On November 11th, we remember all veterans who fought for our country.
We are honoured they call our communities their home and to care for them after they cared for all Canadians.
Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” Maya Angelou
This quote feels like it is a rather apt reminder as we continue to navigate the pandemic. While we remember to wash our hands, protect ourselves, and respect others, there are also ways in which we can focus on bringing hope and laughter to our community.
Let us live with joy and zest for life even while enduring the challenges set before us. We must continue to stay focused on best practises, express gratitude to the caregivers and frontline workers, and above all continue to live in hope and look for ways to “be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Stay Safe. Be Well. Take Care.
Farid Damji | Co-Founder & Principal
Optima Living
www.optimaliving.ca
Webinar
Sex and Seniors - Debunking the Myths Part II
Sexuality and intimacy are important for a meaningful and healthy life at any age. Our recent webinar, Seniors and Sex: Debunking the Myths Part II, talks about this.
The University of Alberta’s Dr. Adrian Wagg and Optima Living Principal Ali Shivji discuss the health challenges of intimacy and the myths surrounding sexuality and ageing. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see it!
Wisteria Place's One Month Anniversary
It has been just over one month since Wisteria Place's first residents move into their new home. There have been so many “firsts” in the last month, including first move-in, first entertainer, first Bingo game, first craft, first Zumba class, first salon visit, and the list goes on and on.
One of those "firsts" was a beautiful paper crane installation put up by ArtWorks and Keiko Go in the foyer. The Steveston Buddhist Temple handmade each of the hundreds of cranes on display.
They are looking forward to more new residents joining the family!
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
On Thursday, September 30th, Optima Living communities gathered to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities in the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Wisteria Place residents gathered to watch the TV broadcast out of Kamloops Nation. While watching the ceremonial drummers, the residents drummed along with them in a response of solidarity.
The Golden Sands community took time to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Wild Rose community hosted their weekly poetry reading, beginning with a discussion on what Truth and Reconciliation means. This was followed by poems written by Indigenous writers.
The Aster Gardens community handed out orange ribbons.
Read more on Optima Living's blog by clicking here.
Halloween Fun
Halloween was in the air at Riverside Manor! Staff member, Benjamin, was caught in the act of decorating the residence and their clinical lead, Danielle (who is on maternity leave), shared a photo of her baby girl, Eloise's, costume. Much fun was had!
Sage Brush residents came ready to celebrate! Their Halloween party not only had a photo booth for dressing up, but they also had photo boards, tattoos, pumpkin ring toss, spider races, and a zombie eyeball toss. And it wouldn't be a party without food—some delicious appetizers and treats that their lovely kitchen cooked up!
Aster Gardens Activities
One of the many fun activities available at Aster Gardens is our indoor pool. Our residents take full advantage of this luxury adding in some healthy competition with a round of water volleyball!
Residents also enjoyed a little adventure and some fresh air with a walk at Strathcona Wilderness Park, just east of the Aster Gardens residence.
Cottonwood Village Outing
The Cottonwood Village residents had a spectacular outing to Lundbreck Falls this past month. All the fall colours were on display and made for a perfect afternoon of sightseeing.
Lundbreck Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in southwestern Alberta.
Fall Prevention Month
Be Agile, Not Fragile - Are You At Risk of Breaking a Bone?
November is Fall Prevention Month!
Did you know that up to 73% of seniors have a fear of falling and many of those people restrict their activities as a result? The best way to protect yourself from a fall is to ensure that you have the strength to overcome it! And that comes from strong bones.
Our team wants to help ensure everyone in our community can continue to live without fear at any age. In this webinar, Dr. Adrian Wagg—the Alberta Health Services Chair in Healthy Ageing—discussed the best ways to make sure your bones are healthy so you can live your best life.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see it!
