On The Road Again

 

 In Spain.

This is my first major trip in several years. Last Friday, I flew to Montreal and on to Lisbon, Portugal. We, my daughter and I, have been on a road trip through Porto, Portugal and San Sebastian, Spain. Today, we are driving to Lourdes in France. Then back to Spain with a couple of days in Barcelona. Then I will take a train to Madrid on my own where I will pick up a Trafalgar tour the next day. The tour  includes a few days in Morocco as well as more places in Spain and Portugal. By the end of my holiday I will have almost circumvented Spain.   

This is a test for me - to see if I can still travel. The last time I was in Europe was 2016 and a lot has changed, both in Europe and with me. 

It Takes a Village to Age Optimally

Ontario, once again, seems to be miles ahead of BC with helpful programs for older adults. McMaster University has produced an Optimal Aging Portal with a motto of "Healthy Aging Information That You Can Trust". Check this site out:

https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/

If you subscribe this this site, you will receive emails occasionally which will contain reliable information on living successfully. 

A recent topic, 'Intergenerational Programs: It takes a village to age optimally', discusses the importance of interacting with young people. Often, particularly for people without grandchildren, we associate only with adults.  

If you are a senior living alone, there are not many opportunities to interact with young people in Ambleside. However, our Senior Activity Centre has a free program called, Intergenerational Screen Time for Seniors, that can help solve this problem.  Not only do you get to interact with local students, you can also eliminate many irritating  issues you may have with your cell phone or tablet. 

On Thursday May 18th and June 8th from 4:30 to 5:30, there is a free drop-in for seniors to ask questions about their electronic devices from the expert young people who volunteer their time. 

He Was a Good Man

Harry Belafonte in 1983

News of Harry Belefonte's death today at the age of ninety-six brought me back. I have admired him for well over fifty years. He had an amazing well-lived life!

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/25/harry-belafonte-singer-dies-actor-singer-activist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhTxdElJ4SE

Climate Change Adaptation - Tomorrow, April 25/23

Enhance West Van presents another Forum for Dialogue and Learning event! Join us April 25th at the West Vancouver Community Centre for this free event. 

To Register go to"

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/climate-change-adaptation-tickets-568444120667?internal_ref=social

Enhance West Van is proud to present "Climate Change Adaptation" A Forum for Dialogue and Learning event. A dynamic panel of climate experts share their expertise on the topic. Join us at the West Vancouver Community Centre April 25th at 6:30pm for an exciting panel discussion.

Where: West Vancouver Community Centre - Music Hall

When: April 25th at 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Village Art

 

French Courtyard by Denise Wheater 

We live in an artistic seaside village that attracts many very talented people. Over many years, the North Shore Artists Guild has provided a place for artists to create outstanding works of art and usually twice a year provides an opportunity for residents to purchase some of this original art. 

Next Saturday, April 29th, the Guild will display over four hundred pieces of art at the West Vancouver Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

North Shore Artists' Guild
PO Box 91051, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N3

 

Happy Earth Day

 

The unofficial Earth Flag created by John McConnell includes The Blue Marble photograph taken by the crew of Apollo 17.

The “green things growing” whisper me

Of many an earth-old mystery.

–Eben Eugene Rexford (1848–1916)

Three things for Earth Day....

1. Use less plastic
2. Support the bees, plant wildflowers 
3. Always think: "Reduce"  "Reuse"  "Recycle".

Why Create an Aging-In-Place Group In Your Building

I look at my present life and try to visualize what my life will look like as I become less mentally and physically agile in the next few years. It brings up the question of what I can do now to make my future more palatable. Like many other older adults, I want to continue living in my present apartment for as long as possible. In order to do that I will need help from time to time. 

The recent pandemic gave us all some time to think about what can go wrong without warning and how our life can change on a dime. Everyday activities became more difficult; we were socially isolated; and had to make adjustments and compromises that were often not pleasant. From small things like not being able to open a jar or a can to large things like not seeing family and friends on holidays, it was very unsettling. 

Seniors who are living alone or with an aging partner in apartments can benefit by helping each other and sharing resources and ideas to make everyone's life easier. The concept of seniors empowering seniors is being promoted by the University Health Network Openlab (https://norcambassadors.ca/ideas/) in Ontario. They have many suggestions of how these apartment buildings can form a group to meet their particular needs.

Below are some things that can be organized by an Age-in-Place Group 

• Skills swap
• Wellness support
• Telephone tree
• Sharing workers/tradesmen
• Exercise buddies
• Rides to Appointments
• Shared Grocery Shopping
• Birthday Celebrations 
• Community Caterer
• Safety Door Hangers
• Pot Lucks
• Social Groups

These groups, once they are set up, can then network with other groups in the vicinity.