Focus on Seniors May 7, 2019

ADVERTISING FEATURE

“We’re building a community with senior-friendly features, activities and services.”

“You’ll live a vibrant, inspired retirement.”

A day in the life …

“For dinner, you have plans with your kids and grandkids to join you at Aquara for dinner ...”

AT AQUARA BY ELEMENT

“Life at Aquara will be what you want it to be, and we’ll be here to help you when you need it.”

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hat can you expect when your home is at Aquara by element? First and foremost, Aquara is building a community. Living here, you’ll share space with like-minded retirees and seniors, and you’ll live a vibrant and inspired retirement.

At our focus groups, we see heart-warming glimpses of what life will be like at Aquara, where future residents meet old friends, make new friends and have lively and meaningful conversations.

Residents can start their day meeting friends for coffee and fresh baked goods and decide what to do from there. Your day may include a yoga class or a brisk walk along the WestBay walking path. It may be visiting our community rooftop garden and tending the herbs and vegetables to be used in the dinner preparations by our in-house chefs, or the

flowers to be used to decorate the dining areas.

After lunch, you’ll meet the resident-led book club at the double-sided fireside lounge and settle into your favourite comfy chair to discuss the latest reads. For dinner, you have plans with your kids and grandkids to join you at Aquara for dinner, to play board games or to do some painting in our arts and crafts space while talking about your plans for Mother’s Day brunch and flower arranging class with your grandkids.

On another sunny summer day, you could be taking your coffee to-go as you meet the Aquara bus to take you to play nine-holes at the local golf course. You’d be back to Aquara in time for the matinee movie showing in the theatre with your favourite popcorn.

You feel like a casual dinner tonight, so it’s up on the rooftop patio for barbecue night. It’s

an early night tonight because tomorrow you want to be sharp for the investment seminar with the guest speaker who’s a wealth management expert.

It’s been a busy week, so you book yourself in for a meditation class followed by a relaxing massage on Friday before you’re off to the symphony.

Life at Aquara will be what you want it to be, and we’ll be here to help you when you need it. Element is a developer, but we’re also an operator. We’re building a community with senior-friendly features, activities and services.

We provide supportive and care services, hospitality and recreation programs for families to enjoy their time together without any sense of burden or duty.

Our focus groups are continually informing our development and future activities and services. To participate, register at: Aquarabyelement.com Pre-sales are anticipated to begin late spring or early summer.

Visit the Discovery Centre: Wednesday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 1 to 5 p.m., or by appointment. #110-645 Tyee Rd. in Victoria. Phone: 250-940-5155.

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DO YOU KNOW? TIP OF THE MONTH: Is your computer knowledge like an iceberg with a whole lot under the surface? Test your knowledge by answering the following:

Do you know?: 1. How to schedule your messages in gmail to send later.

2. Why Google Chrome is using so much memory.

3. How to do a reverse image search from your phone.

4. How Google now lets you use your Android as a security key.

5. How to clean a computer keyboard.

6. The steps to solving your streaming video problems.

7. Ten ways to customize the Windows 10 start menu.

8. How to create and print labels in Word.

9. The complete guide to Windows 10 privacy settings.

10. Seven Google maps alternatives, and why they’re better.

11. Google search tips that you’ll want to learn.

12. How to use split-screen on Android 13. How to spice up Gmail’s ‘smart replies’ with random poetry.

14. How to adjust your Google calendar to start on Monday.

For the answers, visit Tech Tips at: apcug2.org/jerestips If you need computer help, drop into the Computer Club on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call for times and details. They have lots of help to offer you at the Saanich Centre.

Call: 250-382-3151.

Check out the website at: victoriacomputerclub.org

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Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to increase their memory in an active and social group setting. The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies. The 12-week program is offered in locations in Greater Victoria.

Enjoy a word scramble for Mother’s Day!

1. hsknat 2. mthero 3. oelv 4. wfosrle 5. aicgnr 6. ndsauy 7. fmlayi 8. Iftg 9. erocttp 10. ksseis

Answers:

Watch Pickleball being played at the Silver Threads open house on May 18.

oin the Silver Threads at Centre Saanich Centre for an Open House on Saturday, May 18 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. They’ll have the coffee on and treats available, and will be ready to give tours and tell you about programs and services for you or someone you know who is 55 years or better.

Come by yourself or bring a friend or family member. Silver Threads is a great place to connect with others, participate in positive activities, get some exercise and stretch your mind.

You’ll hear the men’s choir — the Saanich Songmen — practice, get a chance to watch the popular sport of Pickleball being played, visit the Victoria Computer Club and learn about the more than 50 weekly activities offered.

The Saanich Centre is located at 286 Hampton Rd. near the Tillicum Mall. For details, call: 250-382-3151.

Memory PLUS Challenge

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We are a charitable, not for profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. We provide programs and services for those 55 years of age or better with two centres and outreach programs to serve you.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TECHNOLOGY and SENIORS:

Computers and social media are your friends step to improving your health.

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o you shy away from computers? Are the keys on the keyboard too small, the letters on the screen impossible to see, the internet too confusing? Are you afraid that you’ll just mess everything up so you decide to stay away? Or maybe you are okay with the computer, but the popularity of endless social media platforms keeps you light years behind today’s younger generation.

With just a few quick lessons, you can develop a knack for technology and see how your life changes for the better. Learning to use social media platforms like Facebook isn’t as challenging as you might think, and you might be surprised by all the ways your life changes for the better, all because of a little technology.

Here are six way technology can improve the health and happiness of seniors.

DISCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Community involvement connects you to what’s happening in your neighborhood and gives you a sense of purpose and contribution.

A simple search can help you discover volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule, physical abilities and interests. Is there a neighborhood food pantry you can volunteer at? Does the elementary school need volunteers to help students with reading? Is your local hospital or library looking for volunteers? Is there a community garden that you can help maintain? There are service opportunities waiting for you to discover. Technology is the key to finding the right place for you to be.

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR FAMILY

SOCIAL MEDIA OFFERS ENGAGEMENT TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS.

In today’s busier-than-ever society, the closeness that extended families once felt has suffered. Often, jobs force adult children to move away. Busy sport and activity schedules for grandchildren can mean visits to grandma and grandpa’s get put on hold.

No matter the reason, it seems like there is never enough time to spend with those we love most. Social media is a beautiful tool that can solve this problem. Through apps like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Twitter, or smart phone apps like FaceTime and Marco Polo, you can stay connected to those you love in an instant.

Watch live video of your granddaughter’s ballet recital or your grandson’s first homerun.

See photos from your son’s trip to Europe, or share photos with your family about the exciting places you’ve traveled to. Social media

It can be easy to feel separated from today’s youth — the clothes are strange, the music is loud, and the way they talk is like nothing we’ve ever heard. A social media account can help you keep up with what’s happening with the latest celebrity gossip, political happenings.

Technology opens the door to improved health, better relationships with family and friends and connections to your community.

Taking advantage of the benefits can lead you on a path to a happier, healthier you.

At Canadian Safe Step Tubs, we also care about you discovering the happiest, healthiest you possible. Our elegant and highly functional walk-in tubs provide you with rest, relaxation and independence in your golden years. Call to discover how a new walk-in tub from Safe Step can change your life.

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The thrill of making new friends is one important step to improving your health. opens up a world of opportunities to stay Alzheimer’s and many heart conditions. connected, even when time and distance Interactions improve emotional health and prohibit you from being together. reduce the risk of developing depression. Using social media can help you be a healthier, FRIENDS FROM THE PAST BECOME happier you.

FRIENDS IN THE PRESENT Social media platforms like Facebook can Do you keep in touch with classmates from connect you with new friends and groups and high school, or still get together for reunions widen your social circle. Discover others with 50 years after grad? Does your college similar hobbies. Find out when groups in your roommate live across the country now? Social area meet and join them. media lets you keep in touch with friends who Making new friends can be a challenge for were near and dear in years past. grade school students as well as seniors, and WIDEN YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE everyone in between. Social media tools provide The medical community agrees that social a safe and easy way to discover which groups interaction for the elderly helps improve exist in your area and how to get involved. The physical, emotional and mental health. A thrill of making new friends is one important healthy social life can reduce the risk of

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BY THE GOWARD HOUSE SOCIETY

T

here comes a time when our thinking makes a subtle shift to viewing downsizing as a good thing rather than the inevitable consequence of aging. Tending lawns and gardens become burdensome. We realize we’re spending a lot of time dusting furniture in unused bedrooms, saved for the once or twice a year when the grandkids visit.

Downsizing is hard, but it’s useful. If you’re moving into a smaller space, it’s time to take a good, hard look at the things you’re holding onto. Do they still serve a useful purpose in your life?

You may need to downsize, if: • You have saved magazines for recipes and have not even looked in them in five years. • You have numerous decks of cards and no one in your home likes to play cards. • You have twist ties in your kitchen drawer older than your children. • The shoes you wore as a bridesmaid are still in your closet. • You have linens for a bed you no longer own. • You have 8-track tapes but nothing to play them on. • You have phone bills from the 1970s and the rotary phone to match.

We all long for a simplified lifestyle with less chores and more freedom to do the things we enjoy. Unfortunately, one look in the attic or basement may convince you that you’re better off just staying put. After all, someone is going to have to sort all those things you’ve accumulated over the years. This may

convince you to do nothing until circumstances force a change. Unfortunately, a crisis may take away your choices. Learning how to take action and start the process early will make your future transition much easier and allow you to be in control of the move.

So when does one begin the process of downsizing? The time to downsize is now.

If you don’t think you’ll be ready to move for a few years, then perfect. You’ll be well organized and ready to go if you start right now. The longer you have, the better.

And, just how does one begin? The thought of the task that lies ahead can be daunting. It helps to break your downsizing process into separate parts: your home, your stuff and your money.

Your first step? Attend the following free information session:

Downsizing Considerations Monday, May 27, 9 to 11 a.m.

Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Rd.

Hear from a real estate agent, retirement specialist and a certified relocation and transition specialist. Learn strategies, gain tips and have your downsizing questions answered.

Develop your own effective downsizing strategy. Seating is limited.

Register by phone: 250-477-4401 (free).

Goward House Society is a non-profit organization that operates as an adult activity centre for those aged 50+, from Monday to Friday with a gallery featuring new art shows each month. For information call: 250-477-4401 or visit: gowardhouse.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Go North! THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN IS CALLING

I

n the summer of 1896, gold was discovered on a tributary of the Klondike River in the remote Yukon territory. Little did the discoverers realize, they would set off one of the largest gold rushes in history. Over the next three years, an estimated 100,000 people would hear the call of the “land of the midnight sun” and make the difficult journey North in search of its’ elusive treasure.

Most arrived through the makeshift port of Skagway, Alaska to commence the nearly 1,000 kilometre trip to the goldfields.

Hauling their gear by foot, dogsled and raft, the treacherous journey was too much for many, and of those that did reach the Klondike, few found the prize they had come for.

However, legends and tales of that great era live on in our imaginations to this day, immortalized in the

poems of Robert Service, the stories of Jack London and many others who experienced the North firsthand.

While most certainly intriguing, the great gold rush is just a part of the story awaiting your discovery in the North. Travelling conditions have vastly improved, but the adventure and a treasure, perhaps more valuable than gold, still awaits.

On the surface, it is a vast, remote, wild and rugged land, but dig a little deeper and you will discover a rich tapestry of culture and history.

From the First Nations who have been living off this land for thousands of years to the more recent arrivals from around the globe, life in the North is truly special.

Come see for yourself this summer with Mile Zero Tours’ fully escorted Yukon and Northwest Territories — Beyond the Arctic Circle tour, departing from Victoria

or Vancouver. You will travel by plane, coach, boat and train — exploring the route to the Klondike and beyond.

Ride the White Pass Railway from Skagway, explore Whitehorse, pass the fearsome Five Finger Rapids along the Klondike Highway, wander the historic wooden sidewalks and unpaved streets of Dawson City, experience life above the Arctic Circle in Inuvik, sail down the MacKenzie River and stroll a sandy Arctic Ocean beach in the remote hamlet of Tuktoyuktuk.

Joined by a series of locals along the way, you will see the sites and be immersed into the captivating North.

The land of the midnight sun is calling — join the adventure today.

For details and to get started planning your northern adventure, visit: milezerotours.com or call: 250-590-0811.

Plenty to do in the Saanich sunshine

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hen the sun comes out, gardens begin to grow and flowers bloom, and the desire to be outside increases. With over 170 parks and 100+ kilometres of trails, Saanich has enough to discover and keep you outside for the whole year long. Saanich Recreation offers outdoor programs for you to try over the spring and summer months. If exploring trails in Saanich excites you but you’re not sure where to go, join the guided Thursday morning Gentle Walk and Talks. Each week takes you on a different walk through Saanich parks and trails.

No registration or fees are required — just meet at the designated place and join in. You’ll discover beautiful

scenery, secluded parks and new friends. Monthly Sunday walks are also available.

Remember the fun of croquet? In partnership with the Burnside Lawn Bowling Club, you can play this fun sport on a lawn bowling green. No rough patches for this game — enjoy the sunshine and meet new friends at a low cost. The group meets on Wednesday mornings, and there is no equipment or experience required.

If you are a gardener without a garden, check out the Seniors Gardening Group at Capital City Community Allotment Gardens.

There is no fee to join and no pressure to adhere to a schedule.

Come when you can and help tend

the two Saanich plots.

The Gardening Group is currently planning the season and welcomes any older adults who can cooperatively help tend the fruit and vegetables, and of course, partake in the harvest.

Don’t forget golf — enjoy the summer at Cedar Hill Course — one of the cheapest golf courses around.

The course offers ladies-only lessons and social times, savings cards and nine-holes-only rates, along with a great lounge with a fantastic view over Victoria to enjoy the 19th hole.

For details on park programs, visit: Saanich.ca\parks.ca Or call Jason Jones at: 250-475-5427. Or Cedar Hill Golf Course: 250-475-7150.

Join the guided Thursday morning Gentle Walk and Talks in Saanich.

Natural solutions FOR GOING GREY WITH STYLE

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rey hair is a natural side effect of aging. Some people may go grey seemingly overnight while others may grey at the temples before the rest of their hair gradually changes colour.

Aging women often wonder if they should cover their grey hair or embrace the silver. Women no longer run to their stylists at the first sight of a grey strand. Some actually opt for silver, even before their own grey sets in.

According to a 2017 survey by L’Oréal Professional, 28 per cent of women embraced or considered opting for silver hair. The trend has continued to gain steam.

Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Helen Mirren were some of the first to embrace their grays. Younger celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Pink and Lady Gaga have opted for silver tresses to make a statement.

Still, many women prefer to transition gradually or avoid harsh chemicals in hair products. The National Cancer Institute states there are more than 5,000 chemicals in hair dye, some reported to be carcinogenic in animals.

There are many natural ingredients that can add tint to hair to make grey less visible. Coffee, for example, can cover gray and add dimension to dark tresses. Chamomile tea is recommended for blondes to add natural highlights and perhaps camouflage their grays. Calendula, marigold, rosehips and hibiscus can deepen red shades or add subtle red highlights. Henna is a popular natural method to add a red-orange color to hair.

Creating highlights to offset grey hair can work as well. Spraying lemon juice on hair and sitting in the sun can produce lightening effects.

Many women are seeking natural options to look their best. Embracing greys or creating subtle tints with natural ingredients can help women feel confident and beautiful. — MC

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Enjoy fresh air and a friendly chat while discovering new trails and parks. No registration required, just meet at the designated spot. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.

For locations go to saanich.ca/parks Trails & Treks or call Jason 250-475-5427

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Celiac Disease + Gluten Intolerance contains gluten. Italian food uses wonderful pastas which contain gluten. This list goes on.

Another potential source of gluten is cosmetics, vitamins and products you might not think of. Shampoo, lip balm, vitamin tablets, postage stamp adhesive and Play-Doh may contain gluten. For people with celiac disease, even this trace amount of gluten can cause symptoms.

Which leads to the big question: “Do vitamins and pharmaceuticals contain gluten?” As always, my answers are indecisive: ‘yes and no’.

It is easy to find a vitamin supplement that is gluten-free.

People who take vitamins are more concerned about their health, so manufacturers are mindful of these concerns. In the small print, it will state whether the product is gluten-free. Pharmaceuticals is another matter. Few manufacturers state the claim of being gluten-free. Many disclose that they do not use gluten containing products, but they also do not test for possibility for crosscontamination.

BY YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD HEART PHARMACIST

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hile walking through the grocery store, I was surprised by the large section of gluten free products. Naturally, this lead me to think about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, and the similarities and differences between the two. Books such as Wheat Belly and Against the Grain have brought these health complications to light. Ten years ago, many were unfamiliar with the term: gluten. Now, its a common health topic and people are aware of the health challenges associated with food protein. This article will discuss gluten-free diets and why people do it.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CELIAC DISEASE AND GLUTEN INTOLERANCE?

Celiac disease occurs when the body has an allergic immune response to the protein, gluten. Gluten is primarily found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye.

Oats do not contain gluten, but can possibly cause issues for people with celiac disease.

“Untreated celiac disease can be life threatening. ... But patients with celiac disease can lead normal, healthy lives by following a gluten free diet.” www.massgeneral.org When gluten is present in the diet, the immune system overreacts and causes inflammation and damage to the intestinal walls. This leads to short-term symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. In the long term, celiac disease can cause malabsorption of nutrients, mainly from diarrhea and fatigue. Disease of the immune system tends to cause fatigue.

The malabsorption of nutrients can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, stunted growth in children and dental problems. It is thought that one in 100 people have true celiac disease.

Gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), has similar symptoms to celiac disease. The difference is that

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NCGS generally has less immune system involvement, and symptoms can be varied. Additional symptoms of NCGS include nausea, heartburn, constipation, headache and joint pain. One thought is that celiac disease is a reaction to gluten itself while NCGS is a reaction to other components of grains.

Treatment for celiac disease and NCGS is the same — avoid foods containing grains and gluten. With celiac disease, this dietary adherence must be strict and life-long. Avoiding foods with grains and gluten can be very challenging.

Many prepackaged foods contain grains or could be cross-contaminated as they are made in a facility that uses gluten products. Dining out can be especially daunting for people with celiac disease. Asian cuisine uses soya sauce which

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“A wheat allergy can be life-threatening, as some symptoms can impair breathing or cause a loss of consciousness, which is not the case with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The symptoms of gluten intolerance are less severe than celiac disease or a wheat allergy, and people know much less about the condition.” www.medicalnewstoday.com If you do have celiac disease and must start a new medication, it might be wise to do a bit of your own research to see the product you have been asked to take contains gluten. Or if, after starting a new medication, there is a worsening of your symptoms, consider the possibility that the medication contains gluten. For those who are particularly sensitive, some medications can be specially made to be gluten-free. heartpharmacy.com

Planning a Home Death FIVE SIMPLE QUESTIONS

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ith 916,000 baby boomers currently living in B.C., coupled with many of us wanting to die in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of our own homes, we have some planning to do.

Lets be clear: dying at home is not for everyone, even though it may be our wish. My dear brother Peter had his home in Creston set up for his home death that he and his wife, April, had planned for him. As his health deteriorated and his care became even more complex, the Butterfly Room at the Creston General Hospital became his new home.

Though home death is not for everyone, it is a viable solution for more folks than we would imagine. What are some of the important things we need to consider? Here are five questions that can lead your conversations: H OW DO WE CARE FOR THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER ?

Oftentimes, in homecare situations, the primary caregiver falls prey to illness directly as a result of carrying the burden of care responsibilities. Can we create a family schedule that ensures the care load is shared, and that no family member burns out?

W HAT DOES THE ONE DYING NEED AND WANT ?

A conversation with the family member dying regarding their wants and needs is important in order for the family to set up an appropriate care plan.

W HAT OUTSIDE SUPPORT WILL BE NEEDED ?

Check with local community services and societies for such things as volunteer drivers, home support and home nursing care. There are, in fact, more resources in your community than you might first imagine.

IS

YOUR HOME READY AND SAFE FOR ALL OF YOU ?

There are professional organizations that will do a safety check of your family home to make certain it is safe for everyone. Stairways, doorways, carpets, kitchens and bathrooms may all need some form of renovation to make a space safe for both the individual ageing and dying, and for those who provide hands-on care. Stairwell chair systems and walk-in bathtubs are just two examples.

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WE HAVE ALL OF OUR END OF LIFE PAPERWORK IN ORDER ?

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Lifetime Warranty valid for Classic or Designer products only. For information on our 100% satisfaction guarantee, visit shelfgenie.com.

Celebrating Seniors!

EARLY RISER DISCOUNT Monday-Wednesday

0011694991 RAYANI DRUGS LTD for all seniors Focus on Seniors Ear before 11am 5 x 90 www.HeartPharmacy.com CMYK, ,

20% OFF Some restrictions apply. Expires May 19, 2019

HEART COMPOUNDING PHARMACY AT CADBORO BAY, 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd. Ph: 250-477-2131 HEART PHARMACY AT FAIRFIELD PLAZA, Fairfield Plaza, 1594 Fairfield Rd. Ph: 250-598-9232 HEART PHARMACY AT SHELBOURNE PLAZA, 3643 Shelbourne St. Ph: 250-477-1881 UVIC CAMPUS PHARMACY, UVIC SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Ph: 250-721-3400 ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC PHARMACY, 582 Goldstream Ave. Ph: 250-478-8338

Along with powers of attorney, wills, representation agreements and advanced care directives, you would be well served to obtain and complete an expected letter of death in the home, which can be obtained from your family doctor. This important letter removes the necessity of calling 911 when your loved one does pass. You can confirm this with your family’s funeral director as well.

Answering these five simple questions will go a long way to creating the graceful and dignified finals months and departure at home for your loved one. memorialsocietybc.org

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Focus on Seniors contact

Simone Fibiger Phone: 250-380-5358 or email: sfibiger@ timescolonist.com