More news to follow
Category: age-friendly
What’s New for Fall 2020
Saskatoon Council on Aging Fall Class and Program Schedule
To register: Phone 306.652.2255 pay by credit card or send cheques to SCOA, 2020 College Dr. Saskatoon, S7N 0W4
Note: Class fees must be paid in advance. Class locations will be at SCOA, 2020 College Drive [Field House] unless otherwise indicated.
Registration begins September 1, 2020.
SMALL CLASS SIZES MAINTAINED FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING
TECHNOLOGY
APPLE TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Beginner one-on-one – Apple ONLY
Become more confident using your Apple iPad,iPhone, Computer or Watches.
Register now for 2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hrs) which includes a take home manual. Must bring your device.
Date: Friday afternoons Cost: $40
IOS 13/14 Apple operating system and iPhone/iPad photography/CloudAdvanced Tech classes. Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 13/14) Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with social distancing – register early.
- IOS System Update 13/14
Tuesday, Nov 3 1:30pm – 3:00pm Cost: $20 - iCloud/Photography
Tuesday, Nov 17 1:30pm – 3:00pm Cost:$20
SENIORS TECH BUDDY – ALL DEVICES
Learn how to use your tech device! Older adults work one-on-one with local high school students to learn how to use their iPads, iPhones, Android, tablets, laptops or other mobile devices. DATE TBA
COST: $10 To be added to the waiting list, phone 306-652-2255
Transportation is available for those in need!
For more information and support, please visit the Seniors Help website
ART CLASSES
Acrylic Rose with Dew Drops Art Class
Learn colour mixing and soft blending techniques. Use a muted background to enhance this pretty flower, enjoy learning how to blend soft petals and a dew drop or two, to really make this happy flower sing. A great gift for a loved one. 8”x10” canvas.
All materials included.
Monday, Nov 9, 2020 1pm-4pm $50
Acrylic Prairie Landscape Art Class
Prairie landscapes can be challenging to paint. Excitement can be created, using an interesting colour scheme of yellow and violet fields. A distant elevator can also infuse the work with a nostalgic feeling of hometown Saskatchewan. Join Cecilia on Memory Lane and looking back to our roots. 8”x10” canvas. All materials included
Monday, Nov 23, 2020 1pm-4pm $50
LIFESKILLS
Older Adults Lifeskills Class
Webinar discussing “End of life planning” and “Power of Attorney.”
Canadian Foundation for Economic Education
Thursday, Nov 12 2020 1pm Cost: FREE
Location/Delivery method TBA
SCOA Covid-19 Response
SCOA Re-opening Update
The safety of older adults and the community are top priorities to the Saskatoon Council on Aging.
Current Saskatoon Council on Aging Response:
As safety is paramount, we voluntarily remain with our office closed to public access. Our staff continue to work from home to ensure that older adults have access to resources and information. We can be reached by phone 306-652-2255 or by email admin@scoa.ca for referrals. We maintain a dedicated COVID-19 resource page for older adults on our website www.scoa.ca.
We have a plan in place to reopen when it is safe to do so in compliance with guidelines set out by the Government of Saskatchewan. We plan to prepare our facilities in a way that will allow us to maintain the safety of all involved. We also adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures by creating new opportunities for older adults to stay connected. These include our Telephone Visit Program and a program that shows older adults how to use ZOOM technology to join social groups online.
Once the City of Saskatoon allows SCOA to use their leased space in the Saskatoon Field House [DATE TBA] our organization will continue to operate with the majority of staff working off site and office closed to the public. The office will use a contact-less business model.
Facilities precautions include but are not limited to:
- A maximum of two staff members will work out of the office with their work space being more than 2 meters apart.
- Shared facilities, office equipment, and common touch surfaces such as telephones, computers, reception desk will receive increased cleaning and disinfection
- All staff must wash hands upon entry and exit of building
- Aside from the regular mail services, clients and staff picking up or dropping off items need to schedule times. Pick ups and drop-offs can be done just outside the front entrance of the Field House.
Classes, Programs and Events
- We plan to host fall programs and classes online via ZOOM. Check our website scoa.ca for updates and class schedules
- Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style is scheduled for October 21 at the Western Development Museum http://www.scoa.ca/opry.html
- Spotlight on Seniors is cancelled for 2020 but will resume in 2021. http://www.scoa.ca/sos.html
While there is a significant amount of COVID-19 information available, SCOA recommends utilizing only trusted resources to avoid confusion.
We suggest you act upon the recommendations found on the following web pages or other trusted resources.
- Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 for updates and resources
- Visit Government of Canada for updates and resources
- Visit City of Saskatoon: COVID-19 Information
Potential: SCOA acknowledges the potential challenges brought about by situations such as these. We will continue to do our utmost to remain responsive, flexible, and cooperative in the effort to deliver services and resources to older adults and the community. We will continue to evaluate this model and adjust as necessary as the situation evolves.
Phone 306-652-2255
Email admin@scoa.ca
Facebook @scoa25
Twitter @scoa3
Emerging from the Pandemic: Older Adults Reimagine a More Age-friendly Community
The responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in this community and around the world, rightly focused on protecting lives and preventing the spread of the virus. Unintended consequences however, have had an detrimental effect on older adults who are feeling the full impacts of economic, mental and physical effects of social isolation, challenges to our human rights, neglect and abuse in institutions and care facilities and the trauma of ageist attitudes and discriminations.
It is true, the global pandemic has severely impacted everyone; however, it has disproportionately affected older adults. We are at higher risk of contracting the disease, and more likely to develop severe infections and die from it. In Canada, close to 90% of COVID-!9 related deaths have occurred in people over the age of 60 and a staggering 80% of COVID-19 deaths were in individuals who lived or worked in long term care facilities or other types of care homes. Social isolation, the closing of many parts of society, and the fear and anxiety associated with the pandemic are pronounced for seniors. Many older citizens face severe challenges meeting their basic needs, such as shopping for food, medications, and obtaining needed health and community care. Some live in potentially dangerous environments where elder abuse is a potential factor. Older adults living in care facilities have been denied access for months to those who love them and any contact has been reduced to electronic communication and window waves.
“Much research has shown that human connection is a key determinant of health, and COVID-19 restrictions, while necessary, don’t really justify complete isolation from family, caregivers and friends. “
The challenges that older adults are experiencing are not new and few are unique to the virus. But COVID-19 intensifies and complicates everything and exacerbates the many challenges faced by older adults. The most distressing are the ageist stereotypes and discriminations that have become more visible in the last few months. Ageism is defined as a process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old. It means that older people are devalued and their human rights compromised. Indeed, older adults have become the focus of this pandemic and have been isolated or paternalistically (though well-intentioned) protected without their own choices being respected.
“People above the age of 65 are often assumed to be a homogeneous group of “older people” or “Seniors” who are frail, lack independent decision-making capacity and need to be protected. The reality is strikingly different.”
There are three distinct generations between the ages of 60 and 100. Close to 90% live independently and make significant contributions to society. For example, the restrictions on older adults’ abilities to engage in meaningful volunteer activities is impacting community organizations at a time when many need increased hours of volunteerism to meet the challenges of the pandemic. In the same way that infants, children and youth have very distinct characteristics, so too do different older adult generations. One size does not fit all.
The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) tackles issues of importance to older adults and has continued to support older adult throughout the pandemic. We are uniquely positioned to communicate directly to citizens and public officials about what is at stake and what might be improved. SCOA can propose solutions that would improve policies and programs for an aging population and create a better quality of life for older citizens. We hope that the spotlight on the experiences of older people during this crisis will bring stronger commitment to working toward a more age-friendly community.
SCOA has adopted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Age-Friendly Cities” model as a critical way to support older adults to age positively in Saskatoon. In an age-friendly city, policies, services, settings and structures support and enable people to age actively by recognizing the wide range of capacities and resources among older people, anticipating and responding flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences, respecting their decisions and lifestyle choices, protecting those who are most vulnerable and promoting their inclusion in and contribution to all areas of community life.
SCOA’s multi-year Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative revealed three key issues that hundreds of older adults in Saskatoon identified as critical in ensuring a good quality of life:
- Ageism is the greatest barrier older adults face.
- Older adults want to have input into policies and programs that affect them.
- The entire community has a role to play in creating an age-friendly environment.
As evaluations are carried out to examine COVID-19 pandemic responses how do we ensure that the voices of older adults are heard, that older persons are appropriately protected in the future, that we do not overlook how extremely diverse this age group is, how incredibly resilient we are, and the importance of the multiple roles we have in society, including as caregivers, employees, volunteers and community leaders? Here are some suggestions:
- Examine all policy decisions and community advisories through an age-friendly lens. SCOA has developed a tool just for this purpose. Policies need to be made with us not for us.
- Begin to create and foster living environments that truly support quality of life in all its aspects from access to good health care to high quality food, recreation and community building. Ensure that staffing and care standards in both community and long term care are elevated to the same level of importance in the health care system as hospital care.
- Begin right now, not after the pandemic is declared over, to develop a detailed provincial senior’s strategy that will re-examine and act upon the learnings of the pandemic on eliminating ageism, developing age-friendly communities and attending to mental health and self- determination. Create a full spectrum of options for those who want to live independently, or with home care support, assisted and intermediate care living alternatives, and those who require complex care. Ensure that older adults lead/participate in this work.
- Open a public discussion about ethical responses and protection of human rights during this pandemic crisis and how as a community we can foster an age-friendly community that supports positive aging for all citizens.
SCOA’s hope is that by articulating these challenges and opportunities, we might move more quickly to minimize the negative outcomes of COVID-19, maximize positive changes that might be possible and redouble our efforts to improve our aging society in ways that benefit people across the life span. We will emerge from this pandemic having paid a high price but more resilient and determined than ever. Now is the time to take bold action, create communities and caring environments that promote positive aging: something all of us deserve.
Candace Skrapek
Shan Landry
Jane McPhee
Past Presidents, Saskatoon Council on Aging
What older adults need to know NOW about virtual communication
One truth that has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic is how important virtual communication has become. Sometimes it’s the only means of communication possible. In hospital settings and nursing homes where visitors are not allowed to visit, virtual communication becomes the only way (besides trying to talk through a window) to reach a loved one and keep them (or yourself) from feeling totally abandoned.
And please don’t throw up your hands and say: Oh, that’s so beyond me; I’ll just phone; my family will be there for me; I haven’t needed it in the past 20 years and I don’t need it now! Really? You may need it tomorrow if you have to be admitted to a care facility or hospital.
Got your attention? Let’s start with the common cell phone. I think everyone should have one for safety sake in any case, and should, at the very least, know how to text, send emails, use FaceTime and just for fun, learn how to take photos. These basic functions will allow you to keep in touch with your family and they with you.
So why not prepare now for a worst possible communication scenario?
Even if you never have to endure the trauma of mandatory visiting restrictions keeping you from a loved one, note that there are many other advantages to a cell phone. Texting is the fastest way to reach the grandkids!! FaceTime brings them right to the edge of your chair. And they can teach you the basic functions of a cell phone! And photos are fun!
Why not give it a try?
Isn’t it everyone’s responsibility to learn to communicate virtually?
You’ll be glad you did!
by Mercedes Montgomery, SCOA Co-President
Great collection of how to’s for ZOOM
Live on Zoom: Musical Finale with Harreson James
Calling all Hub Clubbers and older adults
The Saskatoon Council on Aging and the University of Saskatchewan invite you to join our “Virtual” Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club!
LIVE ON ZOOM:
Online Musical Performance with Harreson James
When: May 28th, 2020 at 1 pm NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
HOW TO JOIN: How to Join the webinar PDF or WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
Please click this link to join! If prompted, enter: Webinar ID: 886 9082 7261
Do you have a computer, tablet or an iPad? Join us for this lighthearted, entertaining musical performance.
Along with some great tunes, we’ll also be releasing the NEW fall schedules for all the Hub Clubs in the city. Join us for some rockin’ good tunes!
Don’t know how to use Zoom?
Are you joining by ipad or tablet or smartphone for the first time? You will need to be able to download the Zoom app. We can help, but you will need your username and password to download apps.
No problem, click on this link for a step by step demonstration.
A collection of how-tos for using Zoom
Participating in a Zoom Webinar Quick Start Guide
Tech Support PDF Instructions:
Android – How to install Zoom on a computer or tablet
Computer – How to create a Zoom account
Computer – How to install Zoom and join a meeting
iPad or iPhone – How to install Zoom and join a meeting
Tech Support – Video Instructions:
How to install Zoom on Windows 10
How to use Zoom on Windows 10
How to install and use Zoom on iPad
How to install and use the Zoom app on an Android device
Still having problems with Zoom?
Again, no problem, the University of Saskatchewan is here to assist you with all of your Zoom tech questions.
For one-on-one assistance call Megan O’Connell at 1.306.966.2496?
if you are interested in virtual socialization hubs please click here
Telephone Visit Program
Like many other organizations we have cancelled and postponed events until it will be deemed safe by government and health authorities. As a result of COVID-19, older adults are at high risk for social isolation. They lack opportunities to stay engaged and socialize with others; a key component to health and wellness. They also lack access to current or reliable information as many do not use or cannot access the internet. This may further impede their ability to access basic necessities such as groceries, health products or medical assistance.
The Saskatoon Council on Aging is working with community organizations on a new project to support isolated older adults. We will launch a Telephone Visit program that matches seniors with trained and screened volunteers from community organizations. The volunteers will connect with older adults once or twice a week to chat. Conversations can be short or long and can cover any topic from pets to gardening. The volunteers are not social workers, doctors or any other health care professional. They are just regular people that want to help and touch base with older adults. The only information that will be shared is a first name and a phone number. Seniors can also pick the best time for volunteers to call.
SCOA will be a central intake agency to provide callers with referrals and support relating to COVID-19. If the senior is experiencing isolation they would be connected to friendly volunteers that would be a “telephone buddy” .
To register phone SCOA 306.652.2255
Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
In partnership with United Way of Saskatoon and Area.
Background:
The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] serves the approximately 80,000 older adults 55 and over in Saskatoon and area. The coronavirus outbreak has profoundly impacted the lives of older adults. They are at a high risk to become socially isolated due to necessary social distancing measures designed to keep them safe.
Prior to the crisis, SCOA provided many opportunities for older adults to socialize and stay connected. We presently have a membership of 4500 older adults. We keep people informed through our one stop information and resource centre, caregiver information and support centre, newsletters, directory of services for older adults, spotlight on Seniors trade show and our websites. Our programs and services including seniors neighborhood hub clubs, century club, life- long learning programs and globe walk program keep older adults socially connected, engaged, active and healthy.
Using technology to reduce social isolation
Seniors are particularly impacted by social distancing measures to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many older adults feel more isolated than ever before. The Saskatoon Council on Aging is partnering with the University of Saskatchewan for an exciting new project to help older adults stay connected and access social opportunities.
SCOA will undertake a pilot project with researcher Megan E. O’Connell, a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan. The pilot involves showing older adults how to use the popular video conferencing app Zoom. Clinical psychology graduate students under Dr. O’Connell’s supervision will call older adults and walk them through getting them set up to use Zoom. Online or virtual groups will be organized for a variety of topics of interest to older adults including health and mental health. Group sessions will be limited to 8 older adults and will allow time for questions and socialization.
To take part in the project phone Dr. O’Connell 1.306.966.2496
For more information and support, please visit the Seniors Help website
The project will promote interactivity between older adults and sharing information through presentations. Technology will also reduce the social isolation experienced by many older adults. They will also experience increased mental engagement a
nd improved health and well being. Older adults will also learn new skills and find out new services available to them.
SCOA Covid-19 Response
The following events have been cancelled:
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – June 18
The following events have been postponed: NEW DATES**
–Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – OCTOBER 21, 2020
– Main Caregiver Forum – NOVEMBER 20, 2020
–Spotlight on Seniors OCTOBER 5, 2021 NEW DATE
Our office is currently closed to the public. To ensure safety with respect to COVID-19, staff will work remotely. We will be available by phone, email or social media for inquiries or referrals.
Phone 306-652-2255
Email admin@scoa.ca
Facebook @scoa25
Twitter @scoa3
As older adults have a higher risk of getting very ill after exposure to COVID-19, the Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] is very concerned about this situation.
• The safety of older adults and the community is paramount – SCOA wants to play our part to help flatten the curve for our healthcare system.
• We are cancelling and postponing our social events to ensure that older adults stay safe and also to ensure safety of the community.
• We are also communicating with our membership about basic precautions to take such as hand washing, social distancing et cetera to slow the spread of the virus and also where they can go for more information.
• We urge everyone in the community to stay updated and follow the precautions outlined by the Province of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada
Please watch our website http://www.scoa.ca or call our office 652-2255 for further updates.
Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – Meet Roy Hargreaves
Now retired, Roy was employed with the SHR as a maintenance service worker. He enjoys the outdoors particularly going camping, fishing and golfing. Many years ago Roy took up music as a hobby and became a singer, songwriter and guitar player.
Roy is also a music volunteer with the SHR.
He has performed at many formal and non-formal events over the years. Family and friends enjoy his talent around camp fires, weddings and get-togethers.
He won the trophy for Saskatoon Zoomer Idol in 2017 and won again in 2018 in our Best of Saskatoon Zoomer Idol.
Grand Old Opry “Zoomer Style”
October 21, 2020
Western Development Museum
Enjoy a gala evening of country and western music presented by a talented roster of seasoned performers.
Doors open 5 pm Cash Bar
Supper 6 pm, Entertainment 7:30 pm
Tickets: $100 [tax receipts issued $65]
Phone 306.652.2255 pay with credit card
Buy online at Eventbrite
Visit our office in the field house – 2020 College Drive
