Young@Heart 2018

YOUNG heart AN ISLAND GUIDE FOR THE 50 PLUS

We d n e s d a y, M a r c h 2 1 , 2 0 1 8

LIFE AT SEA Joy and Jim Eastman look back on years of boating

SENIORS STEP UP Board members needed for Salt Spring Seniors Centre

housing initiative GISRA plans for new facility advance

Tennis Champs

Seniors tennis in Mexico

DgiM

Driftwood gulf Islands Media

Rainbow Road

Aquatic Centre 250.537.1402

Rainbow Road Summer Schedule

WATER FITNESS CLASSES

April 21 to September 2, 2018 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

Early Bird Shared 6:30 - 8:00 6:30 - 8:00

Early Bird Shared 6:30 - 8:00 6:30 - 8:00

Early Bird Shared 6:30 - 8:00 6:30 - 8:00

Energizer 8:00 - 9:00

Energizer 8:00 - 9:00

Energizer 8:00 - 9:00

Lap Swim 8:00 - 10:30

Open Aqualite 9:30 - 10:30

Lap Swim 8:00 - 10:30

Open Aqualite 9:30 - 10:30

Lessons & Lap 10:30 - 12:30

Lessons & Lap 10:30 - 12:30

Lessons & Lap 10:30 - 12:30

Lessons & Lap 10:30 - 12:30

Open

Open

Open

Open

Open

Nooner 1:00 - 2:00

Adult Youth 1:00 - 2:00

Nooner 1:00 - 2:00

Adult Youth 1:00 - 2:00

Nooner 1:00 - 2:00

Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 6:00

Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 6:00

Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 6:00

Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 6:00

Shared 4:00 - 6:00

Shared 4:00 - 6:00

Shared 4:00 - 6:00

Swim Team 6:00 - 7:30

Swim Team 6:00 - 7:30

Swim Team 6:00 - 7:30

Swim Team 6:00 - 7:30

Evening Lengths 7:30 - 8:30

Evening Lengths 7:30 - 8:30

Evening Lengths 7:30 - 8:30

Evening Lengths 7:30 - 8:30

GENERAL ADMISSION Single Admission rates apply to each entry per day.

Taxes included / Toonie swim $2.00 Passes

Single Visit

10 Times

20 Times

1 Month

Annual

Adult (19 yrs and older)

6.00

54.15

102.30

60.15

410.00

Youth/Student (13-18 yrs or valid student card)

4.50

40.50

76.50

45.00

295.00

Child (6-12 yrs)

3.50

31.50

59.50

35.00

295.00

Tot (5 yrs and under)

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Family (max 5 members)

13.00

117.00

221.00

130.00

820.00

Fees include applicable taxes.

Open House

$

Open Aqualite 9:30 - 10:30

Lessons & Lap 10:30 - 12:30

Shared 4:00 - 6:00

2

THURSDAY

Come join us for an Open House event on April 21st to celebrate the re-opening of the Rainbow Road Aquatic Centre!

1 pm – 3pm. Free Swim 7:30am - 3:30pm and Open House!

YOUNG AT HEART

MARCH 21, 2018

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Lap Swim 7:30 10:00

Everyone Welcome 10:00 3:00 Toonie Swim 1:30 5:30

Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 6:30

Friday Night Madness 6:30 - 8:30

AQUAFIT Pass $7.50 drop-in 1 month pass $67.80 10x $67.50 Annual $575.00

Energizer This class will challenge you to work hard in shallow or deep water. A qualified Instructor will guide you through a number of exercises which will help with your strength, flexibility and fitness.

Nooners For those looking for more strength and stretching.

These exercises are designed to get your blood flowing and your muscles moving.

Aqualite If you have had hip or knee trouble or have had heart problems, then this is the class for you.

This low intensity, cardio exercise class is perfect for those needing to focus on balance and core strength.

Friday Night Madness This is a fun time for the youth in our community to come out and enjoy the pool. Special activities will be planned for this time slot.

Please contact us at 250-537-1402 for MORE information & to register.

262 Rainbow Road • crd.bc.ca/ssi-pool ANNUAL SHUTDOWN FOR MAINTENANCE APRIL 1-20, 2018 REOPENS SAT. APRIL 21, 2018 THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

From the archives of Driftwood cartoonist Dennis Parker.

contents 4

INTERNATIONal COURTS

8

SAFEGUARD AGAINst scams and fraud

SS Tennis Association members in Mexico.

Learn the latest safety tips.

10 MEADOW LANE PLANS

Update on GISRA’s plans for a new seniors housing complex.

11 AFTER A LIFE AT SEA

Joy and Jim Eastman share memories of racing and pleasure boating.

14 PULSEPOINT TIME

Innovative app for cardiac arrest survival introduced in B.C.

16 MANY HANDs MAKE LIGHT

WORK

17 FLY AWAY

Douglas Reid column on drones.

18 SLOW-MOVEMENT SOMATICS

A quick trip through the benefits.

20

Help at tax Time

Filing service available at Seniors Centre.

21 HEALTH PERCEPTIONS

Canadian response to international survey.

22 HOME CARE OPTIONS

B.C. Care Providers Association data shared.

23 Seniors more

tech-savvy

Technology helping seniors stay safe and connected in their own homes.

SS Seniors seek help at the board table.

THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

MARCH 21, 2018

YOUNG AT HEART

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On international courts Seniors tennis tourney in Mexico a big win for island players

BY ELIZABETH NOLAN

D R I F T W O O D S TA F F

Tournament participants were treated to a fiesta with live music after the games

S

alt Spring Tennis Association members took their place among talented players hailing from all over North America and Europe for the 35th annual seniors tennis tournament at the Guadalajara Country Club in February.

It was a champion title for Salt Spring’s Erica Ross in the Ladies’ 65 division, but four other islanders who went down for the tournament, including Erica’s husband Colin Ross, also enjoyed an excellent week of

doubles tennis at the sunny Mexican facility.

“The tournament had so much of interest apart from this really wonderful club,” said Colin Ross. “It was a once in a lifetime tournament experience for me and I’ve played tennis all my life.”

The Ross couple are equally well known on Salt Spring for their skills on the court as for their avid promotion of the game. They learned about the Guadalajara tournament from their ➤

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friend and fellow SSTA member John LaPointe, an islander who lives half the year on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

“John had played this tournament a number of times. He pointed out it is a very important seniors’ tournament,” said Ross, who partnered with LaPointe in the Men’s 65 division, although both belong to the 75+ age group. They play in the younger category to get a better game, Ross explained.

Joining the Rosses on the trip were another Salt Spring couple, Tim DuBois and Babette ArnoldusLongest running IIHS Top Safety Pick winner DuBois. its tournament 12th consecutive win (2007-2018) Rosswith said the experience was ideal from start to finish, with an extremely reasonable -EQUIPPED WELL FROM registration price covering freeSafety Longest running IIHS Top Pick winner * practice time, food and drink at th with its 12 consecutive win (2007-2018) the evening events and even ballboy services. The Salt Spring group -EQUIPPED their week with two days WELLstarted FROM Photo courtesy SSI Tennis Association of practice play on the inviting * red Salt Spring’s Erica Ross, right, and her partner Judith Ace celebrate their clay courts, to get used to the soft ➤ division cup win at the 35th annual seniors tennis tournament in Guadalajara.

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YOUNG AT HEART

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material and also the club’s elevation, which rises to around 5,000 feet above sea level.

“When we arrived we couldn’t believe how perfect and elegant the club was. I’ve never been to a club like this and the tennis part was just perfect,” Ross said, explaining, “Everyone loves to play on red clay.”

Players who didn’t come with a partner met their teammates after a draw at the event’s opening cocktail party.

It seemed a good omen that Erica Ross was matched up with an American woman who lives in Mexico named Judith Ace. In tennis, an “ace” is an unreturnable serve.

The DuBois couple played in the Men’s 45 and Ladies’ 55 divisions and were each paired up with an accomplished Mexican partner. Other

Photo courtesy SSI Tennis Association

Erica Ross in action.

participants in the event came from as far away as Wimbledon, the Mecca of the sport. With 300 players registered, there were many opportunities for games. Each pair was put into a group for an initial round robin, and was therefore guaranteed to play three matches at the very least.

“I thought it was quite a clever way to do it and it’s probably why so many people go there. There’s really nothing worse than travelling for a tournament and then losing in the first round,” Ross observed.

DuBois and ArnoldusDubois’ teams were both out after completing their first round of three matches, but still had a wonderful time. Ross and LaPointe moved forward and played for a couple of days before losing in what civilians would think of as the quarter finals, while the Ross and Ace ➤

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YOUNG AT HEART

MARCH 21, 2018

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pair battled all the way through to take the cup.

“It was no mean accomplishment for someone from our little island to win her division,” Ross said, noting Erica likes to play hard and fast close to the net while Ace prefers the back, making for a great partnership.

Tournament participants were treated to a fiesta with live music after the games, while during play the club provided an umpire and ball boys for every match. The players were treated like professionals with their names and points displayed on huge signs. There was even a press photographer on site and the players were interviewed by local TV news.

An awards ceremony at the end with a big dinner and more live music went until 2 in the morning.

“That’s the Mexican way, and it

was really fun,” Ross reported.

With the high-calibre play and “brilliant” organization on the part of the tournament officials, Ross said he and his wife will definitely be up for another round.

“Unless something happens we will Photo courtesy SSI Tennis Association go back next Colin Ross, left, and Tim DuBois at the awards dinner. year, and we’ll be encouraging more people competitive players, they prefer from Salt Spring to come,” Ross both to be challenged and to win. said.

“The 75s were pretty good. I Next time, though, he and think we would probably win LaPointe might play their but we’d have some good tough own age group because as matches,” Ross said. ■

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YOUNG AT HEART

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Shot on location at Peninsula at Norgarden

Shot on location at Peninsula at Norgarden

Life is joyful here.

Safeguard against online fraud, scams and cybercrime Don’t open emails or attachmentS from unknown persons

411 Directory Assistance, the leader in keyword-based search platforms, wants Canadian consumers to learn how to safeguard against online fraud, online scam, and cybercrime.

As we rely on the internet more and more to do banking, investing, shopping, dating, and more, cyber criminals are coming up with ways to exploit vulnerabilities in the computer systems and human behaviour. ➤

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The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a wonderful source of information “The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a wonderful source of information on how you can protect yourself, and report incidents if unfortunately you were the victim of a cybercrime or online scam,” said Chris Pappin, manager, customer relations. “We come across many clients who have had issues with their emails being hacked, and we tell everyone to not open any emails or attachments from unknown senders.”

The organization has seen clients with compromised bank accounts, their systems being held by ransomware, and their contact list being used by spammers.

“For online scams, Get Cyber Safe is another good site Canadians can visit to get information about protecting their family, their identity and their money. All of this information has also been added to the new consumer protection section on our website, 411 Directory Assistance Online Fraud, Scam and Cybercrime Information Centre,” noted Pappin. ■

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Meadow Lane plans proceeding Waiting list being taken

A

new residential seniors complex in north Ganges is proceeding on schedule.

Meadow Lane, to be owned and operated by the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association on property next to the Kings Lane Medical Clinic, will consist of 36 units for seniors, plus some accommodation for staff and other services.

Medical service providers, social service agencies and community groups needing shared space are being invited to join the facility.

“We are getting our documentation ready to apply for our building permit, which we need before we proceed to

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detailed drawings,” said GISRA president Janet Smith on March 14. “We are actively applying for funding and are on target with the project.”

As reported in the Driftwood newspaper last fall, GISRA intends the facility to be self-sufficient in water use through rainwater catchment and innovative storage and treatment methods on the property. On-site sewage treatment and net-zero construction are also planned.

At present, 22 people are on the waiting list for a suite.

“Interested people should visit Meadowbrook and fill in an application form and submit it with a cheque for $1,000, which will part of the first month’s rent,” said Smith.

Last fall the projection was for doors to open in four years’ time.

GISRA also operates Meadowbrook at 121 Atkins Rd. Current Seniors Population The last census in 2016 found that 3,230 Salt Spring residents were aged 65 or older. That’s 30.6 per cent of the population, while nationally the figure is 16.9 per cent and provincially it’s 18.3 per cent.

According to Salt Spring Island Foundation’s Vital Signs report from 2017, “The population aged 65-74 is expected to shrink by 10.5 per cent over the next 10 years, while the 75+ population is expected to grow by 88 per cent.”

Salt Spring has only four residential complexes ■ specifically for seniors.

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After a life Joy and Jim Eastman reflect on the sailing life

By MARC KITTERINGHAM

at sea

D riftwood S taff

J

im and Joy Eastman are almost more at home at sea than they are on land. That’s what happens when you spend over 50 years sailing up and down the west coast.

Now into their 90s, the pair look back on their experiences of sailing fondly, recalling trips on their many boats, their racing days and memorable times in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Jim Eastman’s life on the water started when he was six years old. He started out in a rowboat on Atlin Lake in northern B.C. in the early 1930s. Later, he and Joy purchased their first boat together and started sailing when they lived in Vancouver. It was a small mahogany sailboat purchased at Woodward’s in Vancouver. After a few trips around the area, they upgraded to a Cal 20 in order to go on longer trips with their family. ➤

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The Eastmans at Lagoon Cove, B.C.’s Inside Passage, in 1995.

That was the boat that introduced the Eastmans to racing.

“The chap that sold it to us was going to the Maple Bay regatta. Nothing would do, we were to join him,” says Joy. “So we waited and waited and waited and bumped ourselves around. Nobody came, so Jim decided, ‘Well heck, we’re a sailboat. We’re going across the gulf.’ So off we went.”

After a tough crossing of the Strait of Georgia, almost hitting rocks and getting lost a few times, they reached the regatta.

“That was terrifying because we were late,” she says.

“All of the big boats were coming at us and we were going against them. By the time we got to the yacht club, everybody had eaten. They had no food. Here we were with two kids and a dog panting at the bit for dinner — which we had paid for! They found a can of pork and beans which they opened and gave us cold. That was our introduction to racing.”

Since the end of their racing days in around 1970, the Eastmans took to a more leisurely sailing life. They would take their boat out every weekend, sometimes just for small cruises, other times for longer expeditions. Every summer they would take a few months off and cruise up to Alaska and back. These trips started on sailing craft, but over the years the Eastmans wound up using powerboats. When Jim retired and they moved out to Salt Spring Island, they traded the sail for an engine. They went to the boat show and purchased a Grand Banks cruising boat.

“That started us going up the hill,” Joy says. “But we had a very comfortable boat to cruise in.”

Over the years, they made 13 trips to Alaska and visited some exceedingly remote areas of the coast.

“The coast is very interesting. There’s lots of little villages and little bits of civilization here and there,” Joy says.

“Back in the early days of our up-coast boating, at first we were operating the only pleasure boat that had been near these places for five or six or seven years,” Jim adds. ➤

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They had ample time to see wildlife on their trips too.

Often they would see bears and other land animals, and whales were a big part of the trips. On one occasion they saw about one whale per hour for an entire day. Other times they would just swim up beside the boat.

“We were fishing one day up there beside a big log,” Joy says. “We were right beside it. We were fishing and all of a sudden the thing got up and swam away! It was a whale! We were right beside this thing and it looked exactly like a log.”

The Eastmans retired from the sea three years ago now.

When Jim was 88 years old, they sold the Kimje for good.

Now he’s going to be 92 in the spring and they have settled into life on land. In November 2017 they were honoured for being part of the Salt Spring Power Squadron for over 50 years. The power and sail squadrons are groups dedicated to safe boating practices in Canadian waters.

“It’s a teaching organization for boaters,” Joy says. “They have different courses on radio, navigation and the whole bit. There’s a branch on Salt Spring.”

The Eastmans could talk for hours about their adventures on the sea. Spending months at a time on the water is a great way to make lifelong memories. Though some times were difficult, in the end it was all worth it.

“It was quite a marvellous way to spend the summers,” Joy says. “We had every type of situation and we learned to just deal with it.” ■

Over the years, they made 13 trips to Alaska and visited some exceedingly remote areas of the coast.

photo courtesy Joy and jim eastman

The Eastmans’ racing boat Kimje, which they finally sold when Jim turned 88.

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A new smartphone app is set to turn B.C. bystanders into potential life-savers when a sudden cardiac arrest occurs in a public place.

Time New smartphone app could save lives

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) launched the free PulsePoint application earlier this winter. It provides vital information in the case of cardiac arrest, where minutes count in reducing suffering and preventing death.

Smartphone users with PulsePoint are connected to the BCEHS emergency dispatch system. When a sudden cardiac arrest ➤

Running Club

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Fun runs, competition & camaraderie Monday 9AM Artspring parking lot 5 to 9 Km run in Ganges Thurs. 10AM Portlock track intervals Coaching support for runners & walkers of all levels. Newcomers welcome!

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is reported at a public location through 9-1-1, dispatchers can send the location to people with mobile devices located within short walking distance.

A user with training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can then quickly go to the patient and begin CPR while paramedics are en route.

The smartphone alert also shows users a map pinpointing the location of nearby portable public defibrillators, which are another important tool which the general public can use safely before paramedics arrive.

British Columbia is the first to have a province-wide program for this public notification service. PulsePoint currently operates in an Ontario municipality and in a number of US counties and cities.

The PulsePoint app can be downloaded from both the Apple Store for iOS and from Google Play Store for Android OS. ■ “If you can’t get to a CPR course immediately, you can still give someone their best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest by doing three simple steps: Call 9-1-1 and shout for an AED; push hard and fast in the centre of the chest; and use an AED as soon as it arrives.”

— Gillian Wong, Heart and Stroke Foundation

Seniors Program

sszakacs@ssics.ca

Shellyse Szakacs, Coordinator

Volunteer applications open for

SENIORS COMPANION TRAINING:

12 Week Intensive Skills Development.

Learn how to provide mindful support and gain a deeper understanding of the adjustments, losses and challenges people face as part of aging.

Training begins April.

QUICK FACTS: • Sudden cardiac arrest occurs without notice and leaves patients unconscious. Without immediate help, a victim of sudden cardiac arrest will suffer brain damage within three minutes.

• In 2017, BCEHS paramedics responded to 7,101 cardiac arrests.

• Bystanders performed CPR in approximately 25 per cent of these cases.

• The survival rate beyond 30 days for sudden cardiac arrest in BC is approximately 10 per cent.

• A UK study published in the journal Resuscitation found that the PulsePoint App, as compared to phone texting systems, was highly efficient in the recruitment of first responders, significantly reducing the time to the initiation of CPR, thus increasing survival rates.

• The effectiveness of PulsePoint will be studied in B.C. and other parts of Canada and the U.S. to determine whether the app increases public participation in cardiac arrest resuscitation.

BC is expected to take part in this randomized, controlled research trial starting in 2018.

S alt S pring

Chiropractic Dr. Libby Barlow

Contrary to a common misconception, chiropractic is not about moving bones around but rather removing stress induced interference from our nervous systems. This results in a rebalancing or tuning of the system which is vital as our nervous system is our ‘master system’. It co-ordinates all aspects of our functioning - from the flexing of a muscle to our ability to mount a healthy immune response.

Getting oneself adjusted just makes a lot of sense.

New and returning patients are always welcome to the practice which is situated in: The Lancer Building,

SENIORS WELLNESS OFFICE, CALL 250-537-4607 FOR MORE INFO

suite 103-323 Lower Ganges Road.

Phone number is 250-537-4142.

Current hours are 9-5 Tuesday and Friday.

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129 Hereford Ave. Open 10am - 2pm Monday to Thursday THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

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Many hands make light work Seniors Centre needs board of directors members Photo courtesy Salt Spring Seniors

Coffee time at Salt Spring Seniors on a Friday morning, just one of many regular weekly programs at the centre.

The society’s annual general meeting is on May 2 and some key executive positions need to be filled at that time.

S

alt Spring Island’s Seniors Services Society is looking for help from a few good people.

“We have lots of members and lots of programs, but we need more active volunteers to keep the place as good as it can be and to give our long-standing volunteers a well-deserved break,” said past president Neva Hohn.

The society’s annual general meeting is on May 2 and some key executive positions need to be filled at that time.

The group is recruiting for a president, vice president, secretary, liaison and two directors at large.

Need more info about the Seniors Centre?

As its website explains: Our Mission: to provide the means by which seniors may join together to enhance the lives of those aging on Salt Spring Island.

Salt Spring Island Seniors Centre began in 1987. The aim was to provide information to seniors (people aged 55 and up) on Salt Spring Island.

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“It’s easy-going and communityoriented with short monthly meetings,” said Hohn. “Seniors are too busy to spend much time in committee.”

Interested people are welcome to attend a meeting to get to know the organization.

They should call the Salt Spring Seniors Centre at 250-537-4604 and leave a message for Neva Hohn or call her at 250-537-6426.

“Many hands make light work,” she said.

“Take your turn and revive those executive skills. Retirement can be very rewarding.”

The Seniors Centre is located at 379 Lower Ganges Rd., across from Country Grocer. ■

As times changed so did Salt Spring Seniors. In addition to information about health and lifestyle, and what’s on in town, we’ve created a clubhouse atmosphere where seniors play games like bridge, mah jongg and chess, and share interests in painting and meditation, theatre and music. We also have a driver’s program and so much more.

We have nearly 500 members and everyone brings their own touch of joy

MARCH 21, 2018

and caring to our centre. You’ll find what you want here – or, let us help you make a place for what you want to do: lectures, dancing, yoga, the sky’s the limit!

Membership is free at Seniors and we rely on your generous donations to keep our building running and our programs lively. Donations over $20 are tax deductible.

For more information, see www.saltspringseniorscentre.ca.

THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

Fly

away

Orwell predicted the age of drones

By DOUGLAS A. REID

George Orwell never did attempt to predict the future. Not in his seminal work, Nineteen Eighty-Four, nor anywhere else.

In 1948, while cosseted at Barnhill at the north end of the Isle of Jura, he whacked out “He loved Big Brother” and his typescript was done. A week later, in a letter to Francis A. Henson, he says: “I do not believe that the kind of society I describe will arrive, but I believe that something resembling it could arrive.” This is only one of three statements of this nature that he made because he anticipated, quite correctly, that the people of the future would treat the book as a prediction. The novel, properly viewed is a warning, nothing more, nothing less. But in one particular he describes, with uncanny fidelity, an invention which is now invading our lives — drones.

Four years ago a band of Salt Spring Islanders were gathered at Ganges Harbour to demonstrate against the construction of a building on Grace Islet. This civic’s group protest was suddenly diverted and interrupted by a drone buzzing around them and through them. For most of the demonstrators it was their first encounter with a drone. Orwell, in his novel, describes tiny, helicopterlike projectiles that “skimmed down THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

between the roofs, hovered an instant, like a blue-bottle, and darted away again with a curving flight.” “A tiny helicopter with a camera in its nose.”

The better to hover several flights up, brazenly to inspect whatever they wished, and to trample private freedoms in the name of “security.”

Three months ago I experienced my own first encounter with a drone.

While in attendance at a triathlon event in North Saanich I walked a short way to a placid forest lake. I thought I had discovered a quiet place to relax; I was mistaken. From across the lake, where movement could be seen, a drone emerged. It flew, or was flown, at high speed across the water, where it hovered and dangled not 20 feet above my head. This action gave me a Eureka moment. I knew I had glimpsed the future.

Drones weigh from three to seven pounds. Their cost ranges from $500 for a palm-sized, gestured-controlled selfie drone for the masses to the elite DJI Inspire, which will relieve you of $6,200. In between you may opt for the trendy-named “Parrot Bebop.”

Now we can all be voyeurs.

Because drones are mostly a toy for those with deep pockets it follows that the regulatory bodies will drag their feet when it comes to legal guidelines.

It is only in recent weeks that the F.A.A. in the United States has set any rules in place whatsoever and those are a poor joke. For example, drones can be launched at a commercial airport. They are required only to tell the control tower what they are about.

Yes, I know, there are arguments in their favour. They will fetch your groceries, check out forest fires, bring prescriptions to the elderly and so on. And this is just the limited sort of figuring the establishment wants us to do. Just yesterday a fake news item described the following. Two men who had apparently swam out past their depth and were “struggling.”

They were 30 feet apart in the quiet waters of a back bay chatting amiably while a patrol boat was guided to make the rescue. A drone had “found” them. Good old drone!

I am reminded of an old Al Capp comic strip which featured an alligator named Pogo. Pogo is the smartest of all the creatures in the swamp. On this particular day Pogo is shown standing on his tail at one corner of the swamp.

He is shielding his eyes and gazing into the distance. He is saying, I have seen the enemy. He is coming — and he is us. ■ The writer is a Salt Spring resident.

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Slow-movement Somatics Elevator pitch for body-centred practice

BY ROB SELMANOVIC

S p e c ia l to t h e D riftwood

T

he idea of a concise, compelling description of “Somatics” that can be communicated in the short span of an elevator ride makes good sense.

It makes good sense because, as a Somatics educator, I am often asked: “What exactly do you do?” or, “What is Somatics?” and “How does it work?”

So often, I am met by that bewildered gaze whenever I dare mention the “word.”

As a longtime yoga instructor, the elevator pitch has been much easier, if even necessary. Most

people have at least some general understanding of what’s involved in the practice of yoga.

Somatics, however, is different.

Although, like yoga, Somatics is a body-centred practice that incorporates slow deliberate movements and conscious attention, that is where the similarity ends. Where most styles of yoga place emphasis primarily on postures, Somatics is more focused on movement, placing function over form.

My elevator pitch needs to explain who this practice is for and why someone would choose to do it. I could start by explaining that Somatics ➤

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is for anyone who wants to feel the freedom of a body that is pain-free, moves well and ages gracefully.

I teach Somatics to individuals and groups — from youth to seniors — so they can regain voluntary control over their own neuromuscular system. Since most conditions, including muscle and joint pain, limited mobility and poor posture, have been learned and habituated, they can be un-learned and corrected.

What this means is that anyone can take charge of their

bodies, their health and their wellbeing — for themselves!

It means that Somatics, unlike many other practices and therapies, can create long-term lasting change.

I’m sure I can blurt that much out on a short elevator ride.

Somatics movements and exercises are gentle enough for most body types to do without risk of injury. It does not require intense stretching to try to release muscle tension. Instead, Somatics involves the ➤

anyone can take charge of their bodies, their health and their wellbeing Salt Spring Somatics teacher Rob Selmanovic.

Wish you knew then?

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by overexposure to loud sounds. In some cases, the damage is only temporary. But repeated exposure to excessive noise for long periods such as heavy equipment, gun shots or prolonged exposure to loud music can cause permanent damage.

If you suspect a hearing loss try our free, online hearing test today or visit a clinic near you.

SALT SPRING 778.353.3012 Grace Point Square 1108–115 Fulford-Ganges Rd

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MARCH 21, 2018

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brain and nervous system to lengthen and re-educate muscles that have become involuntarily contracted.

As you can see, the elevator ride is getting longer and I still haven’t really explained what Somatics is.

I haven’t said anything about how the sensory cortex of the brain is awakened through slow intentional movements that enhance somatic awareness. Nor have I described how the motor cortex responds accordingly to correct, improve and refine function.

There is more to say and the elevator is still rising.

I must mention how, with Somatics, we can identify and resolve particular muscle reflex patterns that our bodies may be locked in. Patterns that cause misalignment resulting in functional limitations and pain. I need to explain how this method of neuromuscular re-education will increase mobility, range of motion and allow the body to function more efficiently. The natural outcome of this is more energy and increased vitality.

I want to go on about how using minimal effort is encouraged, rather than pushing or striving. I might even start in about all of the conditions Somatics is effective in resolving, from back pain to sciatica to shoulder issues to TMJ. By now the elevator is filling up and I can’t contain my enthusiasm for Somatics. Every curious ear in that car will be listening and wondering about their own

aches, pains and other complaints. Why have they not heard about this before now? And can Somatics really help them with that achy hip, sore neck and cranky knee?

My answer is a resounding yes!

It is no surprise that Somatics cannot be adequately described during the short span of an elevator ride.

The elevator pitch is an ironic metaphor for the expansive, relaxed nature of Somatics. The very essence of this practice is learning to slow down, create space to feel and experience sensation that has been diminished or lost. Rushing or abbreviating that process is counterproductive and will only inhibit the results.

The way to really know Somatics is to take the ride.

Have the experience to see and feel for yourself. Like the slow steady climb of the elevator car, or the safe smooth descent, Somatics is a journey worth taking that will surely move you and your precious body to a new and healthier place.

I am leading Somatics for Pain-Free Living at the Salt Spring Island Wellness Centre on Sunday, March 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. and an info session and Somatic practice session on Saturday, March 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

For more info visit soulworksbodywisdom.com or 250-202-5363. ■

Help at tax time Income tax filing service offered Among the many services available through the Salt Spring Seniors Centre is assistance to file income tax.

The service is available for people with a simple tax situation and certain income limits. Those limits are $30,000 for an individual and $40,000 for a couple.

The Seniors Centre defines a “simple” tax situation as one that involves no self-employed income, no businesses and no returns for a deceased person, with some exceptions.

Called the Community

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Volunteer Income Tax Program, it is a collaboration between community organizations and the Canada Revenue Agency.

“Community organizations arrange assistance to prepare income tax returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation,” explains the March/April Salt Spring Seniors Services Society newsletter.

In order to access the service, people must complete an intake/consent form that is available at the Salt Spring Seniors reception desk. Office

hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Participants must provide all relevant documentation, including all income and employment slips, charitable donations and other eligible deductions, and leave the documents at the Seniors Centre along with the consent form.

Volunteers pick up documentation every day, file online and return documents to the Seniors Centre, with confidentiality observed throughout. ■

THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

Health perceptions Seniors pinpoint areas of health care needing improvement In an international survey of seniors in 11 countries, Canadian seniors reported the lowest satisfaction with the overall quality of the health care they received. Despite this, Canada’s seniors report better perceived health than the international average.

How Canada Compares: Results From The Commonwealth Fund’s 2017 International Health Policy Survey of Seniors, released in February by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), shows that only two out of three Canadian seniors (67 per cent) were satisfied with the quality of the health care they received, compared with an average of 76 per cent of seniors in all surveyed countries. When it comes to perceived health, four out of five Canadian seniors surveyed described their health as “excellent,” “very good” or “good.”

The 2017 edition of The Commonwealth Fund’s survey focused on the views and experiences of seniors (age 65 and older) in 11 developed countries. The Canadian survey included questions on home care and end-of-life planning that were not asked in other countries.

Access to specialists Canadian seniors think coordination of specialist care could be improved.

More than half (59 per cent) of Canadian seniors surveyed — the highest rate among 11 countries — said that they waited at least four weeks for a specialist visit.

Five per cent said their specialist did not have basic medical information from their regular doctor.

Thirteen per cent said their regular doctor did not seem informed about the specialist care they received.

THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

Mental health Canadian seniors have to cope with mental health challenges, on top of other medical issues.

Almost one out of five Canadian seniors surveyed had experienced emotional distress in the past two years, which they found difficult to cope with by themselves.

Seventeen per cent of Canadian seniors reported feeling isolated some of the time or often.

Home care Canadian seniors want to stay at home for as long as possible.

More than four out of five Canadian seniors surveyed (86 per cent) who received publicly funded home care said that the services helped them remain at home.

Three per cent of Canadian seniors felt they needed publicly funded home care services but did not receive them.

Eleven per cent of Canadian seniors had help with certain activities of daily living, with four out of five receiving it from a family member or friend.

End-of-life planning More seniors in Canada have engaged in end-of-life care planning than those in other countries.

Twelve per cent of Canadian seniors or one of their family members have talked to a health care provider about access to medical assistance in dying.

Almost two-thirds of Canadian

seniors surveyed (64 per cent) are confident that they would be able to obtain medical assistance in dying in their community.

“We learn so much from examining how Canadian seniors interact with their health system and by comparing their experiences with those of seniors from other comparable countries,” said Tracy Johnson, director, health system analysis and emerging issues for the CIHI. “We do see some encouraging signs, particularly in the realm of end-of-life planning and home care, where Canadian seniors largely report that their needs are being met.”

About CIHI The Canadian Institute for Health Information is an independent, notfor-profit organization that provides essential information on Canada’s health systems and the health of Canadians.

“We provide comparable and actionable data and information that are used to accelerate improvements in health care, health system performance and population health across Canada. Our stakeholders use our broad range of health system databases, measurements and standards, together with our evidence-based reports and analyses, in their decision-making processes.

We protect the privacy of Canadians by ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the health care information we provide.” ■

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Home care options explored by health group Prevention and investment urged A just-released paper from the B.C. Care Providers Association has recommended increasing spending on home-care support by $110 million per year.

Called Health Begins at Home: Strengthening BC’s Home Health Care Sector, it outlines how investing in better home-care services improves care for seniors and saves government money in the long run.

It also looks to best practices in other countries in making suggestions for improvement in home care. In Denmark, for example, professionally delivered home visits to citizens aged 75 and older are done at least once per year.

“One of the reasons for this is that older and frail people often wait too long to ask for care or are unaware these services exist, by which point their health has severely declined.”

Even though the percentage of seniors receiving home support in Denmark has increased, overall health spending on seniors over the age of 80 has decreased, states the BCCPA report.

“This reduction appears to be the result of funds being diverted from institutional care to a more costeffective home support program.”

Australia offers what it calls a Home Care Packages Program.

“Under a home care package, a range of personal care, support services, clinical services, and other services is tailored to meet the assessed needs of the consumer,” explains the BCCPA paper.

Four different levels of service are available. Australia also promotes a “restorative approach” to home care.

“This approach is one in which individuals are assisted to maximize their ability to engage independently in everyday living and social activities, rather than simply having essential tasks done for them so that they can remain living in their homes.

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Breakdown of areas of proposed $110-million per annum investment in home care.

12 Instead of simply having the worker do specific tasks for the individual the senior is supported by an interdisciplinary team, as part of the restorative approach, to be as independent as possible. The goal is to support older adults to develop or redevelop the skills and confidence to do things for themselves and build connections with new networks of social support.”

Four main reasons behind the increased shift to home health care in Canada: • People generally prefer to receive care where they live; • Canada is an aging nation with increasing rates of chronic disease; • A growing cohort of “digital seniors” combined with new and low-cost technology allows us to offer more care in non-congregate settings; and • Governments are trying to contain their health care budgets and home care can be delivered at a lower cost. ■ Source: Canadian Health Care Association

THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

Seniors more tech-savvy Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge.

According to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet. Today, 67 per cent of adults age 65 and older say they go online.

Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones; this amount has more that doubled since 2013.

While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before.

Seniors use technology in many

different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and monitor their fitness regimens.

Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible.

Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home, or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby.

SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors

SALT SPRING COMMUNICATION STATION has grown and we are now the island’s source for retail consumer electronics.

connected to others and feeling less lonely.

According to the 2017 Salt Spring Vital signs report, 26.2 per cent of the Gulf Islands’ senior population lives alone. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society.

Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fast-growing demographic for tech usage. ■

We have added additional space in the upper level of our location at 342 Lower Ganges Road (Upper Ganges Centre). Stop in and see us and if we don’t have what you need in stock, we can supply it. In addition to our mobility sales, we carry: Cell phones, PC laptops, printers, monitors, tv’s, networking supplies, hard drives, video and audio cables, drones and many other electronic items.

342 LOWER GANGES RD • 250.537.8371 THE GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD

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