1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off.
3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-health benefits of social interaction.

1. Make the most of your daily opportunities to socialize.
2. Practice a random act of kindness. It could be as small as smiling at someone else passing by – paying your happiness forward will not only brighten someone else’s day, but yours as well!
3. Find time to volunteer. Whether it’s participating in service clubs or joining a hobby group, you’ll find that there are many health benefits to volunteering. It can build self-esteem and confidence and expand your network of social support.
4. Combine social interaction with an activity. It could be a physical activity like walking together or a fitness class, or it could be something like a book club or a play. Ask someone to try a brain-challenging game together. Enjoy yourself while you positively impact your brain health.
5. Maintain old friendships and make new ones. Stay social through work, volunteer activities, travel, hobbies, family and friends. Be open to new experiences – accept invitations and extend a few of your own.

Are you a caregiver to your children and your aging parents? If so, you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” a group of adults who are “sandwiched” between caregiving responsibilities for their young and elderly loved ones. This generation of caregivers has its own unique stresses and challenges, spending on average about three hours per day on unpaid care while also working full-time. These challenges can take a toll on this group’s health, finances, and emotions. Thankfully, home care agencies can help relieve some of the stress by providing quality care for senior loved ones in their own homes.

These days the mobility market is full of possibilities. Rather than being confined to the inside of your home or relying on friends and family to take you out, consider the freedom of a mobility scooter. Battery powered scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable and reliable than ever before. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go. Along with the freedom, mobility scooters offer an element of safety.

Low carb, high protein, keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, vegan, flexitarian … there are so many options. If you are trying to lose weight, any of the fad diets will help you achieve short-term results. But for long-lasting results and overall health and wellness, you’ll want to create a personalized diet plan. Be realistic about how many calories you need based on your age and activity level. Plan for a balanced intake of nutrients. Consider whether additional supplements may be needed and whether they may interact with your medications or medical conditions. If opting to take a weight loss medication, it will work better when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.

The 2023 Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide is now out! This free guide is being dropped at locations around the Valley, but if you want one, or more, set aside for you, please contact the office and we will either hold one for you or arrange for delivery! 20,000 copies of this spiral bound guide were created in partnership between Comox Valley Senior Support and Denman and Hornby Community Health Care Services and will be available free of charge.

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.

The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Beginning March 15, the team will be ready to go. Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.

We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area. In April or May. Please contact the CVSS office if you are interested in attending!

Caregiving can be hard! Don’t do it alone! Provincial Toll-Free Caregiver Support Line – Unpaid family and friends’ caregivers can call this toll free number for one-to-one telephone support. 8-4 Monday- Friday. 1-877-520-3267. Caregiver Coaching assists caregivers in developing their own action plan that will support them in the very important role they fulfill as caregiver. Referral to this program id through the Caregiver Support Line. The Caregiver Learning Centre is available free of charge for anyone who needs it. It’s on the website at www.familycaregiversbc.ca.