The National Seniors Council (NSC) engages with seniors, stakeholders, and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being, and quality of life of seniors. www.canada.ca/en/national-seniors-council.html Work priorities are determined by the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health, based on recommendations from the National Seniors Council (NSC). The NSC is currently focusing on the following 4 work priorities:
1. identifying measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors, with a particular focus on financial abuse, fraud, and scams
2. considering the federal and provincial strategies and initiatives that include a senior’s dimension, and providing advice on gaps that could potentially be addressed if a national seniors strategy were to be developed
3. providing advice to the government on the development and implementation of existing initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective, including, as a first step, observations, and recommendations on ways to strengthen attention to seniors’ housing needs in the implementation of the National Housing Strategy
4. identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse
To examine the above issues and advance its work, the NSC developed a 3-year work plan covering 2018 to 2021, which includes activities such as research, convening expert panels, and consulting with seniors and representatives of organizations serving or advocating for seniors.
Community News
Community Announcement
Congratulations to CV Senior Support Society’s community partner, LUSH Valley Food Action Society, on the recent purchase of a new (to them) home! Located in Tin Town, the new home will house the Society’s main office, food aggregation hub, and, eventually, a commercial kitchen. LUSH took possession at the beginning of October and are already in full swing in their new location preparing for the upcoming year.
Second Home for Seniors
The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.
Volunteer Needed
The vital component of most of our programs at Comox Valley Senior Support Society CV Senior Support are volunteers. While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors to fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. As our volunteers retire, we need to replace them. If you have an interest in supporting seniors in your community, please contact the office at [email protected] or 250-871-5940 to find out more.
Aging at Home
Many seniors would prefer to stay at home than move into a senior care home, but there are some challenges to consider. Factors like finances, physical mobility, social network, health concerns, and safety in the home are all things to think about. If you decide to remain in your home, discuss your plans with your family or a trusted advisor. It’s important to prepare your home to ensure you can live comfortably and safely there, using various aids and tools to make things easier. In-home care can also provide much-needed day-to-day support, as well as transportation to appointments and gatherings.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Protect Your Family with Estate Planning
It’s hard enough to think about death without having to consider the financial realities that go along with it. Making the right decisions about funeral and cemetery expenses can be especially tough when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. There’s a way around that. The cost of funerals and cemetery services are unavoidable, however if you are smart, you can cut those costs and protect your family. With well-informed estate planning, you could save thousands of dollars, and spare your spouse and children from a heavy financial and emotional burden. Please contact us for more information with no obligation.
It Is Important to Remember
In Canada, we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th. It is a day to remember those who went to war and those who didn’t return. Their sacrifice made Canada a country that makes its own destiny. Remembering is important. If you are emotional about your own memories, the Body Code healing modality can assist in putting them in perspective. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that will assist you with creating healthy memories.
Herbs for the Immune System
Mother Nature gives us many valuable tools in building, protecting and maintaining a healthy immune system. These are some of the top herbals for anti-virus, cold/flu symptoms and immune support: *Echinacea, *Elderberry, *Andrographis, *Garlic, *Olive Leaf, *Licorice Root, *Ginger, *Lomatium, *Mushrooms such as Turkey Tail and Reishi. Also worthwhile supplementing with at this time is Superflavanoid Quercetin which is an antiinflammatory and antiviral. The effective ways to implement these are through tinctures, capsules, oils, and especially strong tea infusions.
Relief for Restless Legs
Are your legs keeping you from falling asleep? HealthLink BC identifies Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) as a disorder related to sensation and movement. The symptoms, often most severe at night, are unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs that cause an irresistible urge to move them. Moving the legs only relieves the discomfort temporarily. If symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. *Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine *Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable *Get regular exercise *Massage the leg or use heat or ice packs. Some people find relief wearing socks with woven HPT technology.
Learning about BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia — an enlarged prostate — is a normal condition of aging in men. It is very common, with the incidence increasing significantly after age 40 and affecting nearly 3 of every 4 men who are over age 70. Symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and difficulty voiding urine. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and involve your pharmacist in discussions about your treatment. There is plenty that you can learn about prevention, medications, and other treatment options specific to your situation! For more information, see our full article at MedicineShoppeCourtenay.ca.
