age-friendly saskatoon initiative past issues/coa fall 2016.pdf · women are inclined to choose...

FALL 2016

The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) has completed its multi-phase Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative and will release its Phase 3 Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: Implementation and Evaluation report this fall. The research confirmed that an age-friendly community benefits people of all ages. The entire community gains when all live in security, with sound housing, good health and the ability to partici-pate in society. SCOA launched the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative in 2011 to address the need for a provincial and a municipal population aging strategy. Like the rest of the world, the popu-lation of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, is aging and becoming increasingly urban. Older adults must be engaged in the development of an overall strategy as well as policies, services and programs to ad-dress their needs and concerns. SCOA’s Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative has made the engagement of older adults a top priority. Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative activities focused on the engagement of older adults and stakeholders in a collective effort to answer the question, “What needs to be done to make our community age-friendly?”

The three phases of the project included: Phase 1: Background research and consultations with older adults Phase 2: Asset mapping, gap analysis and development of recommended actions Phase 3: Implementation of recommended

actions and development of a system to monitor and evaluate progress. Three themes guided the project: 1.Promotion of civic engage-ment and volunteerism among Saskatoon’s older adults 2. Gathering baseline information to define and

describe the contexts, issues, needs and factors promoting or hindering positive aging in an age-friendly community. 3. Providing a common foundational planning document for community-based organizations, seniors’ groups, and governments to support development and coordination of policies, programs and services directed toward older adults. (Continued on Page 9)

Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative

Due to the loss of financial support from the Saskatoon Health region, the Coming of Age will no longer be mailed out to members.

SCOA continues to assess alternate distribution methods. E-mail subscribers will continue to receive copies via email.

If you wish to receive our publications by email, contact SCOA 306-652-2255 The Coming of Age can be viewed/downloaded from our website: www.scoa.ca

N O T I C E

Happy Fall from Jane and Shan your SCOA Board co-chairs. Before we look ahead to the fall we want to share some important information. We were disappointed to learn that the Saskatoon Health Region will not be providing core funding for SCOA operations, as they have for over ten years. This represents 1/4 of our operating budget. While we understand the financial challenges, we hoped they would have recognized the importance of our work and continued to support positive aging through our partnership. The board will continue to com-municate with you about the implications of the change. The Phase Three Report of the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative reflects the major age friendly strengths and gaps and is a useful guide to create change. This initiative would not have been possible without the commit-ment and leadership shown by the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative Steering Committee and in particular, Candace Skrapek and Murray Scharf. At the AGM in late May we said goodbye to retiring board members, Leo Monseler, Peter Sen, Joan Lidington and Burna Purkin. These four gave hours of volunteer work and dedication to SCOA and we hope they will continue as volun-teers in some capacity. Thanks to Janet Barnes who served as Co-Chair for two years and now assumes the role on the Board Executive as Past Chair. .

Positive Aging for all

Coming of Age Published three times per year by the Saskatoon Council on Aging, Inc.

Visit us online at www.scoa.ca Executive Director: June Gawdun Communications Committee: Mercedes Montgomery, Chair George James | Elliot PausJenssen | Candace Skrapek| Sheila Clements Community Engagement Coordinator: Virginia Dakiniewich

CO-PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE

Shan Landry Jane McPhee

Opinions are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Saskatoon Council on Aging. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the Saskatoon Council on Aging, Inc. assumes no liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. No part of this publication may be copied or stored for electronic retrieval without prior consent of SCOA. © 2009/2016. The SCOA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the dignity, health and independence of older adults through programs, services, education and advocacy.

We also welcomed two new board members: Sheila Clements and Jeananne Klein both of whom bring community experience and professional nursing backgrounds to the work of the board and organization. At the end of June, SCOA said good-bye to Cheryl Loadman the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative Co-ordinator. Cheryl’s communication skills and her business and political acumen were essential to the success of the AFSI and SCOA as a whole. We wish Cheryl well in her new role as Executive Director of Services for Seniors. We anticipate two big events in Octo-ber: the Spotlight on Seniors (p. 10) on October 4th and Zoomer Idol 2016 (p. 3) our major fund-raiser on October 27th. Stay tuned for more information about the SCOA Globe Walk (p. 4)which starts again in January 2017! We also en-courage you to stay informed and contribute to the civic election on October 26th. (See Pages 6 & 7) As we continue to translate our age friendly learning into action we encourage you to get involved in making our community age friendly. As 2016 continues SCOA is on an important journey and we hope you’ll be with us! How You Can Help: • Make a donation: online www.scoa.ca

or see back page of this publication • Attend our events: Zoomer Idol and Spotlight on Seniors


Come out and enjoy a night of pure fun: • Supper and cash bar

• Entertainment by talented ZOOMERS

• Return engagement: Jean & Doreen

Thursday, October 27, 2016 TCU Place (35-22nd Street East) Reception: 5:00pm Dinner: 6:00pm

“ A really big shew…”

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Tickets $100: available at SCOA Office (Partial Tax Receipt available): 2020 College Drive, in the Saskatoon Field House or call 306-652-2255

To use credit card visit www.scoa.ca OR Eventbrite:

MEDIA SPONSOR

ZOOMER IDOL

DEADLINE FOR

TICKETS OCTOBER 24TH


SCOA Globe Walk Celebration Luncheon by George James The Western Development Museum main banquet room was filled to capacity on May 13, 2016. by M.C Ron Spizziri of the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Fitness Association provided greetings to the crowd of 300+ attendees. The luncheon celebrated the successful accumulation of 437,069 miles by 2486 older adults. This met this year’s target, to return from the moon, but also enabled an extra 8.5 trips around the world. Event Highlights : • Mayor Don Atchison brought greetings from the City of Saskatoon and outlined the on-going

partnerships and participation of older adults in enriching Saskatoon as a positive community. • Globe Walk Ambassador Dr. Vera Pezer described next year’s target, the International Space

Station. This concept involves globe walkers travelling with the station constantly for the four months of the globe walk.

• Dr. Murray Scharf, Ambassador, Cornerstone, 25th Anniversary Fund projected his vision for the needs of the next 25 years. Noting the shifts in funding requirements, Dr. Scharf pointed out the importance of the Cornerstone Fund in “kick starting” this process.

• Mr. Richard Kilburn, Investors Group, presenting Globe Walk sponsor, spoke about giving back to Saskatoon and confirmed his continuing support of the Globe Walk.

• Jamie Yuzicappi, Dakota Dunes CDC, a major sponsor. expressed her congratulations and satisfaction with collaboration in support of the Saskatoon community.

Entertainment was provided by Zoomer Idol 2015 winners, Jean & Doreen. Their easy pop music provided easy listening, and on occasion, had people dancing, rounding out the feeling of celebration which filled the room.

In 2016, we had 77 teams, 2486 Globe Walkers and walked the equivalent of 437,069.39 miles returning us from the moon and circling the globe 8.5 times! The planning has already started for the 4th annual SCOA Globe Walk and we would like to surpass last year’s goal. This year we will take off to the Space Station and orbit around the world to walk the equivalent of 500,000 miles! The walk will start on January 9, 2017 and end on April 30, 2017. Any form of physical activity counts and so you can stroll or roll, hike or bike, swim or gym...all will help to add to the total. At the end of each month you will send your team captain your total steps, the distance you travelled or the amount of time spent in physical activity for the month. The team captain will then submit the totals.

SCOA Globe Walk 2016/2017 We are thrilled to have Sheila Angelstad con-tinue as the SCOA Globe Walk coordinator and she will be back in the office in September. If you want to enter a team, you can register your team in September 2016 by visiting the website or if you want to join the SCOA team, contact Sheila directly. We are grateful for the continued financial support of Richard Kilburn, Kilburn Wealth Management group, Investors Group, and Dakota Dunes as well as our partners -Saskatchewan Senior Fitness, Forever…in motion, and the City of Saskatoon. We couldn’t do it without you! Janet Barnes Co-chair SCOA Globe Walk Committee


A Cane? Me? By Mercedes Montgomery One day you may need a cane, like I did. Don’t hesitate. It has made a huge difference. Canes are not forever or just for the elderly; they aid mobility at any age. Canes are noticed so be prepared to explain: What happened to you? Why the cane? A properly fitted cane helps take the stress off the hips, thighs, back and ankles and reduces the tension in the muscles. With a retractable, pronged end, it will steady you on icy, rough or steep terrain. The added “leg” is great for balance and con-trol. As a third “arm” it can also help you get at objects on the top shelf of the grocery aisle! Canes were once the height of fashion available in many styles including the gadget and flask (hey!) and the ever-popular “… stick with the ‘orses ‘ead ‘andle”*. Today women are inclined to choose color, men basic black though canes can be as unique as their wearers. The big choice is the quad or single-tip cane; the quad provides greater stability while the single-tip is more agile as on stairs. The grip, handle, tip, and cane height must be right for you. Learn to use the cane correctly (lots of information online but if you have a physiotherapist check with her) then practice using it; a cane should be a help, not a hin-drance. When I first went public with my cane I realized just how many people use canes. But I was totally surprised when people opened doors, offered to carry, reach, put my groceries on the conveyor belt, or just asked - can I help you? I’m thinking when my mobility improves I may order several canes all in different colors … *The Lion and Albert by Marriott Edgar at http://www.sheerpoetry.co.uk/junior/junior-poetry-library/in-the-classroom-part-one/the-lion-and-albert Accessed July 24, 2016

Jeananne Klein Sheila Clements

Mercedes Montgomery

NEW BOARD MEMBERS 2016-2017


Municipal Election: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Saskatoon Council on Aging—Where We Stand

The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) applauds the steps the City of Saskatoon has taken since the last municipal election to improve the age-friendliness of Saskatoon. Much more needs to be done to make Saskatoon truly age-friendly. The future of older adults in Saskatoon will depend upon actions taken now. We must act now! Please use this information to raise issues with candidates for City Council and ask for their commitment to plan with seniors for our future. A. Positive Aging Strategy SCOA proposes the development and implementation of a positive aging seniors’ strategy that provides a broad framework to meet the needs of seniors. Question for Candidates 1. Do you support a positive aging seniors’ strategy that involves the creation of an age-friendly Saskatoon? 2. Will you work with older adults and community organizations to put in place a positive aging strategy in Saskatoon? B. Creating an Age-friendly Saskatoon The World Health Organization’s eight dimensions of an Age-friendly community provide the framework for age-friendly communities. 1. Outdoor spaces and buildings: There are places in our community that are for everyone. Older adults describe many positive characteristics of Saskatoon in the summer months but report that winter conditions create difficulties for them. Questions for Candidates 1. What will you do to make it possible for older adults to get around easily in Saskatoon’s outdoor spaces in all seasons? 2. What will you do to make it easier for older adults to gain access to public buildings? 2. Transportation: Older adults need a variety of available, affordable and accessible means of transportation and frequently describe barriers to transportation in the City. Questions for Candidates 1. Describe options you would put in place that would allow older people to get around the city conveniently and safely. 2. What will you do to improve public transportation in Saskatoon to make it more age-friendly? 3. Housing: Older adults want to age in place and to remain living in the community as long as possible. In order to do so they need accessible, affordable housing. Questions for Candidates 1. What will you do to influence building and development codes so they incorporate universal design and are more age-friendly? 2. What will you do to make sure that affordable housing for older adults is a key part of integrated community planning?


4. Social Participation: Social participation is strongly connected to good health and well being at all ages. Question for Candidates 1. What will you do to promote affordable and accessible events and activities in which older adults can take part? 5. Respect and Social Inclusion: Everyone, including older adults of all races, religions and ethnic groups, deserves to be treated with respect. Social inclusion is the extent to which older adults are able to partici-pate in the social, civic and economic aspects of their community. Question for Candidates 1. What will you do to make sure that the City’s programs and services are respectful of the diversity of needs of older adults?

6. Civic Participation and Employment: An age-friendly community provides options for older adults to continue to contribute through paid employment and volunteering, and to be engaged in the political process. Questions for Candidates 1. What will you do to ensure there are opportunities for older adults to contribute their experience and skills through paid employment and volunteering? 2. What will you do to enable older adults to participate in community decision-making? 7. Communication and Information: Older adults need current, accurate and accessible information about events, activities and programs to be engaged in the community. Questions for Candidates 1. What will you do so that older adults get current, accurate and accessible information about City programs and services? 2. What will you do to make sure the City’s communication processes are appropriately designed and delivered to meet older adults’ needs? 8. Community and Health Services: Health and support services are essential to maintaining vitality and independence for older adults. It is critical that these services are accessible, available and user-friendly to older adults, and that older adults are aware of the wide range of community and health services available to them. Question for Candidates 1. What will you do to ensure that older adults are aware of and have access to the social and health services they need to stay healthy and independent?

Download Where We Stand : www.scoa.ca. Please check this website for upcoming election activities. Information on voting available on City of Saskatoon website:

YOUR VOTE MATTERS!


• Turn the volume down on your phone and leave a generic message on your answering machine.

• Lock all windows and doors on your house, garage, shed and vehicles.

• Use a timer for your lights and leave your blinds and windows coverings in a normal position.

• Have someone pick up your mail and shovel your sidewalk and driveway. Your neighbour could even park on your driveway so it looks like someone is at home.

• Do not post your whereabouts and vacation plans or photos on social media.

• If you have a security system, alert your alarm company when you will be away.

Preparing for a winter vacation? Here’s what you need to know!

• Make a property inventory checklist and take photos of the valuables in your home. caask.ca/property-checklist.pdf

• Check the renewal date of your home insurance as you don’t want it to expire while you are away.

• Purchase travel insurance before you leave to cover you for trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies. A CAA Insurance Consultant can help you get the right coverage.

• Turn off your water supply or have someone check your home regularly to ensure the pipes do not freeze and cause damage to your home. Your insurance policy may require you to have someone check your home daily.

Are you planning a winter getaway or a long-stay vacation? Here’s some home, travel and insurance information and tips from CAA Saskatchewan.

Learn more at caask.ca.


Volunteer with SCOA: It’s Good For Your Health! By Candace Skrapek

(continued from page 1) Preliminary evaluation of the project’s impact identified that: 1. Older adults in Saskatoon were integral to the work of the initiative. Hundreds of older adults have provided leadership and acted as volunteers and participants. 2. The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative has provided considerable knowledge about older adults in the community to inform community conversations. 3.The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative has generated reports on its work : The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: Findings report (2012) The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: Recommendations report(2014) The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: Implementation and Evaluation (2016) These reports are available: www.scoa.ca

Community impact of the activities of the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative include new and developing partnerships, programs and services and the inclusion of older adults in planning. While much remains to be done, and despite chal-lenges, the future is encouraging. The Saskatoon Council on Aging is committed to creating an age-friendly Saskatoon and to being part of the world-wide discussion and movement on making communities age-friendly. We hope you will join us in this important work and help make your community a better place to grow up and grow old. Appreciation. The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) extends its deepest apprecia-tion to the steering committee, participants, community partners, stakeholders, volun-teers and staff for their input, assistance and the hundreds of hours of dedicated effort that all contributed to the success of this important initiative.

Think about the last time you volunteered your time and talents to an important effort or cause. Volunteering can improve health, quality of life and support healthy aging. Studies have found that older adults who volunteer have reduced stress-related illnesses and higher self-esteem and are less likely to feel iso-lated. Volunteering is a great way for older adults to put free time to good use, take part in opportunities that make an positive impact on their community, work to address an issue of importance, meet new people, gain new experiences, share skills and knowledge, keep your body and mind active, stay healthy and have fun. SCOA has a wide range of volun-teer opportunities that include: participat-ing on the board and committees, lend-ing your talents to projects such as Zoomer Idol and SCOA Globe Walk, supporting caregivers, teaching other older adults new skills, and assist with fund-raising activities. Volunteer work is critical to the positive impact that SCOA makes in the community. Two enthusiastic SCOA volunteers describe their own experiences. Mercedes Montgomery is a current board member, chairs SCOA’s Communications Committee and volunteers her time and energy with other community groups. She says, “My volunteering is a bit self serv-ing because working to improve the lives of others benefits me as well. It offers me a chance to participate in meaningful ac-tivity and give something back to the community” (continued on page 10)


Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. TCU Place 35 ‐ 22nd St. E Admission $8—Pay at door or purchase at SCOA: 2020 College Drive

(continued from page 9) Elliot PausJenssen also provides hours of dedicated volunteer service with SCOA. She is a Past President of the board, a member of SCOA’s Communications Committee, the Age-friendly Saskatoon Ini-tiative Steering Committee, Education and Awareness Committee, Older Adult Abuse Task Force to name a few. She states, “I love volunteering! My work with SCOA allows me to build on my years of working with older adults and their families to con-tinue trying to make a difference in their lives and in the community as a whole. It is challenging, rewarding and such fun.” Please consider joining Mercedes and Elliot along with the many other SCOA volunteers we strive to create a more age-friendly Saskatoon. By volunteering, you inspire others to get involved to make a positive change in the community. Contact SCOA 306-652-2255 for more information about volunteering.

Featuring entertainment by: Super Ron Magic Show, Paddlewheelers, Kathie’s Kuties, Bridge City Cloggers, SaskTel Remai Modern Art Caravan Fiddlers: John LeClaire and Len Dumont •Product demonstrations •Financial resources Information •Hobbies and leisure activities •Wellness and fitness information •Health products & Government services and much more...Also Fashion show , free refreshments throughout the day, lunch available for purchase FREE TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE—CONTACT SCOA 306‐652‐2255 FOR DETAILS!


Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club!

Join us for free educational presentations, games, refreshments, blood pressure checks

by retired nurses, “Ask a Pharmacist Station” and socializing!

NEW LOCATION: Mayfair United Church, 902- 33rd St W. 3rd Thursday of each month 1:30 to 4:00 pm Future Dates and Programs Include: September 15: Meet & Greet/ Info Expo October 20: Tremors- Parkinson’s & Slideshow November 17: Creative Workshop December 15: Holiday Social – Live Entertainment

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

WestJet tickets on on sale! 1 for $5, grand prize 2 round trip tickets anywhere WestJet flies. Winner to be announced at Spotlight on Seniors October 4th, (you do not have to present to win) Drop by our office 2020 College Drive to purchase tickets or phone 306-652-2255 for more information. Zoomer Idol tickets on sale September 1st. General Admission $100, purchase at SCOA office (2020 College Drive) or buy online www.scoa.ca Vote for your favourite Zoomer Idol contestant! ($1 = 1 vote) - Visit our website www.scoa.ca SCOA SEW SHOP: Do you have a passion for sewing, knitting or quilting and want to share your talent? We invite you to join our SCOA Sew Shop! Cost: FREE Starting in October, the group will meet on Fridays between 9 am and 3 pm in the SCOA Boardroom.

• You will produce items such as wheel chair caddies, dish towels/cloths, aprons, quilts, reusable bags, scarves, hats, cell phone totes etc. • The pieces you create will be sold semi-annually in May and November at craft sales hosted by SCOA. • All proceeds will go towards funding programs and services for older adults offered by the Council on Aging. Please call Sandra 306-652-2255 for more information.

Looking for a presenter for your meeting? SCOA ’s Speakers Bureau provides presentations on a variety of topics of concern to older adults. Phone 306-652-2255 for more information.

Please send your cheque to: Saskatoon Council on Aging 2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, SKS7N 2W4. You will receive a tax receipt for donations of $25.00 or more.

Yes, I would like to help the Saskatoon Council on Aging with a donation of: $50 $75 $100 $Other

Name:________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________ SCOA recognizes donors in our communications. Please check this box if you wish to remain anonymous.

HOW TO DONATE: On-line: Canada Helps or PayPal Go to our website: www.scoa.ca By Mail—Fill out and return the following form: Your donations help us to continue to provide programs and services which enhance the lives and meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population of older adults.

2020 College Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 2W4 (306) 652-2255 Tel [email protected] www.scoa.ca

Find us on Facebook under Saskatoon Council on Aging Follow us on Twitter @scoa3

Saskatoon Council on Aging 2020 College Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 2W4

age-friendly saskatoon initiative past issues/coa fall 2016.pdf · women are inclined to choose...

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