“Dementia!” Many seniors cringe when they hear that word. Canadian statistics show that dementia “more than doubles every 5 years for Canadians age 65 and older, from less than 1% for those age 65 to 69 to about 25% for those 85 and older. Dementia is more prevalent among women than men, and the gap increases with age,” according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. And if one does not get dementia, there is a great likelihood that one will be caregiver. A challenging role that can continue for many years.
There are a few things that can be done, not to cure, but perhaps to slow the chances of becoming one of the statistics. High on the list of modifiable factors is good diet and good company. Isolation and poor diets are too common for many seniors. The United Way has reached out to several communities with funding to address those issues. The Gibsons Seniors Society at Harmony Hall is using the funding from United Way to provide free seniors social lunches every Saturday at noon. There is good food, good comradery and always some entertainment too.
GSS members volunteer each Saturday to welcome all seniors and serve a good free lunch. The only criteria to attend is to book in advance of course, to self-identify as a senior. The meals change each week as does the entertainment. There has been a wide variety of great events: fiddlers, ukelele players, trivia, and sing alongs.
All seniors are welcome, but it is not a drop-in event. Book seats for the next available Saturday by calling Harmony Hall, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday to Friday 604-886-3919 and don’t forget to let us know if you would like a vegetarian meal. Anyone who would like to volunteer to entertain, can also give us a call as we would love to hear from you too.
