North of 70

 I have no idea who put this together, but it is wonderful, especially if you’re North of 70!

Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,

Before the days of Dylan , or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents, and they were you and me.

For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,

Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.

We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,

Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.

We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'

And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,

And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see

A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,

And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,

Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,

And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,

And Oprah couldn't talk yet, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,

At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,

And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,

And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson , and Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,

Madonna was Mary in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,

And babies might be bottle-fed, but they were not grown in jars.

And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,

And dorms were never co-Ed in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,

And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,

And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me, Me.

T-Birds came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,

And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,

And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me, Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,

We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea

Or prime-time ads for those dysfunctions in the Land That Made Me, Me.

There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,

And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill

And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,

And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me, Me.

But all things have a season, or so we've heard them say,

And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.

They send us invitations to join AARP,

We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me, Me.

So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,

And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,

Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me, Me.

If you didn't grow up in the fiftys,

You missed the greatest time in history,

Hope you enjoyed this read as much as I did.

Seniors Week,

 This is part of what  I wrote when I responded to the Proclamation of Seniors Week in my city at the beginning of June. I was limited in time for my response so, I am putting my full remarks here.

Senior Week is a time to celebrate our older adults’ contributions, wisdom, and vitality. Throughout this week, we have an exciting lineup of events that showcase the talents and interests of our senior community. As the President of the Wilson Centre Seniors’ Advisory Association; I am proud to highlight some events and activities that will take place this week. Some highlights include a:

•         Free Homeowners Grant Workshop on June 3 followed by a Pancake Breakfast and Silver Chord Choir Performance on June 3

•         Guided Painting Class on June 4

•         New Members Info Session on June 5

•         Senior Week Luncheon on June 6

•         Container Gardening Workshop on June 7

•         Health and Wellness Fair: on June 8th

I want to acknowledge the significant contributions that seniors have made to our community. From volunteering at local charities to mentoring young people, seniors have given so much to our city. Older adults are more productive than ever. Those seniors and near seniors who volunteer are putting in more hours than in the past and more hours than volunteers in any other age group. Many retirees (16.1% of men and 14.7% of women) also regularly engage in caring for friends, relatives and neighbours, while the overwhelming majority (97% of women and 91.9% of men) participate in daily domestic work. Overall, three million retirees spend five billion hours of their time each year on productive activities – a contribution of about $60 billion to Canada’s economy, which is by no means a drop in the bucket. 

We are thrilled and honoured to accept this proclamation of Senior Week on behalf of all the seniors in our city. Thank you to the City of Port Coquitlam for this recognition and continued support of our senior community. This week-long celebration is a testament to your recognition of seniors, who have contributed so much to our community. While it’s true that less than a quarter of all people aged 55 and older volunteer officially (for example, through recognized volunteer networks, government programs or non-governmental organizations), a large number are active in informal volunteer settings, spending a lot of time providing support to each other, to their extended families and to their communities. According to Statistics Canada, almost two-thirds of seniors and seniors volunteered informally in 2003, and that number will likely rise in the future. A recent Harvard study has shown that social and productive activity (for example, volunteering, helping a friend or taking care of a grandchild) lowers the risk of all causes of death as much as exercise does. We have to work hard to get seniors to volunteer and our organization, along with the City does this quite well.

The history of cooperation between the city and our Association is rich and impactful. Our shared goal is to create a supportive environment where seniors can thrive. We are proud to be a part of this community and look forward to continuing our partnership with the city.

Over the years, we have worked with the city to support many activities, including the annual May Day Festival, stroke recovery programs, bus trips, social events, and bi-weekly discussions on topics of interest to seniors. Our partnerships have extended to providing funding for diversity and inter-generational programs, supporting food security initiatives, and offering social opportunities for our seniors. We continue to support those services that ensure our seniors lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Our recent collaboration with the BC Community Response Network (BC CRN) is a testament to our commitment to fostering safe and inclusive communities. With this initiative, we're working to raise awareness and prevent abuse, neglect, and self-neglect among vulnerable adults. Our partnership enhances our ability to support seniors and to ensure they are appreciated, and free from harm.

Additionally, we are proud to partner with the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society, as we promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on June 15th. We have several activities planned and we asked the city to light up City Hall in purple to signify our collective stand against elder abuse. This day highlights the global issue of elder abuse and reminds us of the important role older adults play in our communities.

Our City has the designation of being an Age-Friendly Community, the only one in the area. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of age-friendly designations in our city. As the statistics show, seniors make up a significant proportion of our population, and we must continue to not forget their needs and concerns. The celebration of Senior Week is a reaffirmation of the City’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where seniors can thrive.

So, from a Pancake Breakfast to the 2nd annual Health Fair, to the recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we come together to celebrate the resilience and wisdom of our seniors. I look forward to a week filled with fun, learning, and community spirit. Thank you to the City of Port Coquitlam for this proclamation of Senior Week. We encourage everyone to join us in all the activities including the 2nd annual Health Fair, which will take place on June 8th. 

Youtube channels for staying healthy for seniors

 YouTube offers a wealth of wellness content specifically tailored for seniors, covering a range of topics such as fitness workouts, mindfulness practices, nutrition tips, and overall well-being. 

Many channels specialize in providing low-impact workouts, chair exercises, and gentle stretching routines suitable for seniors. These workouts focus on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and mobility, catering to varying fitness levels and physical abilities.

Seniors can find guided meditation sessions, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques on YouTube. These videos help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall emotional well-being.

 YouTube channels dedicated to nutrition for seniors offer valuable information on balanced diets, healthy eating habits, meal planning, and managing dietary restrictions. They may also feature cooking tutorials for nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals.

For seniors dealing with chronic pain conditions, YouTube provides resources such as gentle exercises, pain management techniques, and expert advice on coping strategies. These videos can empower seniors to manage pain effectively and improve their quality of life.

There are channels specializing in yoga for seniors and Tai Chi that offer gentle movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices that promote physical and mental well-being. These practices can enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and support overall relaxation and stress relief.

Some YouTube channels organize fitness challenges and structured workout programs specifically designed for seniors. These programs focus on progressive exercises, goal setting, and community support, encouraging seniors to stay active and motivated.

Here are some channels for seniors wellness:

SilverSneakers: SilverSneakers is a popular fitness program for seniors, and their YouTube channel offers a variety of workout videos, including cardio, strength training, yoga, and balance exercises tailored for older adults.

Eldergym: Eldergym provides exercise routines, fitness tips, and resources specifically designed for seniors to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. They cover topics like fall prevention, arthritis-friendly exercises, and seated workouts.

Yoga With Adriene: While not exclusively for seniors, Yoga With Adriene offers accessible yoga practices suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Seniors can find gentle yoga sessions focusing on flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness.

The Mindful Movement: This channel specializes in guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and stress reduction techniques. Seniors can benefit from videos focusing on relaxation, sleep improvement, and emotional well-being.

NutritionFacts.org: Seniors interested in evidence-based nutrition information can turn to NutritionFacts.org for videos on healthy eating, plant-based diets, and tips for preventing age-related health issues through proper nutrition.

These channels and videos on YouTube provide seniors with accessible, informative, and engaging content to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, promoting a holistic approach to wellness in later life.

Using YouTube for learning about Tech for seniors

 Technology and gadgets YouTube channels tailored for seniors can be immensely helpful in introducing seniors to where they can learn new tech trends, devices, and digital skills. 

Introduction to Technology: Many seniors may be new to using smartphones, tablets, or computers. Channels dedicated to introducing technology basics can be beneficial. They often cover topics like navigating operating systems, using common apps, and understanding essential tech terms.

Gadget Reviews and Demos: Seniors interested in purchasing new gadgets can benefit from channels that provide in-depth reviews and demonstrations. These reviews often include considerations for ease of use, accessibility features, and suitability for older adults.

Digital Safety and Security: Cybersecurity and online safety are crucial for seniors using digital devices. Channels covering topics such as creating strong passwords, recognizing online scams, and protecting personal information can empower seniors to use technology safely.

Channels focusing on health and wellness tech can introduce seniors to devices like fitness trackers, telehealth platforms, and medication management apps. They may also cover topics like digital resources for mental well-being and staying connected with loved ones.

Seniors interested in smart home devices can learn about products like voice assistants, smart thermostats, home security systems, and remote monitoring devices through dedicated channels. These videos often provide setup guides and practical tips for using smart home technology effectively.

Examples of YouTube Channels for Seniors Interested in Technology and Gadgets are:

Tech With Brett: This channel offers tech tutorials, gadget reviews, and tips for using various devices and apps. It covers a wide range of topics, from setting up smartphones to troubleshooting common tech issues.

AARP Tech: AARP's tech channel caters specifically to older adults, offering tutorials and guides on using technology for health, safety, entertainment, and communication. It covers topics like staying connected with family, managing finances online, and using social media responsibly.

Sixty and Me: While not exclusively focused on technology, Sixty and Me's tech-related videos provide practical advice and recommendations tailored for seniors. Topics include tech for travel, managing digital photos, and using social media for networking.

EasyTechSeniors: This channel specializes in easy-to-understand tech tutorials and reviews designed for seniors. It covers topics like using smartphones, tablets, and computers, as well as exploring useful apps and digital resources.

These channels offer a wealth of information, guidance, and product recommendations to help seniors navigate the digital world with confidence and convenience.