Winter Wellness:
TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY AND HAPPY
Winter can make it challenging for seniors to maintain healthy routines, but prioritizing wellness is essential. Staying active, eating nutritious meals, and fostering social connections can help make the colder months more enjoyable. Here are some tips for staying healthy this winter:
Keep Active and Prioritize Rest Exercise is crucial for physical and mental health. Activities like yoga, walking clubs, or group fitness programs keep seniors moving while encouraging social interaction. Equally important is getting enough sleep, which helps recharge the body and maintain energy for daily activities.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Meals
A balanced diet strengthens the immune system, especially during flu season. Foods rich in vitamin C—such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and kale—help fight infections, while oily fish like salmon provide vitamin D, which is often deficient in winter.
Stay Social and Mentally Engaged
Social activities reduce loneliness and boost mental health. Participating in holiday events, art classes, or book clubs fosters a sense of community, while puzzles, reading, and hobbies keep the mind sharp. Winter is a great time to explore new interests and build connections.
Looking for Winter Support in Victoria?
Ross Place Seniors Community offers a warm, supportive environment where seniors thrive year-round. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, daily activities, and a lifestyle designed for health and happiness. Whether it’s staying active, eating well, or connecting with others, we’re here to support you or your loved one this winter.
Call 250.381.8666 today to schedule a tour and see how Ross Place can help you embrace the season with ease and joy.
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How to Keep Your Brain Sharp, According to One of My Favorite Researchers
Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist and author of Of Sound Mind: How Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World, has spent her career studying how sound impacts the brain. I’m a big fan of audiobooks and have listened to her book a couple of times. Her research reveals a fascinating connection between hearing, sound processing, and cognitive health. Here’s how she suggests keeping your brain sharp and healthy.
1. Protect Your Hearing Kraus emphasizes that hearing health is brain health. She explains that untreated hearing loss forces the brain to work harder to decipher sounds, which can lead to cognitive overload and has even been linked to dementia. To protect your hearing, avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises, use ear protection when needed, and get regular hearing check-ups. If you experience hearing loss, address it with hearing aids sooner than later.
2. Engage with Sound
Your brain thrives on meaningful sound. Kraus suggests actively engaging with sounds that matter to you—whether that’s listening to music, playing an instrument, or enjoying the sounds of nature. These activities not only stimulate your auditory system but also strengthen connections between different parts of the brain.
3. Make Music a Part of Your Life
According to Kraus, music is like a workout for the brain. Playing an instrument or singing challenges your brain to process complex auditory patterns, improving memory, attention, and even social connection. Even listening to music deeply and thoughtfully can have cognitive bene ts, but playing an instrument is best. Time to join the local ukulele group.
4. Stay Social Conversations are a form of sound engagement that keeps your
brain active. Kraus highlights the importance of staying socially
importance of staying socially connected, as talking to others requires you to process sounds, emotions, and context in real time. It’s a full-brain workout!
6. Exercise and Eat Well
Kraus notes that overall health supports brain health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits all contribute to a wellfunctioning auditory system and better cognitive health.
In short, keeping your brain sharp isn’t just about solving puzzles or reading—it’s about engaging with the world of sound in a meaningful way. By taking care of your hearing, enjoying music, and staying socially connected, you can give your brain the stimulation it needs to thrive. If you’re due for a hearing test, set up an appointment with one of the super friendly audiologists at Hear Inc.
MSenior driving education vs assessment
any geriatric researchers presenting at safety conferences agree that education, not testing, is the answer to seniors driving longer and safer.
Prior to intervention by family, government, medical personnel or police, seniors should take charge of their driving situation.
It is best to prepare for an impending driver assessment well ahead of time. It will relieve the stress of the unknown and the arrival of the dreaded letter.
Seniors should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to all sorts of things, particularly as it pertains to driving.
Many people believe seniors have a higher-than-normal crash frequency.
This is not true.
They do have a much higher chance of injury in a crash because of the frailty brought on by
advanced age, particularly those over 75 years of age.
Two presenters at a Driving School Association of the Americas conference made a very strong case that senior-driver harassment by governing bodies exists throughout North America.
The most common crashes listed in order of frequency and cause of injury are:
• The left turn at intersections, crossing multiple oncoming lanes of traf c, causes injury for all drivers. This type of crash is often due to declining depth perception in seniors and lack of experience in teens.
• The fact that oncoming vehicle drivers could change to the outside through-lane at an intersection, without warning, and be hidden behind the inside lane of two lanes
approaching, was also a factor.
For both seniors with slower reaction times and teens lack of experience, lack of scanning contributes to this crash.
• Rear end crashes are very common. This is caused by all drivers not understanding time and distance for stopping. Understanding the consequences of tailgating is a lesson to be learned by all.
Again, seniors are more likely to experience more injury than a teen.
Joan Wallace Driving School offers a free seminar for seniors at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
To sign up, call 250-383-7483
New Year, New Travels!
As we welcome 2025, it’s time to plan your next adventure! Whether you're exploring vibrant European destinations, iconic Canadian landscapes, or the stunning beauty of British Columbia, Mile Zero Tours has something for everyone. And as we celebrate 10 incredible years of travel, we’re excited to continue offering unforgettable journeys in 2025!
Celebrating 10 Years of Unforgettable Journeys with Mile Zero Tours! In 2025, Mile Zero Tours celebrates a decade of expertly guided tours to destinations both near and far. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the rugged wilderness of the Yukon, we've spent the last 10 years creating memorable travel experiences for our guests, and we can't wait to share even more with you in the coming year!
European Adventures in 2025! Looking to cross the ocean? We’ve got a great lineup of European tours this year, including our brand-new Picturesque Portugal tour in late summer (August/September), where you’ll explore Portugal’s scenic beauty, rich culture, and history. In April, join us for the Benelux Tour, taking
you through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. And in October, our Enchanted Ireland tour will lead you across the Emerald Isle, from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, with stops at historic castles and charming villages along the way.
Canadian Wonders Await!
For those looking to explore closer to home, we’ve curated some amazing Canadian experiences in 2025. Our 16 Day Epic Canadian Rail Journey takes you coast to coast by train, with stops in five provinces, showcasing the best of Canada’s diverse landscapes. You can also extend your journey with optional add-ons to the Maritimes and Newfoundland for even more adventure.
We’re also offering exciting tours to the Yukon and Northwest Territories – Beyond the Arctic Circle in July and August, where you’ll experience Canada’s rugged north, and in the fall, we have tours to Quebec and Ontario, perfect for enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and vibrant city culture.
Explore the Beauty of BC!
For those seeking adventure closer to home, we have several great BC-focused tours in 2025. We’re offering multiple departures
for Haida Gwaii and the Inside Passage, ideal for those interested in First Nations heritage and the incredible natural beauty of these regions.
Our Island Hopping tour is a deep dive into the Gulf Islands, where you’ll discover picturesque islands, stunning landscapes, and charming communities. We also have short escapes to Harrison Hot Springs in the spring and Tofino in the fall—perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.
Inclusive Tours for Easy Travel
No matter where you want to go, our tours include everything you need for a stress-free travel experience. All transportation, accommodations, many meals, home pick-up and drop-off services, and airfare from Victoria are included. With 10 years of expertise, Mile Zero Tours continues to offer exceptional experiences with expert guides, ensuring every journey is a memorable one. For more information on our 2025 tours, visit www.milezerotours.com or call 250-590-0811.
Here’s to a new year filled with travel, adventure, and unforgettable memories!
A New Grill?
Q:Dr. Crapo – I’m done with my teeth! I have smoked all my life and now at one year from “pulling the pin,” I want to get something done! I have teeth that are very long (yes I’m long in the tooth) and wobbly. I guess I’ve conditioned myself to think dentures – doesn’t everybody?
But then a friend said, “Why don’t you get implants, you’d be good as new!” Right, as good as new, maybe a new chassis to go with the new grill – even then – as good as new? Seriously, should I really bother? Will it make that much difference?
I can quit smoking – I’ve heard you can’t smoke if you’re getting implants. Is it painful? It seems so radical – is it really worth it?
A:Why don’t I help you catch your breath by saying – yes, yes, yes, you’re right, sometimes, perhaps and a resounding yes!
(Answers to your questions.) Implant dentistry has very few limits. It can take your oral health to whatever level you can imagine or want. If you want to replace every tooth position in your mouth with an implant and a crown, it can be done. If you want to just retain a denture, two implants may do the job.
Several years ago, a gentleman presented with a situation similar to what you’ve described, and he asked for the whole enchilada, meaning when he looked at the final result he said, “I look as good as B--- P---,” (a handsome actor). There’s never a day that goes by that he isn’t thrilled with not only the new grill, but for the first time in his life, his ability to eat anything he wants with no pain and with efficiency he still can’t believe. The surgery was extensive, but he was a model recipient. He never smoked; he took his medications exactly as prescribed and controlled all post surgical pain with ibuprofen.
More than eight years ago a woman who was eighSty years old, approached the office looking for help with a lower denture. Her
budget was limited but after two implants and refitting her denture with a snap attachment system, she could finally chew her food. There was no other way for the denture to stay in her mouth. On her first recall appointment several months later, her smile told all. It was more than worth it, and she’d endured very little pain along the way. She could now socialize, eating alongside her friends without embarrassment, she could smile, carry on a conversation etc. In terms of the emotional feedback that my staff and I got, it’s hard to say which of these two had the greatest reaction. To me, it was all about the smiles.
Stop hiding your smile
Six creative ideas to honour your loved one at a celebration of life
Written By Arbor Sta
Taking time to celebrate the extraordinary life of your departed loved one can be a healing and uplifting experience. To honour their legacy, we’ve put together 6 creative ways that you can celebrate their life. From recipe books to a simple photo collage, there’s something for every family.
1. SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY ON A CHALKBOARD. Put up a large chalkboard at your gathering and ask everyone to write their favourite memory with that person. With fond memories on display, you can read stories you’ve never heard before. When everyone contributes, you’ll learn more about your loved one. It’s easy to source materials for your chalkboard from your local stationary or dollar store or a craft store like Michael’s.
2. CREATE A RECIPE BOOK WITH THEIR FAMOUS CREATIONS SO OTHERS CAN RECREATE THEM.
Was your loved one known for their delicious pastries or cabbage rolls? Compile all of their dishes into a recipe book. For a more personalized book, you can add photos of them making these items, if there are any. Send a copy to a photo book company like Blacks or PIKTO and give them out to family and friends.
3. MEMORIAL COLLAGE
This is a great way to involve the entire family. Ask everyone to bring in their favourite photos of your loved one. Go through their yearbooks and photo albums and nd any images you’d like to include. Your Arbor funeral home will provide resources, like poster board and frames, where you can attach photos using glue or sticky tack.
Make it digital: Will some family members join your event by video call? One way to immerse them is by working with your Arbor funeral home to create a slideshow version which can be played both online and by projection for those in person. Plus, by making it digital, you can also include video content.
4. CREATE A UNIQUE PLAYLIST OF THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS
Was your loved one a music lover? Why not compile all of their favourite songs to play during the
event? Then, you can put all the songs onto a thumb drive and give them out as keepsakes afterwards. Alternatively, you can add them to a playlist on a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music so everyone can enjoy them whenever, wherever they are.
5. CREATE MEMORIAL STONES
Here’s a great opportunity to get a bit artsy. Stones can be placed in your garden as a unique and personalized keepsake of your loved one. You might source these from nature or from your local plant nursery or outdoor decor store. Set up a station at your event with paint, glitter, beads, and other materials people can use to decorate their stones.
6. MAKE A TRAVEL BOARD
If your loved one travelled a lot, consider putting a large map on display during the celebration of life. Then, stick thumbtacks on all the places they’ve visited. You can take it a step further and include any plane tickets, passports, or postcards of theirs.
Remembering your loved one can be as dynamic and special as their life.
At Sands Victoria by Arbor Memorial, we’re dedicated to helping you memorialize and uniquely remember your loved ones.
As we ag e and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety
Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to g et out of the tub are two of the most common occur rences with many of our seniors today. Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who g o ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years
Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have larg e doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat
You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfor tably and safely inside. All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fing er tips Once you are done your bath, tum the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub T he various models all have numerous g rab bars and nonslip surfaces making g etting in and out wor r y free Walkin tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain
independent for many years to come Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating ever y shape and size of person and bathroom.
T here is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Offering numerous options such as heated back, multispeed war m air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more.
T he benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath ag ain and find relief by just soaking in a war m tub Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. T he war m air or water jets give a deep massag e and help to stimulate circulation, thus car r ying additional healing oxyg en throughout the body to the hands and feet T his has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as ar thritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions.
T he Canadian Gover nment website
states that 1 in 4 seniors fall ever y year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims per manently disabled and bedridden. A larg e
percentag e of these falls take place in the bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical system two
Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walkin tub in my hous e I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.” Je an S .
billion dollars annually T herefore, the British Columbia and Federal Gover nments are helping many people who decide to purchase a walk-in tub now T he help comes in the for ms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in cer tain qualifying cases a $10,000.00 Gover nment Grant As we all ag e and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them ag e in place, comfor tably and independently in the home they love g Sponsored content provided by Island Walk-in Tubs.
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Delightful Things to See in Porto
Porto, a dynamic city in northern Portugal, has quickly become one of the hottest travel destinations. From riding the vintage trams through Porto’s historic streets to walking through the riverside Ribeira district, Porto has an abundance of monuments to cure your cultural curiosity.
RIBEIRA
DISTRICT
One of the best things to do in Porto is to visit Ribeira, the city’s most picturesque and tourist-filled district. As you wander through its narrow, winding streets flanked by colorful façades and hanging laundry, you’ll get a workout from the hilly terrain—just part of the district’s unique appeal.
PORT WINE LODGES IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
A must-see attraction in Porto is across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can explore the historic Port wine lodges, where centuries of tradition in aging and storing port wine await. Many lodges offer guided tours and tastings, all while offering stunning views of Porto across the Douro River.
LIVRARIA LELLO
Livraria Lello, which opened in 1906, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. This example of Art Nouveau architecture exudes elegance and romance with its intricate wood carvings and magnificent stained-glass skylight. The vibrant red staircase stands out with its ornate balustrades and graceful curves.
SÃO BENTO
RAILWAY STATION
São Bento Railway Station, located on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, opened in 1916. Travelers flock here to gaze at the elaborate azulejo (painted ceramic tile) panels created by artist Jorge Colaço. These 20,000 tiles vividly depict significant moments in Portuguese history, including an important battle between Spain and Portugal and scenes of agrarian life from the Douro region.
Ready to head for Portugal? Give us a call at 672-661-6400. We at I Spy Spain and I Spy Portugal are experts in travel to the Iberian Peninsula!
Resolutions you can keep in 2025
It is that time of year again, where we might be thinking about making resolutions. Instead of creating pressure for yourself, how about taking the approach of what you would like your 2025 look like. By setting one good intention it can set off a domino effect that benefits you in ways you never imagined. Here is a suggestion: make 2025 the year you step into Silver Threads Service. Come to one event or program and see what unfolds. A good starting point is our Monthly Socials . Perfect for new members, it is a time to have a coffee, meet others and learn more about the organization. In January, the Social is Tuesday, January 21st at the Victoria Centre and Tuesday, January 28th at the Saanich Centre. Both run from 1:30 to 2:30pm. If you are looking for a way to work off the shortbread, there are nine fitness classes each week. A good starting point for those who are returning or beginning to exercise is the Chair Fitness Monday and Thursdays from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Saanich Centre, it is primarily a seated class.
Functional Fitness is primarily a standing class and is offered Monday and Thursdays from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Saanich Centre. At the Victoria Centre Functional Fitness is offered 5 days a week Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am. Call to reserve your space in any of our classes. Other health programs
include Essentrics, Chair and Gentle Yoga, T’ai Chi, and Qigong. After a brief hiatus we are pleased to welcome back the Silver Threads Singers to the Saanich Centre on Tuesday mornings. This is a mixed, non-auditioned choir that practices weekly and performs in the community. At the Victoria Centre Brett MacDonald brings her Improv classes back, with Improv: Rediscover Play first up starting Thursday, January 16th. Always a good time!
Wellness Programs at the Victoria Centre include an Evening Gentle Pilates class on Thursday nights at 5:00pm. This is suitable for beginners and will strengthen your core and improve mobility and posture. A perfect class for those who are looking for an after work pick me up.
At the Saanich Centre we are pleased to announce a new sports program to our menu! Badminton will run on Tuesday afternoon and equipment and instruction will be provided for Beginner level play. Might be time to switch up your Pickleball and try something new?
Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-for-profit organizations that serves individuals 55 Plus. We operate two Centres, one in Victoria and one in Saanich.
Our Winter 2025 Program Guide is now available, and registration is underway for the January to March session. There are 100 weekly programs and over 30 monthly events, everything from health
BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE
2025 RESOLUTIONS SPLIT WORD GAME
If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service offers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Winter Programs include Dynamic Discussions and Brain Games. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting.
and wellness, to Creative Arts, Education, Music and more. Visit www.silverthreads.ca to view the Guide online and to register.
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
We are pleased to partner with a number of Community Organizations to deliver programs and services to older adults in the community. Sharing resources and expertise is a win-win for everyone. This Winter we highlight new and returning partners.
Target Theatre is a group of mature actors who create and perform entertaining and educational plays on seniors’ issues to increase awareness of topics relevant to an aging population and to contribute to fostering healthy communities. The first performance at the Victoria Centre is “4 Get Me Notes” on January 13th.
Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing is returning with the “Let’s Talk” Speechreading Program at the Victoria Centre starting January 15th. If you are struggling to understand conversations even with hearing aids there are strategies to help.
Kidney Foundation will bring the “Walking to Wellness” to help those living with low mobility or a chronic disease lead a healthy, active life. This free program is open to public.
For more information call 250 388-4268.
Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information. Use the Holiday theme and make words from the syllable fragments in each square. Cross out each grid as you use it.
cise lity nect lax lize sup nicate crea wal joi mobi lea ment king exer rn commu move socia con port ting re ning
Answers: exercise, relax, walking, creating, socialize, joining, mobility, learn, connect, support, communicate, movement
