Living North of 50 - Winter 2016 by Temiskaming Printing Co

N rth 50 Living

A Northern Ontario Magazine for those of us getting better with age | Winter 2016

LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SMALL PLEASURES

FINDING JOY IN DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

Th e GRANDEST similarities

Free

S Daniel Lemire Agent

Phippen Plaza 883361 Hwy 11B New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 Phone: 705-647-4378 Fax: 705-647-9240 daniel_lemire@cooperators.ca www.cooperators.ca Toll Free Claims 1-877-NU-CLAIM (682-5246) Toll Free: 1-800-293-8293

• Home • Auto • Life • • Investments • RSPs • • Business • Commercial • Farm •

D N U $ A 1099 + tax

l a i c e p S Breakfast 6 Every Sunday, 10 am - 2 pm

Special

Every Monday to Saturday

$ 49 + tax

6:00 am to 11:00 am

NEW LISKEARD HUSKY CAR/TRUCK STOP

997491, Hwy 11, N. New Liskeard, Ont. P0J 1P0 Phone 705-647-6300 Fax 705-647-6335

Here in the Tri-Town – RESTAURANT OPEN 6:00 AM - 10 PMit's DAILY Husky Husky– Highway 11N., New Liskeard

(705) 647-5518

Restaurant and C/Store Open 24 Hours

GAS BAR & CONVENIENCE OPEN 24 HOURS!

John Vanthof MPP/député Timiskaming-Cochrane New Liskeard Office/Bureau 247 Whitewood Ave., Box 398 Pinewoods Ctr., Unit 5 New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 Phone: (705) 647-5995 Toll Free: 1-888-701-1105 Fax: (705) 647-1976 Email: jvanthof-co@ndp.on.ca Kirkland Lake Office/Bureau 30 Second Street East, 2nd Floor, Eastwing Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3H7 Phone: (705) 567-4650 Toll Free: 1-800-461-2186 Fax: (705) 567-4208 Email: jvanthof.kl-co@ndp.on.ca

Working for you in Timiskaming-Cochrane Travailler pour vous dans Timiskaming-Cochrane

www.johnvanthof.com 2

Living North of 50

7727 Hwy 11 North  Temagami, Ontario, P0H 2H0  705-569-3540  happyholiday@ontera.net 

Drive-thru and Lakeside Sites Seasonal ~ Weekly ~ Nightly No reservation required

N rth 50 Living

CONTENTS

4 The Grandest Similarities Darlene Wroe ponders family relationships 6 Senior Living at its Best Considering a retirement home? Read this first 8 The Joy of Simply Doing What You Love Revel in your downtime 10 Spirit is Everything Sue Neilsen keeps a positive perspective on aging 12 Heart Health 14 Prevent Malnutrition in Seniors 15 Reduced Mobility 16 Preventing Caregiver Burnout 17 Senior Safety is our Responsibility 18 What is a Denturist? 19 The Benefits of Bingo 20 Volunteering Opportunities 21 Community Involvement Gets Easier With Age 22 Intergenerational Cooperation

18 Wellington St. South, New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 Tel: 705-647-6791 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 705-647-9669 1-800-461-8751 www.northernontario.ca â&#x20AC;˘ ads@northernontario.ca

Living North of 50

Speaker 97412

The grandest similarities by Darlene Wroe

People are the sum of possibilities that arrive at each human being like varied flecks of materials arriving through a funnel to fill each little cupcake tin.

Living North of 50

The older I get, the better I under- And so a family is created, all very stand my grandmother. similar, but also quite uniquely different, like the amazing images created One of the most delightful things in a stack-and-whack quilt, using the about families is the opportunity to same basic printed material, but arrivmarvel at the many combinations of ing at a completely different composicharacteristics, both physically and tion, depending on the section of the in personality, that make themselves print the piece was cut from. known in the new arrivals. But there is one other mystery. How People are the sum of possibilities that is it that grandchildren can so often arrive at each human being like varbe so much like their parents--even ied flecks of materials arriving through almost duplicate little humans? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a funnel to fill each little cupcake tin. as if the parents didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even exist in Back through time the generations ex- some cases, and the child was simply pand outward, through the males and cloned from a little chip off of one of females of each coupling, and some- the grandparents. how out of those opportunities, some combination of possibilities is selected, Or perhaps you notice that relationship between yourself and your and a child is created. grandparent. With every new combination, through new families introduced with each As we grow older, we cast back more parental union, there is a whole new to our elders before us. possibility, not seen before. We remember their actions and our questions about those behaviours, and now we bemuse ourselves by recognizing those exact same tendencies in Like a kaleidoscope of variations us- ourselves, and now we know exactly ing the same materials, every child is why and it makes perfect sense, while a unique and amazing combination of in our youth it did not. the same flecks. We may have some of their most drivThey say that children would receive ing strengths. most of their traits from their parents, but they have 25 percent of their We may feel a pull toward the same traits from each of their grandparents. principles that our grandparents had. On and on it goes, but meanwhile, the We may remember how our grandstrongest most dominant traits gener- parents wrestled with certain health issues, and now we find ourselves ally prevail in the new arrival. And yet, somehow they are recognized.

with those same issues. Knowing our grandparents prevailed over these annoying little problems provides us with comfort. We can say, oh that, that’s nothing.... My grandmother had that for years, and it never slowed her down.

although we didn’t really think about it at the time when they were with us.

dren might find a lot more in common with us.

Apart from genetics, I think there is a type of mirror response in the generations. We might grow up, at least a little, to be somewhat opposite to our parents, simply to create balance in the family dynamics.

Whatever the case, I think it’s important for us to share with our grandchildren some of the marvels and health and life facts that we have accumulatWe may enjoy whiling away the hours ed along the way, just so that four dein the exact same way as our grandcades or so from now, they can have parent did, and we may have a real- It follows then, that we might find a lot a good resource of memories to fall ly intense passion for something that, more in common with our grandparlooking back, we remember one of ents, who our parents probably bal- back upon, when they recognize their our grandparents also deeply valued, anced off against, and our grandchil- older selves as being very similar to us.

FOR ALL YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS

• CANES • SLEEP PILLOWS • WALKERS • COMPRESSION STOCKINGS • BRACES

• PRESCRIPTIONS • VITAMINS • COUGH & COLD REMEDIES • EVERYDAY NEEDS • FREE DELIVERY

FINDLAY’S

D R U GDRUG S T O R ESTORE FINDLAY’S

PharmaChoice

247 WHITEWOOD AVE., NEW LISKEARD

647-8186 • 1-800-461-0974 findlaysdrugstore.com

Northdale Manor A Home that fits Life… Perfectly

To book a tour, please call (705)647-6541 Living North of 50

TEN ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR RETIREMENT HOME When choosing a retirement home, be sure to give some thought to these ten criteria. After all, finding the perfect place will take some shopping around. 1. LICENSING Check that the retirement homes you visit are licensed by your provincial government.

2. HOUSING Establish your budget and stick to it. Are electricity and heating included in the rent? 3. FACILITIES Assess your level of autonomy. Do you need a lift or a wheelchair ramp? 4. SECURITY Are there fire sprinklers in your apartment or

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to own a house to have a home Call now to arrange a viewing

705.648.3922

PlaceSainteMarie.ca 367 Sutherland Way, Haileybury

rent@placesaintemarie.ca Independent living with optional support when / if you need it.

Living North of 50

Place Sainte Marie

a security guard in the building? What do you need to feel safe?

out if there is a doctor or nurse on site.

5. ACCESSIBILITY Would you like to live near your children? And which businesses or services do you want close by?

8. FOOD Does the menu appeal to you, and is the mealtime schedule convenient? Being able to look forward to your meals is a reasonable priority.

6. ASSISTANCE Does the home offer the kind of assistance that you need? This is important if you require help to take a bath or to get dressed in the morning.

9. CLEANING How often are the rooms cleaned? Are pets allowed?

7. HEALTH CARE Do you have special health-care needs? Find

10. RECREATION Is there a fitness centre, swimming pool, social activities or library? Will you be able to pursue your favourite sports and pastimes?

Take the time to compare the services and facilities of each home you visit. Better yet, why not ask a family member to go with you?

Living North of 50

The joy of simply doing what you love

Living North of 50

here’s no need to travel the globe, buy a new car or renovate the kitchen in order to enjoy life, although any of those would be great, wouldn’t they? That’s right; one of the pleasures of life is to just savour all the small, simple things that make us happy. It’s all about taking the time to do the things we like: attend a yoga class, go for a day of skiing, read a good book or watch a movie with the family.

It’s our

Pleasure

Serve You! to

Whether you have a few hours or only a few minutes isn’t really important. What matters is that you enjoy yourself and make the most of the moment. So, what always puts you in a good mood? Here are some of life’s small pleasures to inspire you: • Music. Listen to your favourite songs during a car ride or go back to the musical instrument that has been languishing in a corner because you just don’t have the time for it. • Outdoor sports. Hit the slopes or take a walk in the woods and breathe in the scents of nature.

Tench-MacDiarmid Tench-MacDiarmid Insurance Insurance Brokers Ltd.

NEW LISKEARD HAILEYBURY - ENGLEHART 705-647-8188 • 705-672-3385 • 7005-544-8686

HOME • AUTO • COMMERCIAL • FARM • FINANCIAL SERVICES

I’ll keep your “books straight!” Services bilingues • Corporate year end

• Bookkeeping ser vices

• Corporate Income tax

• Payroll ser vices

• Financial Coaching

• Financial statement

• Downtime. Relax, meditate, enjoy a massage or immerse yourself in the latest book by your favourite author. Or just rest — when was the last time you took a leisurely nap? • Family and friends. Organize a family outing or go for a drink or a coffee with friends. Share a meal with the people you love. Just don’t try to fit it in between two appointments. Listening to music, gardening, going to coffee shops or restaurants — what puts you in a good mood?

Ser vices

preparation

• Forensic Bookkeeping

• Proprietorship Income

• Virtual Office

tax • Partnership Income tax • Personal Income tax

• Financial Consulting Ser vices

Caroline Morin

P.O. Box 2897, 324 Whitewood Ave. W. New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 Phone 705-647-4830 Fax 705-647-4831 email: caroline@premiumbookkeeping.ca www.premiumbookkeeping.ca

Living North of 50

by Sue Nielsen When Leonard Cohen said, “ I ache in the places where I used to play,” he was referring to his aging body. The Temiskaming region’s population demographic reveals almost all municipalities in the area have at least half of their population north of the 50 year-old mark. The population of the Temiskaming region is aging. Get over yourself—it happens to all of us. The key to aging is not to get bogged down with the bodily aches and pains that surely accompany life North of 50, but to keep a healthy outlook and spirit towards ageing that will result in an enhanced quality of life. When the late, great poet-author

Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey upon her 85th birthday, she was asked, “Well, how do you feel about, you know, being 85?” She replied, “If you get a chance, do it.” Boy, that’s a terrific attitude to have. Aging is a privilege that unfortunately some don’t get to experience. Isn’t attitude everything? I mean when you have a grateful, openhearted, open- minded positive attitude, you often don’t notice the aches and pains of life all that much. You are too busy moving and shaking. There are some fantastic people in this world who have that sunny

attitude about life -- renowned physicist Stephen Hawking is an example. He has been debilitated for years and spends all of his time in a wheelchair because he can’t move his body. But yet his mind is brilliantly sharp and he is living an inspired life. Feeling sorry for oneself just doesn’t enable a person to truly feel good about themselves, their community or life in general. Certainly in the Temiskaming region we have two people who have an exemplary attitude about life, centenarians Bogart Leslie and Olive David who are both 105 years of age. Hats off to them.

10% 10%OFF OFFfor forseniors seniors

EVERYDAY! DAY! EVERY

-saving youyou money -saving to enjoyto life’s finer money enjoy thingslife’s finer thingsLong Term Care Home • Short Stay Beds Also Available 368 Main St., Haileybury • (705) 672-5261 | TriTown Delivery 368 Main St., Haileybury • (705) 672-5261 | TriTown Delivery www.smallmanpharmacy.com

www.smallmanpharmacy.com

Living North of 50

100 Bruce Street, Haileybury, ON

(705) 672-2123

When you speak to them about their lives you come away with the feeling they have no regrets, they don’t look backwards and they are living in the present tense, the now. I gather these esteemed citizens and many others in this region aren’t sitting around moaning and groaning about what could have been. They are happy with who they are and how their lives have unfolded. Spirit is everything, says Buddhist monk Pema Chodron. She says it is important as we all age to have an attitude of lungata, which means to be gentle, appreciative living an uplifting and connected life seeing the glass half full. Spirit is vital to the aging process.

How does one cultivate spirit, you might be wondering? Having a religious faith might be one way of cultivating a healthy spirit. The acts of prayer and meditation can be helpful. Other ways can come from our connection to nature, our family and friends and still our connection to the greater community in terms of volunteerism. And perhaps most importantly, count your blessings! At the end of each day identify the blessings, which come your way. Who knows? You may have a list as long as your arm. If you think about it, despite the obvious challenges of ageing, these really are our golden years. Let’s make the most of them. photo courtesy of www.emaze.com

Looking forward with an open mind and heart instead of living in the past will keep anyone healthy and

happy in mind, body and spirit.

Maya Angelou on aging

“If you get a chance, do it.” Living North of 50

Great tips for a healthy heart Did you know that one Canadian dies every seven minutes from heart disease or stroke? February is Heart Month, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation will be taking this opportunity to encourage you to take care of your heart. How? By following these tips:

EAT HEALTHY

Dill, paprika, ginger â&#x20AC;&#x201D; use herbs or garlic and red peppers to add more flavour to your meals, thus reducing your need for salt. You should also reduce the amount of fat you eat, especially saturated and trans fats, and make sure your menu contains fibre and lots of fruits and vegetables (4 to 10 servings per day).

EXERCISE

Physical activity is good for your heart. Do you exercise enough? The Foundation recommends that adults do a min12

Living North of 50

imum of 150 minutes of moderate (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) to high-intensity (aerobics, running, hockey) physical activity every week, for at least 10 minutes at a time. Combining exercise and a healthy diet also means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be better able to control your weight; being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease.

LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

Consuming a lot of alcohol may contribute to increased blood pressure and result in the development of heart disease. So women, limit your intake to two glasses a day, and men, three glasses. Lastly, avoid stressful situations as much as possible or develop good stress relieving techniques. You should also stop smoking, if applicable. To learn more about the best ways to take care of your heart, visit www.heartandstroke.com.

With mentoring, everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a winner Seasoned workers and professionals have a lifetime of experience and knowledge that has great value, and they know the time has come to transfer it to another generation. Young adults, newly arrived on the job market, have up-to-date education and job skills, but they might lack long-term strategies to attain their goals. For both groups, there

is a beneficial scenario that can bring them both just what they need: mentoring.

that could hinder their rise to success or harm their work/family balance.

For mentors, this kind of intergenerational exchange is an opportunity to transfer their professional legacy, accumulated over many years, to the next generation. It can be a source of fulfillment and stimulation during their last few years in the job market, all while allowing them to see things from a more youthful point of view.

Some say the perfect balance of experience, wisdom, and dynamism is acquired after the age of 50, although proven success in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field could make a good mentor of an adult of any age. Mentoring can take diverse forms; it could involve exchanging e-mails with a student who would like to join the same profession, giving specific help to a person during a period of transition, or cultivating a long-lasting relationship with someone through regular mentoring sessions or informal meetings.

For mentorees, there is the advantage of a privileged relationship with someone who has already gone down that road. Their mentors are advisors who possess valuable networks of contacts and who can help them set professional priorities. Mentors can also help younger professionals avoid the traps and pitfalls

Are you cut out to be a mentor? You might just have what it takes to be a role model for a young adult who wants to know how to get where you are.

Living North of 50 13

How to prevent malnutrition in seniors MALNUTRITION As well as resulting in unneeded weight loss, malnutrition can have very serious health consequences: loss of muscle tone, worsening of a disease’s symptoms and decreased resistance to infections. It’s all the more reason to take your diet seriously.

s you age, your metabolism slows down and your appetite tends to decrease. Unfortunately, this natural decline in hunger can sometimes turn into malnutrition among more vulnerable individuals. How can you prevent this problem that threatens the health and well-being of seniors? Here are a few tips. A healthy menu As a senior, you must eat a variety of good quality foods in order to stay healthy for as long as possible. Your daily menu should take into account the state of your digestive system, your food intolerances and possible interactions with your medication (if applicable). Every day, be sure to eat enough:

• • •

Protein (meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes) Vitamin D and calcium (in supplements or foods such as dairy products) Fibre (fruits, vegetables, cereals or supplements)

Consult a health and nutrition professional to make sure you’re eating properly. These specialists can make concrete recommendations to help you improve the composition of your meals and snacks, thus preventing problems caused by poor nutrition. Put all the chances for a healthy old age on your side by favouring a balanced diet based on an adequate intake of protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Somewhere down the road...

We all face it, but most of us avoid thinking about it: our final preparations. If you plan now, you can save money, reduce your taxes and protect your estate. Most importantly you can ease the stress and confusion on your family during a difficult time. Call us at (705)672-3122 let us walk you through the process without any obligation.

Living North of 50

Léo Geoffroy, Licensed Funeral Director

Claude Léveillé, Owner - Licensed Funeral Director

483 Broadway St., Haileybury (705) 672-3122 www.buffamleveille.com

REDUCED MOBILITY

A few tips for choosing the right equipment Have you been finding it difficult to get around recently because of your physical condition? Do you have to use the walls and furniture to support yourself when moving from one room to another? Has taking your shower become an increasingly perilous activity? If so, there are many benefits to be gained from acquiring some specialized equipment to improve your mobility and safety. WALKING STICKS Walking sticks or canes have evolved considerably in recent years and are now available in a multitude of models to suit all tastes, needs and budgets. Walking sticks of all kinds are now available in specialty stores and pharmacies: • adjustable length • foldable

• ergonomic handles • all-terrain tips • three legs (tripod) or four (tetrapod) • integrated lights • fashionable patterns Be sure to adjust walking sticks properly before trying them out. According to the experts, the top of the handle should be level with your wrist when you’re standing up, arms along the body. WALKERS If you’re unsteady on your feet and need to use a walker, choose a robust model that is light and easy to handle. Some come equipped with a variety of options, such as a back and a padded seat as well as a storage basket for your belongings. GRAB BARS Grab bars can make all the difference in the daily life of a person with reduced mobility. They should be installed in strategic locations, especially in the bathroom. However, make sure that this kind of safety equipment is securely installed by a competent person.

Walking sticks, walkers and grab bars can help simplify your daily activities. Living North of 50 15

Don’t hesitate to ask for some support so you can take a will-deserved break every once in a while.

Six tips to prevent caregiver burnout Many caregivers tend to neglect their own needs and push themselves too far when caring for a person with reduced autonomy. Here are some recommendations to help you care for a loved one without depleting yourself. 1. Decide what your priorities are and set yourself some limits. After all, it’s impossible to do everything perfectly. You may not have had a choice about helping your loved one, but you still have some control over the tasks that you do to help him or her. 2. Learn to accept whatever feelings you may have, for better or worse. Your reactions are normal; they do not diminish your worth or your abilities. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re simply trying to do your best. 3. Take care of your health. Eat a balanced diet and take naps as needed. Limit your 16

Living North of 50

alcohol intake and get regular medical checkups. 4. Delegate some of your tasks. Feel free to ask family, friends or colleagues for help and take advantage of local resources. Some organizations offer special services for caregivers; be sure to contact them to find out more. 5. Remember the benefits of humour. If you and the person you’re caring for are able to make jokes at difficult moments, the situation will be much easier to cope with. 6. Relax and think about something else. Immerse yourself in a good book and go for walks whenever you can. Call a friend who has a positive attitude. Do some yoga or watch some entertaining videos. Changing your thoughts will allow you to recharge your batteries and remember what’s good about life.

Senior safety is our responsibility

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

-Mark Twain

ccording to the World Health Organization, the population aged 60 and over has doubled since 1980 and will reach almost two billion by 2050. All around the world, the aging of the population is a reality to which every society must adapt, especially regarding health and safety. That is why it is our duty to support the mission of the many organizations dedicated to the well-being of seniors. National Senior Safety Week took place from November 15 to 21, 2015, and was organized by the Canada Safety Council. This event’s goal was to educate seniors and their families about the various dangers that may confront them. Sources of danger Over the years, the Canada Safety Council has identified the main sources of danger for the most vulnerable segment of the population: • • • • • • • • •

211 Armstrong St., New Liskeard

(705) 647-1222 | 1-866-299-1911

Here to help you continue living life to its fullest!

Does Hearing Loss affect you? If it does, visit our website

www.rayshearing.com

to find out more about the signs of hearing loss and its consequences to you and your family.

We can help!

• 30-day Trial Period • Hearing Test • Sales and Service - all makes of hearing aids • Batteries • Hearing protection for musicians • House Calls by Appointment • Registered with DVA, WSIB, and ADP

telephone, Internet or door-to-door fraud abuse and neglect physical and financial exploitation falls fires alcohol and drug consumption physical inactivity and isolation dehydration and malnutrition theft and home invasions

Be sure to encourage any elderly people you know to adopt good safety habits. For help and guidance in creating a safe environment, visit the Canada Safety Council’s website at www.canadasafetycouncil.org.

Ray Lachapelle

BC, HIS, Hearing Instrument Practitioner

THE HEARING AID CENTRE Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm

108 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay, Ontario 705-474-8441 Toll Free: 800-718-0436

Serving Northern Ontario for over 37 years

New Liskeard Clinic location is now 14 Whitewood Avenue East

Clinics Monday & Tuesday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

FREE HEARING TEST & HEARING AID SERVICE Living North of 50 17

What is a Denturist? Denturists are independent professionals, licensed and trained to provide removable denture prosthetic services directly to the public. Not only do we do the intra oral procedures necessary to make your denture, we fabricate it too! The immediate transfer of information required to do this precise work flows smoothly from operatory to in-house labratory, resulting in fewer problems and a happier patient. Denturists are your denture specialists. Remember, you don’t need a referral to see your Denturist!

IT’S NO SECRET! Denture repairs and most relines are done the same day. CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

Why a Denturist! Replacing your natural teeth is more than trusting someone with your smile. Your appearance and your entie image are at stake. Your Denturist is an expert – a specialist in the design, construction, fitting and adjustment of complete and removable partial dentures, as well as overdentures on implants. The literal meaning of the word Denturist is “one who makes dentures”. Denturists study the clinical and technical aspects of removable dentures and general health longer than any other oral health care practitioner. The College of Denturists of Ontario acknowledges that Denturists are “Denture Specialists”. Anyone can consult a Denturist without a referral from another health care professional. Denturists provide the most cost- and time-effective denture treatment. Most Denturists’ laboratory work is performed on the premises by the Denturist who sees you. The ensures quality of care is consistent and personal. Your Denturist’s expertise and professionalism make him or her the best possible choice to help you derive the maximum benefit from the most advanced denture technology. Most Denturists’ fees are covered by dental plans, Veterans Affairs, Social Services, NHB and other private insurance companies. If you have a dental plan, ask your Denturist to assist you in determining what specific services are covered. If you do not have a regular dentist or need a referral to an oral surgeon, your Denturist will be happy to refer you to the appropriate practitioner.

21 Whitewood Avenue E., New Liskeard 705•647•6888 | 1•866•840•6888 temiskamingdenturecenter.ca 18

Living North of 50

If your dentures are more than five years old, make an appointment to talk with your Denturist. You can improve your appearance, self-confidence and possibly your health with quality replacement dentures.

The Benefits of Bingo Your attitude towards bingo may be influenced by your age and social class. Some people see it as boring and not very mentally challenging, and they may compare it unfavorably to other games such as crossword puzzles or bridge. But this attitude is not borne out by reality. In fact, you have to concentrate and be sharp to play bingo. Many people not only enjoy it, but also gain intellectual benefits from their games of bingo. Concentration A number of studies have found that playing bingo improves the concentration and the short-term memory. Though the principles of a game of bingo may be simple, the player is required to concentrate closely. If the player lets their concentration slip for even a few seconds, they miss the numbers. Most regular bingo players would probably agree that the more you play, the better you get at concentrating. The game helps you improve this skill.

Coordination The pace of a bingo game is pretty fast. The caller calls the numbers at a steady pace. The player glances quickly at perhaps several cards and marks the numbers off. They must immediately recognize if the have a winning card, and shout out, or the game moves on and the player misses their prize. The connection between what is heard and the action of marking the card must be quick. The player must also call out quickly. The connection between hearing, marking, and recognizing all call for quick reactions. Doing this in bingo helps improve people’s coordination and quickness. Stimulus Because a bingo player has to concentrate and the game moves quickly, this is intellectually stimulating. There is a chance of winning and this causes excitement. When a person is excited there is an increase in the release of endorphins which acts as a stimulus, making a person feel elated and even relaxed after the game, research has found.

Social Benefits Some older people are isolated. Their families may not live nearby and they may not be able to get out and about as they once did. Attending a bingo game can provide valuable company and a lighthearted evening out. This sort of activity can help keep depression at bay. Depression in the elderly group can be a real problem, and can even contribute to a decline in the intellectual functions if the person loses interest in life. Sense of Community Those who play in the same hall on a regular basis sometimes develop lasting friendships, as well as a sense of comfort from being in a familiar environment with like-minded people. As well, players know that they are actually making a difference in their community because the revenues earned by the host clubs goes to charitable causes. So enjoy your local bingo.....for so many of the right reasons!!

Ready to Play? NEW PLAYERS WELCOME Come join the fun!

43 Armstrong Street, Downtown New Liskeard, ON P: 705-647-7101 | F: 705-647-8006 E: clucky7bingo@gmail.com

Wednesday – Friday – Saturday Early Bird Games at 6:30 a.m. Doors open at 4:30 a.m. Bring your own refreshments Living North of 50 19

LOCAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES There are plenty of local volunteering opportunities. Below is a list of a few of them: • Temiskaming Shores Public Library • Temiskaming Hospital • CMHA • TAG • Northdale Manor • Temiskaming Lodge • Biker’s Reunion • MADD • Lions/Lioness Club • Hilliardton Marsh • Tri Town Ski & Snowboard Village • VCARS • Local Churches • Tri Town Soccer Club • Get Active in Temiskaming • TSMHA • Haileybury Heritage Museum • The Bunker Military Museum • Royal Canadian Legions • Temiskaming Angler & Hunter Association • Summerfest • Temiskaming Shores Sailing School • Rotary Club

THE PRESCRIPTION

Glen & Diane Toogood 6484 Highway 11 N, Temagami, Ont P0H 2H0 gardenislandcanoe@ontera.net

705-569-2666

• expert rebuilds • 16’ & 17’ canoes to order

Living North of 50

Garden Island Canoe BC.indd 1

12/06/14 12:28 PM

For What Ails You Delivery Service • Full Service Pharmacy

Pharmx 63 5th Street, Englehart

beside the Englehart Hospital

(705) 544-8054 (705) 563-2337

It’s nice to be important but it’s even more important to be nice!

any people can’t get away from the notion that seniors just sit around in rocking chairs and watch TV all day. Yet nothing could be further from the truth! Most retired people are physically active and stay connected with what is happening in society. They cultivate passions they had previously abandoned due to lack of time and take up grandparenting with enthusiasm. On top of all this, many seniors give far more hours of their time to unpaid community projects than the average volunteer does. For obvious reasons, elderly seniors are less likely to volunteer than the general adult population. But many younger seniors are devoted volunteers who never bother to count their hours of work. They are typically more available than other age groups because they have more time to devote to causes outside the home, and they also have a lifetime of expertise to offer organizations. What kinds of projects do seniors devote themselves to? They are mentors to young business people, they help school children with their homework, work at food banks, lead choirs, coach sports teams, visit the elderly or ill, and staff community library desks, to name just a few things.

and professional training to work for the benefit of other people. They do this because they have learned that it is rewarding to give something back. If we all follow the example of seniors and find a few hours a week to warm someone’s heart or guide a young person towards developing skills, the whole of the community will benefit.

Drop in & visit us for the best selection of vehicles in the North!

Everywhere they get involved, they put their life skills Now t

hat you’ve got tim e...

New Liskeard 705-647-7329 1-800-461-7811 Like us on facebook 152@maritimetravel.ca

let’s get travelling!

P.O. Box 100, On Avenue, the Strip, New P.O. Box 100, Liskeard 100 Wilson New Liskeard, Ontario P0J 1P0 100 Wilson Avenue, New Liskeard, Ontario P0J 1P0 Tel: (705) 647-4373 705-647-5050 Tel: (705) 647-4373 www.wilsonchevrolet.ca www.wilsonchevrolet.ca

Living North of 50 21

Intergenerational cooperation in every way On one side of the scale, we have baby boomers approaching the end of their working lives, with lots of free time and few commitments. On the other side, we have a younger generation, too busy trying to stay afloat to be able to devote a lot of time to their children. Intergenerational cooperation is one obvious solution to this problem that is so typical of our times.

STOP Senior Safety Line 1-866-299-1011

ABUSE

24 hours - 7 days a week