55Plus+ January 2024

Jan. 2024

A POSITIVE NEW YEAR SILVER THREADS

EPIC CROSS COUNTRY JOURNEY MILE ZERO TOURS

SENIOR DRIVING WALLACE DRIVING

GIFT OF CONNECTION CARE & COMPANY

RSV VACCINE

FORT ROYAL PHARMACY

INDOOR HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES ROSS PLACE

AND SO MUCH MORE...

2 | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Times Colonist | 55 Plus

SILVER THREADS SERVICE

C

hristmas will be here before you know it, and we will ring in a New Year. Then what, you may ask. Well, how about making a few resolutions?

At Silver Threads Service our Winter Program Guide has lots of suggestions to make 2024 a happy and healthy one for anyone 55 years and better.

One popular New Year’s resolution is to improve one’s physical health by getting active and fit. We offer a variety of fitness classes at two convenient locations, with a range of options that cater to different abilities and preferences. From gentle Chair Fitness to the seated and standing Functional Fitness classes, individuals can choose the class that best suits their needs.

Additionally, we have both indoor and outdoor walking groups that meet regularly to provide further opportunities for physical activity. If flexibility and wellness is your goal, Gentle and Hatha Yoga, Essentrics

RESOLVE TO MAKE THE NEW YEAR POSITIVE!

and Qigong are offered. And if you don’t know what these are we would be happy to explain!

Maybe you resolve to have more fun, and learn to laugh again?

Rediscover Play Through Improv is an instructor-led program that will guide you through improv games.

Then learn through reflection how the experiences mirror life. Or if you are looking to connect with others, our social programs include Monthly Socials, and Discussion groups.

In January, membership will be $25 to the end of March, and this will give you reduced registration and program fees. Our Winter Program Guide is now available online at www.silverthreads.ca Silver Threads Service has been serving seniors in Victoria for over 67 years, and prides itself on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for those looking to try out new experiences and classes. For more information or to register, call the Saanich Centre at 250 382-3151 or the Victoria Centre at 250 388-4268. Our Centres will be closed December 25th to January 1st, reopening Tuesday, January 2nd.

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS WITH ISLAND DEAF & HARD OF HEARING Silver Threads Service will be partnering with the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre to offer programs and support to those with hearing loss beginning in January 2024.

“Let’s Talk” Speechreading will be offered at the Victoria Centre with the team from Island Deaf and

The program is Thursdays, January 25th to March 28th from 9:30am to 11:30am and the cost is $125 members, $160 non-members.

For those who have hearing aids and want to get the most out of their devices, one on one sessions “Tech and Tips with Kelsey” will also be offered at the Victoria Centre. Learn how to pair your hearing aids with the technology of today that includes hearing aid apps, mobile phone, iPad or tablet, laptops, Cochlear Implant (CI) tech support, Bluetooth devices, and voice to text apps.

In partnership with Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (IDHHC) we invite you to meet Kelsey.

She is hard of hearing, a cochlear implant user, knows sign language and is the best tech guru! Kelsey will assist with any of the above by explaining the complicated tech world in simple language, with processes that are easy to follow and understand in a one on one 60-minute session offered on

Tuesdays afternoons. Cost is $15 per session.

Call the Victoria Centre of Silver Threads Service at 250 388-4268 for more information on these programs. The Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Police Station.

BRAIN GAMES SAANICH CENTRE DATES: Wednesdays, February 21st to March 27th TIME: 1:00pm to 2:00pm COST: 6/$24 members, $42 non-members

BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE

LEADER: Lisa van Bommel

If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service offers a program that can support you in this health practice.

Registration opened December 1st for the Winter Brain Games Program. This program is for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting.

Call 250 382-3151 or visit www. silverthreadsservice.ca for more information.

The Word scramble this month is all about Resolutions. The ones we make, the ones we keep, and the ones that we forget about after the first week.

WORD SCRAMBLE 1. soel hegitw 2. slofs liyad 3. lwak rmeo 4. vesa noeym 5. edar okobs 6. peles etretb

10. ease stress 9. eat healthy 8. new hobbies 7. do puzzles 6. sleep better 5. read books 4. save money 3. walk more 2. floss daily ANSWERS: 1. lose weight Silver Threads Service

7. od ulzezps

vice to seniors!

Over 67 years of community service Offering great programs & two locations to serve you.

Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151

Hard of Hearing Center (IDHHC).

The program is geared to those who are struggling to understand people – even while wearing hearing aids. Instructors have many useful strategies, with lots of useful tips for better communication and is a small group speechreading (aka lipreading) and communication strategies course. It will help individuals with hearing loss and their families to communicate better. Captioning is provided for every class.

Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268

Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information

stay active * stay healthy * stay connected

8. wne sobhbie 9. tea lhateyh 10. seea sestrs

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023 | 3

Understanding and accessing the RSV vaccine

F

ort Royal Pharmacy, your local community based pharmacy, is here to assist you when you need it. With their 3 locations, professional staff, quick and efficient service, they strive to provide the best customer service to all their clients. They are ready to renew a prescription, make changes to an existing one, provide an emergency supply of medication, administer vaccines, and to check the medications you are taking to make sure they're the best ones for you. Whatever your medications needs, they are here to make the process easier and smoother for you.

WHAT IS RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children and older adults. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, (infl ammation of the small airways in the lung), and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).

RSV causes outbreaks of respiratory illness each year, often

occurring between the late fall to the early spring.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RSV? Older children and adults usually present with symptoms similar to the common cold and symptoms go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Typical RSV symptoms include: • Runny nose • Cough • Low grade fever (less than 38.5° C or 101° F) • Loss of appetite • Mild sore throat

IS THERE A VACCINE FOR RSV?

Yes. A vaccine for RSV was approved by Health Canada in August 2023 to prevent RSV disease for adults ages 60 and over.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RSV VACCINE? Yes. The RSV vaccine is not funded by the Province of British Columbia. However, if you have private insurance in place, some insurance plans may cover the vaccine cost.

HOW CAN I GET THE RSV VACCINE SHOT?

RSV vaccine is now available at all the Fort Royal Pharmacy locations.

Call the location nearest you and make an appointment with the Pharmacist to get your shot.

Come into any of their 3 locations on Fort St, Hillside Ave, or Oak Bay

Ave and talk to their pharmacist for more information. Serving the community of Greater Victoria for over 10+ years, Fort Royal provides Delivery, Medication Reviews, Complimentary Blister Packaging and many other services at all their locations.

WEBSITE: FortRoyalPharmacy.ca E-MAIL: info@fortroyalpharmacy.ca

FULL SERVICE DISPENSING PHARMACY Thank you for voting us one of the “Best Pharmacy Groups” in Victoria.

Thanks for supporting local.

Oak Bay team

Hillside team

Everyone recognizes the challenges facing us with cost-of-living and global economic uncertainty on the rise.

DELIVERY Across the Island!

P P

P P

P

Quick & Efficient Service Free Medical Reviews Free Blister Packaging Compounding Services Ostomy Supplies All Vaccinations Administered

P

Locally-Owned & Family-Operated

I’m here to support you.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me: Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca @leg.bc.

250-472-8528

Flu & COVID shots available at ALL locations

3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU VICTORIA 1803 FORT ST Tel: 250-590-3707 Fax: 250-590-3708 VICTORIA #50-797 HILLSIDE AVE Tel: 778-406-2022 Fax: 778-406-2023

FortRoyalPharmacy.ca

Serving the community for over 10 years

OAK BAY 2217 OAK BAY AVE Tel: 250-590-9217 Fax: 250-590-9218 EMAIL: INFO@FORTROYALPHARMACY.CA

4 | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Times Colonist | 55 Plus

Discover a Canada you’ve never seen before with an Epic Journey across all Ten Provinces

A

There can’t be a more perfect option than a once in a lifetime expedition across Canada by rail.

Canada’s transcontinental railway is an integral part of our nation’s history and an awesome feat of engineering. Completed in 1885, the railway connected Canada from coast to coast and fulfilled a condition of British Columbia’s entrance into confederation. With the interior lands of the west now easily accessible, the population exploded giving rise to the nation we know today.

trip includes five nights private Sleeper Plus Class accommodations aboard VIA Rail. Travelling by rail allows guests to witness the dramatic change in scenery from snow covered mountain peaks to endless prairie, from bustling cities to farmer’s fields, and finally to the rugged shores of the East Coast.

However, you won’t just be watching the scenery from your window; stopovers have been included in four provinces during which you will get to experience Canada’s quintessential destinations and many hidden gems. Also included are many unforgettable experiences such as cruising into the mist of Niagara Falls and visiting one of the world’s most famous lighthouses at Peggy’s Cove and much, much more.

Mile Zero Tours, a locally owned and operated tour company offers The Epic Canadian Rail Journey - a 16-day deluxe guided tour departing Victoria in May 2024 which escorts travellers on the scenic rail journey across the continent. The

Getting to the East Coast is just the beginning as Mile Zero Tours also offers the option to extend your stay with the 10-day Magical Maritimes tour in June. This exciting tour begins in Halifax and includes New Brunswick, PEI and

s Canadians we are blessed to live in a country so vast and diverse. But with our immense geography how can one ever explore and experience all parts of this diverse nation?

Limited small group sizes Book Early!

Epic Canadian Rail Journey 16 Days: May 3 -18 or May 17 -June 1, 2024 SPECTACULAR NEW ZEALAND HARRISON HOT SPRINGS ISLAND HOPPING EPIC CANADIAN RAIL JOURNEY EPIC RAIL + COMPLETE ATLANTIC COMPLETE ATLANTIC CANADA MAGICAL MARITIMES DISCOVER NEWFOUNDLAND

18 DAYS 4 DAYS 6 DAYS 16 DAYS 36DAYS 21 DAYS 10 DAYS 12 DAYS

JAN 25 $9299 MAR 4 $1499 APRIL 17 $2699 MAY 3 & 17 $9999 MAY 17 $18499 JUN 1 $9899 JUN 1 $4999 AUG 12 $5699

the beautiful Cape Breton Island.

Marvel at the Bay of Fundy and the world’s highest tides, visit the birthplace of Confederation and experience panoramic views along the stunning Cabot Trail. There is still one province left and the 12-day Discover Newfoundland and Labrador tour is the perfect conclusion to this ultimate Canadian experience. Enjoy an iceberg and whale watching cruise, visit the world-famous Viking settlement of L’Anse Aux Meadows, explore the lively streets of St. John’s and tour the spectacular Gros Morne National Park.

How can you discover what this great nation has to offer? This year consider a trip of a lifetime and journey across all ten provinces – don’t miss out on this opportunity.

All aboard! Visit milezerotours.com or call 250-590-0811 today.

No Bones About It

Advertising Feature

Q: I’m just hard on things – especially my body. In the last five years, I’ve been paying the price in regards to my teeth. I’ve had to get a lot of crowns to save my teeth.

Then about a year ago things got out of control on my upper right side and I had to have three teeth pulled: my upper right eye tooth and the two behind it. I can’t eat on that side and I can’t smile. I’m a bit upset that the dentist just pulled them. I didn’t ask enough questions when they were pulled and what came next. Since then I’ve gone back but the dentist doesn’t think I have enough bone for implants. I then saw someone else and he said that it was close. He did say I might need bone grafting before implants, so right now I’m deciding but I’m at a loss. How could the bone loss have been prevented? I now know that bone goes away after teeth are pulled but why wasn’t that said from the start? That’s what’s frustrating me – I seem to get the full story after it’s too late. I know it might not have been intended, but this doesn’t feel good. If there’s any light that can be shed… please!

A: Your story is a common one.

Though preserving the bone after tooth extraction is a straightforward procedure, it is not universally done.

It’s not universally taught in dental schools until the specialty level so general dentists graduate without a clear philosophy and skill set to help their patients in this regard.

Another reason is that some dentists choose not to graft but to allow healing for six to eight weeks and then place implants.

While this is a viable technique if the extraction is uneventful and the socket is disease free and structurally intact, it requires

extremely good communication and follow up so that the opportunity and timing for placing implants is not missed. Bone begins to change shape and volume at about twelve weeks. If the socket walls are thin, they may be lost in the reshaping of the socket that automatically takes place. This may lead to a boney ridge that is too thin to place

implants. This reshaping of bone varies from person to person. After natural bone reshaping, some people may have enough bone width to place an implant while others do not.

I prefer to graft at extraction and have found at six months I have more than enough ridge width for implants.

Welcoming New Patients

As for your ridge, bone expansion techniques may be all that is needed to solve the ridge problem. Bone is “plastic” and can be expanded (albeit within certain limits). When done carefully it provides the necessary width for implants.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 5

If we can help, we’d like to.

Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation.

Based on actual patient cases © Calvin Ross Crapo

g n i d i h p o t S e l i m s r you FAMILY • RESTORATIVE • IMPLANT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

778 410 2067 #206-4400 Chatterton Way • drcrapo.com

Indoor Holiday Activities for Seniors

6 | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Times Colonist | 55 Plus

W

inter is upon us! If the shorter days weren’t a sign, the colder, wetter weather is a sure-fire indicator.

As spending longer periods of time outdoors in the winter is not recommended for seniors, especially those with underlying health conditions, you might be looking for new ways to spend your time inside. Luckily, your local seniors community has a few ideas on how to bust the boredom.

Here are some indoor Holiday activities in Victoria this winter: WATCH A CHRISTMAS MOVIE Whether on your own TV, common areas around your seniors community, or even in ads on YouTube, you’ve probably been seeing Christmas movies pop up all around you since November.

Christmas movies are a great way to spend your time during the colder months while also partaking in a little festive cheer.

DO HOLIDAY THEMED CRAFTS

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a very happy holiday and a fantastic 2024 from our family to yours.

Book a tour today 250-381-8666

rossplace.ca | 2638 Ross Lane, Victoria

Get into the spirit of the holidays and keep busy indoors! Try your hand at some arts and crafts that can be done from the comfort of your home. Check out DIY videos online or check and see if your seniors community has crafting as a recreational activity. If you do live in a seniors community and find something that your neighbours would enjoy making, feel free to suggest it to the recreation coordinator as an upcoming activity.

DECORATE FOR THE SEASON Holiday decorations are one of

the reasons this time of year feels so cozy and special. Try placing a wreath on your door, or setting up special holiday scented candles to celebrate the season. Maybe a sprig of mistletoe makes an appearance?

Decorating the inside of your home will make it feel more festive and warm and will help to elevate your mood when you need to stay indoors.

TRY SOME HOLIDAY SNACKS AND BEVERAGES Although most seniors’ communities provide meals, you might get some joy out of using your kitchen or kitchenette to whip up some holiday snacks and/or beverages. Invite over a friend and have a holiday baking party! Try making some shortbread cookies, candy-cane topped hot chocolates, or an eggnog creme brûlée. Yum. SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER There are numerous ways you can spread cheer this holiday season.

Gather a few people, brush up your singing skills, and go caroling in the common areas of your seniors community. If you want to do something a little more personal, you can try making some handmade Christmas cards you can give to your friends, family members, or other residents and staff.

Voted Victoria’s “best in city” seniors community, Ross Place offers a variety of recreational activities to help keep you social and active this holiday. Feel free to contact us to inquire if we offer assisted living services at this VRS location. Call 250.381.8666 to book a tour.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 7

Senior driving education vs. assessment M Ahead of the any geriatric researchers presenting at safety conferences agree that education, not testing, is the answer to seniors driving longer and safer.

Prior to intervention by family, government, medical personnel or police, seniors should take charge of their driving situation.

It is best to prepare for an impending driver assessment well ahead of time. It will relieve the stress of the unknown and the arrival of the dreaded letter. Seniors should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to all sorts of things, particularly as it pertains to driving.

Two presenters at a Driving School Association of the Americas conference made a very strong case that senior-driver harassment by governing bodies exists throughout North America.

The most common crashes listed in order of frequency and cause of injury are: •

Many people believe seniors have a higher-than-normal crash frequency.

This is not true.

They do have a much higher chance of injury in a crash because of the

warning, and be hidden behind the inside lane of two lanes approaching, was also a factor.

For both seniors with slower reaction times and teens lack of experience, lack of scanning contributes to this crash.

frailty brought on by advanced age, particularly those over 75 years of age.

•

The left turn at intersections, crossing multiple oncoming lanes of traffic, causes injury for all drivers. This type of crash is often due to declining depth perception in seniors and lack of experience in teens.

The fact that oncoming vehicle drivers could change to the outside through-lane at an intersection, without

•

Rear end crashes are very common. This is caused by all drivers not understanding time and distance for stopping. Understanding the consequences of tailgating is a lesson to be learned by all.

Again, seniors are more likely to experience more injury than a teen.

Joan Wallace Driving School offers a free seminar for seniors at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

TO SIGN UP, CALL 250-383-7483.

Curve

FREE SENIOR SEMINAR 55+ 4TH WEDNESDAY EVERY MONTH AT 2:00 PM. CALL TO REGISTER! 250 383 7483

Help for Dizziness 8 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

D

izziness and balance disorders affect people of all ages. It’s estimated that up to 40% of us will experience debilitating dizziness at some point in our lives.

For older adults, 33% suffer chronic imbalance, impacting quality of life and increasing fall risk. It’s important to know that there is help and that the sooner you get it, the better the long-term outcomes. You don’t need to ‘tough it out’.

Our brain maintains balance by integrating information from sensorimotor control systems in our body including vision (sight), proprioception (touch), and vestibular (motion, equilibrium, spatial orientation). Breakdowns in these systems can be caused by disease, head injury, autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, medications, or infection. These breakdowns are experienced as dizziness, nausea, vertigo, feeling off-balance or lightheadedness.

A range of treatments are available, including dietary changes, surgery, medications and vestibular rehabilitation. Identifying where the breakdown in the balance system has occurred is key to determining the most appropriate treatment.

At Hear Inc., our audiologists are specifically trained in the assessment of vestibular disorders.

Following a thorough review of your medical history and what balance issues you are experiencing; an appropriate test battery is determined.

• Videonystagmography (VNG) – goggles, incorporating video cameras to monitor and record eye movement, are worn while focusing on visual targets or while the head is placed in different positions

“As independent audiologists, we work for you, not a hearing aid manufacturer.”

Donna Stewart

Martine Schlagintweit

Aisling Smyth

A pallbearers’ role in the funeral service

When I was young, I remember reading the poem Footprints by Margaret Powers, which is still one of my favorite pieces of writing today.

• Audiometry (Hearing test) – because the inner ear contains both hearing and balance organs, audiometric testing is completed to identify any hearing issues, especially asymmetrical ones

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) – provides information about the responsiveness of the hair cells in the cochlea

Their final journey:

Laura Van Sprang

TESTS MAY INCLUDE:

• Tympanometry – measures the pressure and compliance of the middle ear system

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

• Video Head Impulse Testing (VHIT) – evaluates how well the eyes and the inner ears work together • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) – evaluates whether certain vestibular organs and associated nerves are intact and functioning normally Findings from these tests are correlated so that a treatment plan can be determined. Your physician,

physiotherapist and even specialized optometrists may be involved in the recommended treatment.

If you are experiencing balance issues, please reach out to our Saanichton clinic at 778-351-1145.

There is help.

Donna Stewart, M.A., Aud(C), RAUD/RHIP Board Registered Audiologist Owner Hear Inc.

Serving residents and community members of Victoria for generations.

Whether you are planning in advance or require our compassionate care immediately - please contact our team to honour you and your loved ones wishes within your budgetary needs.

Call us today: 250-388-5155

Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation & Reception Centre - Victoria

by Arbor Memorial 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4B8 • sandsvictoria.ca Arbor Memorial Inc.

It impacted me greatly, particularly the part where the individual sees only one set of footprints in the sand.

When you continue reading, we find out they haven’t been abandoned, but rather had been carried during the lowest and most hopeless time in their life.

This poem reminds me of the human connection we have for one another. To know that someone cares so deeply for you, they would bear some of the weight when they are needed most.

That’s special. It only seems fitting, and in our nature, to want to provide that time-honoured tradition of carrying our dearly departed loved ones to their final resting place.

Being asked to be a pallbearer for a family member or close friend who has died can be a very emotional yet meaningful experience.

Being chosen is a clear sign that you are a trusted and valued individual who has played a significant role in the person’s life to be given this responsibility.

You want to make sure it is done with the dignity and respect it requires. Possibly, you have participated as a pallbearer before or perhaps it is your first time … maybe even your first funeral.

Rest assured, there will be a team of funeral professionals on-site to guide you and lead you in the process.

Including pallbearers in a service is a time-honoured tradition that should be considered even if a continued on next page...

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cremation is chosen as the final disposition. We also see individuals chosen to carry the urn for a service, on its own or with two to four urn bearers using an urn arch.

This is a beautiful way to enter and exit the chapel and the cemetery with an urn.

There are no rules to who can perform the respectful duty. Even if someone is unable to carry to the casket or urn physically, perhaps due to a disability or being of a young or old age, they can still participate by walking beside the casket or urn as an honourary pallbearer.

The Gift of Connection WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023 | 9

Inter-generational relationships improve health for all ages

Ask the majority of North American children, teens and young adults, “Where are the gifts?” The most common answer in December is likely to be, “Under the tree”.

Here in North America, with our high value for speed and productivity, it’s all too easy for us to miss out on the incredible gifts that are seated around our tables and living rooms: our most senior family members.

It is also OK for you to let important people in your life know that it would be something you would be available and honoured to do.

In Japan, elders are revered and are often consulted for advice in all areas of life. Multigenerational relationships ensure cultural traditions and customs are preserved and celebrated, helping foster a sense of belonging and community for all age groups.

When we are at our most vulnerable and no longer have the ability to carry ourselves, what an amazing gift and duty we perform for our loved ones, ensuring they are carefully transported on that final journey, by those who loved them most.

Many times, it is those who once carried us as children, that we may one day be called upon to carry ourselves, and our two sets of footprints, will again become one.

Laura Van Sprang is manager of Sands Funeral Chapel of Victoria

by Arbor Memorial

1.

Plant seeds of curiosity. Take a few moments to help your children or grandchildren (of any age) get curious about the world their grandparents or great-grandparents grew up in. Encourage them to imagine their senior family members as treasure chests full of interesting stories they can’t find by googling or asking Siri.

2.

Plan for success. Consider your next family gathering and choose a time when your most senior family members are best able to engage. Explain to younger ones what is planned so no one is surprised when they are asked to pause their playtime with cousins.

3.

Jumpstart the conversation.

An indication of our collective desire for greater connection, you can now find a growing number of conversation-starter card games - but in the time it would take for you to drive to a bookstore you can just as easily make your own! Here are a couple of ideas to get the conversation started:

•

Tell us about your least favourite chore when you were a kid.

•

What is your best memory of school?

•

Did you have any pets?

•

What did you and your friends/ siblings do for fun?

•

How did you communicate with your parents and friends without a cell phone?

•

Which invention changed your life the most?

But all over the world in numerous other cultures, the most valued gifts are recognizable not by shiny wrapping paper but by silver hair and weathered skin.

As our family members age, we are often faced with less family and friends available and it’s a good idea to have the conversation about who you would call upon, when the time comes, for you and your family members.

It is so impactful to watch a casket being carried. The weight that is being taken on is more than just the individual them self – it is also the love, the loss, the honour, the memories, and the realization of this being the final journey, that will be taken together.

and cultivate deeper connections between family members whose childhoods have been so fascinatingly different:

Health researchers continually reveal that our younger generations’ struggles with anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. Personal connection with those who have endured significant challenges has never been more valuable. Researchers at Boston College have documented that college students who enjoy positive relationships with their grandparents experience lower levels of depression and anxiety.

But despite the ever-increasing ways technology is making intergenerational communication easier, our senior populations and teens are both reporting record levels of loneliness and feelings of isolation.

Communication with our family members is more convenient than ever, but it’s our family connection that could use some help these days. Sharing faces and photos is easy; sharing hearts and stories requires intention and effort…and a little creativity.

Here are a few ideas to kickstart inter-generational conversation

If your family includes littles who are too young to remember this event, be sure to pull out your phone and record the conversation - this may become one of your most priceless videos.

As you enjoy the laughs and wisdom that flow from these intentional connections, know that the benefit runs both ways. University of Chicago researchers found older adults who feel respected are more likely to experience positive emotions and have better mental and physical health.

Remember, you don’t need to curate a biography in one sitting.

Enjoy the journey. Wherever questions and stories lead, know that your intentional connection will be a gift to family members of all ages.

The Vista’s Memory Care & Long-Term Care is NOW OPEN

10 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

The Vista strives to help residents to stay engaged and enjoy their days.

When you or your loved one’s memory and sensory perceptions become less reliable, it’s reassuring to know there are services available in your new senior living community, with specialized individual care for such cognitive challenges as Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

Winter has made its way to Lily Pad Lingerie. Indulge in the cozy comfort of our sleepwear and loungewear.

Explore various options, from sophisticated prints to elegant patterns, ensuring something for everyone.

Visit us in-store or browse our online collection!

On the heels of The Vista welcoming their first condo owners and independent living residents in the summer the community is now licensed in their 48 Memory and LongTerm Care studios and will receive their first resident late December.

Known for luxury and comfort, the well-appointed contemporary and resort-like retirement community by Avenir Senior Living is designed to meet your lifestyle and personal care as your needs evolve.

Welcoming social areas are sophisticated yet feel like home, and most have stunning ocean views.

SOPHISTICATED AND MODERN, SHOP OUR APRIL CORNELL COLLECTION IN-STORE OR ONLINE ENJOY 100% COTTON THROUGH THE WINTER SEASON!

In a safe and secure environment, memory care will be provided to residents in 48 furnished studios on two floors, with 24-hour nursing support.

The spacious studios allow each new resident to bring their own personal belongings to make it feel more like home. Each studio comes equipped with its own heating and air conditioning, private bathroom and shower.

Unique to Avenir communities, is the Cognitive Lifestyle program, through their nursing assessment process, identifies each resident’s individual cognitive skills and abilities.

SHOP LOCAL AT MATTICK'S FARM, CORDOVA BAY VICTORIA

“As we fill up our second floor, we will separate our residents according to their cognitive level,” explains Jason Gurash, vice-president, sales and marketing for Avenir.

“Residents with early onset dementia will reside on the second floor, which includes a large outdoor patio for their enjoyment, and those with later stages will reside on the third floor.”

He adds, “This allows staff to really get to know the residents and understand where they’re at so we can structure their daily activities and engagement accordingly.”

MOVE-IN AND ORIENTATION The Round Table Discovery Meeting is a process where the management team and nursing staff meet with each new family to learn about their loved one.

“This meeting is an opportunity for us to learn as much about our new resident as possible so our staff can support a smooth transition,” says Gurash. “It helps us get to know their personality, medical history, their likes and dislikes, and allows us to focus on developing a person-centered care plan.”

A person-centered care plan takes into account the resident’s dignity, individuality, spirituality, preferences and meaningful engagement.

According to Candice Peterson, BSN, RN, director of care, it also includes what’s important to the individual relevant to their treatment and care.

These are developed with the resident’s involvement, allowing them to have a voice in their personal care and treatments.

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For example, an individualized care plan for each resident will include: when and what type of care they’ll receive, medication times, food preferences, personal privacy, personalizing their private space, activities they enjoy, and more.

RESIDENT’S ENGAGING ACTIVITIES The care team guides residents through engaging activities focused on the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, , intellectual, social, environmental, and vocational. They take a holistic approach to enrich the quality of their life each day.

“We really strive to have our residents know they can do rewarding daily activities and feel fulfilled, so they are accomplishing things and engaging and enjoying their day,” says Gurash.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 11

“We know there’s a demand in the market right now and we look forward to getting licensed to open our Memory Care studios. We’re excited to offer our services so families can have a sense of peace and comfort knowing their loved one is being compassionately cared for.”

* MEMORY AND LONG-TERM CARE NOW OPEN - BOOK YOUR TOUR

MOVE INOPEN TODAY* NOW

COMPASSIONATE CARE AT THE VISTA

For more information about The Vista, visit www.liveatvista.ca or call 778-247-0780.

Tours are offered daily.

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. Avenir Senior Living is a proven leader in developing, designing, marketing, and operating exceptional senior care communities across North America.

Avenir’s newest boutique retirement community, The Vista, in Esquimalt, is a resort-style living experience offering seniors different lifestyle choices and support services to comfortably age in place.

Services Include:

Interior Features

• Cognitive Lifestyle Program Unique to Avenir Communities

• Functional Spacious Floor Plan

• Round Table Discovery Meeting • Trained Caregivers on Staff 24 Hours/7 Days a Week • 3 Chef-Prepared Meals Plus Snacks Daily

• Individualized Air Conditioning & Heating • Private Bathroom & Shower • Furnished with Bed, Beside Wall Sconce, Nightstand & Guest Chair • Ample Storage for Personal Items

* Some conditions apply *Approved nursing assessment required

RESERVE YOUR SUITE NOW, CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR ASSESSMENT TODAY

778-247-0780

Ask us about our Continuum of Care Visit Us Online TOURS DAILY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM – 5PM 622 Admirals Rd. BC V9A 2N7 www.LiveAtVista.ca

12 | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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