City of Powell River has received a $15,000 provincial grant to resume its Seniors Together program.
Christine Creer, health and fitness program coordinator with the city’s parks, recreation and culture department, said the program has restarted after being shut down by COVID-19. Seniors Together, which is a presentation and a lunch program, resumed this summer and is held at Cranberry Seniors Centre.
“The presentation can really be anything with a special interest for seniors,” said Creer. “It could be seniors’ services, it could be a light-hearted presentation, or anything else of interest.
“The lunch is provided by the senior citizens association here at Cranberry Seniors Centre, so they help with a menu plan. It could be something seasonal or related to a holiday. They have a great menu every month.”
In terms of the presentations, Creer said the September session highlighted Powell River Public Library, featuring all the facility has to offer, with a focus on components of interest to seniors, such as the memoir writing program, ancestry.ca, books on wheels and other options.
Creer is open to taking suggestions for presentations if people have ideas of good topics or presenters. Topics such as fire safety, or fraud protection, and specific presentations around tax time, are good subject matter. She said the ICBC road test is another good topic for seniors having anxiety around driving tests.
The garden club came in August and did a fantastic presentation, according to Creer. The club recounted a trip to Denman Island, with a slide show for those in attendance.
“It was a great presentation and really entertaining,” added Creer.
She said she can also let seniors know about recreation programs the city has to offer, such as fitness programs, aquafit and other features seniors might be interested in. Other city services could also be highlighted, such as transit, she added.
Creer said she is developing a Christmas presentation, which has not been finalized yet. She said she is hoping to work with an elementary school to have a presentation from their students.
“It might be Christmas carols or some kind of holiday play,” added Creer. “I’m super excited about that one.”
Community connections
She said the important factor about Seniors Together is that it is a social event.
“Primarily, people get out and connect with one another, which is even more important now after COVID-19, to combat that isolation,” said Creer. “It’s a food service provider. It’s a free lunch that people get. Thirdly, it is an information sharing program, so those in attendance are receiving information about services in the community – maybe things that are important to seniors. It’s a trifold benefit.”
Creer said the social connection is important, and for programs at Powell River Recreation Complex, health and fitness is important, but so is the social component.
“Those connections hugely improve the quality and longevity of life,” said Creer. “People live longer and healthier with more social connections.”
Creer said she wanted to point out the importance of the partnership with Cranberry Seniors Centre.
“The program wouldn’t be possible without their collaboration,” said Creer.
For people interested in taking part in Seniors Together, they can register at the recreation complex, or give reception a phone call at 604.485.2891. Creer said participants need to have an account with the recreation department, which takes a few minutes to set up.
“It’s a free program, so seniors can phone in, put their name on the list and then show up,” said Creer. “It’s important that they do that so we know how many lunches to make.”
The $15,000 age-friendly communities grant program is funded by the provincial ministry of health and delivered by BC Healthy Communities Society in partnership with the ministry. According to a provincial media release, an age-friendly community is one that ensures senior residents live active, inclusive, socially engaged and independent lives.
“Taking care of our seniors and making sure they have access to the supports and services they need to live fulfilling lives is a priority for our government,” stated minister of health Adrian Dix. “Creating age-friendly communities is an important part of this as it helps seniors remain independent. I look forward to seeing the great initiatives proposed by the grant recipients come to life.”
City director of parks, recreation and culture Tara O’Donnell said seniors are an important part of the community.
“It goes without saying that our demographic is heavily weighted to seniors,” added O’Donnell. “Healthy seniors contribute to a healthy community.”
O’Donnell said the Seniors Together program is a great way to give back and make sure seniors are feeling supported, have social outlets, and build community-strengthening bonds.
“We know how important that connection piece is,” added O’Donnell.
