Healthy Living
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is an integral part of the aging process. Most people feel that they gain strength, develop endurance, and maintain flexibility by becoming more active. This continues to be important as one grows older: physical and mental health and quality of life can be enhanced by continuing to remain active. This section highlights some of the many activities, organizations and websites that can assist seniors to achieve a healthy balance of activities and interests and, lists websites that provide information and support to caregivers.
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Healthy Living for Caregivers
It is also important that, you, as the caregiver take care of yourself. This section provides you with a variety of websites and a listing of books to assist you to find information on elder care as well as techniques for dealing with stress. The websites are listed below.
Books for Caregivers
The Caregiver's Compass: How to Navigate with Balance & Effectiveness Using Mindful Caregiving
Holly Whittelsey Whiteside
Fremont, New Hampshire: The Possibility Guild, 2010
Caring for Your Parents: The Complete Family Guide - Practical Advice You Can Trust From the Experts at AARP
Hugh Delehanty & Elinor Ginzler, foreword by Mary Pipher
New York: Stirling, 2008
The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own
Gary Barg, Ed.
Herndon, Virginia: Capital Books Inc., 2001
Caregiving without Regrets: Three Steps to Avoid Burnout and Manage Disappointment, Guilt, and Anger
Dr. Vicker Rackner Caregiver Club Press, 2009
Canadian Caregiver Coalition Their mission is to influence policy and promote awareness.
Caregiver.com A magazine for caregivers.
Elder Care Online An online community designed to help improve the quality of life for elders and caregivers.
Elder Care Online's: Caregivers Support Centre A website that provides support from peers and professional caregivers.
Empowering Caregivers A website created to provide a safe and nurturing place for caregivers on an emotional and spiritual level.
National Family Caregivers Association The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one.
The Canadian Women's Health Network A very informative website for caregivers.
Virtual Community for Caregivers Website is designed as a place where caregivers can get support, information and engage with one another. Website offers many articles written by experts on issues such as: balancing work and care, protecting elderly parents from fraud, and many more.
Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress and Burnout: Tips for Recharging and Finding Balance From the Help Guide
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Healthy Living for Seniors
Dial-a-Dietitian
Dial-a-Dietitian allows people to ask a registered dietitian questions about food and healthy eating. This service is provided by the KFL&A Health Unit.
Martha's Table
Martha's Table is a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides low cost nutritious meals to those in need in an environment that encourages mutual respect, acceptance and understanding. Our meals are served Monday through Friday by volunteers in a restaurant-style setting for the nominal cost of one dollar. Dinner is served from 3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Our drop-in center or “Friendship Room” is a safe and comfortable space where people come for companionship and are presented with an opportunity to enjoy light snacks and drinks at no charge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a service that delivers hot, noon-time meals to seniors who require nutritional help, are mentally or physically challenged, or for those with an acute or chronic illness. In the Kingston area, it is operated by the Victorian Order of Nurses. Each meal contains at least three of the four food groups and meals are on a rotating four week schedule to avoid repetition. Meals are served Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Delivery is free. Call for pricing details.
Partners in Mission Food Bank
Partners in Mission Food Bank help to nourish local low-income families and individuals through generous monetary and food donations from the Kingston community. The food bank provides not only non-perishable items, but also fresh produce including milk, eggs, meat, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Ramekins
Ramekins makes mealtime easy for seniors with the 7-meal deal. Delicious take-home meals are made fresh ready to eat, or freeze, for future dinners. Senior-sized portions are available for pick-up or may be delivered. Delivery dates are every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons. Ramekins also offers catering services for any type of event regardless of size.
Seniors Association (Health Promotion)
The Seniors Association offers a number of healthy living support services including bereavement counselling, exercising with arthritis, an arthritis clinic, and blood pressure checks. Various stroke support services are offered which include:
• Stroke Survivor Group – This group provides the opportunity for those recovering from a stroke to discuss their experiences and the accompanying challenges and coping strategies.
• Stroke Care Partner Group – This group of caregivers come together to learn and support one another through their experiences.
• Couples Group for Stroke Survivors and their Care Partners – This group provides the opportunity to share concerns and help one another deal with the changes stroke has brought into their lives.
• Living with Stroke – Stroke survivors and their care partners are provided the opportunity to participate in an 8-week series focusing on adjusting to life after stroke. Series topics include: communication, physical changes, emotions, reducing the risks of stroke, etc.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation has graciously offered the support needed to develop these programs.
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Healthy Living for Seniors: Activities and Organizations
Adult Rendezvous Club
The Adult Rendezvous Club is a social club and seniors' group offering activities such as bridge and euchre, exercise groups, and board games among many other social activities. The club operates from September through June out of St. Paul the Apostle Church.
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is Canada's premier university art gallery. Our collection is remarkable for its breadth and quality, ranging from Canadian and European historical art to important holdings of West African sculpture and contemporary art. Each year, we present approximately 15 new exhibitions and offer stimulating public programs that appeal to all ages.
On-site amenities include the Gallery Shop and Art Rental & Sales Gallery. Guided tours are available in English and French. Tour and lunch packages are available. Bus parking available. Wheelchair accessible.
Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $2.50. Free admission Thursdays.
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm (through Sept-April)
Saturday, Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
The Art Centre is located at University Avenue and Bader Lane.
Community Senior Citizens Club
Phone: 613-634-7247 (Elsie Parkinson)
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The club holds activities such as shuffleboard, cards, refreshments, and bus trips in the spring and fall. They are affiliated with United Senior Citizens of Ontario. There is a membership fee of $10 per year. Meetings are held bi-weekly on Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Call for more information.
Crossroads United Church Shuffleboard Club
Phone: 613-542-0497 (Marie Whitmore)
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Address:
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690 Sir John A MacDonald Boulevard
Kingston, ON
K7M 1A2
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Shuffleboard is played every Tuesday at 12 noon. The Church is wheelchair accessible and walker friendly. Cost is $1.00 per week to play, and $1.00 for tea. The joining fee is $10.00 per year.
The season begins on the first Tuesday of every September and lasts until early June. The season is concluded with playoffs and a year-end banquet celebration. For more information, contact Marie Whitmore at phone number listed above.
Elderhostel - Road Scholar
Elderhostel is not-for-profit educational and travel organization. All participants, mostly over 50 years of age, are offered exceptional learning opportunities at reasonable costs in every corner of the globe. Elderhostel provides lifelong learning adventures. See the website above for additional information.
Hawaiian and Tahitian Dancing
Women's dancing only. Beginners class available at the Collins Bay Legion 631, Lower Hall. Open to all ages. Performances at seniors' residences can be arranged. For more information about Hawaiian and Tahitian dancing contact Jane Paul at the above number.
Interesting Years Club
Phone: 613-384-0214 (Frances Kraus)
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Address:
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4034 Bath Road
Kingston, ON
K7M 4Y4
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A social club offering activities such as cards. Bus trips available. Guests welcome for activities but not for the club meeting on the last Monday of every month. The group meets at the Collins Bay Legion.
Schedule
Mondays for euchre at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesdays for cribbage at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday at 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Thursdays for bridge at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Participants often go out for dinner in Kingston following the activity.
Formal meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm (members only).
Jubilate Singers
Open to men and women 55 years and up. They present programs of songs and humour to retirement homes and seniors clubs throughout Kingston and the surrounding area.
Later Life Learning
An intellectually stimulating lecture series including courses at university level for seniors. Consists of ten fall, six winter, and five spring lectures. The lectures are held at the Crossroads United Church. For further information, contact Natalie Holland at the above number or e-mail address.
Royal Canadian Legion Seniors' Club
Phone: 613-548-4570
Fax: 613-548-7226
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Address:
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734 Montreal Street
Kingston, ON
K7K 3J4
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The Royal Canadian Legion Seniors' Club welcomes Legion and non-legion members. Currently comprised of approximately 350 seniors, the club meets three days a week. Activities include all types of card games, trips, dinners and volunteer opportunities.
Hours:
Bar: Monday - Thursday from 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Friday & Saturday from 11:00 am - 1:00 am
Sunday from 12 noon - 10:00 pm
Office: Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Seniors Association Kingston Region
The Seniors Association offers members a variety of recreational, educational and social activities for seniors with diverse interests with over 5,000 "seniors" of all ages. The Association's Centre is equipped with program rooms, a computer lab, a woodworking shop, a restaurant, a cafe, a full-size gymnasium, as well as a mini-gym. Over 100 different programs are offered a few of which include: art and language classes, keyboarding, computer instruction, monthly dances, and multicultural events. Various services include: medical drives, a frozen food program, counseling, expert advice, and foot care. The Seniors Association also offers one day, multi-day and extended trips to Ontario, Quebec and beyond to members and friends.
Seniors Fit For Life Program
Queen's Athletics and Recreation department administers an introductory and advanced program for seniors. The program runs twice a week for eight weeks. The focus of the program is on strength, coordination, endurance and balance. For further information, contact Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre at the above number.
YMCA
The YMCA offers seniors' fitness, swimming, aquafit classes, fitness testing, recreational sports, squash and group fitness classes. The facility offers programs such as:
- Cardiac Maintenance Program: A fully monitored exercise program that can help seniors to lead a healthier, more active life.
- Focus on Fitness: A program designed for individuals who are new to fitness or apprehensive about starting to work out. Small groups of members meet twice a week with qualified fitness staff.
- Building Better Bones: In partnership with the KFL&A Health Unit, this program is designed to help minimize bone loss and increase the independence of those who may be at risk of developing, or who currently have, osteoporosis. The exercise program and education sessions include low impact aerobics, muscular conditioning, postural training, balance and coordination, and breathing and relaxation.
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Links For Seniors
Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults A guide to help you make wise choices about physical activity. Choices that will improve your health, help prevent disease, and allow you to get the most out of life.
Dare to Age Well A publication by the Division of Aging and Seniors at Health Canada.
Ontario Ministry of Health Seniors' Links A listing of very good links about seniors health issues.
Ontario Seniors' Secretariat The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat influences and supports policy development across all government activities on behalf of Ontario's seniors.
Senior Magazine A US based website with lots of information for seniors, from legal advice to medical advice. Please note that only some of the information applies since it's a US based site.
Senior's Info Website is developed by senior groups, service providers and all three levels of government. It contains information about legal aid, housing, reitrement, care facilities, etc.
SeniorNet SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults with education about and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Seniors Canada Online Seniors Canada On-line is a federal government website that offers key links to seniors-related information from Government of Canada, Provincial and Territorial websites.
Wired Seniors A portal site with links to many other sites of interest to seniors.
Yahoo Seniors Directory Yahoo directory of links that may be of interest to seniors.
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