April 2013 Senior Living Magazine by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

APRIL 2013 TM

50+ Active Living Magazine

THE PET ISSUE Bowser Goes to Banﬀ Ideal seniors’ program helps homeless cats Chemainus Artists

Nutrition Advice: Feeding Older Pets

Living Outside the Retirement Box www.seniorlivingmag.com WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2013

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FEATURES

24 Out of the Retirement Box

6 Discovering Senior Expo

A ﬁrst-timer explores entertainment and education at the 8th Annual Senior Expo.

10 Bowser Goes to Banff

Travel writers take their pooch along for hearty hiking in the Rockies, and a little pampering too.

Organizers offer an update on an initiative started in Victoria to help bring together singles.

DEPARTMENTS

A home on the edge of the forest becomes a place to heal – a place to call home.

27 Classiﬁeds

16 Love Among the Ruins

COLUMNS

The Helping Homeless Cats organization has a program ideal for seniors on a ﬁxed income looking for companionship with a furry friend.

18 How Good Nutrition Can Help Older Pets Like humans, pets require proper nutrition so they can live long and healthy lives.

20 For the Sheer Joy of It

After struggling to get published, Author Roberta Allen decided to let go and enjoy the ride.

4 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

28 Forever Young by William Thomas

31 Fit for the Adventure by Eve Lees

32 Reﬂections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster

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22 Compete, Volunteer or Cheer

The 2013 BC Seniors Games in Kamloops is around the corner – ﬁnd out how to get involved.

Senior Living is distributed at all BC Pharmasave locations.

Cover Photo: Travel journalists Brent and Jane Cassie with their pooch Kalli en route to Plain Of Six Glaciers. Story page 10. Photo: Brent Cassie

Senior Living is published by Stratis Publishing.

Editor Bobbie Jo Reid editor@seniorlivingmag.com

SENIOR LIVING

26 Single Seniors Meet & Mingle

14 Me and Cats and ’Coons... Oh My!

Publisher Barbara Risto

A group of Chemainus artists come together to help support one another and advance their work.

Head Ofﬁce Contact Information: Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705

Advertising Manager Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101 For advertising information, call 250-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com

E-mail ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

Ad Sales Staff Colevin Crause 250-479-4705 ext 102 Mathieu Powell 250-479-4705 ext 104 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag. com Senior Living is distributed free throughout British Columbia. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living (12 issues per year). ISSN 17103584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

What About the Family Pets?

hen someone becomes ill or elderly, pet care can end up being taken over by the family caregiver. Approximately 50 per cent of Canadian households have at least one pet, therefore, it is important to have a plan in place for when someone can no longer care for their pet or when they have to move and pets are not allowed. Studies show that individuals who own pets lead happier and healthier lives due to the unconditional love and companionship they can receive from their pet. Pets can help calm people, improve immunity, lower pain levels and decrease stress. Although pet care may seem like an added burden, all of the positive benefits listed above can also apply to the caregiver. A relaxed and happier person is easier to care for. In addition, the pet can be a companion to the caregiver helping to relieve caregiver isolation. Some caregivers say that walking and caring for the pet is their source of respite and a much welcomed break from caregiving. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the best option may be to remove the pet from the household. This decision can be difficult and preparing someone to give up their beloved pet can take time and create stress for the pet owner, the family caregiver and the animal. Here are some possible options to ensure the family pet is cared for when circumstances change: • Is there someone who can come into the home and take care of the pet on a daily basis? Or can different people do it on a rotating basis? This could be family or friends or, if money allows,

a pet service could be hired. • Are there family members or friends that can “adopt” the pet into their own home? • Does the pet need to be taken to a shelter and put up for adopBY BARBARA SMALL tion? The BCSPCA is one option, as well as several other smaller and breed-specific organizations. Ensure you ask the shelter about their procedure for finding the pet a new loving home and what happens if the pet is not adopted. • Some assisted living and residential care facilities may permit pets under certain conditions. • The BCSPCA has a Pet Survivor Care Program devised to ensure that a pet’s future is secured, if anything happens to their owner. This program has different levels offering different benefits. The Silver and Gold Plan include providing temporary foster care for your pet in the event of hospitalization or temporary incapacity. Access to the program is through donation and some of the levels have minimum donation amounts. For more information, visit www.spca.bc.ca/support/legacy/pet-survivor-care-program Next month: Family Caregiver Week in BC, May 4-10, 2013 Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Saint Elizabeth

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APRIL 2013

Discovering Senior Expo BY CAROL DONNELLY

“H

ey, look at the crowd. This place is packed!” were the first comments I heard as I entered the 8th Annual Senior Expo at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria on March 12. Rounding a corner, I was caught in a giant kaleidoscope exploding with colourful choreography and animated surround sound. A myriad of exhibits lined the hall, and vibrantly costumed entertainers milled about an area at one end, where people were queuing up to buy food and relax at tables. With close to 3000 attendees, organizers say it was the best attended Senior Expo to date.

“Despite the rain, we had a capacity crowd,” said Barbara Risto, Senior Living publisher. “It was so busy, exhibitors could hardly take a break. I think many seniors were surprised by the variety of information and offerings on display.” Over 125 exhibits provided the crowd with information on places to live, places to play, health and mobility services, nutrition, safety, security, moving, downsizing, wildlife, guide dogs, arts, antiques, jewelry, travel, genealogy, comfort clothing, end-of-life services, and the list goes on. The Expo also provided a wide variety of entertainment including ballroom and folk/cultural dancing, accordion band, marimba and choir music, cooking and Tai Chi demonstrations, along with a chance to chat with others. For those interested in nutrition, one booth I visited was promoting Stem–Kine, a dietary supplement of vegetable capsules. At another exhibit, a visitor was sampling Holy Crap, “The World’s Most Amazing Breakfast Cereal,” and said, “It’s really good,” as he finished it off. This pre-packaged product was “chosen by the Canadian Space Agency as one of the 68

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foods sent to the International Space Station,” according to the exhibitor. Further along, I found Paramount Travel offering worry-free travel and door-to-door service, with a wide variety of destinations to choose from, and short or long stays. Sara from Sidney remarked, “It would be a good way for me to travel.” Marine Link Tours of Campbell River urged would-be travellers to take a trip on the MV Aurora Explorer along BC’s coast. Friendship Force International, a non-profit organization, offered a cultural exchange travel experience through their home hospitality program. They focus on humanitarian, educational, cultural or environmental themes. Travellers become “temporary citizens” of the country they visit. There are Canadian Friendship Force Clubs from BC to Quebec and in the NWT, and more than 300 clubs in 60 countries. Still following the travel theme, Developing World Connections gives people “an international volunteer experience with a chance to work as part of a volunteer team led by a trained leader; an adventure volunteers will never forget. Volunteers pay their own travel expenses and contribute to the program, a “registered non-profit, Canadian charitable organization.” Best of all, the trip is 100 per cent tax deductible.

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APRIL 2013

are seven weeks old until they go to Advanced Guide Dog School at the age of one-and-a-half years. Upon graduation a dog is given to a blind person for $1. I chatted briefly with John at the Victoria Ballroom Dance Society booth who said, “I’ve been ballroom dancing for 40 years, first in Ontario, and the last 20 in Victoria.” He pointed me towards the Entertainment Area, where I watched several couples twirling gracefully around the floor while an appreciative audience looked on. On my way back to the entrance, I asked several visitors what they thought of the expo. “Great entertainment,” said Helen. Her friend Alice said, “Just awesome!” David and Syliva added, “Lots of variety and good information about things like genealogy, seniors’ accommodation.” Terry from Crofton summed it up with, “A great show. I wish I’d had SL more time to spend here.”

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My next stop was Wild Arc, (Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre), a Victoria centre in need of volunteers. They provide training and offer several different volunteer opportunities. “We also need food donations for the animals… we hold an Open House every Spring,” said Debbie. Ashley, a nine-month-old guide dog in-training, was stretched out beside her trainer at the BC Guide Dog Services booth. The organization provides dog food and veterinarian costs to volunteers, usually retired people, who raise the dogs from the time they

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APRIL 2013

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Pets

Bowser Goes To Banff

BY JANE CASSIE

here are fringe benefits for being a dog owner. As well as free kisses and pampering, you get a lot more exercise – especially when hiking the trails at Banff and Lake Louise. “Sorry, there’s no exception to the pet rule,” the straightfaced ticket seller says from behind the counter. “None are allowed onboard.” We’re at the base parking lot of Sunshine Ski Resort, where, for a price, a shuttle will whisk us up to the 2,195-metre mark (7,200 feet) and scenic ridges. But heeling politely between us, and looking up with apologetic eyes, is Kalli, our tag-along pup. “There’s another option,” my husband says, when glancing at the map. “We can hoof it all the way on foot.” I sigh at Brent’s idea, partly out of frustration and partly trepidation. Although the three of us managed to complete the 18km round-tripper to Plain Of Six Glaciers at nearby Lake Louise, the elevation was under 600 metres, and two charming tea houses provided refreshments en route. Even Kalli gave the banana bread a two-paws-up! “I’m not sure my boomer quads can re-do the higher elevation to Healy Pass,” I gripe. “And can our mountain mutt?” “With all the hiking we’ve done this holiday, it’ll be a breeze,” he reassures. It’s true. My tired quads and Kalli’s boundless energy are proof. I think of the trail blazing we’ve done here in Banff. One of the easier strolls was the Bow River Loop, a pleasant interpretive trail sandwiched between rushing torrents and our shaded Lake Louise campsite. Like honing beacons, Kalli’s ears were perked and on alert to the sweet forest sounds: burbling American Dippers, cheeping ruby-crowned kinglets and drumming yellow-bellied sapsuckers that lapped up pitch from the river-side spruce. She had just as much fun on the scenic Spray River Loop

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Kalli, one well-travelled pooch.

– prancing across bridges, strutting next to golf greens and peering into Bow Falls. That same day, we managed to fit in a saunter along Banff’s quaint main street and a moderate hike to Upper Springs Falls. Legendary pools have been soothing achy hiking legs here for more than a century. And even though Kalli’s limbs were refused admission, after the short descent, she enjoyed her own lap of luxury at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This legendary lodging has been wowing guests since 1888, when William Cornelius Van Horne, general manager of Canadian Pacific Railway, first opened its doors. Rocks, quarried from neighbouring Rundle Mountain, cloak the exterior and turrets ornament the steep roofline to create a Victorian-era feel. While nestled at the convergence of two rivers and backed by those majestic Rockies, it has deservedly earned its “Castle in the Mountains” title. The opulence continues indoors. Marble archways and sweeping staircases link together grand ballrooms, convention facilities

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and shops. Twelve restaurants, two pools, Willow Stream Spa – and the best part for our pooch – Kalli and other canines are more than welcome. During our stay on the glitzy Gold Floor, where preferential perks and service is a given, she was privy to her own pleasures: tasty treats on arrival, cushy pillow where she dreamed the night away and fine dining in silver dog dishes. Too bad it was only for a couple of nights. We could have all gone for a little more pampering. “We’re here to hike,” Brent pipes up, taking me out of my Fairmont dream-state and back to the trail. “Let’s do it!” Dogs have to be leashed in all the National Parks, so with Kalli strung up and leading the way, we’re off – putting paws and boots to the pathways. There’s no way of disguising the length, but for the most part, this incline is gradual. Healy Creek weaves in and out of our view and while canopied by evergreens, we bisect blueberry fields, cross bridges and ogle at rugged peaks that pop into the backdrop. A primitive campground dots the 5.5km mark, a fork to Simpson Pass is around kilometre eight and flowery meadows sprawl over the sub-alpine. While Kalli goes ga-ga over the gopher holes that burrow through this scruffy groundcover, Brent prepares for bigger game. “Three grizzlies have been tagged on this ridge,” he says, reaching for bear spray, “it’s unlikely we’ll see any.” In spite of all

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Kalli gives the banana bread two paws up!

the previous warnings we’ve had, my wrist bells go into full action. I’m soon noisier than old Saint Nick. But we safely traverse the open meadow, elevate to Healy Pass and pan the expansive

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“Another great trip yesterday. I loved the entire day.”

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landscape. To the northeast, living up to its name, is Massive Range, southeast is beacon-like Mt. Assiniboine and northwest are the shimmering Scarab and Egypt Lakes. We sit and try to take it all in. “Going down will be easier,” Brent assures. “We’ll even have energy for another hike tomorrow.” Kalli wags her tail in agreement. Little does she know her legs will be getting a rest! We make arrangements the next morning for her to stay and play at Veronica’s, a doggy daycare that’s a short drive from Banff’s hub and our Tunnel Mountain campsite. And while she’s romping with other canines, we’re tromping Sunshine’s alpine. After taking the five-kilometre bus drive from the lower parking lot, we gain 500-metres elevation and save an hour and a half treadtime on our hiking boots. Over 12 kilometres of gravel pathway score these upper meadows. Placards along the first section reveal information about the vegetation, flora and geography. We’re welcomed to the Continental Divide, a Rocky Mountain landmark that separates the water flow from the Atlantic to the Pacific. And we discover why so many skiers flock to this area – 10 metres of powder cloaks this terrain each year.

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Kalli helps decide the Cassies’ next trail route.

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Our manicured path rises and falls as it slices through the wildflower groundcover. And while meandering over this high country, we’re privy to a postcard slide show. A massive granite wall called The Monarch, the craggy summit of Mount Howard Douglas and predominant Mt. Assiniboine are all perfectly poised and framed by bluebird skies. Some of these masses harbour receded snow drifts, others wear striated age-lines. All end up being fabulous photos. At the base of Quartz Hill (5km into the trek), we enjoy a snack and serenity. “Do you want to keep going?” Brent asks, after checking his watch. “Another hour and we’ll be at Citadel Pass where the vistas are even more spectacular.” But we both know the answer. We have to pick up our pooch by 4:30 and time is running out. “Veronica also offers overnight care.” I pipe up. “Maybe next time we’re hiking Sunshine, Kalli will like to have a sleep-over.” For IF YOU GO information, including pet-friendly services and lodgings in Banff and Lake Louise, visit www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/bowsergoestobanff SL

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Pets

Me and Cats and ’Coons… Oh My! BY DEE WALMSLEY

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in the winter, she had her own electric heater. The shed kept her safe from coyotes and gave her the luxury of a warm bed. However, she wasn’t alone in the shed; she shared it with mice and a Douglas squirrel (who eventually chewed through the roof, but that’s another story). Somehow, they all seemed to co-exist, possibly due to Ghost’s gentle nature. I spent hours combing and cutting her long, gray matted fur, until she finally grew a beautiful new shiny coat. Her skin was the same gray as her fur and I scissor-nipped her on a few occasions while cutting away the matted fur. She never once bit me. Day by day, Ghost began to assert herself. She evolved from a pair of green eyes at the forest’s edge peering into our warm home, to a demanding feline who refused to leave the doorstep unless given a dish of food. Not any food, mind you, along with her assertiveness she developed a taste for a more expensive cuisine. She no longer accepted our dinner’s leftovers and would sit at the patio door staring at me until I got off the couch and fed her a proper cat meal. In the warmer weather, Ghost slept on the porch in a cardboard box or on the chaise lounge. I watched her interact with the resident raccoons. If she was on the chair when they arrived for dinner, she shared the deck. If they invaded her personal space, she just quietly moved on. One night, I watched when a pair of raccoons dropped by. They checked out each nook and cranny, while taking turns at the feeding station. A short time later, much to my amazement, there in the glow of the porch light lay two stretched out raccoons and a curled up grey cat all three enjoying an after-dinner snooze. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

A TV commercial break allowed me to check on the trio just in time to see the wild pair waddling back to the woods. Suddenly, a high pitched scream pierced the evening’s tranquility. I rushed to the window in time to see one of the coons running from the forest towards my house. He ran between the houses and out onto the road then disappeared into the night. The next morning, I took a walk through the woods, looking for signs of a struggle or a dead raccoon. I found nothing.

Photo: Dee Walms ley

’m almost certain there is an animal telegraph line leading directly to my backdoor or a large red cross painted on my roof visible only to wildlife and a string of stray cats. One winter, I fed five skinny stragglers. For some reason, they were all black and white cats. I managed to find homes for two of them, Sylvester and Snow; and two moved on after fattening up. Moocher stuck around until his heart began to give out, at which time, I took him to the vet to be euthanized. And then there was Ghost. She was a long-haired, silver gray cat and I called her Ghost because when she first appeared, half-starved and wary of humans, she ran and hid whenever I opened the back door. My husband built her a house, which we placed at the edge of the woods. I put her food inside it each morning. Like a ghost, she would vanish into the woods, but, the minute my back was turned, she would magically appear and quickly gobble up the tasty morsels. It took me an entire year of following this routine before I could touch this feral feline. I spent many hours sitting a few feet away quietly talking to her. She allowed me the space, but the minute I made a move towards her, she’d vanish. I continued feeding and talking to her at the edge of the woods, gaining her trust. After many months, she finally accepted my outstretched hand in friendship. Then, on one extremely cold night, I managed to pick her up and place her in my garden shed. I had to lock her in because, on the first attempt, she was panic stricken and bolted for the door. In the morning, I let her out and, eventually, I only had to close the door, which she was able to push open, and she settled in. Her new home came equipped with litter box, fresh food and water and,

That night, a lone raccoon visits, eats, and then stretches out for a nap. This behaviour confirms to me that it is one of the pair. Ghost does not move away. She seems to sense its loss as the two animals sleep side-by-side. Ghost continued to share the deck with wildlife – a possum, another stray cat, or a mother raccoon with her rambunctious troupe – it didn’t seem to matter she reigned over them all from her deck throne. In time, Ghost’s health went into decline. The vet said her kidneys were failing, she also had thyroid issues and she would die of an oversized heart. The two friends continued sleeping, side by side, until the day I watched Ghost drag herself onto the porch. Her time had come.

We lay together in the sunlight as I asked her permission to ease her pain. She lay with her head on my knee as we drove to the vet, and I stroked her in my arms as her body relaxed in death.

Photo: Lauralee Porter

A Perfect Fit Can Last Forever

That night, Nicki waddled onto the porch alone. Her friend’s bed lay empty. She ate her dinner, then, for the first time, curled up in Ghost’s box her head upon her paws, her eyes watching the back yard… waiting. That was the first and last time Nicki climbed into Ghost’s bed. From that night on, she slept alongside the patio door. Ghost’s bed remained empty until I removed the sad reminder of a lost friend. Ghost now sleeps deep beneath my rockery, her blanket a SL sweet patch of purple thyme.

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17 15

Pets

Love Among the Ruins BY MARTHA WARNES

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rier, but once out in my kitchen, he seemed at ease in his new surroundings. Shortly after Linda left, I sat in my comfy recliner, and clicked on the television to watch a nature program. After a few minutes, Merlin jumped into my lap and curled up facing the TV. From that moment on, we have been constant companions. A match made in heaven, we have brought each other a great deal of comfort and joy. When I think of the life Merlin led before he was rescued by Helping Homeless Cats of Greater Victoria, I feel more determined than ever to take good care of him and give him the best possible life for the rest of his days. He certainly deserves it, as do all the abandoned and neglected cats out there. Helping Homeless Cats (HHC) is operated by dedicated volunteers. Linda Holton, the primary caregiver, welcomes the cats into her home and takes good care of them until they’re ready for fostering or adoption. All the cats are vetchecked, neutered or spayed, vaccinated, and brought back to health. Considering the cost of caring for a pet, many seniors on a strict budget simply can’t afford one. The primary objective of HHC is to find good homes for the cats, and it has an excellent program for seniors who wish to foster. The costs of taking care of them – the cats, not the seniors – are covered by HHC (vet bills, good food and litter). If it’s necessary for a foster parent to be away (vacation, hospital, etc.), the cat is picked up and taken to HHC until the parent returns. And if one is no longer able to look after their cat, it can be returned to HHC. All this has made it possible for me to now have my wonderful Merlin. I’m not only grateful to Linda and the other volunteers for all the long hours and work they put in on behalf of our furry companions, but also to the donors who keep the organization running. HHC is a registered charitable society, so donations are tax deductible, SL and most welcome. Photo: Marlene Taylor

consider myself fortunate to have found my love Merlin, the new man in my life. About 64, he’s somewhat cagey about his age; quite gray, but with a bit of brown to keep him looking youthful. He never ignores me when I feel like chatting, and is always responsive to the sound of my voice, and the affectionate gestures I cannot resist whenever I’m near him. He takes great pride in his personal hygiene, though he may well be labelled as OCD, when it comes to cleanliness. With a gourmet palate, he loves food and always appreciates whatever I serve. Like his age, Merlin’s background is rather sketchy. I know he spent many years living in the rough, scrounging for meals wherever he could find them, which must have been difficult for such an epicurean. But when times are tough, one does what one has to in order to survive – even regularly visiting the Dumpster Dive Café when on the verge of starvation. Having no access to proper health care for many years took its toll on the poor chap: he lost all his teeth (except for the front ones) and walks a little gingerly due to arthritis. You may well wonder how I connected with this odd fellow. It wasn’t through a computer dating service; we weren’t introduced by mutual friends playing matchmaker; neither did I resort to personal ads in Monday Magazine. (Can you trust something called Monday, that comes out on Wednesday, dated for Thursday?) Okay, I confess. I was on Facebook, one day, and noticed an ad that caught my imagination. I just couldn’t resist clicking on the link. To my great delight, there were wonderful photos of gorgeous creatures staring back at me. One of those creatures was my Merlin, and it was love at first sight (site?). I picked up the phone and called the number. I had a delightful chat with a lady named Linda and after exchanging the necessary information, we arranged a meeting at my home. On November 2, 2011, Linda arrived at my door, laden down with a load of food, a bag of litter, an upholstered scratching post, and a pet taxi containing the ever-lovin’ Merlin! It took a bit of coaxing to get him to come out of the car-

For more information about Helping Homeless Cats and a link to photos, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/HHC

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Footloose and fancy free… Let Berwick handle the day-to-day tasks with our top notch professional chefs to prepare your meals, our efﬁcient housekeepers to tidy up and our friendly staff organizing recreation activities and outings. Be as connected and social as you desire. Enjoy a movie in our theatre, health and wellness classes, or a game of cards with some of your friends. Visit a Berwick near you and discover how engaging retirement can be.

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APRIL 2013

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Pets

How Good Nutrition Can Help Older Pets BY MALCOLM MACARTNEY DVM AND SANDEE LEGH

ot surprisingly, our pets share remarkable similarities to us as we age (sometimes in appearance) but mostly in the realm of chronic degenerative disease conditions that are a part of having lived a long rich life. A cat becomes a senior citizen at about 10 years old, and a dog, depending on the breed, at about eight. During youth and middle age, humans develop lifestyle and eating habits that may make life better or worse as we age. The same applies to pets. And there are many health conditions in aging pets where proper nutrition and lifestyle changes make a major difference to quality of life in senior years. Pet food fads come and go – raw foods, grain-free foods, dehydrated, high-protein, large breed, small breed, kibble vs. canned food – and can add to the challenges pet owners face making a choice about what to feed their furry friend. And much of what sells pet food is in the marketing – a shiny bag with pictures of fresh chickens, vegetables and happy pets, plus words like holistic, green, nature and wellbalanced – all euphemisms for “nutritionally good,” which translate into a feel-good purchase.

But let’s face it, not many people can discern which food may be best for their pet by reading the list of ingredients on the package. Instead, we rely on sales people, who may have little nutritional training, to tell us what is best to feed our pet. Nowhere is it more important to be concerned about nutrition than in an older pet with existing or impending health problems. This is where professional advice from your veterinarian and a tailored nutritional plan is important. Whether trying to prevent disease, or as a treatment for chronic illness, your veterinarian and their trained staff can assist you in making better nutrition choices for your pet. The most common age-related conditions where nutrition has the greatest impact are: arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, cancer and even cognitive dysfunction. Diets made by Royal Canin and Hills, sold exclusively at veterinary clinics, have the proven research behind them. They serve as “prescription diets,” essentially elevating nutrition to a major part of the treatment plan for many chronic degenerative conditions mentioned above. Prescription diets to help with osteo-arthritis are calorie

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reduced to help pets keep the weight off and these diets are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, green lip mussel, and glucosamine to aid in joint health. Cats with renal disease benefit from diets reduced in protein to lessen the daily load on their kidneys. Hyperthyroidism, very common in geriatric cats, can be controlled with a new iodine-reduce diet, lessening the need for pills or radioactive Iodine 131 therapy. Diabetes mellitus in pets is common, and specific diets higher in protein and lower in carbs, lessens the need for insulin. Managing obesity is the No. 1 health problem in older dogs. Obesity impacts organ function and joint health. A veterinary nutritionist can put your pet on calorie-reduced diets that make pets feel satisfied on the same volume of food, but take in one-third the calories. One of the major breakthroughs in the pet nutrition – especially for older pets – is in preventing and controlling dental disease. Infected bleeding gums, painfully rotten teeth and halitosis should

trigger a visit to your vet. New dental diets combine a larger porous kibble that does a better job of mechanically reducing the bacterial plaque layer as a

Like humans, pets require healthy eating to maintain vitality in their senior years.

pet chews the food and special enzyme coatings help bind calcium from saliva to reduce tartar buildup. These are just

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some of the “technologies” prescription diets have over commercial food. Finally, a word about nutrition that pet owners often fail to discuss with their vets – treats! As vets, when we probe about a pet’s diet, we will discover that, in some pets, half of their daily calorie intake comes from treats. We can’t stop an owner giving treats, but there are better options available that don’t add calories, really do clean teeth, help reduce fur ball formation, or are hypoallergenic. Next time you visit your veterinarian, ask about your pet’s diet and how it is affecting its health. The advice is free and the diets sold at veterinary clinics are generally comparable in price to those in a pet store. SL Good nutrition = good health. Dr. Malcolm Macartney has been practicing small animal medicine and surgery in Victoria for 22 years. Sandee Legh works with Dr. Macartney as a certiﬁed Pet Nutrition Consultant.

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APRIL 2013

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Author Proﬁle

For the Sheer Joy of It

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

orn in Chicago, Roberta Allen, author of The Solvency Struggle, attended Southern Illinois University, and later, the University of Illinois. In 1967, Roberta and her husband moved to Vancouver. She continued her education at Simon Fraser and later UBC, where she graduated with an honours degree in sociology. Although she hadn’t lived in British Columbia before, Roberta says when she moved to Vancouver, it felt right – like “a salmon coming home to spawn.” Looking to go home, the family returned to the US, but before long, decided they would rather live in Canada and, in 1983, returned to take up residence in Victoria. In addition to raising her family, Roberta’s work experience included a partnership in a second-hand bookstore – May Street Books on May Street in Victoria; running her own Laundromat business for three years in the eighties; and owning a consulting business. “I felt positive about my business experience,” says Roberta. “As a child, I dreamed of owning a candy store, where I would be a Mrs. Santa Claus-like proprietor. However, if one owns a

business, it is all encompassing and difficult to mesh with raising young children.” Nonetheless, knowing what she knows now, Roberta says she would do it again. For eight years, Roberta worked at several short-term government positions and for non-profit boards, ending her career with the Memorial Society of BC as office manager. “There isn’t a craft I haven’t tried,” says Roberta of her hobbies, “but space limitations and inclination limit me to the occasional cross-stitch.” She also loves testing new recipes, reads extensively – alternating a book of fiction with a book of non-fiction – and sings with the Monterey Centre sing-a-long group. Of all her hobbies, the most interesting is tracking her correct answers on Jeopardy, trying to beat her personal best of 47 correct out of 61. “This practice in retrieving information quickly is great exercise for the aging brain,” she says. Amid her pastimes, Roberta finds time for five grandchildren and volunteering.

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Photo: Vernice Shostal

She began writing early in life, creating stories that were well-received by her classmates in grade school. In later years, she published some short “opinion” and “how-to” pieces in Mother Earth News, Today’s Grandparent, Family Circle and Homemakers.

One of Author Roberta Allen’s many pastimes includes cooking, and it will be the focus of her second book Recipe Retrospective.

For many years, Roberta stopped writing because of the difficulties of getting published. Then, one New Year’s Day, she woke up with the idea of writing about the experience of living on a fixed income. “This time I would write for the sheer joy of it without being stymied by the realities of getting published,” says Roberta. “I decided not to focus on the outcome, but just on how wonderfully engaged I feel when writing.” “Subsequently, I stumbled on the wonderful world of independent publishing. With the help of a talented cover designer, formatter and editor, all rolled into one, my book became a reality.” “I felt euphoric when I received [the first] copy of my book.” Published in 2012, The Solvency Struggle, chronicles the year-long personal struggle of one grandmother’s battle with the reality of staying solvent. Roberta’s next book, Recipe Retrospective, will include her best recipes from the thousands she has tried over 50 years of cooking, and focuses on her life in 28 the kitchens, where she first tried each of the recipes. Wife, mother and grandmother, Roberta Allen scrimps and occasionally splurges in Oak Bay. She loves creating order out of chaos and says her philosoSL phy in life is “it’s okay to be yourself.” The Solvency Struggle is available at Ivy’s Book Store in Victoria, Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

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APRIL 2013

23 21

BC Seniors Games

Compete, Volunteer or Cheer Kamloops BC Seniors Games has Something for Everyone

BY STARR MUNRO

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SENIOR LIVING

bike race and complete a demanding 8-mile run through the rugged trails of Gold Gate Recreation Area. “Boy that was one freezing cold swim,” recalls Charlie.

Charlie Bruce is an endurance athlete and the President of the Kamloops 2013 BC Seniors Games.

Photo: Sandi Bruce

he year 2013 promises to hold a number of heart-pounding, nerve-jangling, adventured-filled firsts for Charlie Bruce, a 65-year-old retired school administrator living in Kamloops. In August, Charlie will not only be competing for his first time in the BC Seniors Games, he has also taken on the role of President of the Kamloops 2013 Games. This may sound like a daunting new challenge for a person entering their golden years, but for Charlie, a man who is no stranger to mastering extreme adventures; it is just another set of undertakings to keep him busy during retirement. “I’ve been involved in organizing a number of multi-sport events in the past, but this is the first time I’ve taken on the president’s role. I’m not sure exactly how I ended up becoming President of the BC Seniors Games this year,” laughs Charlie. “I think I must have fallen asleep during one of the organizing committee meetings!” All joking aside, Charlie is a perfect fit for the position. Having been actively involved in multi-sport games since 1997, as both an athlete and an organizer, he understands what it takes to pull off a massive sporting event – endurance. In fact “Endurance” should be Charlie’s middle name. As a certified yoga instructor, Masters World Cup cross country ski competitor and Ironman level triathlete, he competes in dozens of endurancebased competitions each year. In June of last year, he participated in one of the most infamous and extreme sporting events in North America – the “Escape from Alcatraz.” An annual race held in San Francisco, in which 2,000 of the world’s best triathletes assemble to compete in a 1.5mile swim through the frigid waters of Alcatraz Island, endure a grueling 10-mile

So what does the BC Seniors Games have to offer a man who seeks extreme adventure and defies his age? “The BC Seniors Games provide a marvelous experience for people to celebrate health, wellness and fitness, while also enjoying a deep sense of camaraderie,” says Charlie. “The Games WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

are about participation, about pursuing healthy and active lifestyles. As a senior athlete, the competition is sometimes just about getting out there, putting one foot in front of the other and learning to believe in yourself. The words ‘celebrate, empower and believe’ pretty much capture the entire essence of the BC Seniors Games.” Charlie plans to compete at the Games in the 3,000-metre, 1,500-metre and 800metre running races. “I used to compete in track and field in university during my undergrad and graduate school years. My main race was the 3,000-metre race. I’m looking forward to getting back out to race on the track. I haven’t raced on a track in 30 years.” In preparation to compete at the BC Seniors Games, Charlie plans to train daily, seven hours a week, taking one day off each week to rest, from now until August. As President of the Games, he will be even busier, working to hit a variety of scheduled organizational benchmarks, such as recruiting volunteers, organizing transportation and food services and helping to promote the games in Kamloops. “With Kamloops having one of the highest seniors populations in the province, the Games of 2013 have the potential to be among the largest sporting events ever held in the city.” With over 4,000 senior participants competing in 25 different sporting events, the BC Seniors Games is a grand affair, and Kamloops promises to deliver a spectacular event. “Kamloops is considered Canada’s Tournament Capital and we have not only a magnificent location, but a number of excellent world-class venues in which to host the events. Many of the venues also have RV parking onsite or nearby, a feature that isn’t always as accessible in other urban settings.”

“In Kamloops what we are also hoping to do is embrace the whole concept of young and old at this year’s Games,” says Charlie. “For example, our directors are looking to engage high school students to make table settings for the opening ceremonies. While at the same time, we are doing the rounds at 13 of the seniors assisted living facilities in the city, to encourage residents to get engaged, whether by helping to make decorations, taking part in a game or getting out as a spectator at the event. The BC Seniors Games are really about inclusion, and the entire Kamloops community is embracing the event.” If you are thinking about competing, volunteering or spectating at the BC Seniors Games this summer (August 20-24) now is the time to start making travel plans. Two of the main hotels in Kamloops are already fully booked for the week of the Games, and many others are filling up fast. If you want to compete at the Games, qualification rounds are taking place for a number of sports in April and May, and the closing date for participant registration in the Games is June 15. Contact your Zone representative to register for your event and to find out if group travel options and discounts are available. “Bringing the BC Seniors Games to Kamloops is a massive undertaking, but there really is a great deal of joy in it,” says Charlie. “I equate organizing the games with trying to finish a giant 500piece picture puzzle. We all get to work together to put the required pieces in the right place, one at a time, and then when we are done we get to sit back together and celebrate the beauty of the completSL ed picture.” Visit www.bcseniorsgames.org for more general information about the Games. For more information about Kamloops, accommodations, and venues at the 2013 BC Seniors Games visit www.2013kamloo psbcseniorsgames.org

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Sponsored by: Coast to Coast, Provinces APRIL 2013 23 25 Plan

Arts & Entertainment

OUT OF THE RETIREMENT BOX Chemainiac Style

BY ROSEMARY RATCLIFF

uring the nine years Lorraine Taylor owned the Oakleaf Gallery in Chemainus, she observed that while musicians jam together to share their joy in music, visual artists, due to the nature of their work, often lead solitary lives – working onsite or in their studios. After closing the gallery, Lorraine began experiencing the isolation while pursuing the art of painting on silk, an art form that had captivated her for years. Working alone, she wondered if there would be any interest among local artists to form a loosely knit group to meet and support each other, and perhaps collaborate on exhibitions. To that end, she placed an ad in the local paper in summer 2011, inviting artists to meet. This is where the group of individuals who make up the Chemainus Artists first learned of Lorraine’s idea, and showed up at the inaugural meeting. After introducing themselves and discussing general goals, they decided to pursue the idea further. At the next meeting, a show and tell, the artists discovered they were a diverse group. Mo could claim 50 years of painting experience in watercolour and acrylics, after developing her innate skills through many workshops and courses, including a year at Victoria Art College. odcarving Jeff demonstrates wo e mask. on an African-styl

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SENIOR LIVING

The Chemainus Artists artists are as varied as their art. Here, the group takes part in ArtBeat, a weekly summer event in Chemainus.

Lissie, who acquired a fine arts degree in her native Denmark, has been painting for even longer. In her spare time, she also knits for a local craft gallery, and sews baby quilts. David returned to his passion of painting in acrylic after retiring from his career. Also a talented musician, he plays bass in a local music group. Colleen, at age four, learned to hook rugs at her Mennonite grandmother’s knee, and produces tapestries in traditional patterns from her background, as well as creating her own designs. Judith, a sculptress in clay, produces exquisite “animals with attitude,” with almost human characteristics showing in their faces. Tiffany discovered pargetting – a 17th-century art form of sculpting with plaster – when visiting Florence many years ago, and pursued the art on her return to Canada. Jeff turned to woodcarving and photography on retirement, further using his skills in woodworking to make frames for WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

his photographs. Three more photographers round out the group, and although all are using digital cameras, they produce vastly different works. As a young lad, Bob set up a darkroom in his parents’ root cellar to process his photos and, now, with a digital camera to replace his Brownie of old, has returned to his earlier hobby. A purist, Bob aims for perfection straight from the camera. Jeff, Brian and I perform post-processing in varying degrees on the computer. Brian, an experienced engineer with a strong artistic leaning, combines both aspects to develop a compelling style of his own. One day, while comparing ages, the artists discovered the “baby” of the group was nearly 58; and they range upwards in age to Lissie, who, at almost 85, seems more like 58. (Lissie plans to celebrate her upcoming 85th birthday by taking a painting workshop in San Diego.) Among the 11 artists, there is a combined total of 810 years of accumulated knowledge! Being part of a group has been a motivator and confidence builder. In a short time,

Fe By P ELD b 2 op O 2 ular VE t o De R Ap man ! ril d 13

the Chemainus Artists lined up a variety of galleries, restaurants, and art shows throughout North Cowichan. It was an exciting and busy time, acquiring props for displays, and as some of the shows were themed, it gave the artists a new focus to work towards. The workload was shared, so no one person was saddled with the organization of all the events. The first venue was a display at the Arts and Ethnic Fest in Chemainus. The artists blended their various styles into a single show, which gave them confidence for the larger displays they had planned for the summer: first the library, then Imagine That! artists’ co-op in Duncan; the new Maritime Centre in Cowichan Bay; Arts on the Avenue in Ladysmith; ArtBeat in Chemainus, followed by a two-month exhibit in Willow Street Café; and finally in Just Jake’s Restaurant in Duncan. What did they gain from all this work? Firstly, they stepped outside of the “retirement box” thinking, and expanded their horizons; they bonded as a group, making allowance for differences and gaining the support of our fellow artists; and, individually, they developed confidence in showing their art. It also motivated all the artists to rise to a new level of displaying their art.

Written by

Alan Janes

Feb 22 to April 13

Adapted from Molière’s Scapin

April 26 to May 18 Theatre Getaway Packages / Playbill Dining Room open before every show

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Brian surveys the landscape to capture photographic art.

Painters wanted to produce new pieces; photographers were improving their skills in computer software programs and managing the idiosyncrasies of their printers. Colleen and Tiffany were enjoying the creation of new designs, with the goal of putting them into shows, while Judith set aside a few hours each day to sculpt her animals, to keep up with the inventory she needed for both this group and E.J. Hughes Gallery in Duncan. Through participation in the various shows, they sold numerous pieces or accepted commissions. One artist sold at least one piece in almost every show the Chemainus Artists held. It was such a positive experience, they decided to continue in a similar format for summer 2013, with a repeat show already booked for the Maritime Centre for September. They are also looking at the possibility of setting up a co-operative gallery for a trial period. One of the secrets of successful retirement, the group realizes, is challenging their minds, learning new things, and striving towards new goals. The Chemainus Artists have met their goals, and are motivated to look ahead at many more years of SL achievement and fun. For more information, visit online www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/chemainusartists

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Photos: Rosemary Ratcliff

1.800.565.7738 | chemainustheatre.ca

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APRIL 2013

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Single Seniors Meet & Mingle: An Update

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Call for your 2013 Brochure

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hank you to everyone who participated in the Meet & Mingle survey a few months ago. Thank you, also, for your patience. When I came to Senior Living with the Meet & Mingle idea, Publisher Barbara Risto cautiously, but graciously, agreed to help me get it started by placing an ad in the magazine and a survey on the website, to which many of you responded. Planning, hosting and recruiting details were worked out through a number of “brainstorming” sessions. Ideas were plentiful, but execution proved to be more complicated than I had anticipated. Securing enough solid commitment for the work that would be required was challenging, but the biggest hurdle was the unbalanced response from single seniors. Overwhelmingly, the majority of responses came from women who indicated a definite interest in meeting a “partner” or “mate.” It quickly became apparent that Meet & Mingle events would be lopsided and unsuccessful with so few men participating. So, it is with regret that I am not able to continue with this project. I still think it’s a good idea, but maybe for another time. Luckily, other options for seniors interested in meeting new people do exist. A worldwide online group called MeetUp has a chapter in Victoria with well over 1,000 members (MeetUp.ca). Under the main group, Victoria Friends, there are many sub-groups: dining out, dancing, karaoke, wine lovers, dog lovers, reading, writing, art, photography, walkers, runners, bikers and many more. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Victoria Friends charges $15 per year to join, and members receive daily e-mails notifying them of all upcoming events. The people I’ve met are friendly, and there’s every age group involved. Again, more women than men participate, but with so many activities to choose from, there are lots of opportunities to “meet and mingle.” Additionally, the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion at 411 Gorge Road E. in Victoria holds regular dances (some of which are geared towards singles). For more information, visit www.rcl292.ca or call 250-384-7814. A quaint little coffee shop has good food and reasonable prices, served in the main-floor lounge – also a wonderful place for small meetings or card games. Guests of members and visitors are asked to sign the guest book at the entrance and can stop by for a coffee or a drink and some good conversation. There is also a large games room with pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and crib. The annual membership dues are $55, plus a $6 initiation fee the first year, and members have access to all the spaces available. For non-members, there is a large auditorium and smaller meeting rooms upstairs, which the Legion rents out to the general public. They also have a large, active seniors’ travel group that meets once a month, which any senior can join. I would highly recommend the Legion for anyone looking to meet people or get involved in activities. Lastly, I encourage you to explore the Senior Living magazine website and check out the Events section for information about upcoming events in our community (www.seniorlivingmag.com/ events). Sincerely, Judy

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OCTOBER 2009 39

FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

People Prefer Pets to Other People? No!

recent study conducted by Harris/Decima and commissioned by Purina concluded that Canadian pet owners prefer to socially interact with their pets rather than other people. Well, imagine that! Human beings in this country would rather hang out with domesticated animals instead of friends and family! Shocking! Are you telling me that you prefer to sit there with Tabatha on your lap who’s chucking you under your chin with her paw and purring so loud she almost drowns out the lunatic next door who’s playing “Ba Ba Ba, Ba Barbara Ann” at 88 decibels to prove to the neighbourhood he’s got even worst taste in music than the guy who went deaf listening to Metallica? You’re not saying you’d rather wrestle with Sparky on the liv-

ing room rug than watch teenagers speed by your house throwing empty beer cans on the lawn? Because if you’re saying you prefer pets to people that is a clear violation of human rights – that is, the right of a man to stand too close to you in line at the supermarket, reeking of cigarette smoke and without being asked, regaling you in the highlights of his latest moose hunting trip to Cochrane. A human preference of pets over real talking and upright walking people!? Really? Exactly how icky have humans become when they place second in a popularity contest to creatures who have fleas and poop in your flower bed? Bottom line: feeding your goldfish is a more socially and emotionally rewarding experience than sitting for seven hours

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on an airplane next to a woman who’s a practising homeopath and keeps offering you organically-grown flax seeds. I hope that did not sound too personal or somewhat bitter, but I am not the only one who concluded a long time ago that a family member who drinks from a dish on the floor is a lot more reliable than the tall one drinking from the bottle. When Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver returned to England after travelling the globe and meeting the world’s complete range of human beings, some the size of his thumb and some the size of a skyscraper, he … moved out of the house he shared with his wife and … into the shed with his horse. Why? “Because a horse is a horse, of course, of course. And no one can talk to a horse of course. That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed.” (Sorry but sometimes in order to get through social functions, I’ll fantasize about playing “one potato, two potato” in the barn with Northern Dancer.) According to the Edmonton Journal, the study also revealed that 53 per cent of Canadian owners find their pets more trustworthy than people. And while 99 per cent of Canadians talk to their pets, 33 per cent have confided deep secrets to their four-legged friends. (That’s probably because when their two-legged friends hear the confession, they may feel obligated to call the police.) I’m waiting for the survey that asks people about their preferences of children versus pets. I’m guessing the results will prove to be a better birth control device than abstinence. Instead of Purina spending money on surveys to confirm the obvious, maybe they should just read that letter from a motel owner that’s been circulating among pet lovers for at least 20 years. Apocryphal perhaps, but no statement on the behaviour of people and pets has ever come close to nailing it like this one. As the story goes, a man wrote a letter to a small American motel he planned to stay at on his annual two-day drive to Florida in the fall. “I have stayed at your lovely little motel many times in the past but now I have a dog. We’re kind of inseparable, and I was wondering if he too could stay at your motel. My dog is clean, well-groomed and very well-behaved. I know this is a lot to ask but would you be willing to let him stay in the room with me for one night?” The motel owner’s reply was swift and to the point: “I’ve been operating this motel for over 30 years. In all that time, I’ve never had a dog steal towels, linens, silverware or paintings off the wall. I’ve never had to call the cops to remove a dog from my premises in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And no, I’ve never had a dog take off without paying the bill. So, yes, indeed your dog is more than welcome to stay at my motel. And if the dog will vouch for you, you can stay as well.” Only arrogance prevents us from admitting that pets are better SL beings than people. The privilege is ours. William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including Never Hitchhike on the Road Less Travelled. For comments or ideas or to purchase books, visit www.williamthomas.ca

�� Shauna Dorko, owner and founder of Sidney SeniorCare (SSC), has turned her passion to improve the quality of life for seniors into a tangible business that effectively recognizes the special needs of the fastest growing sector of the Canadian population. In fact, SSC has been so successful that the company was the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Crystal Award Winner for Business of the Year in 2011. In a day and age where people’s lives are constantly in flux due to economic challenges, lifestyle changes and time constraints, the SSC mandate is to adapt at a moment’s notice to each and every change that affects its clients to provide the very best quality of care. The agency is adamant about treating its seniors with a superior level of dignity, respect and care. Shauna, along with her administrative colleagues and skilled health care workers, accurately assesses individual situations to come up with effective, customized solutions. SSC’s goal is to promote

independence in the familiar home environment where seniors are most comfortable. The agency understands that consistency and flexibility

The agency is adamant about treating its seniors with a superior level of dignity, respect and care. are critical for seniors’ peace of mind, and the SSC staff work to help their elderly clients get things done with grace, respect and dignity. The SeniorCare group of companies also includes Sidney Senior DayCare & Educational Centre, conveniently located next door to the SSC home support offices at the corner of Bevan & Third Street, and Oak Bay Community SeniorCare, recently opened in Oak Bay. For more information on Sidney SeniorCare and its services, call us for a free consultation today!

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Exercising with Your Dog

xercise helps keep your dog healthy, as well as calm and obedient. Regular activity burns off excess energy so your pet won’t be excessively hyper around the house. And it’s an opportunity for you to be active too. However, your dog may not be fit enough to adapt to any physical demand. Confined city pets won’t be accustomed to regular, strenuous activity. Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to be sure it can handle regular exercise. For inactive pets, gradually introduce them to exercise, in much the same way you did when you began your exercise program. Build up slowly. Start with a 15-minute walk daily. In addition, a dog should reach maturity before going on a long, gruelling run. A puppy’s skeleton is still developing and shouldn’t be subjected to intense physical stress at each outing. It’s recommended small dogs (under 45 lbs.) be about eight months old before they become running partners. Dogs slightly larger (up to 100 pounds) should be over a year old, and dogs over 100 pounds should be at least a year and a half. Larger dogs are more suited as running companions, while smaller breeds (like Yorkies and Pekingese) are suited for a brisk walking pace. Other heavy or short-legged breeds, or very old dogs, won’t be able to handle a vigorous workout or a long-distance trek. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Dogs can’t dissipate heat as well as humans; they can’t sweat, they can only pant. A dog’s signs of exhaustion are excessive panting, salivating and bright pink gums. Drink before leaving and stop frequently for water on long trips. Carry water (for you and your pet) or run in areas where your dog has access to a water source. Afterward, offer water immediately. Concrete and asphalt are hard on the paws, especially on hot days. The feet will be very sensitive and calluses should be built up gradually. When you get home, check the paws for embedded stones or debris. All-terrain footwear is available for dogs. Check a pet store or surf the Internet. A dog should understand basic commands before becoming a running partner. Your pet should be properly leash trained before you hit the streets. And keep it leashed to avoid dangerous encounters or traffic mishaps. Avoid cycling with a dog. You have less control of the pet and leashing a dog to your bike is dangerous for both of you. Reflective strips on the dog’s collar are recommended after dark. Be sure to clean up after your dog. SL Others will be grateful! Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www.artnews-healthnews.com APRIL 2013

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Reﬂections THEN & NOW

ne of the many things wrong with retirement is you don’t get any holidays! If you are over 70, the young think you are “cute” and not to be taken seriously. They call you “sweetie” and “dear” and then ask if you need help to get to your car with your groceries. I guess that is helpful sometimes, but not when your groceries consist of a can of tomato soup and a loaf of bread! Being retired comes with its advantages, though. I go to the movies for less than a teenager; and there are special menus in some restaurants that cater to seniors. If you are really lucky, like me, and don’t walk well anymore, there are parking spots reserved to get you closer to shops or when visiting your doctor. That is, if you still drive. We call it retirement, but what is it, really? We are taught to work towards it, look forward to it, plan for it, save for it and then, finally, celebrate it. But after the celebration is over, the “quiet” settles in. What then? Get up at five or six or seven a.m., stare at the suits you used to wear faithfully to work every day, try to remember the things you had planned to do today (you’re aware wearing a suit was not one of them). Breathe a sigh of relief that you

were smart enough to list them all the night before, but can’t remember where you put the list. Shrug, yawn, and go back to bed. If you have been wise, careBY fully planning for retirement, you can take a cruise without being dictated to by a calendar, or go fishing and stay out as long as you like. Smiling, when you have to ask: “What day is it?” In many ways, the sky’s the limit. Sort of! However, you may find you sleep most of the cruise; and the fish seem to have gone on vacation, so you only stay out for a few hours and then head home to take a nap. You find you’re losing the smile, and then start to worry when you ask: “What day is it?” more and more as your retirement starts to age right along with you. “Where have all the flowers gone?” It’s not easy being mature, or what the very young like to refer to as “old.” I think for many it is easier being a part of the workforce. Retirement is not easy! People say: “Oh, lucky you not having to go to work every day!” Well, I say to them: “Working at not working is no easy task either.” (My wife keeps telling me I’m very good at it, so I guess it’s not too bad when you get praise like that!) Nevertheless! I used

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RETIREMENT

to laugh when anyone talked about retirement. That was in the day when I could look down and see my shoes and could use a comb on the top of my head (and not just the sides) and could stay up past nine. I couldn’t even imagine reaching retirement age, let alone embracing it! That was fiction. Too far away to contemplate – an impossibility in a future filled with possibility. It was too far from imagination. Now, it seems like only yesterday that I thought that. Again, where have all the flowers gone? I never officially retired. I just showed up to work one day and the locks had been changed. I was quite upset. However, when I got home and found that the locks on my house had not been changed, I felt much better! One day, I was active in my chosen field; the next, I had no field to choose from. I guess when we reach that time when there is more to look back on than there is to look forward to, it’s time to at least “think” of retiring. All of a sudden, we’re surrounded with this incredible space on the back of time. Time now to do those things we could never find time to do before when we were dictated to by a work schedule. Unfortunately, many of us have less than half the energy we had then, and need to rest after just thinking about it. Like with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to retirement. Perhaps one will balance the other. But if the time should ever come that I need help carrying a can of tomato soup and a loaf of bread to my car, I will be beyond retirement and looking SL forward to home. Playing with Nana at the beach.

Celebrate the Arts in Saanich

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April celebrates BC Arts and Culture Week April 21-27, 2013. As part of the celebrations of the arts in Saanich during April, look for these special upcoming events:

Carnival of the Arts

Saturday, April 13 11:00-3:00pm Arts Centre at Cedar Hill

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Saanich Studio Artist Tours Exhibit April 16-28, 2013 Arts Centre at Cedar Hill

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APRIL 2013

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