Community News
Staying Social as a Senior

As we get older, health conditions, mobility limitations or a lack of energy can keep us from being as socially active as we once were. A diminishing social life might happen gradually as close friends experience the same conditions and family members grow busy. We may not even notice how long it has been since we last spent time with a friend! Isolation has many physical and emotional health risks. Especially if you live by yourself, staying socially active is critical to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Volunteer at a local organization, join a senior living community or find a group that focuses on similar interests (e.g., knitting, water aerobics, cooking). Get back to living your best life!

Regaining Mobility & Independence

Our day-to-day lives often involve activities that require us to venture out into public, whether it’s going to the bank, attending medical appointments, shopping, or spending time with friends and family. For those who experience mobility challenges, simple errands can be more difficult and less convenient, especially when having to rely on others for transport. Mobility scooters can help you or your loved one regain a sense of independence and control as errands become easier and access to more destinations becomes possible again. Regaining mobility and independence can simplify our daily tasks and offer us more choices.

Acupuncture for Digestive Conditions

Symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and abdominal pain are an indication that things are not moving through the digestive tract efficiently. The root cause of many digestive issues is often chronic stress, improper diet, poor sleep habits, and other lifestyle issues. Multiple scientific studies show that acupuncture may benefit the digestive tract by regulating gastric motility, reducing inflammation of the mucosal lining, regulating GI sensitivity (abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements), and balances the brain-gut axis, which is essentially how the brain communicates with the digestive tract and vice versa.

Building Your Estate Team

It’s important to enlist the help of others and assemble the right people on your estate planning team. Your team should include: 1) Family – Be proactive and clear about your wishes so that no one is in the dark about how you want to share your assets, and who to contact. 2) The Executor – person with the legal authority to represent your estate. Can be a capable friend or family member, or an appointed trust company (fees charged for services). 3) Your Financial Advisor – can help prepare an estate plan, knows your net worth and where to locate your assets.

Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Conditions

Do you suffer from a nagging injury like tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries or plantar fasciitis? Shockwave therapy is one of the best research-backed treatments for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not healed properly. It involves the application of acoustic sound waves to kick-start healing, control pain, and restore mobility. Often patients will feel relief after their first treatment and can expect more significant and lasting changes within 3-5 applications. Shockwave Therapy coupled with Class IV Laser Therapy is evidence based and the gold standard in tendon healing.

Ask The Expert

Q: My dad says he has double vision in one eye, what should we do?
A: He should be triaged as soon as possible and assessed. Describing double vision can be hard for the person experiencing it. He might simply mean he’s seeing shadowy vision in one eye, or maybe his eyes have suddenly become misaligned because of a serious problem with the nerves or blood supply (in the brain) that control the eye muscles.

Suffering from Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Some warning signs that can signal a problem include gums that bleed easily; red, swollen, and tender gums; receding gumline; and persistent bad breath. See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better.

In Your Community

October 22 + 23. 10-3pm. Brain Booster Brian Camp presented by Tanja Yardley, Physiotherapist, brain health clinician & Martina Forster, Occupational Therapist, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Brain health is a critical piece of your overall health. Are you or someone you care about experiencing cognitive and mental health changes? Learn how to create an optimizing environment for your brain, how to manage your energy, foods for peak brain performance and how to boost your attention and focus. In a safe and supportive space learn exercises and techniques to create a home program to foster continued brain health.

Start Changing Lives Now

We are meeting a need in the community, and we can’t do it without you. Please give generously and make a difference in the quality of life for our seniors. Your donation will go a long way to continue providing just the right programs and services and help people reconnect with the community in a safe way. Every $100 donated provides an hour of services to three older adults and caregivers.
Ways to donate: Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/36058/donation. Mail: 15008 26 Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4P 3H5. By Phone: 604-531-2502 Ext. 209

Better at Home Services

Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures seniors continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following:
• Friendly Visiting
• Transportation
• Light Housekeeping
• Grocery Shopping
To find out more about the services, please contact Elizabeth at 604-536-9348.

Fresh and Lively

Our Meal Programs across Surrey and White Rock offer older adults community lunches where they can enjoy a hot nutritious meal in a group setting. The Meal Program provides the opportunity for seniors to meet new friends and to engage in socialization. Over 3,000 meals served each year and countless friendships made. Come join us for some great food, excellent entertainment, and an opportunity to meet new people! If you would like to learn more about our Community Lunches or would like to register, contact 604-531-9400 ext 207 or Email: [email protected]