition; she was the recipient of the prestigious 2023 SRES Outstanding Service Award from the National Association of Realtors.

She collaborates with other accredited Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) to link clients with reliable professionals who can effectively manage the Seniors Real Estate Solutions program she provides, thereby enhancing her community's support. t

ERIN TURNER WILL BE PRESENTING AT THE SENIORS EXPO AT 1 P.M.

Erin Turner tailors her services for seniors.

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SPRING 2025

SPEAKER

Maureen Fakaro Maureen Fakaro is the community relations manager for Verve Senior Living, a job she's been at for more than 20 years.

At Verve, her responsibilities are to build, support and maintain positive relationships with people who are transitioning into senior living.

She also builds relationships with many community partners and ensures service excellence at Verve's independent living homes in Richmond, largely at Gilmore Gardens.

Maureen holds a diploma in Personnel Management from BCIT and an Integrative Energy Healing — Holistic Health certificate from Langara College.

"I am flexible and versatile and enjoy bringing out the best in individuals and teams, having fun and supporting the heart and core for optimal living and success," she said.

This is Maureen's philosophy that guides her in her work at Verve.

As for the highlight of her professional life, it's having the opportunity to work with multiple Verve communities.

She is also passionate about her work as a peer counsellor with Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives.

In her free time, Maureen likes to spend time outdoors with her dog and connect with family, friends and community members. t

MAUREEN FAKARO WILL BE MAKING A PRESENTATION AT THE SENIORS EXPO AT 1:30 P.M.

Maureen Fakaro has been a community relations manager at independent living facilities for 20 years.

28

SPRING 2025

Great part-time jobs for retirees

M

any adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever it is they aspire to do.

As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working.

As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs

of living, meaning that seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hardearned luxury.

Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain.

But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce fulltime. That can make part-time employment an ideal fit for mature workers.

Here’s a look at some parttime positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.

Retail sales associate Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory and helping customers select merchandise. Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when working in retail. Many stores offer part-time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customized.

Consultant Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The

Balance: Money, individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment.

Customer service representative A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction. He or she may work in a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.

School positions Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities.

Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to

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SPRING 2025

undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist Receptionists greet patients or customers in office settings.

According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones and light clerical work also may be required of receptionists.

Those who want to work off-peak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. t

Many seniors continue working after retirement.

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Taking control of your cognitive health: Why early testing matters Richmond Clinical Trials is empowering seniors as they navigate the aging journey

RCT, the second site of OCT, offers participants the chance to advance medicine with the support of a dedicated research team.

Photo via Richmond Clinical Trials Tammy Carmen is proud to be proactive – for of a growing need for cognitive assessments dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or age-related herself and her family, her friends and even in our aging population. The clinic’s cognitive decline. neighbours she’ll likely never even meet. comprehensive assessments allow individuals There are also caregivers or family members A 77-year-old retiree living in Steveston, Carmen to explore the issues or concerns they are who are concerned about the health of their recently took part in comprehensive cognitive currently experiencing. loved ones, especially those who might not yet assessments at Richmond Clinical Trials (RCT). “The staff were excellent and make you feel recognize the severity of their cognitive issues.

It was a seamless experience that took little really comfortable by explaining what it is that Through working with RCT, those worries are more than an hour, where tests were conducted they’re going to do,” Carmen says. allayed via early detection and intervention, to assess her memory, her power of recall and Recent statistics from the Alzheimer Society along with tips around preventative care. her overall mental cognition. of Canada underscore the critical nature of the RCT’s assessments empower patients to take proactive steps to preserve their memory or The results were two-fold: Carmen got a better work RCT is undertaking. idea of where her cognitive abilities are in • As of Jan. 1, an estimated 771,939 address early-stage issues before they turn into more significant concerns. real-time while learning more about clinical Canadians are living with dementia. trials that could fuel tomorrow’s cutting-edge • Every day, more than 414 people in RCT’s memory assessment evaluates whether treatments for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease Canada develop dementia – roughly a participant’s memory is typical for their and other age-related cognitive conditions. age without diagnosing conditions but if the 17 people every hour.

“My husband had a stroke and then developed • Nearly one million Canadians could be living results are abnormal, the clinical research setting offers a faster route to identifying the dementia, from which he died and so that was with dementia by 2030. a concern of mine,” Carmen says. “I’m not • By 2030, the number of people in Canada underlying issue. overly worried about myself at the moment but living with dementia could increase by 65% “There’s nothing to be afraid of, there’s I thought it’s better to get a baseline to see no judgment and it’s 100% confidential,” compared to 2020. where I’m at.”

Carmen says. “These tests help you see where • More than six million people in Canada will you stand and whether or not you might be Improving cognitive health develop, live with and/or ultimately die with needing help.”

RCT is the second site of OCT (Okanagan dementia between now and 2050.

Take a step toward understanding your Clinical Trials), which has conducted over Client focus areas cognitive health today. Sign up for a simple, 500 trials aimed at advancing research for new treatments for conditions such as As for RCT’s client base, they largely fall into confidential assessment with Richmond two groups.

Clinical Trials and join the effort to improve Alzheimer’s disease.

Through her clinical research, resident The first is older adults, typically over the age treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Visit neuroscientist Dr. Kim Christie became aware of 50, who may be experiencing early signs of www.richmondclinicaltrials.com to learn more.

Richmond Clinical Trials is a research centre located in British Columbia that specializes in conducting research studies for the pharmaceutical industry.

SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

31

Guide

Siblings close shop after working deep into retirement years

T

he closure announcement of a long-time Richmond bubble waffle café had loyal customers flooding in to grab a treat from one last time in February.

Rainbow Café in Parker Place was operated by sibling duo Carrie Ma, 81, and Grandpa Seto, 77, who shared their love for bubble waffles with the community for 30 years.

While the café is known for its bubble waffles, which are made fresh to order, it also offered other traditional Asianstyle snacks including phoenix rolls, egg rolls and dragon beard candy.

On the café’s last day in late February, customers were seen waiting even before the café opened and they were still lining up after 7 p.m.

Before opening Rainbow Café in Parker Place, Ma worked at other malls including Yaohan and Aberdeen, as part of the first generation of business owners bringing bubble waffles to Richmond.

When Parker Place opened

in 1993, she and her brother decided to open their own waffle café business.

Memories abound from their 30 years of serving bubble waffles. Ma recalls once hearing a child crying near their store because their parents wouldn’t let them get a bubble waffle.

“We secretly gave the child a bubble waffle and we remember seeing that big smile on their face,” Ma said.

Emotions were running high for Ma and Seto when generations of families visited them during their last week and on their final day.

“We are so happy and emotional seeing all these kids who used to come when they were young and now have grown up and bringing their own kids to visit us and eating our bubble waffles.

“We’ve had customers reminiscing with us (about) their memories of the mall and our store and even getting tearyeyed.”

Kay Ng, media spokesperson

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Siblings Grandpa Seto and Carrie Ma retired in February and closed Richmond’s Rainbow Cafe in Parker Place | KAY NG PHOTO

for Parker Place, said the sibling duo worked tirelessly until the end of their last day.

“A lot of the food court tenants were nice and saw the two working to the point they were so tired,” said Ng. “There was even one tenant who helped them hand out and announce order numbers until the very end.”

Ng said the owners were “getting really emotional” talking to each customer that “you just can’t put it into words.”

“When they decided they needed to retire, there was a moment they would sit in the food court and just stare at the shop,” said Ng. “The times are different and they are older now, so they said it’s a good time to retire. If they could continue doing it, they would.”

Rainbow Café has become a memorable place for many

families over the years, Ng said.

“I’m so thankful for them to create such amazing and sweet memories for Parker Place customers and the community through their store,” said Ng. “These small shops are getting fewer and I want people to pay more attention to them.”

Despite the closure of the store, Ma and Seto are considering taking personal bookings for events, for example, parties.

This would mean bringing the bubble waffle machine to the events, or they could make the snacks and bring it to the events.

Grandpa Seto is even considering working in the food industry as he used to be a chef in Hong Kong prior to immigrating to Canada.

They thanked everyone for their support and for “loving our food all these years.” t

SPRING 2025

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Seniors

33

Guide

Seniors can help themselves and others through mentoring

A

ccording to the employment resource Indeed, a mentor is an individual who acts as an adviser or coach for a less experienced person. Mentors often share their experiences and may even offer advice to their mentees. Anyone can serve as a mentor, though individuals who accept that responsibility are typically older and/or more knowledgeable than their mentees.

Mentors may be athletic coaches, teachers, business associates or esteemed family members.

Mentoring is something older adults can consider as they look to share their knowledge with others.

Mental and emotional benefits Many successful individuals credit mentors with helping them achieve their goals.

However, mentors also walk away from mentoring having gained something significant.

According to the caregiving

company Seasons, mentoring can keep an aging mind sharp. Being a mentor may help at-risk seniors reduce their chances of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Gerontology, gains were shown for mentors in “executive function and in the activity of prefrontal cortical regions in older adults at elevated risk for cognitive impairment.”

Mentoring also may give seniors extra reasons to get up and go each day. A scheduled task like mentoring fosters social interactions and changes of scenery.

Information published in Harvard Business Review indicates seniors who mentor young people may be three times happier than people who do not.

Qualities of good mentors Seniors considering mentoring should go over what can make a good mentor-mentee

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Mentoring allows older adults to share knowledge they’ve gained over the years. relationship. The following are some characteristics of successful mentors: • Engage: The mentor should show genuine interest in the mentee, asking about their goals and expectations.

Conversation should come easily.

• Participate actively: It’s important to make the time for mentoring sessions according to what the mentee can manage with his or her schedule. Lessons should be tailored to what the mentee hopes to gain from the relationship.

Gauging success along the way and tweaking things as necessary can keep

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mentoring sessions on target.

• Listen well: Mentors recognize the importance of listening first and then responding to the questions and needs of the mentee.

• Possess expertise: A mentor needn’t have an advanced degree or special certification, but he or she should have more experience in a given field or subject than the mentee.

Mentoring is a consideration for seniors looking to remain active in their communities and share their knowledge with others. t

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Guide

Who wants to dance?

BY MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news.com

A

re you 55 or older and like to dance? Or want to learn to dance? Or want to improve your dancing?

The list of different dancing options for seniors in Richmond is long.

Programs offered at City of Richmond facilities this spring include Chinese dancing, ballroom dancing, bellydancing, conditioning through dance, dance moves, Hawaiian hula dancing, hip hop, jazz and ballet blend, jazz dancing, baroque

dancing and tap dancing.

There are also 12 different line dancing classes with a variety of levels and types, for example, line dancing variety and line dancing international. Who knew there was a difference?

And these programs are offered at many different city facilities. Many of them are at the seniors centre at the Minoru Centre for Active Living at Granville Avenue and Gilbert Road.

But dance programs are also offered at community centres across the city including in Steveston, West Richmond, City Centre, South Arm,

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This Richmond Seniors Guide includes a feature of Richmond resident Angela Haigh who discovered Hawaiian hula dancing after a car crash (see page 11). It was recommended that she strengthen her core muscles after a car accident and that’s when she found hula dancing.

So, whether you want to learn hip hop or baroque dancing or anything in between, put on your dancing shoes and get out on the floor to practice you dance moves.

For more information, go to

A wide variety of dance programs for seniors are offered at City of Richmond facilities. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND

Richmond.ca and search for “seniors program guide”. t

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SPRING 2025

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37

Guide

3 fun and effective outdoor exercises for seniors

T

he benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.), spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells and the immune system.

Seniors can benefit from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones.

That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures.

That’s especially so in women over the age of 50, as a 2021 report from Amgen, Inc., indicated women can lose up to 20 per cent of their bone density within five to seven years of menopause.

Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social

benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and spend time with other people.

With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health.

1. Walking: Walking is free and effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 per cent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.

2. Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun and a great form of outdoor exercise. Though many studies regarding the health effects of cycling have looked

Seniors are encouraged to stay physically active as they age.

at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to retirees, the results of such studies still offer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines and enjoy all the fun and health benefits that riding a bike provides.

3. Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their

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risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints.

Hiking is not a one-size-fits-all activity, so seniors, especially those who would characterize themselves as novice hikers, are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not flat. t

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SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

Guide

Dating later in life

P

eople are living longer, a reality that can be traced to a number of factors, including advancements in medicine and greater dissemination of information regarding preventive health care.

According to data from the United Nations Population Division, the average life expectancy in the United States is 81.65 for women and 76.61 for men. Canada has even higher life expectancies, at 84.74 for women and 81.15 for men.

As people live longer, some may outlive their significant others and ultimately find themselves once again interested in sharing experiences with a special someone.

Seniors ready to re-enter the dating pool may find that things are quite different from what they experienced as naive teenagers or young adults.

Dating used to be about hanging out with friends and

meeting people at shared events, such as school dances or work parties or even while enjoying a night out with friends.

Nowadays, dating often begins in cyberspace. This can be confusing and anxietyinducing for adults who didn’t grow up with technology guiding their every move.

According to a report in The Atlantic, more than one-third of baby boomers are not currently married, and this generation has had higher rates of separation and divorce and lower rates of marriage than the generations that preceded them.

Many boomers have years ahead of them to devote to new relationships.

Here’s what they may want to know before navigating 21st century dating waters.

• You’re not in this alone.

While online dating may be portrayed as a young person’s game, plenty of older adults are now finding connections online. In fact,

Dating apps are growing in popularity, even with seniors.

many different dating apps are geared toward the senior set, including SeniorMatch, eHarmony, Singles50, OKCupid, and Silver Singles, among others.

• You have more time for fun. As a senior, you may have more time to devote to recreation and leisure. This can be a great opportunity to get out and meet someone who shares your passions and interests.

• Online dating has its advantages. While online dating apps and websites may have certain things working against them, particularly if their algorithms for pairing people are not

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fine-tuned, they also can be helpful. Online dating can expand social circles beyond local neighbourhoods or even states, provinces or countries. You’re casting your net over a much larger body of water. Furthermore, dating app profiles typically spell out exactly what another person is seeking, which can save seniors from having to revisit awkward dating moments from years past.

Seniors may have to navigate new waters in modern dating.

But with a good mindset and a little persistence, it is possible for seniors to find a special someone in cyberspace. t

SPRING 2025

Richmond

Seniors

39

Guide

Tips to help seniors travel safely

T

ravel was once a key component of the picture working professionals created of their ideal retirements.

While the COVID-19 pandemic put many retirement travel plans on hold, jetting off to distant locales is once again on retirees’ radars.

A 2022 survey from AARP found that individuals 50 and over were poised to not only get back on the road, but also spend significantly more money on travel.

Prior to the pandemic, Americans 50 and over spent $7,314 annually on travel, according to data from AARP. By spring 2022, individuals in that same age bracket indicated a readiness to spend $8,369 on travel.

Eagerness to get back on the road, in the air or on the high seas could make it easy to overlook some principles of safe travel.

However, such an oversight could lead to complications that could make it hard to

enjoy time away from home.

The following tips can reduce the likelihood that seniors encounter trouble while travelling.

• Determine if any health issues are affecting your desired destinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) has a website devoted to travel vaccines (cdc.gov/travel/ page/travel-vaccines), and that can be a valuable resource for individuals planning a vacation. The Canadian government lists travel advisories and other information for those planning a trip abroad. For more information, go to travel.gc.ca.

• Speak to your physician.

A pre-trip consultation with a physician can uncover any issues that might arise while you’re away. Such issues may be easily managed for domestic travellers who are not planning to visit any especially remote locations, but they will not necessarily

Travelling is a common dream for retirees, but there are special considerations when planning a trip as an older adult. be as easily navigated when travelling overseas.

Physicians can recommend certain vaccinations or measures to ensure your health while away. In addition, a pre-trip doctor visit is a great time to refill prescriptions that you will need while you’re away.

• Take financial precautions as well. Of course, not all travel-related concerns are medical. Finances also require some pretrip attention. Inflation has caused a sharp spike in the price of various commodities since the start of 2022, so travellers should study up on the cost of food and attractions at their destination to ensure they have enough money to enjoy themselves.

Baggage costs have risen significantly in recent years, so seniors travelling on a

budget may want to pack less and do laundry while travelling in an effort to save money. In addition, the unpredictable nature of travel since the onset of the pandemic has underscored the utility of travel insurance. Seniors can look into travel insurance that could reimburse them in the case of delays or cancellations.

• Privately share your itinerary. Prior to departing, share your itinerary with friends and family. Avoid sharing the itinerary on social media platforms, which can make you a target for criminals at home and at your destination.

The itinerary should include where you’re staying, the dates you’re visiting certain locations and the dates of activities you’ll be engaging in on your trip.t

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