An Age Friendly program being put on this year by District of Clearwater with funding from Union of BC Municipalities has been a great success, according to coordinator Linda Selbee.
In a report to town council delivered on Sept. 2, Selbee said the program has hosted seven luncheons so far and plans to do another five this fall before the funding ends.
Topics discussed at the luncheons so far include arthritis, home support and assessments, services for seniors at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, seniors and taxes, mobility study, frauds and scams, rent subsidies, how to get into Evergreen Acres seniors housing, and transit.
Attendance at the luncheons has ranged from a maximum of 70 to a minimum of 30.
Massage therapist Sharon Neufeld discussed and demonstrated movement exercises as well as gardening do's and don'ts to look after your waist and knees.
Sabine Cooperman taught how to do yoga in a chair.
Lunches were supplied by the Challengers and Bailey's Bistro.
The volunteers helping the program have been wonderful, Selbee said. She mentioned by name John and Susan McFarlan, Shirley Grant and Cathy Dekelver.
The fall program includes:
• Sept. 9 – Gambling;
• Sept. 30 – End of Life issues plus Lunch with the New Doctors;
• Oct. 12 – Yoga in a Chair plus Recognizing Depression;
• Nov. 4 – Elder Abuse plus Power of Attorney;
• Dec. 5 – Sharing your Bank Account and Protecting Your Income.
The seniors would like to have a small directory of services that they can carry in their pockets, Selbee reported.
They want to know who to call, such as a handyman, when they have a problem, she said.
Selbee said she thought the Age Friendly program had been worthwhile and was glad to hear that a grant to hold another one was being applied for.