Seniors’ Scene

Visiting seniors

By Camrose Seniors Coalition

Beautiful lights and decorations are bearing witness that the Christmas season in Camrose has arrived. Acts of kindness are popping up all over, such as when recently a group of Hospice grief walkers brought a candy cane to the Hospice office with the word “Joy” taped to it. A group of the Hospice Grief Walkers who walk round Mirror Lake hung candy canes on the trees with words taped to them so people’s heart’s may be lightened.

Volunteers who visit seniors in our Nav-CARE program love what they do. They look for the little things that bring people pleasure, and offer this during their visit. Often this means having a cup of tea and a cookie while the person shares stories about their life.

When someone feels like his or her story has been heard, this can be the greatest gift one can receive. This holiday season, all of us appreciate the warmth of a smile, and the knowledge that even if we don’t know each other well, we can get to know each other through the tender feelings of caring about one another.

What is Nav-CARE? Nav-CARE is a program at Camrose Hospice which uses specially trained volunteers to conduct regular in-home visits with people who are living with declining health that is affecting their quality of life.

Many seniors are living with declining health and are at risk for increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness. They often have difficulty connecting with people and resources that are important to them. They experience challenges with knowing what is available to help them in the community. They may be experiencing multiple losses such as mobility, sight, hearing, their home, or death of a loved one. The Nav-CARE program trains volunteers how to be with people so that they can help them find ways to engage with others, to find the resources they need to be able to stay at home as long as possible, and to find meaning in their life as their health declines.

Here is a story of someone, who through a severe infection and long-term hospitalization, lost muscle mass and walking became limited. This person had to give up driving and thus became quite housebound.

A Nav-CARE volunteer was able to help this person make a list of friends who could come and visit and helped schedule these visits. Friends were grateful to know how they could help. The result was some friends became regular drivers for appointments, others took this person to the theatre, and others just enjoyed visiting. Friends and neighbors do want to help, but more often than not, just don’t know what is needed.

You do not need a referral to Nav-CARE, you can simply call the Hospice Society at 780-587-9269. Health Canada, in conjunction with the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia, are supporting the implementation of NavCARE across Canada. The Hospice Society of Camrose and District has agreed to help with this project and is already training volunteers in Flagstaff, Beaver and Wetaskiwin counties. Our compassionate Nav-CARE volunteers are bringing much joy to many already this Christmas season by giving so many people the opportunity to tell their stories and be heard.

CARE informs on senior alcohol use

By Lori Larsen

Rounding up the informative series on alcohol awareness, CARE Coalition members Jennifer Willies and Tammy Richard offer the following information focusing on older adults and alcohol.

According to the Canadian Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs Survey, nearly 70 per cent of those over the age of 65 have consumed alcohol in this last year. A recent poll conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health showed that one in 10 Canadians who are 55 and older are drinking more alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some people have turned to alcohol to cope with the stress, loneliness in isolation and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic,” explained Richard. “Some older adults may also drink to deal with the loss of a loved one or their daily routine.”

Richard noted that older adults are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and should be aware of the following risks: • As you age, your body processes alcohol more slowly. This can lead to loss of balance and coordination, falls, injuries

and an increased risk of accidents. • Worsening of some health issues such as liver damage, diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure and stomach problems. • Alcohol can negatively affect memory and cause or worsen some mental health problems such as confusion and depression • Older adults are also more likely to be using medications, which can be harmful when mixed with alcohol. Before taking any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol.

Recognizing that many people may have trouble identifying whether they personally or someone they care about has a problem with alcohol, Willies offered the following.

“Many older adults drink alcohol responsibly. Problems can develop early or later in life. It can be harder to tell if an older adult has problems with alcohol, because they’re more likely to drink alcohol at home, do not go to work, or do other things that are affected by alcohol use, and caregivers of older adults may be aware of the problem, but may not want to talk about it.”

Some of the symptoms of problem drinking resemble symptoms generally associated with aging, such as an overall decline in health, loss of interest in usual activities, mood swings, memory loss, depression, insomnia, and falls.

“Problem drinking by seniors may therefore go undetected or may be treated inappropriately,” said Willies, suggesting if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, talk to your doctor to determine a problem with alcohol or other health problems.

In an effort to avoid problems with alcohol, Richard stated, “While the easiest way to avoid problems with alcohol is to not drink at all, the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has recommended low-risk drinking guidelines for adults over the age of 65 to help keep your drinking at a level that is considered low risk.”

The guidelines include: • Women: No more than one standard drink per day, with no more than five per week. • Men: No more than one or two standard drinks per day, with no more than seven per week. • It is recommended to

Talk to us today about the benefits of pre-planning funeral arrangements

The idea of advance funeral planning is one which many people would rather not think about. However, planning your own funeral is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones. At a time of grief, your family members will be spared the stress of making important, emotionally draining decisions. Pre-planning also ensures your final arrangements will be carried out according to your exact wishes, in a cost-sensitive manner. Call us today for more information about advance funeral planning or to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our directors.

Bart Orr Derek Robertson Colin Yuha

4817-51 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-2121 RECORDED OBITUARY LINE: 780-679-2400 www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Serving your community for 110 years

Plan Now For Their Future Needs

You’ve worked your entire life to build your assets. Sound estate planning can ensure these hard-earned assets are passed on to your family according to your wishes, without interference. Talk to us today about developing a plan that makes sense for you and your loved ones.

Estate Planning • Wills • Enduring Power of Attorney • Personal Directives Estate Administration • Legal services associated with probate of the will

4918-51 STREET CAMROSE 780-672-8851

have days that you don’t drink every week. • As you reach your 70s, 80s and 90s, consider decreasing your alcohol consumption below these guidelines and perhaps even not drinking at all, especially if you have a health condition.

“People may wonder what they can do instead of drinking alcohol,” explained Richard, offering the following suggestions. • Try to maintain a daily routine by building good sleep and eating habits. • Stay active by doing daily exercises, walking, and making time for hobbies. • Stay connected to love ones. • Write, call or video chat with friends, neighbors and family.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, telephone 8-1-1, your local Addiction and Mental Health office at 780-679-1241, or visit AHS online at helpintoughtimes.ca. The Addiction Helpline is also available 24 hours a day by telephoning 1-866-332-2322.

No one needs to face concerns by themselves. All one needs to do is reach out to organizations such as the CARE Coalition where help is always available.

Lovely named to Parliament secretary position

By Murray Green

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney appointed Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely as the Parliamentary Secretary to the associate minister for Status of Women.

Lovely will provide associate minister Whitney Issik advice on ways government can reach out and support elder women on quality-of-life issues like women’s health, housing and aging in place, personal finances, estate planning and other civil legal matters, and life events such as the death of a spouse, divorce, or health crisis.

“The new parliamentary secretaries will provide valuable support to ministers as they carry out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them. I look forward to these MLAs and ministers working together to tackle these critical and emerging issues on behalf of all Albertans,” said Premier Kenney.

“I am thankful to Premier Kenney and associate minister Issik for putting their trust in me to serve Albertans in an expanded role. The Camrose constituency has more women and more seniors than the provincial average, so I am honoured to share my knowledge that can benefit all Albertans,” said Lovely, Parliamentary Secretary to the associate minister for Status of Women and MLA for Camrose.

Lougheed shows

By Murray Green

The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre will be featuring several holiday shows to bring the magic of Christmas to Camrose.

Language of the Stars

The Augustana Choir showcases its Christmas concert with performances by the Mannskor Men’s Chorus, Sangkor Women’s Ensemble, Jane Kristenson and Dr. Roger Admiral with special guests Nicole Brooks and the Strathcona String Quartet.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 4 in the Faith and Life Chapel.

A Christmas Carol

Dufflebag Theatre’s version of the classic A Christmas Carol will be offering a free show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 5.

Help build a better health system.

Join the Yellowhead East Health Advisory Council!

• Do you have interest in improving health and wellness in your community? • Do you enjoy engaging your friends, neighbours and community in discussion? We are recruiting new volunteer members for the Health Advisory Council in your area.

Apply today: More information: AHS.ca/advisorycouncils community.engagement@ahs.ca

Get Decating Camrose!

Who will win the 2021

CENTRAL AGENCIES REALTY INC.

Christmas Light-up Contest?

Last year’s Christmas Light-up winner

• The Camrose Booster will pay $100 towards your December power bill if your home is judged to be the best. • Central Agencies Realty Inc. will donate $200 towards the local charity of your choice if your decorated dwelling is judged as tops!

NOTE: The 2020 winning home is not eligible for judging in the 2021 contest.

Phone 780.672.3142 or email ads@camrosebooster.com to tell us 2 il d @ b t t tll the address of any home you believe will provide joy for others.

The Camrose Booster will publish a list of addresses of decorated homes which are must sees.

Judging by a team with a keen eye for perfection

On Wednesday, December 15, a panel of judges will travel to the address of every home which has been recommended to us by The Camrose Booster readers. The judges will choose the home they believe to be most appropriately decorated.

If you see a house that is beautifully lit up, email the address to us (or phone) and we’ll publish the addresses in upcoming Boosters for people to check out.

CENTRAL AGENCIES REALTY INC.

It’s time to hit the ski trails

There were two notable losses in the Camrose cross-country ski community this year. Dr. Garry Gibson (a.k.a. Gibber) was a long-standing fixture who helped build the crosscountry ski trails and community in Camrose for many years. Ole Heie was a young athlete with a big spirit and high hopes. These two indi-

Jane Yardley, Physical Education, viduals, representing two

University of Alberta different age groups, were

Augustana Campus extremely passionate about skiing and knew full well the benefits of skiing.

Drawing on the fine example set by Gibber and Ole, this column will outline some of the most important benefits of cross-country skiing, in the hope that it might inspire others to give it a try this winter.

First, outdoor activity improves mental health. There has been a lot of research focused on the benefits of outdoor activity since the beginning of the pandemic. The combination of physical activity and nature is synergistic. Exercising in nature is associated with more enjoyment of the activity and better mental well-being. If you’re prone to the winter blues, cross-country skiing might be the cure for what ails you.

Physically, cross-country skiing uses almost every skeletal muscle in the human body. Whether you choose classic skiing or skate skiing, the activity involves (at the very least) muscles in the arms, shoulders and legs for forward movement, as well as the muscles in the feet, legs, and core (abdominals and back) to maintain balance and posture. Almost every part of the body gains strength and stamina from cross-country skiing.

Evidence shows that cross-country skiers have some of the highest aerobic capacities of all athletes. Aerobic capacity is a measure of how much oxygen the body can use during exercise. A higher number is an indication of better aerobic fitness, and aerobic fitness is often an indicator of longevity. It’s never too late to try and increase your aerobic capacity.

Cross-country skiing is flexible since the intensity is up to you. Most of us have seen video footage of elite cross-country skiers flying at high speed through technical courses. Indeed, cross-country skiing can be a very demanding and aerobically punishing sport. At the same time, cross-country skiing can be an easy saunter on a flat trail. It can be a social or a solo venture. It’s entirely up to you.

Finally, if you can plant your poles, you can crosscountry ski. While being fast on skis requires both skill and fitness, simply moving forward on skis does not. For most people, simply being able to stand, shuffle their feet, and plant their poles is enough to move forward on classic cross-country skis. For those who can’t stand, para cross-country skiing is an official Paralympic event. The bottom line is that cross-country skiing is a highly inclusive activity, where all ages and abilities are welcome.

In Camrose, we are fortunate to have our own system of approximately 18 kilometres of well-maintained cross-country ski trails, thanks to the Camrose Ski Club. Trail fees are relatively inexpensive, ranging from individual rates to family rates. There is a wide range of programming available starting from Bunnies (ages three to five years) to adults, with the latter having no age limit, and a range of skill levels from beginner to expert. For veterans of the Camrose ski community, the trails will not be the same without Ole (#skilikeOle) and Gibber, but seeing new people embracing the sport that they loved will be the next best thing. Look for these ornaments in your Camrose, Killam and Sedgewick food stores.

FOR EXAMPLE: Name Agnes

Cozy Scarf

Gift Request

You can make a wish come true for a senior in our community. Simply pick an ornament at any Wild Rose Co-op food store, starting November 15th until December 10th.

For more information, go to www.wildroseco-op.crs

Step 1: Purchase the gift listed on the front of the ornament.

(no more than $20 retail value, and no used items please) Step 2: Slip the present into a gift bag.

(No wrapped gifts can be accepted). Attach the ornament to the front of the bag. You can include a Christmas card to your recipient if you like.

Step 3: Return the gift to the Wild

Rose Co-op Food

Store location of your choice by

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 10, 2021.

Spread a little Love this Christmas Season.

SILENT HELP

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Royal Purple representative Linda Stevenson, left, presents $500 to Kinettes Silent Santa member Kathy Schwab on November 18, from the service club’s various fundraising efforts. Silent Santa provides children with gifts at Christmas.

Ron Jungla Rum

After initially aging in the Caribbean, this spirit is treated to a secondary aging in Majorca, in Bodegas Suau’s brandy barrels. You will find tropical fruity notes with a hint of dried fruit and dark chocolate as well.

Over 349349r349 367 Rums in Stock!

Valuable COUPON

5% OFF EVERYTHING!

Not to be used with any other special offer.