Experience Transit 2018

Saskatoon Transit is exploring new ways in which to promote sustainable alternatives to car use and to support friendly forms of transportation such as walking, cycling, ride sharing, and public transit. There is huge potential in this area for older adults, new Canadians, students, and any individuals new to transit to become more active in multi-modal transportation. Saskatoon Transit is leading this kind of change. This summer there will be several opportunities for you to test drive transit and Experience Transit as a 1^st or 2^nd time rider.

People new to transit are faced with challenges as they consider a change in their mode of transportation. These may include: having a support system to find a new way of being independent and mobile, understanding bus routes, fears and anxiety, and adapting to a new mode of travel. Experience Transit is a first step – positive experience that will help you overcome these initial challenges of travelling on transit.

Who can benefit from this travel training experience

• Older adults and their families
• Those already using transit but lacking confidence or having some anxiety about transit
• Those with a physical and/or cognitive disability
• Those with a mobility aide (ie: walker, wheelchair)
• Those who would like to learn about public transit but who are still capable of driving
• Those who are new to Saskatoon or have never tried transit before
• Those who have English as a second language

Details about Experience Saskatoon Transit

• In partnership with different Saskatoon community organizations, Saskatoon Transit will be offering 2 hour Experience Transit sessions this summer
• In this 2 hour travel training session you will be introduced to Saskatoon Transit staff, learn about bus fares, how to board and disembark a bus, travel on a transit route, and participate in a lively “Transit 101” discussion. Each session is limited to 6 persons per group and availability is on a first-come basis. The size of each group, duration of session and start/end times may vary.
• Available Dates & Time:

Wed., June 20, 2018 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)                Thurs. June 21, 2018          (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Wed., July 18, 2018  (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)                Thurs., July 19, 2018                (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Wed., Aug. 15, 2018  (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)                Thurs., Aug. 16, 2018                (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) 

Wed., Sept. 19, 2018               (10:00 pm – 12:00 pm)                Thurs., Sept. 20, 2018                (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

To request an application form to register a spot for yourself or a group (4-6) for one of these dates, or for more information about Experience Transit, please contact one of the following:

Cory Shrigley                                                           

Customer Support & Engagement Manager                                 Customer Service Center

Saskatoon Transit                                                                           Saskatoon Transit

Tel. 306.975.2990  cell 306.380.7100                                            Tel. 306.975.3100

Email: cory.shrigley@saskatoon.ca                                                Email: transit.services@saskatoon.ca

 

 

 

 

Advertisements

SCOA Summer Hours

SCOA’s summer office hours effective June 18, 2018:

Monday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Closed over lunch 12 pm to 1 pm

Have a great summer!

Photo by Zainab Aamir on Pexels.com

The Best of Zoomer Idol

“The Best of Zoomer Idol”
A fundraiser for the Saskatoon Council on Aging

WHEN: Thursday, October 25th , 2018
Doors open 5 p.m. Supper 6:30 p.m.
Performances 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:  WESTERN DEVELOPMENT MUSEUM
Tickets: $100  [partial tax receipt issued]
Phone 306-652-2255 or visit scoa.ca 

Presented by:

Four years of Saskatoon Zoomer Idol yielded an astonishing
array of talent right here in River City.  Participation in Zoomer Idol provided wonderful opportunities for older adults 55+ to step into the spotlight. From a roster of 32 great acts, our co-artistic directors  selected 8 to perform in a gala showcase.
 Best of Zoomer Idol Contestants:

• To celebrate the talents of these older adults, the Saskatoon
  Council on Aging presents our fall fundraising event :
  “The Best of Zoomer Idol.”
  
• In 2017, attendees enjoyed “Partying on with Canada” at the fourth Saskatoon Zoomer Idol Competition.

For 2018, we look forward to an exciting grand finale for Zoomer!

 

Get Your Groove on at Spotlight 2018!

Spotlight on Seniors is the largest showcase for older adults in Saskatchewan.  Held annually, the show is a day of fun for older adults and also promotes health and wellness.
Proudly presented by:

This year’s show theme is “Get Your Groove On” and focuses on fun physical activities and games.
Featuring:
Hula Hoopsters – Creative movement and demonstrations
and more!
Musical entertainment includes Gopher Broke and Spectacle.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018
TCU Place  Grand Salon – 35 22nd St. East, Saskatoon
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lunch available for purchase

• Product demonstrations
• Wellness and fitness information
• Financial resources Information
• Hobbies and leisure activities
• Health products
• Government services
• And much more…

Also ….
Music, entertainment, free refreshments throughout the show

 

 

 

Cherry Bop Hop

Join us for the Cherry Bop Hop – a red-hot event to kick off spring 2019!
A new fundraising venture for the Saskatoon Council on Aging,
this dance party features:

• The band England playing tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,
• Eye-popping decorations and novelties
• Signature cocktails and refreshments
• Door prizes and raffles and much more!
• Dance demos with Julie Janzen

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019
Dance to the music of 50’s and 60’s and 70’S
Location: Western Development Museum (WDM)
Supper: 6:30 p.m. Dance: 7:30 pm.  Tickets: $65 [ON SALE DECEMBER 1, 2018]
306-652-2255 or visit scoa.ca 

Paint the town red! Wear red and be entered to win a cool prize!

Route 808 Pilot bus route

For some it’s a challenge getting to health care facilities using public transit. Route 808 is a pilot bus route designed to give people an easy way to get to and from their appointments. No more asking for a ride, walking long distances or booking in advance with Access Transit. Starting June 1, Route 808 will travel between City Hall, Saskatoon Housing Authority, Cancer Centre, Field House, Luther Tower, Ronald McDonald House, City Hospital and Medical Arts/Palisades on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Regular fares apply) Route 808 will provide a safe, easy, and independent way to get to your appointments. For more details, download the mobile app called Transit, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca or call 306.975.3100.

Age-Friendly Dimension #5 Respect and Social Inclusion.

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

The older generation has a wealth of experience and wisdom to share as they stay connected with their world. However, the opportunity to have their stories heard and be a positive influence with family and friends and in the community can be compromised as we age.

One of the biggest challenges facing the older generation is loneliness and isolation. Some of us are fortunate to remain connected with those closest to us and manage to keep engaged in purposeful activities. For others, as conditions of aging become more prevalent, isolation may increase as the ability to access the outside world decreases.

If we are the older adult, what can we do to stay connected with our community and continue to make a contribution? If we are the son or daughter of an older adult, what can we do to reduce potentially challenging circumstances that lead to social isolation?

We need to look at how to support independence. It sounds counter intuitive, but introducing a little help earlier in the aging journey will go a long way to maintaining a higher quality of life and reducing preventable decline. The help can be from family and friends who can commit to being available on a regular or as-needed basis. Sometimes it makes sense to also invest in additional services to support the primary caregivers. A few stories come to mind as examples:

It has been our privilege to support a client with moderate dementia remain engaged in meaning activities such as having lunch with a peer group, volunteering in a greenhouse and visiting with long term care residents. Family was also highly engaged with their loved one in a variety of ways; our role was to provide companionship and outings while family members were at work.

An older adult with lots of vitality but lacking some physical mobility is able to remain in her home and spent her energy on the things that matter most to her. She is delighted to have a few visits per week for assistance with practical tasks in her home, which frees her up to take an art class and spend more time with family and friends, rather than needing “two days to recover” after changing the bedding or vacuuming.

One woman who was living with dementia was able to keep up her routine of swimming lengths at the pool each morning. The CAREGiver picked up her client, provided some cueing in the change room and assisted the client into the water. After that, pure joy! We also ensured the client was eating nutritious food and drinking enough water each day.

One gentleman lives on his own, family are out of town. He enjoys going for drives, stopping in at favorite, familiar coffee shops and venues. The CAREGiver encourages and assists with walking and other activities.

In helping their loved one remain independent and engaged in the community, family caregivers may reach a point where they need to make changes in their caregiving routine so that their energy is sustainable for the long term. While it can be a difficult decision, it is commendable when a family member can see the threat of burnout on the horizon and put plans in place for their own health so that they can continue providing care for a family member.

One of the ways to move forward is to acknowledge there is or could be a problem and seek agreement amongst those in our circle to address specific concerns. Often, the concerns are obvious: signs of aging – poor balance, loss of appetite, reduced mobility, lack of personal care, lack of medication management, loneliness, reduced cognition and the toll providing care is taking on family members. Sometimes these conditions are health related which can be improved medically. Decide what’s most important to address first and move in that direction. Determine to have a respectful, open handed, open hearted conversation.

To address being treated or treating other older adults with respect and ensuring social inclusion, here are a few reflective questions which may be helpful for you or family members.

1. What is the biggest barrier to talking with our parents about how things may need to change as they age? Or, if we are the older adult, what is the biggest barrier preventing me for sharing my wishes or concerns with my children or closest friends?
2. When it comes to helping older adults stay engaged in activities and connected in the community, what are some of the problems families face?
3. In your situation, what are the three biggest concerns you are currently aware of?

• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________

4. In your situation, what three things can you do this week to begin addressing your concerns?

• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________

Greg Charyna
M.Div., M.Ed., CPCA
Home Instead Senior Care