Connecting Edmonton Seniors

Tips for seniors to enjoy a safe winter

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:53:52 +0000

Winter in Alberta can be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous because of icy sidewalks and low visibility on the roads. Fear of having an accident can keep some seniors house-bound which can prevent them from enjoying social activities and connections. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe while enjoying this chilly time of year. Prevent falls on your walkways Wear non-skid shoes and...

Source

]]>

Phone-based program connects seniors during the holidays

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 17:09:58 +0000

The winter holiday season is upon us! Houses are being decorated with lights, seasonal drinks are warming our hands, and family and friends are making plans to be together for celebrations despite the cold weather. Unfortunately, this picturesque scene is not the reality for many older adults in our communities. In the midst of what should be a time of joy, feelings of social isolation can...

Source

]]>

Research Assistant Job Posting

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:40:51 +0000

The PEGASIS Partners and Backbone Project are generating an enormous volume of data, and we need the assistance of an experienced person to draw all this material together, index it, and compile a running narrative with references to the many components that will be the foundation of our Project reporting. We want to hire a Research Assistant for half-time hours (20 hours per week) for the...

Source

]]>

Social vulnerability may lead to isolation

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 16:47:35 +0000

We all know the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of a complex issue such as seniors social isolation, a picture can help explain the myriad factors that may lead to isolation and the supports that can mitigate or prevent it. A journey map developed for the PEGASIS initiative illustrates many of these factors. The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council team conducted...

Source

]]>

Housing Month Addresses Important Step in Reducing Isolation

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:06:55 +0000

November is Housing Month in Edmonton and serves as a reminder of how important an issue housing is for everyone and how many challenges a lot of people face when trying to find somewhere affordable and accessible to call home. Young adults, families, and seniors are all affected by the rising housing costs in Edmonton. Governments at all levels have realized that housing is a growing issue for...

Source

]]>

Make the most of daylight hours to improve well-being

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 18:28:10 +0000

For many seniors who live alone, the shorter daylight hours we experience at this time of year can increase the risk of becoming withdrawn and isolated. Here are some ideas to help you manage the change this fall courtesy of RISE (Reach Isolated Seniors Everywhere). Add in natural light Move your favorite chair or bed closer to the window Open blinds and curtains upon waking, which is especially...

Source

]]>

Seniors’ Health and Wellness Forum

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:52:25 +0000

Social connection influences our quality of life and wellbeing so much that the negative effects of social isolation have been compared to smoking in terms of its impact on our health! The second annual Seniors’ Health and Wellness Forum, presented by Age Friendly Edmonton, will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre (11113 113 St.) from 9:00 a.m. to...

Source

]]>

Unity in Diversity

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 19:13:15 +0000

Music and food are universal languages. For Alberta Culture Days three Edmonton organizations have partnered to design a cultural celebration that features music and food to bring together seniors from many cultures and break down barriers that can lead to social isolation. Unity in Diversity is a cultural blending celebration happening on Friday, September 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westend...

Source

]]>

Helping caregivers maintain well-being

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 16:59:12 +0000

Do you assist a family member or friend living with challenges resulting from disability, illness or aging? If you said yes, you are a caregiver. There are over 600,000 caregivers in Alberta and 8.3 million across Canada. Caregiving can be stressful, overwhelming, isolating and have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Caregivers Alberta is dedicated to helping caregivers maintain...

Source

]]>

Creating Community One Call at a Time

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 17:35:40 +0000

Social connectedness is a key tenant of healthy aging and having meaningful and supportive social relationships reduce the risk for an early death[1]. Older adults who experience loneliness have an increased risk of dying sooner, are more likely to experience a decline in their mobility and are at higher risk for dementia, when compared to those who are not lonely[2-4]. When major changes occur in...

Source

]]>