Connect this fall

Dovercourt Recreation Centre, located in Highland Park/ Westboro, has been a community hub since the 1980s, with its indoor pool, tennis courts, wading pool, swim lessons, fitness programs, afterschool programs, day camps and an adjacent field and park. The Centre is gearing up for a busy fall, excited to welcome everyone —especially older adults ready to get back into a healthy routine. After a challenging couple of years during the pandemic, Dovercourt has been steadily building back, resuming programs interrupted by lockdowns and limits. The fall 2023 session will see the addition of new classes, a sign that things are better than ever. There is much to rediscover for the older adult who may have taken a break.

Dovercourt prides itself on being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive home-away-from-home for many people. There’s a real community feel, apparent after morning fitness classes when people enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch at the Café in the lobby.

With monthly and ongoing options, the Fit Pass allows the ultimate flexibility: book ahead and enjoy over 30 classes per week. You can pause the pass for longer absences, like vacations and winters away. It includes group fitness, yoga, aquafitness, spinning, strength, use of the Fitness Centre, the indoor pool (with hot tub and sauna) and more. This fall, the Fit Pass will include late-morning “Seniors on the Go” classes.

Registered specialty classes range from dynamic to rehab-oriented and are offered weekly for the fall session. Join kindred spirits in Older Adult Yoga, Older Adult Tai Chi, and Age Strong (Small Group Personal Training). Aqua Rehab classes such as Arthritis, FM and Healthy Back address specific conditions and promote strength and mobility. The Mind & Body Connection class for those with Parkinson’s, MS or Post Stroke will be offered in the pool and in the original land version.

This fall, sharpen your card-playing skills with Euchre Club (free) or join a pole-walking class or pickleball game for a nominal drop-in fee. All are welcome to enjoy monthly Wellness Education sessions, with informative talks by local physiotherapists and wellness experts. Grab a coffee and a muffin, and get ready to learn!

We know that staying active and connected is critical to physical and mental health. The pandemic had a negative impact on so many due to isolation and interruption of regular routines. Organized activities, both fitness and social, enable older adults to regain those vital connections. Make this fall your most connected season yet!

Fall classes begin after Labour Day. Purchase the Fit Pass at any time. Fall registration for registered specialty programs begins Tuesday, August 8. www.dovercourt.org

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Your Loved One Was Just Diagnosed with Dementia… Now What?

Often families of those who have been diagnosed struggle to understand not only the disease and its impact on their loved ones but also how to help them. Here are a few “next steps” that can be taken after your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia.

• Learn about the disease and what types of behaviors to anticipate: This will help you understand that much of what you will be experiencing is the disease and not your loved one. It will also help you create a care plan.

• Find support: It is important to find support and resources for you to lean on. These may include, support groups, therapy, or finding day programs for your loved one to attend so you can take a break. Some supports include:

• The Champlain Dementia Network

• Carefor Respite Day Programs

• Carefor Richmond Care Home

• Don’t delay: Many caregivers take the responsibility of care solely on themselves or delay seeking supports. Acting quickly will not only help your loved one through their journey with dementia but also you and your family. Talk to your doctor about what’s available to you.

There is no set way to cope with and proceed after a dementia diagnosis, however these four points will help to guide you and your loved one during this journey.

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