Author: eseniors

Sadly, despite being pillars of the community and the family, elders are abused regularly. “It’s Not Right” is a campaign to change the conversation to stop the abuse of older adults. The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, Elder Abuse Ontario and Western University have collaborated to provide a program to help everyday citizens combat elder abuse. They have started a provincial initiative to engage community members to challenge social norms and encourage bystander interventions in support of at-risk seniors.

Regional workshops are being held across the province, and the closest one to the Eganville Area is in Ottawa on March 31^st, on Sioux Lookout. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided, as well as travel subsidies is you travel more than 150 km to attend (check out their website to see the full schedule and locations). This event is highly recommended for professionals, advocates or citizens who work in the area of older adults’ safety, and/or elder abuse education. However, the champion role requires experience with public speaking and making presentations. Be prepared to take action by committing to making a minimum of 3 INR presentations by Fall 2017 and supporting a regional plan to engage your community in this movement.

At the one-day regional workshop, you will:

• Learn about It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults (INR-NFF)- a proven, high-performing education and engagement tool
• Meet other passionate advocates and professionals who have been identified as leaders and influencers
• Set highly do-able goals and make a co-ordinated regional plan to engage their community
• Take away the INR-NFF tools and materials to be able to deliver presentations. Each participant will commit to delivering a minimum of 3 INR-NFF presentations by Fall 2017 and supporting the new regional plan.

Registration is free, but spaces are limited. Register ASAP at http://itsnotright.ca/you-power-start-movement-2017. Contact Barb Potter at 519-661-2111 ext. 87486, or email her at bpotter@uwo.ca for more information.

 

Elder abuse is any abuse and neglect of persons age 60 and older by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust.
“Unfortunately, every year hundreds of thousands of elderly adults fall victim to the abusive behaviors of their caregivers, nursing homes and even family members” (Meyerkord, Russell, & Hergott, n.d.). As people age they become more dependent or rely on the people around them to help care for their needs. The issue of elder abuse is really difficult to gauge accurate results on because it is not as prevalent as other social issues, but that does not mean it’s less important. Similar to other less predominant issues, accusations of elder abuse are not taken as seriously as they should be. Obviously as people age they naturally become physically weaker, thus giving younger people a physical advantage over them, this makes them more susceptible to violence/abuse.

Prevention begins by increasing people’s understanding of the needs of seniors, and through education on the signs of elder abuse/neglect. Moreover, in order to prevent abuse it is important to be able to relieve some of the stress experienced by caregivers through “relief” programs.  By establishing community programs that reduce the strain on full-time caregivers, this allows the caregiver to be free of some of the responsibilities concerning a dependant older person. It would also be beneficial to train professionals, bank tellers, and police to better report elder abuse and neglect.

There is no legal or social controversy; any abuse or neglect of older people is wrong.

For more information on what elder abuse looks like, check out this link. For more information about how and why to report elder abuse, this website will be useful.

 

The Diners’ Club is happy to host a talk from local organization, The Grind. They strive for change in the community through their coffee house, emergency shelter and youth programs that they run throughout the year. For more information, visit their website.

The Grind also has a Facebook page if you are interested in that as well.

And of course, individuals are always welcome to stop by in-person to learn more (and try some coffee!) between 10 a.m- 2 p.m every weekday at 122 Pembroke St W.

 

Luckily, the hot weather has finally arrived! While this has been long-awaited and allows us a variety of new opportunities, there are, of course, dangers associated with this extreme heat. Heat can be dangerous for anyone, but seniors are especially at risk. This website provides several tips about how to enjoy the hot weather.

 

Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in Canada and about 12% of the population will have it in any given year. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but a disorder is diagnosed when people experience significant distress and some degree of functional impairment in their daily living. A person with an anxiety disorder may find it difficult to function in many areas of life. For a little bit more information on anxiety disorders, or on other mental health conditions, please check out this site.

Of course, anxiety disorders occur among elders. For an in-depth look into what anxiety manifests as in older people, look here.

If you think that you, or someone you know, is struggling with an anxiety disorder, please seek help. If you are unsure of where to seek help, contact the Eganville and District Seniors’ Centre for more information.

 

Everyone can agree that gardens are a beautiful sight to behold and a positive addition to any space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, or a beginner, this website can help answer any gardening questions that you may have and provide helpful tips to create your dream garden.

Wondering what this year’s ideal planting dates are? Here is an online Farmer’s Almanac for all of your planting needs.

Still not convinced that you should try gardening? Here is a fascinating article highlighting recent programs in Poland that are proving gardening to be very beneficial in a variety of unforeseen ways.

 

Reading has a wealth of benefits throughout an individual’s lifespan, and is vital for the elderly as well. Check out why it is important for seniors to read here.

Library memberships are usually free in your region as well. Here is a list of all libraries in the Ottawa Valley. Many of these libraries also have free online libraries with ebooks galore- simply check the library website or call the library to ask about these services.

 

With warmer weather comes more insects, some of which can be quite harmful. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect yourself from ticks with Lyme disease.

Of course, everyone knows that exercise is important. This article provides more information about the significance of exercising while you age. For exercise ideas for seniors, please visit this page.

The Eganville and District Seniors’ Centre also provides many exercise classes- visit our Activities page for more information.

 

It is no secret that healthy eating is vital to a healthy lifestyle. However, it is sometimes hard to know what foods are truly good for you, and to be able to create new meals. Check out this website for tips on healthy eating, nutrition information, and recipe ideas!