The Greater Victoria Elder Care Foundation is a registered charity that supports individuals and elderly people living on the island.
They fund needed equipment, community programs, sponsor free workshops, activities and events island-wide for all ages. They function with donations from individuals, service clubs, grants and fundraising events. www.gvef.org. or phone: 250.370.5664 for info.
The month of March is the 10th anniversary of “Embrace Aging Month” and the foundation motto is: Be well, be secure, be enriched.
Wellness for able seniors is to keep moving, eat healthy, a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Sooke and area is a dream come true for all parts of the motto. Walkers have miles of the Galloping Goose Trail, Whiffin Spit, the Boardwalk and many others to enjoy. These trails are all mainly flat and accessible. The boardwalk is up and down but manageable for wheelchairs. There are local walking groups for those who prefer company. The beaches can be challenging but a scenic drive to Port Renfrew to walk the gorgeous sandy beach at low tide - is a gift.
The community gardens are an opportunity for local produce and we have many choices to buy healthy food. Regardless of a shortage of doctors in the community the ones that are here provide us with a clinic after hours and weekends. Massages and alternative therapies help to keep us well.
Security and Safety are even more important as we age and become more vulnerable. The word is out that we must be vigilant as scams and fraud is becoming common. Be aware when answering the phone! Most of us were raised by the Golden Rule: “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Others Do Unto You”. When we are trustworthy – we expect the same from others. To live in a safe place is a luxury considering the madness of the world and we are very fortunate to live here.
Sooke is legendary for being” Connected” through the accomplishments of volunteering, churches, organizations, as well as watching out for each other. The Community Health Initiative and the Volunteer Center are working with the community to become even more Age Friendly.
Enrichment happens when we participate by being connected to nature, friends and family. By sharing a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom and having the ability to “smell the flowers”.
“Our mind is a garden, Our thoughts are the seeds – We can grow flowers or we can grow weeds”!
“Embrace aging”- Happiness is an inside job…
Shirley Lowe