Western Health is celebrating Seniors Month with activities and events throughout the region during the month of June. Western Health and community groups have developed events and activities for seniors in their local area, to encourage them to take an active role in their health.
Supporting healthy aging and a culture of respect is a priority for Western Health based on the Healthy Aging framework developed by the provincial Department of Health and Community Services. “We aim to raise awareness of healthy aging and show our appreciation to seniors during the month of June through these events,” says Kelli O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer for Long Term Care and Rural Health. “We hope to share information about health issues and preventative measures to help individuals make healthy decisions.”
Some of these events will focus on healthy eating and lifestyles. There will be information sessions about high blood pressure, violence prevention, medication use, identity theft, foot care, fall prevention and fire safety. Some events will include a social portion, such as Tea, Talk and Social events and kitchen parties, since keeping socially active is important for seniors as well. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, and some events will be focused on raising awareness of violence against older persons
“Some of the information provided at these events are about issues we all can work on improving, for example, healthy eating and active living play a major role in the quality of our lives,” says Michelle House, Vice-President of Population Health. “They will also provide seniors with an opportunity to socialize and make connections with friends and acquaintances.”
While there is no cost to attend these events, some events have a limited capacity and require pre-registration. Further information about the seniors events can be found in the attached backgrounder.
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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER: Seniors Month Events in Western Region
Seniors Kitchen Party, June 12, 1-4 pm, Royal Canadian Legion in Stephenville: hosted by Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence. There will be presentations about healthy eating on a budget and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Register by calling 643-1022, or email bsgceviolence@gmail.com.
Seniors Health and Wellness Forum, June 14, 9 am to 4 pm, Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook: hosted by the Seniors Wellness Committee in Corner Brook. There will be health and wellness displays and sessions and a healthy lunch provided. No charge to attend, but donations of non-perishable food item for the food bank welcomed. Register by calling 637-5677.
Violence against Older Persons Presentation, June 15, 4-9 pm, Multi Purpose Room at the O’Connell Centre in Corner Brook: hosted by the National Aboriginal Women’s Network. There is no cost to attend and a meal with be served. Call JoAnn at 637-5000 ext. 6555 to register.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Lunch and Learn, June 15, 12-2 pm, Community Hall, Cow Head: Lunch is provided, no cost to attend, register by calling Shelley Lee at 243-2450 or SueAnn at 243-2129. Event being sponsored by the Bonne Bay Mental health Promotions Committee and the local coordinating committee of the Western Regional Coalition to End Violence (WRCEV).
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Lunch and Learn, June 15, 12-2 pm, Seniors Building, Norris Point: Lunch is provided, no cost to attend, register by calling Allison at 458-2381, ext. 264 or Heather at 458-2381, ext. 266. Event being sponsored by the Bonne Bay Mental Health Promotions Committee and the local coordinating committee of the WRCEV.
Seniors Wellness Day, June 17, 1-4 pm, Stephenville Crossing 50+ Club: For more information, contact Larry at 646-5691.
Spring into Summer-Celebrate Healthy Aging, June 21, 1-4 pm, Lions Club in Port aux Basques: There will be a Health Fair followed by a social. No pre-registration required and no fee to attend.
Tea, Talk and Social, June 23, 1-3 pm, United Church Hall on St. Claire Ave., Stephenville: There will be presentations about healthy eating on a budget and recognizing signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Pre-registration is not required.
Scrapbooking and Tea Party, June 23, 2 pm, Fire Hall in Burgeo: Bring along some family photos for scrapbooking. Local musicians will entertain and baked goods will be served. Register by calling Jeanette at 886-2898, ext. 15.
Seniors Wellness Fair, June 23, 11 am to 4 pm, Birchy Head Recreation Center: Sessions about falls prevention, safety in the home, and fitness. Lunch will be served and no cost to attend. Register before by calling Melissa at 453-2401. Event being sponsored by Safe & Sustainable Communities of Bonne Bay South (the local coordinating committee of the WRCEV).