Seniors Attending Painting Class Together
June is Seniors’ Month in Ontario.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Aging Strong: Respect and Protect Seniors. The intention is to shine a spotlight on and to appreciate the aging population that has built our province, has contributed to the successes of the society we live in today, and to acknowledge that seniors are still respected and admired members of our communities. According to the Government of Ontario website, the “ theme represents the importance of seniors’ valued experience and independence as they age … and protecting what matters most to them.”
Throughout Ontario this month there are award ceremonies, senior socials, and active living and information events for the aging population. For some resources that encourage the participation in Seniors’ month in your area, check out:
- Find a Seniors Active Living Centre near you, and gather information on events and opportunities they are hosting for Seniors’ month
- These active living tips and guidelines for individuals over 65 as recommended from the Government of Canada website
- The Ontario Senior Games, which are held regionally every other year and have events in physical and mental domains
- The city of Hamilton’s Senior of the Year Awards for information on categories, qualifications, nominees, and recipients
- And because laughter is the best medicine, here are some jokes from Elder Options of Texas website to share with the seniors you know and love and keep them laughing!
The seniors in our communities have wisdom and worldly experience that some of our generation will never have the opportunity to gain, and they deserve to be revered and respected for that.
I work as a Recreation Therapist in long-term care, a sector I never thought I would find myself in. But as I drive to work, mentally programming the day, I often think to myself that these are people who may have immigrated to Ontario from around the world, who have lived through one, or possibly two, world wars, who have felt the impact of the Great Depression, and who continue to adapt through scientific and digital revolutions. These resilient, brave, wise, and bright people are who I have the honour to work for now. I get to bring them joy and belonging. And I love my job every single day.
Wishing you all a wonderful Seniors’ month!