Aspira West Park Crossing offers independent living for adults over 55
Aspira West Park Crossing offers independent residents aged 55 and older a place to enjoy peace of mind, all while being surrounded by a caring and vibrant community dedicated to enhancing their quality of life.
What sets West Park Crossing apart from other retirement homes is the on-site provision of nursing and assisted living services. Residents can apply to the retirement home while still living independently, and if their health condition changes over time, a complete care package is offered without the need to move to other facilities.
Daniel Klatt, the home’s sales advisor, explained that several open house events are held annually. These freeto-attend events give prospective residents an opportunity to tour the home and explore one of its single bedroom suites to see if it’s right for them.
The home’s one bedroom suites feature an area ranging from 432 square feet up to 648 square feet, and all available suites come with an attached private bathroom with the basic amenities.
West Park Crossing’s memory care program focuses on older adults living with memory issues from dementia to Alzheimer’s disease. Due to the possible risks of life with memory issues, residents enrolled in the memory care program will have additional staff to provide greater care.
This provision of care enables residents to continue living as independently as possible, all while surrounded by people who genuinely care about their story and their personal well-being.
West Park Crossing’s memory wing and sensory gardens feature a secure,
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
relaxed environment, and brings all the comforts of home including homemade meals, living at your own pace, and the encouragement of warm, meaningful relationships.
The home’s respite program offers a place to stay for patients who may need close supervision following a medical procedure and terms are available anywhere from two weeks to two months. These temporary residents receive the same benefits as permanent residents at West Park Crossing, and the offer includes three meals per day, laundry services, and an independent living option outside of a hospital. The program is ideal for patients who may need close, ongoing supervision following a medical procedure and terms are available from two weeks to two months.
“Instead of keeping a hospital bed occupied because they had hip surgery or a knee replacement, they can come here (to stay) until they get better,” Klatt noted.
A shuttle bus is available so residents have the option to freely attend appointments, shopping excursions, or social visits, and transportation is covered with the cost of rent. Recreational outings are also planned on a routine basis by the home’s staff.
Klatt described West Park Crossing as an ideal retirement option because the venue has an aging-in-place program. “This means you can come in as an independent (resident), and if your health needs ever change… we can still provide services for you (without the need to move),” she said.
Aspira is a division of Sienna Senior Living which is prominent in parts of British Columbia and Ontario and claims to have the largest retirement
communities in those areas, and now features five locations in Saskatchewan and one in Alberta.
To inquire about available suites or to apply for residency, call Daniel Klatt at 306-694-4744.
Aspira West Park Crossing is located at 1801 Meier Drive. For more information, visit AspiraLife.ca.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Photo by: Aaron Walker
A sneak peak at the fully furnished showcase room, which closely resembles the home’s one bedroom suites. Available units do not come fully furnished and residents are welcome to bring their own furnishings and personal effects.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Aspira West Park Crossing retirement home is located at 1801 Meier Drive.
7 Smart Ways to Live Well on a Fixed Income
It used to be that the golden years were a little more golden. In addition to social security benefits, you’d retire with a pension, and you could live off the interest earned on retirement savings. Add a lower cost of living and higher home equity to the equation, and living the good life was easy. Nowadays, retiring mostly means living on a fixed income.
What does this mean if you’re approaching retirement or already living on a fixed income?
The good news is that the frugal can and do rule retirement. While the years may not be as golden as you’d like, they can be lined with silver, if you keep these tips in mind. Live below your means
This maxim has never been more important than right now. If you’ve been saving up for retirement since your college years and can afford to party it up in the Caribbean well through retirement, more power to you. If not, get real. Living on 20-25 % less than your income enables you to save money for the unexpected, be it a medical problem that requires out-of-pocket expenses or a present
David Lasman – President; Senior Health Care Team
for a surprise birthday party. One idea for if you live in a city or a place with public transportation, live the car-free life.
Micromanage your budget
Living below your means on a fixed income leaves very little wiggle room when it comes to budgeting. Prioritize your expenses, starting with set costs such as insurance, healthcare, rent or mortgage, and utilities. Then add the average amount you spend on discretionary expenses each month, such as entertainment, food, and gas. If your total expenses aren’t 20-25% below your monthly income, cut from your discretionary costs until you have enough money earmarked for savings.
Avoid adding new debt
Now is not the time to add more expenses and debt. If you’ve had trouble in the past with bad financial decisions and impulse buying, steer clear of triggers that might lead to overspending. A shiny new purchase may seem like a good idea at the time, but busting your budget can have a lasting impact that is likely to lower your standard of living
substantially. Practice controlled splurging instead. Occasionally earmark some of your discretionary income and go shopping.
Consider moving for tax savings
Because your income is most likely lower than it was before retirement, you should pay less in taxes. If you’re looking for additional tax savings, it’s good to know that some provinces/states are more retirement friendly than others when it comes to social security benefits and income and sales taxes.
Downsize to a smaller place
If you’re still living in the family home, now may be the right time to sell and move into a smaller, less expensive place. Doing so often gives you money to invest and save, and a smaller home will cost less to run. By selling, you may also lower your property taxes or have to pay none at all, if you choose to rent.
Have fun for free
It’s ironic that when you finally have time to pursue hobbies and interests, your income is limited. It is possible, though, to enjoy yourself by spending little to no money at all. If you’re eligible,
take advantage of senior specials, and check local publications and websites for free events. Museums, zoos, and botanical gardens often have complimentary admission days just for you.
Also, consider volunteering. Many organizations will reward you with free passes to events when you donate your time. And take advantage of online communities that unite people with similar interests.
Earn extra money on the side
We know, retirement is a time to not do anything but relax and live well.
“I don’t have to, I don’t want to, you can’t make me,” is a great attitude if you can afford it, but not so much if you’re really pinching pennies. Retirement is a new stage in life, so treat your career that way too by picking up a few side hustles now and then for extra income.
Living on a fixed income does take some adjustment, but with some creative budgeting, you can enjoy a satisfying retirement.
Stay active with the Moose Jaw & District Seniors at the Timothy Eaton Gardens
Timothy Eaton Gardens is home of the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizen’s Association (MJDSCA), a local organization providing a welcoming space for adults over the age of 55 to connect, stay active, and build new relationships.
The association hosts an assortment of events including card games ranging from Texas hold ‘em to Cribbage to Kaiser. Friendly competitions are held regularly, and winners are announced on the Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association Facebook page.
Activities are scheduled Monday to Friday each week and time slots remain consistent. Scheduled events take place in the morning and afternoon, and from Monday to Thursday, the doors are open until 8:00 p.m.
A small sample of activities includes line dancing, table tennis, ping-pong, and arts and crafts in its fully stocked craft room. In 2023, the MJDSCA converted an overlooked lounge room right off the main dining area into a vibrant art gallery that first opened to honour the birthday of local artist Barb Markewich’s mother.
For members, the facility has a walking track and gym available onsite. If you’re looking for fitness classes, Forever in Motion offers regular guided classes in the XYZ Auditorium.
Aaron
Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Floor shuffleboard is a very popular event and takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. The game is played by propelling rocks forward using cue sticks to take it easy on your back and prevent a need for kneeling. Be sure to drop in and hear about the exciting account of a local member who beat an international legend from the U.S. in recent years.
Billiards takes place every morning at 8:00 a.m. and costs a reasonable $0.65 per game.
The building has a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily, and the public is welcome to stop by and enjoy a delicious meal for a reasonable price.
Be sure to stop by the venue during Seniors’ Week later this fall with an exact date to be announced. Typically held from around the last week in September to the first week in October, the much-anticipated celebration of older adults and their contributions takes place at the hall and includes a pancake breakfast, an opportunity to meet first responders, talks from the Moose Jaw Police Service, and it all begins with a proclamation from the mayor.
If you’re looking to book a hall for your upcoming event, consider booking through the MJDSCA first. Proceeds help support the association in its quest to improve the lives of seniors and the XYZ Auditorium can accommodate 200 people with room for another 70 in the Card Room.
Becoming a member with the MJDSCA is an easy process. Basic membership is $50 per year and advanced membership includes the use of indoor fitness facilities and regular discounts for only $75 per year. Members also receive discounts with hall rentals and catering. A fee of $2 is charged for each activity, but this does not include use of the walking track and exercise equipment.
Timothy Eaton Gardens is located at 510 Main Street North. For more information, the front desk can be reached at 306-694-4223 or you can visit MooseJawSeniors.ca or ‘Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association Inc.’ on Facebook.
The venue’s XYZAuditorium reopened on Sept. 3, 2024, following extensive updates that included a flooring replacement, new baseboards, and a fresh coat of paint. These renovations have enhanced the auditorium’s functionality and now form an ideal place to host pickleball matches along with a wide variety of other programs and events, including trade and craft shows throughout the year.
Photo by: Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association
A look at the newly renovated XYZ Auditorium at the Timothy Eaton Gardens. The auditorium is a regular spot for pickleball matches and the space can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
A look inside the MJDSCA’s art gallery at the Timothy Eaton Gardens.
Photo by: Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association
Former mayor Clive Tolley (front row, right) signs the proclamation declaring seniors’ week in Moose Jaw alongside Elaine Parsons (front row, left), Dave Pelletier (front row, middle), and members of the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association (back row) on Oct. 1, 2024.
Photo by: Aaron Walker A look inside the main lunch hall at the Timothy Eaton Gardens.
The Importance of Companionship For Seniors: Socialization and Better Health
How do you make friends?
Well first, you have to find them!
As we age, making or maintaining friendships gets harder and harder. It’s different compared to when we were schoolaged. Seems like back then, making a new friend was as easy as saying hello. It gets harder with age and experience: the general busy nature of life takes over. Plus, a lot of people feel more closely guarded about themselves. There’s enough cynicism or pessimism to fill a glass half-empty. But friends are important, for folks of any age but especially for seniors.
We know that people with close friendships live
longer, they have better support systems and are better equipped at fighting isolation and the stressors of life.
But most of all: friends just make us happy! It’s nice to be able to share our life with others.
Friends are precious, important things: and it’s vital we keep them in our lives for as long as they’ll have us.
Why Companionship is Important For Older Adults
Loneliness in older adults does happen and we almost take it for granted that as our loved ones or ourselves age they’ll get more isolated. We should
not believe that isolation is a natural part of aging. It isn’t. It is neither inevitable nor good. Companionship for seniors is incredibly important, as important as it is for anyone at any stage of their lives. It promotes better mental health, better physical health, creates new routines, and really, just makes life better.
Cultivating new friendships as well as maintaining the older ones is good for all older adults. Don’t believe that growing old means being alone. Life is still a vibrant journey, and friendships can continue to bring happiness. When you think about it, it is deeply weird that we accept loneliness as a natural part
of getting old, like it is a medical condition. And it is deeply weird that we rationalize that because it is normal, it must be ok. There is no other time in life when we feel that way. No one says, “It’s good for a 22-year-old to be alone; that’s just the way it is!”
An older adult is no different than the 22-year-old. They might act as if, and even convince themselves to believe that, being alone is ok, because they have internalized the idea, but that is rarely the case. Yes, of course, there are some seniors who do genuinely prefer being alone, or who want to retire away with their books, just as there are people at every age
who prefer solitude. And, if genuine, it is something to respect. But you shouldn’t just assume that stoicism implies acceptance and happiness. Because, the truth is, for most people, a lack of companionship isn’t just sad, it is downright dangerous. Seniors facing isolation are at a higher risk of depression, which, as it sets in, can lead to more isolation and increase depression severity. All too often this can lead to suicidal thoughts and even actions.
There are also physical considerations, the most obvious one being that isolation means it is harder to get help when something goes wrong. If a person falls or has a stroke, who knows how long it could be before they get help. This problem has slightly decreased with the rise of mobile phones, but not everyone has them on them at all times, and you might be rendered unable to use them. So yes: isolation can be bad. But socialization isn’t like taking medicine; it isn’t just about fighting away symptoms. Companionship does more than drive away negative outcomes. It creates positive ones.
The Benefits of Companionship for Older Adults
Breaking free from isolation has many mental health benefits. The brain thrives on activity and stimulation, and withers without it. Think about it. After retiring, possibly losing a spouse or partner, and having social
gatherings disappear, a person can lack the social stimulation that comes with work, with events, and with unexpected happenstances and unforeseen social engagements. Even the most routine workday is a maze of interpersonal relationships. So seeing other people forces the brain to be active. It creates new patterns in the week and new responsibilities. It creates new social engagements. It can make you try new things. And that’s always healthy. Making the brain work makes it stronger and more flexible, helping you continue a lifetime of learning. Making plans and figuring out activities keeps the brain strong, like working out. And the more social engagements you have, the more likely you are to take care of yourself and maintain proper hygiene, a clean home, maybe plants for when friends drop by. That has been shown to fight off depression. Social activities have another added benefit: it lets you feel cared for and supported. You are not just practicing empathy; others are practicing it toward you. You are being seen as another person, and not just a lingering shadow. The other side of that is that you are caring and supporting other people as well. You’re giving them that gift, just as you are getting it. Both sides of this are important for people to feel valued, safe, and filled with purpose. Socialization, of course, often involves physical activity as well. When you are moving, you are
getting exercise, even when exercise isn’t your intent. Just the act of getting up and doing things can make you stronger, which boosts the immune system and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Embracing Change and Openness as Older Adult
Entering new social landscapes requires openness to change. Many seniors might find themselves in circumstances where familiar social networks change due to relocation, retirement, or the loss of friends or family members. Embracing change becomes a crucial first step towards seeking and welcoming new friendships.
Building Relationships Gradually
Building friendships takes time and patience. Seniors should allow relationships to develop naturally without feeling pressured to rush the process. Small acts of kindness, regular conversations, and shared activities gradually pave the way for deeper connections.
Embracing Diversity in Friendships
Diversity enriches friendships by bringing different perspectives and experiences. Seniors should embrace the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, as it can broaden their horizons and create more dynamic social circles.
Seeking Support When Needed
For some older adults,
initiating new friendships may be more challenging due to factors like mobility issues, health concerns, or a lack of confidence. Seeking support from family, caregivers, or community organizations can provide encouragement and assistance in navigating social opportunities.
Beyond Health: Life is Worth Living
Reaching out and finding companionship makes you healthier, and that health helps you continue to reach out and find companions. It allows you to enjoy them. It allows you to continue to explore, to create, to find new paths where you had thought the highway overgrown with vines and jungle thickness. You hack through them and find a new road.
There is never a time when isolation is “ok”, and never a time where you are too old to have fun with old friends or meet new ones. Every person is a mystery until you know them, just like every day is a fresh page until you live it. Fill that page with ideas and activities, and solve that mystery. Enjoying your life begins with saying hello. Pursue your own hobbies and interests so you are an interesting person and can meet people who are like-minded. If church or the regular commitment of volunteer work doesn’t appeal to you, cross those options off your list and find other ways to put yourself in contact with new people. Discovering common ground forms the
cornerstone of new friendships. Seniors can explore local community centers, clubs, or volunteer organizations that align with their interests. Engaging in group activities such as book clubs, gardening, art classes, or fitness programs fosters shared experiences and provides an opportunity to be with like-minded individuals.
Are there continuing education classes in your community? A senior center where you could drop in (even though you would be on the young side)?
A swimming or exercise class, or nearby gym you could join? Are there book clubs or civic organizations in your community? Do you have any interest in connecting with someone from your past (e.g. with
whom you went to high school or college)? Might you be able to connect with a younger person at work through an interest you share in common (e.g. knitting, movies, etc.)?
The Value of Existing Friendships
While forging new connections is essential, nurturing existing friendships remains equally important. Seniors should cherish and maintain relationships that have stood the test of time, as these friendships contribute significantly to their emotional well-being. In the tapestry of life, friendships bring color, joy, and a sense of belonging. For seniors, the quest to make new friends is a transformative journey,
offering opportunities for growth, shared experiences, and mutual support. By embracing change, seeking common interests, leveraging technology, participating in community events, and nurturing relationships gradually, seniors can forge meaningful connections that enrich their lives in countless ways. Remember, age is never a barrier to forming new friendships. With an open heart, willingness to engage, and a proactive approach, seniors can create vibrant social circles that enhance their overall quality of life. As the adage goes, “The only way to have a friend is to be one,” in the pursuit of friendship, both giving and receiving companionship enrich the lives of all involved.
The little old couple walked slowly into McDonald’s that cold winter evening.
They looked out of place amid the young families and young couples eating there that night. Some of the customers looked admiringly at them. You could tell what the admirers were thinking. “Look, there is a couple who has been through a lot together, probably for 60 years or more!”
The little old man walked right up to the cash register, placed his order with no hesitation and then paid for their meal. The couple took a table near the back wall and started taking food off of the tray. There was one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink.
The little old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half. He placed one half in front of his wife. Then he carefully counted out the French fries, divided them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife. He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them.
As the man began to eat his few bites of hamburger the crowd began to get restless. Again you could tell what they were thinking. “That poor old couple. All they can afford is one meal for the two of them.”
TRANSIT SERVICE
Don’t let mobility issues stop you from experiencing Canada’s Most Notorious City. Residents and visitors of all mobility types and needs are invited to utilize Moose Jaw’s accessible “kneeling” transit buses from 193 bus stops around the city.
We continue to offer Paratransit ride share services to registered users.
Contact the Transit office for more information: Phone: (306) 694-4488 Email: transit@moosejaw.ca Website:
Transit passes and tickets are available for purchase at City Hall, Kinsmen Sportsplex or Yara Centre. Download the HotSpot app to purchase your digital bus pass or tickets. Scan the QR code or visit htsp.ca/how-it-works for more information!
As the man began to eat his French fries one young man stood and came over to the old couple’s table. He politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple to eat. The old man replied that they were just fine. They were used to sharing everything. Then the crowd noticed that the little old lady hadn’t eaten a bite. She just sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink. Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy them something to eat. This time the lady explained that no, they were used to sharing everything.
As the little old man finished eating and was wiping his face neatly with a napkin the young man could stand it no longer. Again he came over to their table and offered to buy some food. After being politely refused again he finally asked a question of the little old lady.
“Ma’am, why aren’t you eating? You said that you share everything. What is it that you are waiting for?
She answered, “The teeth.”
Moose Jaw Funeral Home still locally-owned and always ready to assist
By Jason G. Antonio, Moose Jaw Express
After working at Moose Jaw Funeral Home full time for eight years as a director, Michelle Ellis decided to purchase the business to ensure it remained community-owned and -operated. The opportunity to purchase the funeral home arose in February 2021, so Ellis jumped at the chance to buy the business from her boss and be-
come sole owner, she explained.
“The Funeral Home has always been locally owned. This is very important to me and that has not changed with the new ownership. We are still locally owned and operated.” she said. Ellis hasn’t made any big changes to Moose Jaw Funeral Home and doesn’t plan to either. Instead,
she will ensure that the business continues to serve families as it has always done. Being community owned means it’s possible to offer services that are more personal to people.
The business contains a crematorium that allows families to choose a different way to bury their loved ones. However, cremation numbers have remained roughly the same for a while, she continued.
Besides a crematorium, Moose Jaw Funeral Home also has an indoor columbarium. Ellis noted that this option is popular with families. Expansion of the Columbarium took place in January 2025 with the addition of 56 new niches to better serve the families.
“Myself and my team of professionals will continue to serve the families we have the honour of assisting,” she added. “And being a locally owned business is important to the community itself.”
Moose Jaw Funeral Home is located at 268 Mulberry Lane and can be contacted at 1.306.693.4550. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
Cara Ashworth
Andrew Pratt Terri Lamb
Michelle Ellis Gary McDowell ' '
REALITY CHECK
• Eventually, you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
• Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re getting old. Squash their toes with your rocker.
• The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
• Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me. I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.
• Maturity means being emotionally and mentally healthy. It is that time when you know when to say yes and when to say no, and when to say WHOOPPEE!
• How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
• When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, just think of Algebra.
THE FUNNIER SIDE OF THE HILL
• You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
• I don’t know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.
• The golden years are really just metallic years: gold in the tooth, silver in your hair, and lead in the rear.
• Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of and gradually approach 18.
• One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
• Age seldom arrives smoothly or quickly. It is more often a succession of jerks.
• Yeah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
• Old age is when former classmates are so gray and wrinkled and blind that they don’t recognize you.
• If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you are old.
EXERCISES FOR SENIORS
You know how important exercise is, as we grow older. Here are a few suggestions. I start by standing outside behind the house and, with a five-pound potato sack in each hand, extend my arms straight out to my sides and hold them there as long as I can.
After a few weeks, I moved up to 10-pound potato sacks, then 50-pound potato sacks and finally I got to where I could lift a 100-pound potato sack in each hand and hold my arms straight out for more than a full minute! Next, I started putting a few potatoes IN the sacks, but I would caution you not to overdo it at this level.
RETIREMENT, A WIFE’S VIEW
A frustrated wife told me the other day her definition of retirement:
“Twice as much husband on half as much pay.”
GOING OUT
An elderly looking gentleman, (mid-nineties) very well dressed, hair well-groomed, great looking suit, flower in his lapel, smelling slightly of a good aftershave, presenting a well-looked-after image, walks into an upscale cocktail lounge. Seated at the bar is an elderly looking lady.
The gentleman walks over, sits alongside her, orders a drink, takes a sip, turns to her, and says, “So tell me, do I come here often?”
BUMPER SNICKERS
My grandmother has a bumper sticker on her car that says, ‘Sexy Senior Citizen.’ It’s hard to think of my dear old granny in that way. What is she doing? Out entering wet shawl contests? Wheelchair racing? Teeth swapping? Makes me wonder where she got that tendollar bill she gave me for my birthday.
Your retirement dreams are unique.
That’s why you need a retirement plan just as unique. I understand that. As a Raymond James financial advisor, I have the freedom to offer unbiased advice and the resources to help you design a truly individual retirement plan. Want to learn more about creating a plan focused on your dream retirement?
GALE TOEWS Financial Advisor
Gale Toews Private Wealth Management of Raymond James Ltd. 602 – 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3M6 306-693-4430 gale.toews@raymondjames.ca
Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. www.raymondjames.ca/GaleToewsPrivateWealthManagement
Dementia in Older Adults What older adults, their families and friends need to know
As we get older, it takes us longer to learn new things and to recall information. Many of us worry that each time we struggle to remember a name, a word or an event, that this could be the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. However, only about one per cent of people with age-related memory loss develop dementia.
Dementia is a medical term for a set of symptoms. Whatever the cause of the dementia, symptoms may include:
• memory loss
• loss of understanding or judgment
• decreased ability to make decisions
• changes in how the person expresses their emotions
• changes in personality
• problems coping with daily living
• problems with speech and understanding language
• problems socializing
Tooth loss can cause a host of physical and emotional issues. You don’t have to suffer, we are here to help you!
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is an abnormal degeneration of the brain that leads to changes in a person’s ability to think, speak, socialize and take part in normal daily activities.
Detecting dementia early, and identifying the specific type, is crucial for providing proper care. An early diagnosis also gives you, your family and friends time to prepare and connect with the right resources in your community to help maintain your independence. While there is no cure for dementia, and no sure way to avoid it, keeping your brain active may help to delay or lessen the initial effects of dementia and prolong independence. Reading, learning a new skill and staying physically active and socially connected are all concrete steps to staying mentally and physically healthy for as long as possible.
As a dementia progresses, different parts of the brain are affected leading to a range of changes and diminishing
Preplanning and prefunding your funeral provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. It allows you to make important decisions about your end-of-life wishes ahead of time, ensuring that your preferences are honored without placing a burden on your family. Prefunding can alleviate nancial stress by covering the costs of the funeral in advance. This thoughtful approach not only reduces the emotional strain on your family but also helps them focus on healing during a di cult time.
abilities. From what we know of dementia, abilities that are lost do not then return. Memory-enhancing drugs may, however, be able to maintain memory for a period of time.
There are four main types of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, followed by vascular dementia, Lewy bodies and frontotemporal lobe dementia. The risk of developing a dementia increases with age. Dementia affects about two per cent of Canadians age 65 to 74 and 35 per cent of those over 85.
What are the signs of dementia?
The early signs of dementia are often very subtle—often not involving memory loss—and hard to detect. The signs of dementia can also be caused by other things, such as depression, medication problems, nutritional disorders or a number of medical conditions.
Dementia develops at different rates in different people. People with dementia are likely to have at least a few of the following signs:
• forgetting appointments or a friend’s name and not being able to remember them later
• losing their way in familiar places, not knowing what time of day it is
• having difficulty finding words, using the wrong words in a sentence
• experiencing problems with familiar tasks like making a meal
• exhibiting poor or impaired judgment, such as dressing inappropriately for the weather
• losing abstract thinking skills, such as not knowing how to read a bank statement
• misplacing familiar objects or putting them in the wrong place
• experiencing changes in mood, such as quickly shifting from laughter to tears to shouting
• exhibiting changes in personality, such as becoming uncharacteristically irritable, suspicious or fearful
• losing the desire to carry out simple but important day-to-day activities
What can be done if dementia is diagnosed?
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be very difficult. Nevertheless, there are a number of steps you can take to help yourself or a family member continue to enjoy life:
• Focus on the things you can do, rather than on the things you can no longer do.
• Stay involved in activities that give pleasure and that have meaning for you.
• Stay physically active and eat a healthy diet.
• Plan for the future so that your wishes can be respected.
• Reach out for support, both from family, close friends and from community services that help people maintain their independence and dignity.
• Learn about dementia to find out what to expect and about strategies that can help you to live the fullest life possible.
• Acknowledge that living with dementia can be difficult.
Where can I get more information?
Aside from a family doctor, a great place to get more information about dementia is to contact the Alzheimer Society of Canada at 1 800 616-8816. The Alzheimer Society provides information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and about living with dementia. The Alzheimer Society also helps to
organize support groups across Canada through its local branches. The local branches can also help you to connect with resources and services in your own community. There is a Canadian Mental Health Association Moose Jaw Branch office located at 326 High Street West, Moose Jaw, S6H 1S9. They can be reached at 306.692.4240.
“I don’t have wrinkles, I have wisdom highlights.”
“I’m not old, I’m a classic.”
“I’m not aging, I’m marinating.”
“I’m not old, I’m just chronologically gifted.”
“I’m not old, I’m just retro.” “I’m not old, I’m just a classic model.”
SENIOR LAUGH!
When a soldier came to the clinic where I work for an MRI, he was put into the machine by an attractive, young technician. Sometime later, when the examination was over, he was helped out of the machine by a far older woman. The soldier remarked, “How long was I in there for?”
Joanne Korman, Bedford, Nova Scotia
How to approach someone who is possibly being diagnosed with dementia
Broach the topic gently. It may help to remind them that memory issues don’t always point towards dementia. Be kind and supportive during the conversation. Listen to their reasons and any fears they raise.
Let them know that you’re worried about them. Give examples of issues like missing appointments, misplacing items, forgetting names.
Break down the larger issue into smaller ones. Pick one to focus on, such as, ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting names of friends. Maybe the GP will be able to help.’
Keep a diary of events. This will help you show someone you’re worried about that you have ‘evidence’ for your worries. The diary will also support you both if you see a doctor as they may want to see a record of issues. Turn the focus towards getting support from their friends and family. For example, ‘If you visit the GP, we might be able to get extra help that would give me a break...’
How to offer help to someone with dementia who doesn’t want it
Do you know a person with dementia or memory problems who is refusing offers of help? Here are a few ways to support someone who may be in denial or lack insight about their situation.
It is common for someone living with dementia to not acknowledge that they are experiencing issues with their memory or other aspects of cognition, such as having difficulty holding conversations or carrying out daily living tasks.
This could be due to denial or lack of insight.
Denial is when a person doesn’t acknowledge certain facts or events, even when they may seem obvious to those around them. It is a psychological reaction that enables a person to cope with a difficult situation that may otherwise make them feel afraid, depressed, ashamed or worried.
Similar to denial, lack of insight is when a person with dementia is unable to recognise changes in their behaviour and emotions. This is caused by physical changes in the person’s brain.
When a person continues not to acknowledge the difficulties they are having, this can cause further problems later on. For example:
• they may refuse to accept help
• there could be delays in starting, stopping or continuing to take medication
• they may continue to drive despite it not being safe for them to do so
Offering help to someone with memory problems who is experiencing denial or lack of insight
Someone living with memory issues may deny or not realise that they’re experiencing problems. A person who is in denial is likely to be feeling fearful and will need time to accept what is happening. For some people, they may have some awareness of their cognitive issues and may be feeling uneasy or anxious about this. They may also be fearful about the future. They may feel – or think that other people may feel –a stigma about having a diagnosis of dementia.
Here are some ideas to consider when talking to someone about your concerns
Broach the topic gently. It may help to remind them that memory issues don’t always point towards dementia.
Be kind and supportive during the conversation. Listen to their reasons and any fears they raise.
Let them know that you’re worried about them. Give examples of issues like missing appointments, misplacing items, forgetting names.
Break down the larger issue into smaller ones. Pick one to focus on, such as, ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting names of friends. Maybe the GP will be able to help.’
Keep a diary of events. This will help you show someone you’re worried about that you have ‘evidence’ for your worries. The diary will also support you both if you see a doctor as they may want to see a record of issues.
Turn the focus towards getting support from their friends and family. For example, ‘If you visit the GP, we might be able to get extra help that would give me a break...’
Offering help to someone with a diagnosis of dementia who doesn’t acknowledge it
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a daunting experience. The person who has been diagnosed may feel a range of emotions, from sadness to disbelief to denial. When you talk to someone about their diagnosis and how they’re feeling, try to stay calm. This may help calm them down, too.
Denial can be beneficial, as it can give someone time to process news and how they feel about it. Giving the person time and space to think about their diagnosis and how they feel about it is a good way of approaching the situation. If they continue to not acknowledge their diagnosis, you might start to feel frustrated or unable to help.
There are a few things you can do to support someone who is in denial about their dementia diagnosis or refusing to accept help.
• Think about ways to support them without giving dementia as the reason. For example, introduce new technology or memory aids by letting them know how they can help with daily tasks.
• Find out more about local support groups and therapies. Attending these may help the person come to terms with their diagnosis. Talking and art therapies are popular choices.
• Try to think about what might motivate the person to accept
help. Think about other times where you needed to persuade them of something, and try to adapt what worked then to this situation.
• Try to stay calm when talking about your concerns. Getting angry or upset can make conversations uncomfortable for everyone involved. The person you’re worried about may be more hesitant to talk to you in the future.
Practical tips for supporting someone with memory loss
There are many practical ways that you can support a person with dementia who is experiencing memory loss. Read our advice for some of the most common memory problems.
Common memory problems and how you can help:
1. Forgetting recent conversations or events
People with dementia may find it hard to remember recent conversations and events, even in the early stages. Due to the damage that is causing the person’s dementia, their brain may not have stored the information. This means that they cannot bring back the memory of the event or discussion because they may not have that memory.
How you can help:
• Pictures and written descriptions can be useful records of things that have happened. Encourage the person to use a diary, journal or calendar to record events and conversations.
• Give simple answers to questions and repeat them as often as needed. You can also write the answer down so that the person has a note of it. It won’t help to tell them that they have heard the information before.
• If the person can’t remember whether they have done something or not, try to give context to your question and include prompts. For example, ‘It must be a while since you ate breakfast, are you hungry?’ rather than ‘Have you had breakfast?’.
2. Forgetting names and words
People with dementia may have difficulties finding the right word in a conversation. They may confuse one word for another, or forget the meaning of certain words. They might also forget the names of friends or family members whom they have known for a long time and are close to.
How you can help:
• If the person is struggling to find a word, give them enough time to say what they are trying to say. Feeling under pressure can make it more difficult for them.
• If you are not sure what the person is trying to tell you, consider the context of what they are saying. This may give you clues about the word they are looking for.
• If the person doesn’t understand a word you are using, try using prompts, cues and context to help with naming items. The person may recognise an object and what it is used for, even if they can’t remember what it is called.
• If the person is struggling to remember someone’s name, try to find tactful ways to remind them without highlighting
that they have forgotten – for example, ‘Here’s your friend, Elena’.
• Consider using a ‘memory book’ or ‘memory box’ with photos and brief information on people (such as their name and the story of how the person knows them). The person with dementia can then refer to this if they want to.
3. Having difficulties with day-to-day tasks
As dementia progresses, the person will have more difficulties with daily tasks, especially those that involve following a set of steps such as getting dressed or making a cup of tea. They may not remember the order of the steps to follow. It is important to support them to do as much as possible for themselves, for as long as they can.
How you can help:
• Help the person to perform tasks by breaking them down into smaller, simpler steps. It can help to write short instructions and place them nearby.
• Consider the time of day when the person is usually more able to concentrate and try to schedule tasks for these times.
• Make sure that items that the person uses regularly are clearly visible to them. Make tasks easier by putting out the items the person will need– for example, place tea bags and a mug near the kettle.
• Use reminders, such as sticky notes or a wall calendar, for one-off tasks. Set up more permanent reminders for regular tasks – for example, put up a sign by the front door to remind the person to take their keys and wallet if they leave the house.
• Assistive technology devices can help people with dementia manage everyday activities – for example, electronic pill boxes can remind the person to take daily medication. Assistive technology can also help to reduce danger – for example, through using gas valves and smoke alarms.
• Talk to an occupational therapist. They will be able to advise on coping strategies and suitable devices for help with dayto-day tasks.
4. Getting lost outside the home
A person with dementia may leave the house and forget where they were going or why. They may also have problems recognising familiar environments and this can lead to them getting lost or coming to harm.
How you can help:
• If the person gets lost when going out alone, consider going out with them, or arranging for someone else to do so.
• If the person is happy to, it can help if other people who live nearby are told about the person’s difficulties. People like neighbours and local shopkeepers may be able to help if the person gets lost.
• The person may find having a mobile phone useful. There are easy-to-use mobiles available if the person is not used to having one. You may also consider using assistive technology products, such as a GPS device. For more information see Using technology to help with everyday life.
• Make sure the person has some form of identification when they go out, as well as contact numbers of people they know well. An emergency identification device, such as those provided by MedicAlert, may be helpful.
Alzheimer’s Society also provide helpcards that people with dementia can carry around with them in case they need assistance when out in the community. See our information on supporting a person who often leaves the house.
5. Getting lost at home
People with dementia may forget the layout of the home they are in and become confused about where each room is located. Sometimes, a person with dementia does not recognise the home they are in at all. As their dementia progresses, they may say that they want to ‘go home’, even when they are at home. This could be because the person does not remember that the place they are now is where they currently live. How you can help
• If the person is recalling a home that they used to live in, speak with them about this other home, and what it means for them. This may help them to place it in the past.
• Reassure the person that they are safe if they ask to go home, and encourage them to talk about their feelings. Asking questions like ‘What do you like about your home?’ may help you understand what they need to feel comfortable.
• Make sure that the person is surrounded with familiar items that will help them feel at home.
• Keep a reminder of the current home address somewhere visible to remind the person of where they are.
• If the person forgets the layout of the home, try putting up signs to help them find the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms they use regularly. Dementia-friendly signs are available to buy from our online shop.
6. Forgetting upcoming events
People with dementia may forget upcoming events such as medical appointments, visits and anniversaries. This can cause problems if you’re not always around to remind the person beforehand. How you can help:
• Think about how the person remembered events in the past. Using a similar technique is likely to work better than trying to learn a new one.
• Help the person to use calendars and clocks to remind them of upcoming events. Place these where they will see them.
• If the person has an online calendar on their phone, tablet or computer, consider entering reminders for upcoming events and appointments. Virtual assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri can also be useful for this purpose.
• If the person is given an appointment card, put it where the person can easily see it. Our booklet My appointments can help the person keep track of appointments, advice and support from professionals.
7. Struggling to recognize faces
As the person’s dementia progresses, they may have difficulty recognizing familiar faces, including their own reflection. Not recognizing themselves or the people around them can make them feel as though there are intruders in their home. How you can help:
• Try to find tactful ways to give the person cues or reminders without mentioning their memory loss – for example, ‘Hasn’t our granddaughter grown?’.
• Reassure the person and try to make them feel safe and comfortable. If they don’t recognize people, they may feel that they are surrounded by strangers and get distressed.
• Try not to show the person that you are offended or upset if they do not recognize you – it is unlikely to be a personal rejection. Try to focus on how they respond to you in the moment. Even if they don’t seem to recognize you, they may still smile at you or want to speak with you.
• Someone with dementia may still be able to recognize people’s voices or the way they smell. Hearing a person speak or smelling their perfume or aftershave may help them to recognize that person.
It can be upsetting if someone you care for does not recognize you. Try to talk about how you feel with someone you trust.
8. Forgetting beliefs and aspects of identity
As the person’s dementia progresses, they may forget or misremember certain beliefs or aspects of their identity which have been important to them. This can include religious beliefs and practices, aspects of sexual orientation and gender identity, and dietary choices, such as being vegan. Try to use what you know about the person and respect their preferences and beliefs as much as possible. How you can help
• If the person has forgotten that they used to follow a particular diet, such as veganism, they may now want to eat certain foods that they did not used to eat. Changes to a person’s diet can affect their digestion. If possible, speak to a dietician or to the person’s GP before the person begins eating these foods. For more advice on this see Eating and drinking.
• If the person has forgotten aspects of their faith that used to be important to them, think of other aspects of worship they might still enjoy or respond to. For example, they may still enjoy religious music and songs, or take comfort in holding or wearing symbols of their faith.
If current life expectancy is 78.7 years and adulthood begins at age 18, your midlife crisis should hit around age 48. But the definition of midlife crisis, as first coined in 1965 by psychologist Elliott Jaques, was a bit vague on the specifics. He didn’t specify an age or give any concrete symptoms. It is merely described as a time when adults contemplate their mortality and the waning years they have left to enjoy life. And truthfully, that can hit at any age, says Johns Hopkins geriatric medicine physician Alicia Arbaje.
Recognizing the Feelings
If you find yourself spending too much time looking into the rearview mirror of life, you may be experiencing a midlife, or later-life, crisis. You’re not alone: In fact, recent research found that one in three people over the age of 60 will go through this experience. Here are some of the signs—and the psychology behind them.
You’re over age 50
For many people, the mid-40s is the time in life when our future isn’t a scary unknown, our past is something we can laugh about, and our present is filled with marriage, kids, careers, and a general satisfaction in knowing who we are and what we want out of life. So it’s not surprising that we may feel melancholy (as we age,) when the future can once again seem uncertain.
Your family is driving you crazy
Middle-aged people aren’t inherently more stressed-out than younger folks, but the type of stress is different. Research shows that only 8 percent of young adults reported no daily stressors, compared with 12 percent of middle-aged adults (ages 40 to 59) and 19 percent of older people (ages 60 to 74). But the midlifers were more likely to experience conflicts involving children—so getting older can bring more relationship stress with friends and family.
You feel lost and lonely
When researchers from another institution examined the factors that contribute to psychological well-being, they found that some are genetic, but some are based on having a sense of purpose and a good social network. As we head into retirement and bid adieu to careers, if we’re not careful to stay active in other ways, we risk losing our social networks and sense of self-worth.
You’ve experienced a recent loss
Research has found that another key trigger of later-life crisis is loss, especially bereavement. Loss of someone close can bring you face-to-face with your own mortality, bringing you down if those feelings aren’t confronted and resolved in a healthy way.
Moving Beyond the Crisis
So what can you do to deal with these feelings healthfully? “To start, I would recommend you stop thinking of it a crisis,” says Arbaje. “It sets you up for the idea that this is inevitable, instead of thinking about it as an opportunity for growth.” Instead: Reframe what it means to get older
Instead of lamenting what you never did, or what you’ve lost, Arbaje suggests thinking about this time as a chance to take on new challenges and embrace life in a new way. For example, if you’re approaching or in retirement, you may have more time and freedom to pursue volunteering or travel.
Share your feelings
Find a friend you can confide in—one who will let you answer the question “How are you?” honestly. You might find that your friend is experiencing (or has gone through) similar feelings and can share coping strategies. Research shows that writing (in a journal or a blog) is another healthy way of letting out feelings, and that can help minimize the chances of becoming depressed. Enjoy movement
Regular physical exercise boosts both your energy and your mood, and it reinforces your power to take charge of your own health and well-being.
Better With Age
Here are a few qualities that research has shown we can celebrate as we get older.
• Decision-making skills. According to a study published in Psychological Science, the insight and life experiences adults acquire over time make them better equipped to make tough decisions.
• Empathy. Researchers have found that women aged 50 to 59 were more likely to make an effort to relate to different perspectives.
• Perception. A study published in the journal Psychology and Aging shows that older adults were better than younger adults at discriminating between faked and genuine smiles.
Moose Jaw has three community-based laboratory sites along with services at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. Please consider which site will work best for you. If you need other hospital-based services such as x-ray, ECG, etc., please use the hospital for your blood work. For laboratory inquiries, please call 1-833-727-5829. To book an appointment call 1-833-727-5829 or book online at www.saskhealthauthority.ca
Alliance Medical
890A Lillooet Street W Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Crescent View Clinic 131 1st Avenue NE
Monday to Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital 55 Diefenbaker Drive
Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Midcity Medical Clinic 526 Main St
Monday to Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cosmo Senior Citizens Moose Jaw
Along with the many great activities happening at the Cosmo Center, our center boasts two rental halls and free parking. The large hall holds 300 people and small hall holds 80 people. You are welcome to use a caterer of your choice. Watch for upcoming events on our new Facebook page – Cosmo Senior Citizens Moose Jaw
Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre
We provide 55+ the opportunity to enhance their well being with social, cultural and physical activities. Some of the activities include pickleball, floor shuffleboard, cards, summer BBQs, Tuesday morning jam sessions, Thursday line dancing, monthly social dances, Military Whist Tournaments, drop in activities throughout the year. Hall rentals available for everyone for all occasions. Free parking. 235-3rd Ave NE Moose Jaw 306-692-6072
FIVE HILLS ACCESS CENTRE
Five Hills Access Centre is a single point of entry for all Continuing Care Services including Home Care, Long Term Care, Palliative, Respite and Transition Care. 131 1st Avenue NE
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 306-691-2090 or Toll Free: 1-866-211-5696
MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SERVICES
Entry to all outpatient programs and services at Mental Health & Addictions (MHAS) is through Centralized Intake. Centralized Intake responds to all initial requests for mental health and addictions information or services from individuals, family physicians, family members, or community agency members. Program staff will briefly discuss concerns with the referring person and determine the appropriate response to the service request.
Referrals may be assigned to a program area at MHAS or to one offered by another community agency. Central Intake can be reached at 306-691-6464.
HOME CARE
Access to Home Care services is through the Five Hills Access Centre (FHAC). FHAC provides a single point for accessing Home
Care, Respite Care, Palliative Care, Convalescent Care and Long Term Care. Please call FHAC at 306-691-2090 Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Are you interested in helping others?
Making a difference in the community? Sharing your skills and talents? Meeting new people? Why not volunteer! Volunteer Services in Moose Jaw supports the communities and surrounding areas of Assiniboia, Central Butte, Craik, Gravelbourg, Lafleche, Moose Jaw and Rockglen. Volunteers supplement and extend the services provided by employees. These programs enhance the wellbeing of our clients and patients through the provision of services.
Benefits of Volunteering:
• Enhance our services
• Share your life experiences
• Explore medical careers
• Feel good about yourself & gain confidence
• Improve the health journey for neighbors/friends
Contact Volunteer Services at 306-691-6508.
Cosmo Senior’s Centre remains a cornerstone of the community to keep seniors active
Looking for a vibrant spot where seniors and residents of all ages can connect, relax, and enjoy a variety of activities?
The Cosmo Senior’s Centre offers the perfect venue for meaningful interactions and lively activities that include regular dance workshops, club meetings, and live musical entertainment making it one of the cornerstones of the community.
Established in the mid‘60s, the Cosmo Senior Centre has been a hub for social gatherings and local talent for decades. The building features two spacious halls with one accommodating up to 320 guests and a smaller room seating 100. Both can be combined to host up to 420 people, making it ideal for everything from card games to concerts.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Competitive pricing and optional kitchen and bar services also add to the appeal.
The Cosmo Centre is a versatile venue and can be rented out to host almost anything from local and international band performances to weddings — the latter being one of its most popular bookings. The venue offers competitive pricing and an onsite piano if you’re looking to “tickle the ivory” with a few tunes.
The centre keeps seniors active throughout the year with a variety of weekly programs including jam sessions, line dancing with instructor Vel Smith, card games like Canasta and Military Whist, and physical activities such as shuffleboard and pickleball.
Beginner pickleball players can take advantage of Friday morning training time to build confidence before they play competitively during regularly scheduled matches.
Seasonal highlights include polka parties, monthly dances, and annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners as well as an Oktoberfest celebration.
No matter the event, the centre’s in-house kitchen staff can be booked and one perennial delight is the acclaimed lemon meringue pie made by Dorothy Henderson. Be sure to check in regularly and keep an eye out for the venue’s bi-annual craft fair routinely organized by Doreen Bye, where you’re likely to have a chance to sample a slice of pie and
perhaps find that ideal gift for a loved one.
If you’re interested in becoming a member at the Cosmo Centre, benefits include various individually tailored services and activities. The membership fee is an easy $40 per year, and new registrants can enjoy a threeday trial period to explore all the venue has to offer.
You can contact the centre’s main office at 306-692-6072 during its regular business hours or by sending an email to Cosmo@sasktel. net.
The Cosmo Senior’s Centre is located at 235 Third Avenue Northeast and the main office is open from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Cheryl Chow (left), Vel Smith (centre), and Brenda Winter (right) attend an earlier line dance workshop at the Cosmo Senior’s Centre.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
The Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre is located at 235 Third Avenue Northeast.
Home Care
Home Care provides health and personal support services that will assist the client to stay at home. Nursing services are provided per physician referral. All other services are based on the assessed needs and a goal for service. For an assessment of your needs, please call the Five Hills Access Centre (FHAC) at 306-691-2090.
Home Care services available are:
• Nursing
• IV Therapy
• Continuing Care Aide Services
• Respite
• Meals on Wheels
• Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy
• Palliative Care
• Wellness Clinics
HOME NURSING CARE
• Nursing staff provide a variety of services in the home or in
the Treatment Centre under the direction of your doctor.
• Nursing visits are scheduled by priority of need.
• There are no fees for nursing services.
CONTINUING CARE AIDE (CCA) SERVICES
• CCAs provide a wide range of services based on the assessment.
• Schedule of services may vary occasionally due to unforeseen events.
• The client must be at home when the service is provided.
• The client is responsible to provide necessary personal care supplies for CCA.
• There is a cost for CCA services. Ask the Continuing Care Coordinator (CCC) for this amount.
RESPITE IN HOME
• Respite services are available to families who cannot leave an individual unattended. Continuing Care Aides provide “relief” for caregivers for short periods of time. It can be regularly scheduled or as needed.
�nowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. �t age �� and older� people are twice as likely to be killed or in�ured by fires compared to the population at large and with our numbers growing every year it�s essential to take the necessary steps to stay safe.
✓ Don’t reach for danger! Wear tight fitting or rolled up sleeves when cooking and don’t reach over a hot burner. �ooking fires are the number one cause of fire in�uries among older adults. �f you need to step away� you should turn off the stove.
✓ �lways blow out candles before leaving the room.
✓ �nsure items that can burn are one metre �� feet� away from space heaters.
✓ �void overloading the electrical outlets. �xtension cords should be used only as a temporary connection.
✓ �void running cords under rugs� which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
✓ �nstall a smoke alarm on every storey of your home� outside and inside all sleeping areas. �est smoke alarms once a month and replace the battery once a year. �moke �larms should be replaced at least every �� years even if they are still working.
✓ �now exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Develop a home fire escape plan or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.
✓
✓ �f you smoke� do it outside and use large deep ashtrays. Don’t extinguish smoking materials in a potted plant. �he soil used for potted plants can burn.
• Prior notice and approval is required to set-up service.
• Not to be used to allow caregiver to go to work.
MEALS ON WHEELS
• Hot, nutritionally balanced meals are available, based on the assessed need.
• Meals are prepared by a health facility or private provider.
• Meals are delivered by volunteers, Monday through Saturday, including statutory holidays. (Some variations in rural areas).
• The client must be home to receive the meal.
PALLIATIVE CARE
• Referrals to the Palliative Care Program can be made by anyone calling the Five Hills Access Centre and will be reviewed by the Palliative Care Coordinator.
• Service availability may vary slightly throughout the health region.
• Palliative Care is the physical, emotional, social and spiritual care given to a dying individual and his or her loved ones where active treatment is no longer the goal. Such care may occur in a hospital ward or a long-term care institution, but is usually a service provided in the home.
• Palliative Care Services can help if it is your wish to die in the comfort and privacy of your own home with the support of your family. Physicians, nurses, continuing care aides, so-
cial workers and other healthcare professionals work together with you and your loved ones to make the last stages of life as meaningful as possible. We tailor help to your individual needs and offer on-going support throughout your terminal illness.
• Our goal is to relieve suffering and offer quality of life and personal dignity until death. If the time should come where transfer to a care facility is needed, your Palliative Case Manager will assist you to make as smooth a transition as possible.
For more information, please contact the Five Hills Access Centre by calling 306-691-2090.
Collaboration is a concept that has become more and more popular as leaders in business and communities realize that it is very difficult to make change happen. Companies or organizations may want to change habits, attitudes, and familiar expectations and introduce new ways of being and doing. In communities, we hear people talking about working with stakeholders and allies as well as finding new allies in order to make significant, positive changes. Many people may want to collaborate with others, but how do effective collaborations develop?
Individuals or groups may intentionally seek out collaborators and then work
Collaboration Leads to Action Action Leads to Collaboration
their way to achieving action on a common purpose. Collaboration leads to action.
Individuals or groups may envision a specific action, make plans and carry it out. They may find unexpected support from others who want to collaborate with them –leading to collaboration and creativity for further action together. Action leads to collaboration.
With no collaboration, action is limited – an individual or group can only rely on their own creativity, skills and strengths. Finding others who share a common vision can unleash energy and power beyond their
Working with others can achieve a common goal.
expectations. Anthropologist Margaret Mead’s words have inspired many collaborative efforts, ““Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Collaborators will be well-served to follow these principles, which help a collaboration grow trust and develop strength:
• Open transparent communication
• Mutual respect and empowerment
• Value diversity
• Clear vision and shared goals
• Continuous learning – experimentation and failure are part of learning and lead to success
Common Misconceptions about Collaboration:
• Consensus is required for decisions. Rather make many decisions autonomously while fostering collaboration and shared accountability.
Seeking perfection can block good. Moose Jaw demonstrates how residents understand the need for collaboration and a willingness to put collaboration into action. For example, Age-Friendly Moose Jaw includes supporting organizations such as Moose Jaw Community Living Association; Family Service Bureau, Salvation Army; Library; Saskatchewan Health; Moose Jaw Literacy Network); Timothy Eaton Centre; Friendly City Optimist Club; Moose Jaw Wakamow Rotary Club and Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association.
Working with others can achieve a common goal.
• Collaboration can only be used in some businesses or organizations. With care and careful collaborative leadership, the possibilities are endless.
Working together has resulted in a Resource Guide for Seniors; partnership with the Chamber of Commerce for a program to employ older adults; submission of informative articles to the Moose Jaw Express; Member of the Community Accessibility Committee; Continuing work on the resource centre and programming at the Timothy Eaton’s drop-in centre.
Visit our websites: agefriendlysk.ca skseniorsmechanism.ca for examples of collaboration and action.
Visit our websites: agefriendlysk.ca skseniorsmechanism.ca for examples of collaboration and action.
Visit our websites: agefriendlysk.ca skseniorsmechanism.ca for examples of collaboration and action.
Working with others can achieve a common goal.
Visit our websites: agefriendlysk.ca skseniorsmechanism.ca for examples of collaboration and action.
• Care must be taken to seek everyone with a stake or interest when planning for action. Energy can be spent on filling the gaps rather than taking an action.
The new initiative, Social Prescribing, has benefitted from the help of AF Moose Jaw and is up and running with a Community Connector who links the medical system with community services that support older adults (55+). Linda Anderson, SSM Communication & Ageism Awareness staff
Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association
For over three decades, the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association, fondly known as the Eaton Centre, has been a cornerstone of support and engagement for local adults aged 50 and over. Located in the historic Timothy Eaton Building at 510 Main Street, the Centre provides a welcoming space where members can explore new hobbies, participate in organized events, stay active, and connect with others. The Eaton Centre is dedicated to promoting the mental, social, and physical well-being of its members through a wide array of activities. Whether you’re interested in line dancing, arts and crafts, pickleball, shuffleboard, or card games, there’s something for
everyone. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the indoor walking track and gym, perfect for staying active year-round, or the guided Forever in Motion fitness classes held in the XYZ Hall. Activities are scheduled Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (8 AM to 8 PM) and regular hours on Tuesdays and Fridays (8 AM to 4 PM).
The Centre also features the Timothy Eaton Café, where members and the public alike can enjoy delicious, homecooked meals. Breakfast is served daily from 8 AM to 10 AM, with lunch available from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at reasonable prices.
For those planning events, the Eaton Centre offers excellent
venue options. The spacious XYZ Hall accommodates up to 200 guests, while the card room is perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 40 people. By booking these facilities, you’re not only securing a great space for your event but also directly supporting the Centre’s mission to improve the lives of seniors in the community. Becoming a member is easy and affordable, with a basic membership available for $50 per year and an enhanced membership for $75 per year. Enhanced members enjoy full access to the walking track and gym, as well as discounts on hall rentals, and catering. Additionally, a small $2 fee is charged for most activities, ensuring affordability for all.
The Eaton Centre continually evolves to meet the needs of its members, welcoming suggestions for new activities and events. It’s a place where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and be part of a vibrant, supportive community.
For more information or to schedule a personalized tour, visit moosejawseniors.ca or stop by the Centre Monday through Friday. Whether you’re exploring membership options, planning an event, or just curious about what’s offered, the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association invites you to discover all it has to offer. Join us in creating a thriving community for local seniors!
Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association Inc.
Active Minds, Happy Hearts
Downsizing the Home: Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers
After meticulously protecting and displaying valued possessions for years, the very thought of parting with any beloved treasures is often a tortuous proposal for seniors. Whether older adults face downsizing from their homes because of retirement, finances, health, death of a spouse or coaxing from family, letting go of longtime belongings can be a daunting roadblock. Seniors may resist while their families persist.
For older adults, decades of memories are typically built around their home and one’s personal identity can be closely tied to a home and belongings, so living without these valued possessions is distressing. Navigating the downsizing process for seniors involves recognizing the emotions and planning for the practicalities of transitioning from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Fortunately, there are workable solutions for the elderly leaving a long-term house for the smaller square footage of a condo, apartment or townhome. Ways to help seniors tackle downsizing include the following:
Plan for the reduced space. There are companies that specialize in downsizing for seniors. Check on-line for services in your area or with your local realtor. Obtain a layout of the new home and make a plan. Stay positive through this process as it will be difficult for seniors to imagine not
taking everything.
Treasured Items. Now would be a good time to sit with the senior and talk about treasured items they would like to give to a special friend or family member. Parting with these items on their terms will give them great joy knowing that someone will be enjoying this treasure.
Recruit family and friends. Moving is meant to be a team effort. Every bit of help makes the process more manageable.
Downsizing is often the perfect time to make legacy gifts of special belongings to children, grandchildren, friends and others. Start small. If you have time before the move, be gentle and start small. Talk to the senior and discuss with them what they should expect. Give them small tasks to do during the day like cleaning out a drawer or a box in the closet. Start with a room that has less sentiment like a bathroom, kitchen or spare bedrooms. Doing these small tasks will help them get used to the idea of moving.
Create sorting categories. Set up piles for keep, toss, to give away and donate. Relocation experts advise to only handle the item once. Some moving pros discourage a “maybe” pile, but indecision is natural in parting with long-held possessions, so allow some flexibility when seniors express reluctance in the sorting process. Sell, donate or recycle. If time is on your
side, a “moving sale” attracts more buyers than a garage sale. With bigger items like furniture or appliances, advertise in the local newspaper or online directories. Consider donating items to charities, and for certain antiques and memorabilia, check with museums, schools and libraries. Assisting older adults through or after downsizing involves a listening ear and help with adjusting to the new home’s surroundings. Sometimes that’s demonstrating how to use the stove or simply sitting down to look through old photo albums together.
These suggestions are offered for family caregivers helping an aging loved one downsize:
1. Communicate openly. If possible, start talking early about the eventual realities of needing to reduce clutter and limit items to fit into the new home. Together, discuss the nonnegotiable items to keep. Offer reassurance that the move will prove to be beneficial in the long run (e.g., less household maintenance, lower utility costs, little or no yard work, etc.). Allow enough time that your parents don’t feel rushed. Sorting through years of stuff is difficult and sometimes emotionally painful. Give them time to absorb the change.
2. Show respect. Many possessions of older loved ones are handed down for generations. What may seem like a pile of junk to others may hold priceless
significance to the elderly. Honor the senior’s choices in what is most valuable. Avoid the “let us get rid of all this for you” approach to helping older loved ones downsize.
3. Practice patience. Allow the senior time to process decisions. Many older folks deal with limited hearing and slowed thinking and reflexes. Control your opinions about what needs to head to the trash. Stay calm if the downsizing process takes longer than you’d like. Preserving the relationship with your aging loved one is one cherished possession that can’t be replaced. Allow the senior time to say goodbye. If they take longer to clean out the desk drawer because of a stack of pictures they found, let them take the time to remember. This is a very important part of the process. Be patient. Listen to their stories.
4. Get them involved. If you have access to the new home, take your older loved one there, introduce them to the new space. Do this on their own time, when they’re ready. Let them tell you how they’d like it to look and make a plan to prepare the space accordingly.
“Not everyone has to move. If someone “has” to move or “wants” to move, then there is a right way of doing so; you can make it a positive experience.
There are many ways we can get the help we need and still maintain the quality of life and lifestyle we are accustomed to. For example, your yard has always been your pride and joy, now it is too much work to do alone. Having a contractor that is easy to talk to and willing to take time to discuss your needs and make the work fit into your budget is important.
When choosing a contractor, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure reliability and affordability:
• Does your contractor have liability insurance? You do not want to be liable for accidents or damage to your property or other people’s property while the contractor is working for you.
• Does your contractor have WCB insurance for their employees? Again, you do not want to be liable for the contractor’s employees if they get injured while working for you.
• Does your contractor have training or train their employees? Landscaping is a Red Seal Trade, and apprentices will take 4 years to complete their training.
• Does your contractor have a business license for your municipality?
• Does your contractor have references from other customers that they have worked for?
At Cornell Design & Landscaping Ltd, we pride ourselves on meeting all these criteria and more. Our team is fully insured, licensed, and trained to provide top-notch landscaping services. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring that your yard & garden remain a source of joy and relaxation. Let us help you maintain the beauty of your yard & garden. Contact Cornell Design & Landscaping Ltd today to discuss your needs and discover how we can make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Federal Services
Government Services
Allowance for the Survivor This program provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income widows who are not yet eligible for the Old Age Security pension.
Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension provides a monthly taxable benefit to retired contributors.
Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) This program provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income Old Age Security recipients.
Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
Old Age Security (OAS) This pension provides a monthly taxable benefit to persons 65 years of age and over.
Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
LIBRARY
Survivor’s Pension The Canada Pension (CPP) survivor’s pension is paid to the person, who at the time of death, if the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor. If you are a separated legal spouse and the deceased had no common-law partner you may qualify for this benefit. Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
Provincial Services
HealthLine HealthLine is a free, confidentional 24-hour telephone advice line staffed by client navigators, registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and social workers. When you call 811, a licensed health or mental health care professional will give you options and information to help you with health-related questions or concerns. Toll-Free: 811
Home Care Program Home care helps people who need acute, end-of-life, rehabilitation, maintenance, and long-term supportive care to remain independent at home.
306-691-2090
A library enhances the quality of life in the community and serves as an addition to and extension of other educational systems to insure opportunities for individual continuous learning.
The Public Library is a branch of the Pallier Regional Library and a resource centre for the region. The Library participates in the one province public library system and, as such, honours valid library cards from all other public libraries in the province. Library cards issued to Moose Jaw and area residents by the Public Library may be used at any other public library in the province.
HOURS:
· Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. · Friday & Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. · Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The outdoor book return is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the return of library materials. The return is located on the Athabasca Street side of the library adjacent to the drive through and under the tall black lamp standard. The Library hosts free adult programming throughout the year and many of these offerings will appeal to or are targeted to seniors.
The Library also offers an outreach service that includes delivery to the homes of those who are unable to visit due to illness, age, or disability. Library staff select materials based on a profile provided by the user. Deliveries are made on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Tech Time - technology one on one training by appointment.
MJPL Archives Department:
The MJPL archives department was formed in the late 1960s with a mandate to collect materials relating to the history and development of the City of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area. The archive is open by appointment. Call the Library at 306-692-2787 to schedule an appointment.
More detailed information on the Archives and its findings can be found at www.mjlibrary.ca/archives.
Public Computers, Printing & Wi-Fi:
The Library offers public access computers for anyone to use, printing services including 3D printing, and we have free wi-fi. There is also a public photocopier available for use. All services are free of charge except printing and photocopying have a small fee.
You do not need a library card to use the computers. Users can create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. They can also search the internet and check email, check their online banking, research and more. Staff are always available to assist.
Digital Resources:
For those patrons who use mobile devices and computers, the Library has an extensive digital library available for use with your library card. It includes free access to daily newspapers from around the globe, movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, audiobooks, research articles, genealogy research, skill building websites and more! Inquire at the Information Desk for assistance on using any of these services.
Friends of the Library:
For anyone looking to volunteer, the Friends of the Library is always looking for new members. The FOL purpose is to provide financial assistance to the Moose Jaw Public Library for projects and acquisitions not provided for in the library’s annual budget; to stimulate community awareness and use of the library; to create public support for the library and its services; and to promote the library at every opportunity. Those interested can find the membership form on our website at www.mjlibrary.ca/friends-of-the-library.
For more information on the Library, its programs and services, or to arrange a visit, call 306-692-2787. Visit www.mjlibrary.ca Email ask@mjlibrary.ca
Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) The Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) provides seniors with monthly financial assistance to help them with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home.
Toll-Free: 1-855-544-7242 or 306-798-7242
Saskatchewan Housing Corp provides the coordination of optional community-based services for seniors in select social housing projects. Seniors who require a combination of shelter and support services to maintain their independence may benefit from SALS. The types of services available to seniors varay depending on the community and income.
Toll-Free: 1-306-787-4177
Saskatchewn Pension Plan (SPP) Saskatchewan Pension Plan is a voluntary, money purchase plan for people who want an easy way to accumulate funds for retirement. The Plan is available to people between 18 and 71 years of age.
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-7153
Seniors’ Drug Plan Under the Seniors’ Drug Plan, eligible seniors 65 years and older will pay a reduced amount per prescription for drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary and those approved under Exception Drug Status.
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-7581
Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral Program
Seniors with household incomes under $70,000 now have the option to defer the education portion of the property taxes on their home through a repayable loan under the Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral. 306-787-4177
Seniors Income Plan (SIP)
This plan supplies a monthly benefit to low-income seniors (aged 65 and over) who have little or no income other than Old Age Security (OAS) benefits and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits.
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-7161
MOOSE JAW SERVICES
City of Moose Jaw
Switchboard 306-694-4400
After Normal Office Hours
306-692-2794
Emergency Services
Emergency Calls 911
Fire Hall Main Office
1205 Main St. North
306-692-2792
Medavie Health Services West
777 High St. West
Ambulance bookings (non-urgent transport)
306-310-5000
Office billing inquiries
306-694-2151
Ambulance fax
306-692-0236
Moose Jaw Police Service
General inquiries & complaints 306-694-7600
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan 301-2550 12th Ave., Regina, SK 1-877-949-4141
The Arthritis Society 1-800-321-1433
Canadian Cancer Society 1-306-790-5822
Canadian Mental Health Association
326B High St W 306-692-4240
Diabetes Canada 1-800-226-8464
Christian Counselling Centre #4-54 Stadacona St. West 306-692-5500
Mental Health & Addictions Services
55 Diefenbaker Dr. 306-691-6464
The Ministry of Social Services
Suite 90-1235 Main St. N. 306-694-3647
Moose Jaw & District Food Bank
270 Fairford St. West 306-692-2911
Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. 200 Main St. South 306-694-8133
Moose Jaw Transition House Outreach Services 306-693-6511
Wakamow Manor
200 Iroquois St. East 306-694-4030
HOUSING & CARE FACILITIES
Bentley Retirement Community
425 4th Avenue N.W. 306-692-7161
Points West Living 917 Bradley St. 306-6933777
Capilano Court 1236 3rd Avenue N.W. 306-693-4518
Chateau St. Michael’s 525 7th Ave. S.E 306-693-2323
Crescent Park Retirement Villa 134 Athabasca St. East 306-692-0601
Moose Jaw Housing Authority 255 Caribou St. West 306-694-4055
Moose Jaw Special Care Home 1151 Coteau St. West 306-693-5191
Mulberry Estates 220 Mulberry Lane 306-694-5020
Pioneer Lodge (Lodge & Village) 1000 Albert St 306-6934616
Providence Place www.provplace.ca
100 2nd Avenue N.E 306-694-8081
Edgar Hall 306-694-8870 Guardian Grove 306-6948846
Raphael Wing 306-694-8865 St. Anthony 306-694-8867 St. Vincent 306-694-8861 Maguire Centre 306-6948852
Aspira West Park Crossing Retirement Community 1801 Meier Dr 306-6944744
RECREATION SERVICES
Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre
235 3rd Ave. N.E 306-692-6072
Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association 510 Main St. North 306-694-4223
Bedbugs: how do I prevent an infestation?
Prevention is the key to avoiding bedbug infestations in your home. To reduce the chances of an infestation, follow these steps:
Reduce places where bedbugs can hide
• Get rid of clutter.
• Vacuum often, including under and behind beds.
• Repair or remove peeling wallpaper and tighten loose electrical faceplates.
• Seal all cracks and crevices on wooden bed frames, between baseboards, and in walls, ceilings, windows, door frames, and furniture.
• Check any entry points on walls that you share with neighbours, and openings that allow access to the inside of the wall (like areas where pipes, wires and other utility services enter).
Be careful about what you bring into your house or buy
• Check every item you bring into your home for the first time, including used books, new furniture, and garage sale or antique store furniture.
• Be very cautious with second-hand or refurbished items.
• New mattresses are often delivered in the same truck that carries away old mattresses, so be careful to check your new mattress before it enters your home. Insist that your new mattress be sealed before it is delivered.
• Never take a mattress or sofa from a curb.
• Check items before you put them in your vehicle and check your vehicle after helping a friend move.
Check your home regularly for bedbugs
Regular inspection is important to prevent infestations. To thoroughly inspect your home, you will need a few simple tools:
• flashlight
• something to scrape along mattress seams and other crevices (like an old credit card cut into a long triangle: use it in a sweeping motion in narrow spaces to chase bedbugs out of hiding)
• screwdrivers for removing electrical faceplates and taking furniture apart (always be sure the power is turned off before opening an electrical outlet)
• alcohol, glass-cleaner, or baby wipes for checking if stains are bedbug droppings (if spots dissolve into a reddish brown colour when rubbed, the spots could be bedbug droppings)
• cotton swabs for checking stains in crevices
• white plastic bags that can be sealed, for your belongings
Check on, under and beside beds, couches and upholstered furniture. Look for black/brown spots (dried blood or feces), white spots (eggs - very hard to see), or live or dead bedbugs.
If you find signs of bedbugs, you should carefully widen the area of your inspection. If you have a pet, check areas where your pet sleeps as well.
Checking a bed for bedbugs
• Remove and inspect all bed linens, including pillows. If you see signs of bedbugs, wash the linens using the hot cycle of your machine.
Monday to Saturday
• Slowly lift up each corner of the mattress and examine all creases, tufts, and buttons, along each side of any piping material sewn onto the edges, along mattress handles and air holes, and under pillow tops.
• Slowly lift up each corner and check where the box spring sits on the bed frame.
• Look closely at the top surface of the box spring, inside folds of material, along seams, and where the fabric is stapled to the box spring. Also check along the edge of the cloth underside. If you see signs of bedbugs, flip the box spring upside-down and remove the cloth underside to look inside the box spring.
• Check all surfaces, crevices, screws, staples, tacks, and under wooden plugs that cover screw or nail holes on the bed frame, legs, and headboard.
• Also go over the wall behind the bed (bedbugs can hide in wallpaper and electrical outlets). Remove electrical, telephone, or cable faceplates to check behind them. Always be sure the power is turned off before opening an electrical outlet. Pay extra attention to gaps in the baseboard or rips or bumps in wallpaper.
You should throw your bed out if you find bedbugs inside the box spring or where holes or worn spots in the fabric of the mattress are. These spots can allow bedbugs to lay eggs in places that are not easy to reach for treatment.
If you do throw out your bed or any other infested items, wrap them in plastic and tape off the edges to prevent spreading bedbugs on your way to the trash. Put a sign on the item saying it has a bedbug infestation, so that no one else takes the problem home with them.
Checking furniture for bedbugs
• Remove any loose cushions and check the creases, especially the seams and around the zippers of upholstered chairs and couches. Check the seating area and any creases along the sides and back of the chair or couch. Check the legs, especially where they join the upholstery, and where the fabric is tacked to the frame.
• Go over all corners and surfaces of wood furniture like dressers, cabinets, tables, chairs, and bookshelves. Remove drawers and look at the inside, the top, sides, back, and legs, paying extra attention to any cracks. Use the crevice tool to check any gaps (like between a shelf and bookcase frame, and under metal drawer slides).
• Wicker furniture is an ideal hiding spot for bedbugs, so check it carefully.
If you find signs of bedbugs, also check:
• Wall baseboards closest to the bed, using the crevice tool to check inside gaps.
• Between the folds of curtains, along the curtain hem, inside curtain rods and under the hardware on the wall.
• Around window and door casings and frames, along the hinges and in the hole for the door latch.
• Under area rugs and the edges of carpets. Fold back the edges of wall-to-wall carpeting and check the carpet tack strips. If bedbugs are on the walls, they could also be hiding in picture frames, light fixtures, smoke detectors or other wall-mounted items. Bedbugs hiding in ceiling lights could mean that they are entering from a room above yours.
Knowing how to identify, avoid and respond to fraud is essential for your safety and security. Whether you are a senior, or family member, caregiver or friend of a senior, learning about fraud and common scams will help protect you and those you care about. Use this information sheet to read about fraud prevention tips, common scam scenarios, and steps to take if you think you’ve encountered a scam.
Fraud prevention tips
Watch out for unsolicited phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters Fraudsters use different ways to reach out to potential victims and will typically create a sense of urgency in order to get a response.
Protect your personal and banking information
Many scams are designed to trick you into providing confidential information, such as your SIN or Driver’s Licence Number, in order to steal your identity.
Be cautious when making a payment
Fraudsters will request untraditional forms of payment, such as wire transfer, pre-loaded cards, e-transfer, global money transfer, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are often difficult to trace. Always ensure you know exactly who you’re sending your money to and how your money will be used.
Keep your contact information up to date
Ensuring we have your correct contact information allows you to receive and respond to fraud alerts by text, email or phone to verify any suspicious transactions. Set up voice verification on your account so that every time you call they’ll be able to verify your identity with your voice. This ensures that only you have access to your account.
Review your bill payments and bank statements
Ensure all transactions on your account, are accurate by regularly checking for any unauthorized charges.
Common scam examples
Signs of the scam
Grandchild emergency scam You receive a call from someone claiming to be, or seeking assistance on behalf of a grandchild or other family member, requesting funds due to a financial emergency. Common reasons for the request include bail money due to an arrest or funds for medical treatment related to an accident.
Signs of the Scam
• You’re asked to immediately send money
• You’re asked to keep the situation a secret
• The person calling may claim to be an authority figure, such as a police officer or lawyer
Prize or Inheritance scam
You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming you’ve won the lottery or inherited a large sum of money; however you are required to pay taxes or a “fee” in order to receive the funds.
Signs of the Scam
• You don’t recall entering a contest or lottery
• You’re advised to respond quickly to claim the prize/inheritance or risk missing out
• You’re asked to keep your winnings or inheritance confidential
• You’re required to pay an upfront fee
Romance scam
You meet someone through social media or a dating site and spend time talking to them, building a trusting relationship. The person then fabricates a financial concern and asks for your help. Common requests relate to equipment they need urgently to secure a large project, taxes or fees that must be paid to receive an inheritance, or a medical emergency.
Signs of the Scam
• The person’s online profile is new and lacks much of an online presence
• They quickly profess their love for you and avoid face-to-face interactions
• The person claims they need financial assistance for emergency situations
Service scam
You receive an unsolicited call from a computer or software company advising of security, warranty or other computer-related issues, or a pop-up on your computer may indicate a security issue and requests the user call a specific number for assistance. The fraudster will claim they need to fix these issues remotely and take over your computer.
Signs of the Scam
• You receive a pop-up warning on your computer providing you with a phone number for assistance
• You’re contacted by a computer technician advising your computer needs to be fixed
• You’re asked to pay for the service by wire transfer, gift cards, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency
Bank Investigator scam
A fraudster calls you pretending to be a bank representative investigating a theft or fraud committed by an employee. You’re asked to participate in the investigation to catch the employee by transferring funds using your personal bank account. Additionally, you may be asked to provide a verification code that was sent to you by text or voice call.
Do not share your verification codes when receiving calls from strangers. One-time verification codes are unique to every transaction request. Make sure you read the entire message before confirming and/or entering the six-digit code.
Signs of the Scam
• You’re asked not to tell anyone about the investigation
• The “bank representative” calls you and asks for your personal information, bank account information, online banking password or verification code
• You receive funds in your account as part of the investigation
• You’re asked to purchase gift cards and provide the card information to the investigator or wire transfer a large sum of money
CRA scam
You receive an unsolicited call, text, or email from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The fraudster may insist that personal information is needed for you to receive a tax refund, or you must pay outstanding taxes immediately and may be threatened with legal consequences if you do not comply.
Signs of the Scam
• You’re threatened with aggressive language, legal action or arrest
• You received a text from the CRA; the CRA never communicates with taxpayers through text message or instant messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp
• You’re told to make an immediate payment to the CRA by using Interac e-Transfer®, wire transfer, prepaid card or cryptocurrency
If you think you’ve encountered a scam, stop all communication, don’t send money or share any information, and investigate the situation further by taking these steps:
Take your time
Think about the situation you’re in and avoid making any quick decisions. Ask yourself whether the situation you’re in makes sense and question whether it could be a scam.
Do your research
Research the person you’re talking to and the situation that you’re in, using online resources. If other people have been in the same situation, you may find more information online to confirm it isn’t legitimate.
Talk to someone you trust
Ask for advice about your situation from a person you trust, such as a family member or friend. Getting an outside perspective on your situation will help you identify whether it may be a scam.
If you think you may be a victim of fraud, report it.
Call your bank or visit your local banking centre.
(Includes Canada Pension Plan Retirement, Disability, Child and Survivor Benefits)
Payment dates:
• January 29, 2025
• February 26, 2025
• March 27, 2025
• April 28, 2025
• May 28, 2025
• June 26, 2025
• July 29, 2025
• August 27, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• October 29, 2025
• November 26, 2025
• December 22, 2025
Benefits Payment Calendar
Old Age Security
(Include Old Age Security pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance and Survivor Allowance)
Payment dates:
• January 29, 2025
• February 26, 2025
• March 27, 2025
• April 28, 2025
• May 28, 2025
• June 26, 2025
• July 29, 2025
• August 27, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• October 29, 2025
• November 26, 2025
• December 22, 2025
Veterans Affairs Canada Disability pension
Payment dates:
• January 30, 2025
• February 27, 2025
• March 28, 2025
• April 29, 2025
• May 29, 2025
• June 27, 2025
• July 30, 2025
• August 28, 2025
• September 26, 2025
• October 30, 2025
• November 27, 2025
• December 23, 2025
Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit
Payment dates:
• January 3, 2025
• April 4, 2025
• July 4, 2025
• October 3, 2025
You can make a difference in the life of a patient.
The Moose Jaw Health Foundation needs the support of donors to help us equip the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital with the best medical equipment in Canada. With your help we can save and enhance the lives of patients.
With the help of our donors, Moose Jaw is home to a modern, state-of-the-art hospital. Individuals, businesses and organizations make generous donations to purchase new medical equipment that will assist our dedicated health care professionals. Only through the generosity of donors the Foundation has been able to provide funding for:
• MRI - a first for rural Saskatchewan
• Orthopedic surgical equipment
• Labour and delivery equipment
• CT Scanner
• Digital Mammography
• MRI Breast Coil
• Medical & Nursing scholarships for local students
Every dollar raised will stay in our community. Your gift will make a difference. Please help us equip your hospital today for a healthier tomorrow.
For more information on the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, please visit MJHF.ORG.
Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.
Equip your hospital today for a healthier tomorrow
How Music Can Benefit Seniors
Music is a powerful thing. Perhaps more than any other human activity, music has the ability to cross cultural boundaries and unify people with its power. However, music is especially powerful when it comes to the mental and physical well being of seniors. There is even such a thing as music therapy. In this older population, music can not only promote stress relief and enhance the mood, but music can also serve as a tool to fight cognitive decline.
Music Relieves Stress
According to a study in the journal Trends in Cognitive Science, patients who were about to undergo a major operation were treated with either music or an anti-anxiety medication. What researchers found was that those who listened to music had lower stress levels and lower amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone) than those who took medication.
What does that mean? That means that music alone has the ability to lower stress levels in seniors thus elevating their mood.
Music Promotes Physical and Social Activity
Whether through dancing or simply clapping along with the music, upbeat and motivating music can promote physical activity in seniors. This type of physical activity can help keep muscle tone, maintain coordination and improve balance.
Music is also often a social activity. Going to live performances with others or playing instruments together can help seniors find time to socialize while enjoying the other benefits of music.
Through reducing stress and promoting more physical activity, music by default also benefits a senior’s overall
health. In addition to these effects, music can also:
• Reduce pain and require less pain medication as a result.
• Help in the stroke recovery by increasing verbal memory and reducing the risk of depression which slows recovery.
• Improve overall heart health, especially relaxing music such as classical.
• Boost the immune system allowing seniors to fight off illness easier.
• Improve quality of sleep.
Music Can Help Fight Depression
Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is quite common. Any life transition is difficult, but getting older is especially difficult as family and community dynamics begin to change and mobility and coordination begin to become more difficult. The Centers for Disease Control notes that up to 13.5% of senior citizens experience depression.
However, a study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that music therapy was shown to have a dramatic effect on those who suffered depression. Two groups of seniors diagnosed with depression were treated differently – one with medication and one with music. Over 8 weeks, the group who participated in music therapy had a bigger reduction in their level of depression than those who used medication.
Music Can Help Treat Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Researchers found that providing music therapy to those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s can increase key brain chemicals such as melatonin, serotonin and prolactin in their patients. These chemicals promote reduced agitation and improved mood. Music can also trigger strong memories because music and emotion are closely linked. When a patient with dementia or Alzheimer’s hears a song from their past, it can evoke the positive memories attached to that song. For those in an advanced state of dementia, songs from when they were younger promoted good feelings and happiness.
Integrating Music Into a Senior’s Life
Bringing music into your life has never been easier than it is in today’s world. With advancing technologies, it is now easier than ever to find and play a song of the past that may have been long forgotten. There are also many programs that make any kind of music for any kind of mood available at the touch of a button.
Some ways that you can incorporate music into your life to receive all the benefits it brings include:
• Create a personalized playlist on a program like Spotify or Amazon Music that includes familiar music or music that inspires different moods like relaxation or motivation.
• Attend live concerts or performances. Live music is often available for free in parks and other venues that provide community entertainment.
• Pick up that abandoned instrument that you used to play and get familiar with it again. Playing music has the same benefits that listening to music does and keeps you even more cognitively engaged.
• Get familiar with YouTube. Not only will you be able to find music that reminds you of younger days, but you’ll be able to find videos of live performances as well.
468 High St W Moose Jaw, SK. S6H 1T3 306-694-1322 Fax: 888-241-5291
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Atria Mulberry Estates offers all-inclusive, communityfocused retirement option for adults over 55
Adults over the age of 55 who are seeking an all-inclusive, community-focused retirement lifestyle, Atria Mulberry Estates is one local retirement home to consider.
From a regular fine dining menu to the Anytime Café offering casual refreshments throughout the day, the independent living community aims to support a vibrant and worry-free retirement experience. Each suite comes with standard weekly housekeeping, basic cable TV, engaging social activities, and a convenient in-house shuttle service.
The entertainment package routinely includes painting days, card games, and shuffleboard matches in the evenings. To stay fit and get some fresh air, there’s a track winding around the outside perimeter of the building, and a game of horseshoes is available for those interested in tossing a few ringers.
Additionally, residents are given an opportunity to partake in numerous excursions throughout the year with destinations that include ice cream stops at Chamberlain, Sask., as well as local museum tours. All transportation services are provided free of charge for Mulberry Estates residents.
Mulberry’s shuttle bus can transport residents to and from their appointments or other social outings that include shopping and visiting friends or family, so there’s no need to worry about owning your own vehicle or hiring a taxi.
To keep residents active, Mulberry Estates’ “Engage Life Program” co-ordinated by Sydney Azure entails numerous in-house entertainment options so there’s no need to travel to have a little fun.
“We have live entertainment bands come in a couple times a week,” said Tricia Oblander, the marketing manager at Mulberry Estates. Several entertainers regularly perform at the venue, and requests are always welcome.
By Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
All the day’s meals are cooked on site by a skilled kitchen staff, and the biggest meal of the day takes place at lunch. Each meal starts with a salad, followed by a main course and dessert.
If a menu item isn’t to your tastes, or if you need to follow strict dietary restrictions, residents can select from several optional menu alternatives with a simple request.
Mulberry Estates features single, double, and studio suite options. As of January 2025, there are two one bedroom suites available — but it’s always best practice to call in and inquire.
Oblander said anyone who has their heart set on a particular suite layout or location can move into the home at any time, and once their desired suite opens up they can simply swap units later on.
“That’s if they need to do the move sooner rather than later,” she clarified.
Anyone can call ahead to book a showroom tour at any time. During the tour, prospective residents are shown the different show room options, get to meet some of the community, can view the menu and activities, and the tour covers technical details such as pricing.
As an added bonus, pets are welcome at Atria Mulberry Estates and the largest current canine resident stands about knee high for reference.
Atria Mulberry Estates claims to offer an all-inclusive lifestyle allowing residents to do more of what they love. Residents can let the staff cover the cooking, cleaning, and other chores, while enjoying many of the home’s amenities and activities, or they can simply relax in comfort.
The only requirement to apply for residency is for all applicants to be over the age of 55.
“When residents move in, they’re eating healthy, nutritious meals. It’s better for their mind and their body, they’re engaging
with other people… (and they remain) active,” Oblander said.
To apply for residency or to arrange a tour of the facility’s show rooms, call 306694-5020 and ask to speak with Tricia Oblander.
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and prides itself on providing exceptional care for adults over the age of 55. For more information visit AtriaRetirement.ca.
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and prides itself on providing exceptional care for adults over the age of 55.
Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook
Two Mulberry Estates residents ring in 2025 with Sydney Azure (right), the home’s onsite Engage Life co-ordinator.
Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook Residents get some sunshine and play an easy round of golf as part of regularly scheduled programming at Atria Mulberry Estates.
MULBERRY ESTATES
At Mulberry Estates, we o er you an all-inclusive lifestyle that allows you more time to do what you love. Leave the cooking, cleaning and chores to us!
Accommodations include:
· A private apartment with emergency alert system
· Transportation to medical appointment, errands and outings
· Three nutritious, chef-prepared meals each day
· 24-hour sta
· Housekeeping and maintenance
· Engaging social events and activities each day
Book a tour today and see why so many seniors are choosing Mulberry Estates. Call 306.694.5020. Short term stay available. Pets are warmly welcomed.
Mulberry Estates brings the community together with monthly
Atria Mulberry Estates continues to foster a sense of intergenerational connection and lifelong learning with its regular Social Series program, and many Moose Javians may still be unaware that everyone’s invited to attend the rotating monthly events at the home.
Tricia Oblander, the marketing manager for Mulberry Estates, said these programs are “just something a little bit extra that we do for the residents every month” to help improve their quality of life and to provide new social opportunities.
Mulberry Estates welcomes visitors from Moose Jaw and the surrounding areas to experience the program, and the event is always modified and revised with a new theme to keep things interesting.
Oblander said outside guests are always welcome to attend and these events usually include something to eat prepared by the home’s onsite chef, Andii. Each monthly menu includes food and beverages to match the given culinary theme. In the past, these themes have ranged from tropical destinations to Mexican cuisine to health-forward superfoods.
The social program is now in its third year and continues to grow, although attendance from outside guests remains modest. In January 2025, one such event called “Journey to The Blue Zones” saw attendance from around 25 to 30 senior residents but only three guests joined in from outside the home. Oblander is now hoping to expand the program and encourage more guests to visit in 2025.
For a glimpse into a typical Social Series event, “Journey to The Blue Zones” provides an engaging example of what guests can expect throughout the year.
The theme for January was inspired by longevity practices around the world. To match this theme, guests enjoyed a freshly prepared Mediterranean dish with refreshing drinks including ginger lemonade and an herbal peach iced tea subtly infused with peppermint.
social program
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Guests also watched a few brief excerpts from the Netflix docuseries “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” and then learned a few practical tips about healthy habits that are believed to help you live longer and healthier. Following this, a sense of social connection was fostered through a “speed friending” game where participants had the opportunity to exchange quick conversational prompts to learn more about one another.
Upcoming social events
Spa and Sips: Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment and make Valentine’s Day cards on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Makers Showcase: The group will discuss the work of a local artisan on Thursday, Mar. 20.
Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an afternoon tea party complete with lawn games on Thursday, April 10.
Majesty of Asia: Explore the beauty and traditions of Asian regions on Thursday, May 22.
Whiskers and Wags: Bring your pet and collect donations for the animal shelter on Thursday, June 12.
Chef Showdown: The home’s chef will take on a resident’s cherished family recipe on Thursday, July 10.
The Great Outdoors: Enjoy the majesty of the great outdoors with camping-style treats and meet real wildlife on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Casino Royale: Roll the dice and test your luck on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Page Turners: Bring well-loved books and discover new ones with an author’s talk on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Coats and Kindness: Enjoy a wintery fashion show and collect warm items to donate to local charity on Thursday, Nov. 13.
Holiday Soiree: You’re invited to enjoy a dash of holiday cheer during the home’s annual open house on Thursday, Dec. 11.
If you’d like to participate in any upcoming social events call 306-694-5020 and ask to speak with Tricia Oblander. The program is free to attend, open to guests of all ages, and advanced registration is recommended as seating space is limited.
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and prides itself on providing exceptional care for adults over the age of 55. For more information visit AtriaRetirement.ca or follow ‘Atria Mulberry Estates’ on Facebook.
Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates (submitted)
Atria Mulberry Estates residents break for a meal during the first social event of the year on Jan. 9, 2025.
Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates (submitted)
The home’s on-site chef, Andii, prepares a few dishes for the event..
Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates (submitted)
A brief look at some of the themed culinary options during “Journey to The Blue Zones.”
Visit one of our Churches this Sunday!
1010 Main St N •
You are welcome to join us in Prayer, Praise, Worship & Study to Glorify God Pastor: Scott Elger Sunday Service 11am
St Joseph's Parish 1064 3rd Ave NW 306-694-1944
Mass Times Saturdays 5pm Sundays 9am & 11am
A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near death experience.
Seeing God, she asked, “Is my time up?” God said, “No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.” Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction and tummy tuck. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well look even nicer.
After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit and killed by an ambulance. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 40 plus years? Why didn’t you pull me out of the path of the ambulance!?”
God replied, “My child, I am sorry, I didn’t even recognize you!
Wonder what’s considered a natural part of the aging process? Here’s what to expect as you get older — and what you can do about it. You know that aging will likely cause wrinkles and gray hair. But do you know how aging will affect your teeth, heart and sexuality? Find out what changes to expect as you continue aging — and how to promote good health at any age.
Your cardiovascular system
What’s happening
The most common change in the cardiovascular system is stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. The heart muscles change to adjust to the increased workload. Your heart rate at rest will stay about the same,
but it won’t increase during activities as much as it used to. These changes increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems. What you can do
To promote heart health:
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your heart disease risk.
• Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and salt.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use
other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
• Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise or talk therapy.
• Get enough sleep. Quality sleep plays an important role in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Aim for seven to nine hours a night.
Your bones, joints and muscles
What’s happening
With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density. This weakens them. Agerelated bone changes also might cause you to become a bit shorter. Muscles tend to lose strength, endurance and flexibility. That in turn can affect coordination, stability and balance. These changes
raise the risk of falls. Falling with weaker bones makes it more likely that you could break a bone.
What you can do
To help bones, joints and muscles stay healthy:
• Get enough calcium. Adults should aim to get at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. Women age 51 and older, and men 71 and older should aim to get 1,200 mg a day. You can get calcium from foods such as dairy products, broccoli, kale, salmon and tofu. If you find it hard to get enough calcium from your diet, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.
• Get enough vitamin D. Adults up to age 70 should aim to get 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day. Adults older than 70 should aim to get 800 IU a day.
Sources of vitamin D include tuna, trout, salmon, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and vitamin D supplements. The body also makes vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Weightbearing exercises can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss. These exercises include walking, jogging, tennis, climbing stairs and weight training.
• Don’t abuse substances. Smoking tobacco and drinking too much alcohol can lessen bone mass and raise the risk of fractures. If you smoke, get help quitting. If you drink alcohol, you’ll likely feel its effects more strongly as you get older. That can raise the risk of serious injuries from falls and car accidents. Ask your healthcare professional how much alcohol might be safe
for your age, sex and general health.
Your digestive system
What’s happening
Age-related structural changes in the large intestine can result in more constipation in older adults. Other contributing factors include a lack of exercise, not drinking enough fluids and a low-fiber diet. Medications, such as diuretics and iron supplements, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, also might contribute to constipation. What you can do
To prevent constipation:
• Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your diet includes highfiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit high-fat meats, dairy products and sweets, which might cause constipation. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation.
• Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Holding in a bowel movement for too long can cause constipation.
Your bladder and urinary tract
What’s happening
Your bladder may become less elastic as you age, resulting in the need to urinate more often. Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control (urinary incontinence). In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate also can cause difficult emptying the bladder and incontinence.
Other factors that contribute to incontinence include being overweight, nerve damage
from diabetes, certain medications, and caffeine or alcohol consumption. What you can do
To promote bladder and urinary tract health:
• Go to the toilet regularly. Consider urinating on a regular schedule, such as every hour. Slowly, extend the amount of time between your toilet trips.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, lose excess pounds.
• Don’t smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
• Do Kegel exercises. To exercise your pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises), squeeze the muscles you would you use to stop passing gas. Try it for three seconds at a time, and then relax for a count of three. Work up to doing the exercise 10 to 15 times in a row, at least three
times a day.
• Avoid bladder irritants. Caffeine, acidic foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages can make incontinence worse.
• Avoid constipation. Eat more fiber and take other steps to avoid constipation, which can worsen incontinence.
Your memory and thinking skills
What’s happening
Your brain undergoes changes as you age that may have minor effects on your memory or thinking skills. For example, healthy older adults might forget familiar names or words, or they may find it more difficult to multitask.
What you can do
You can promote cognitive health by taking the following steps:
• Eat a healthy diet. A hearthealthy diet may benefit your brain. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.
• Stay mentally active. Staying mentally active may help sustain your memory and thinking skills. You can read, play word games, take up a new hobby, take classes, or learn to play an instrument.
• Be social. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. You might volunteer at a local school or nonprofit, spend time with
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. Studies suggest regular exercise is associated with better brain function and reduces stress and depression — factors that affect memory.
family and friends, or attend social events.
• Treat cardiovascular disease. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to manage cardiovascular risk factors — high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — that may increase the risk of cognitive decline.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting smoking may help your cognitive health.
If you’re concerned about memory loss or other changes in your thinking skills, talk to your doctor.
Your eyes and ears
What’s happening
With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye’s lens, causing
clouded vision (cataracts). Your hearing also might diminish. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.
What you can do
To promote eye and ear health:
• Schedule regular checkups. Follow your doctor’s advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices.
• Take precautions. Wear sunglasses or a widebrimmed hat when you’re outdoors, and use earplugs when you’re around loud machinery or other loud noises.
Ever wonder what God has to say about getting older?
Many people stop celebrating as the years pass? Birthdays come and go; our age increases by one year; and we assume life will carry on as usual.
We need to learn to celebrate the years God gives us. The Bible teaches growing older is an honour. Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
Getting older gives more opportunity to experience God’s unfailing love and His faithfulness. The joy and comfort He gives helps us face new challenges.
My mother lived almost 95 years. She enjoyed life to the end and quietly went home to be with the Lord. She celebrated birthdays – both hers and others. She was an encourager and her years of experience and wisdom were a blessing to many.
In Christ we can always be fresh, flourishing, fruitful, and faithful. In walking with God, we find stability and fruitfulness all of our days. And that brings peace into our lives.
We can celebrate life every day as we grow older when we learn to delight continually in the Lord and God’s Word.
And there’s a reward for those who choose the path of following Christ. That path eventually leads us into the very presence of the Lord.
The longer we live, the more experiences we’re given to see God’s faithfulness, and the more wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways.
As we age let us remember the wonderful gift of longevity is from God. Let us use those years to encourage future generations to know and trust in the Lord.
Psalms 92:14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
Every day we live matters to God. Don’t let the gray and white hairs get you down. God says they are a crown of glory.
Circumstances change with time, but God carries us through the changing seasons of life and we can be at peace with the reality of getting older.
Listen to Isaiah 46:4. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Let us enjoy life in every season. God has a purpose for us, so let’s celebrate!
Refreshing Moments
Refreshing Moments
Robert Ritchie - rrflyer@gmail.com Editor:
Ritchie - joan@moosejawexpress.com
wanda@moosejawexpress.com
Designer: Frank
An elderly gent was invited to his old friends’ home for dinner one evening. He was impressed by the way his buddy preceded every request to his with endearing terms-Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart,
The couple had been married almost 70 years, and clearly they were still very much in love. While the wife was in the kitchen, the man leaned over and said to his host, “I think it’s wonderful that, after all these years, you still call your wife those loving pet names.”
The old man hung his head. “I have to tell you the truth,” he said, “I forgot her name about 10 years ago.”
