Join Us! Become a full member of SCOA

Did you know?  Growing older can be the best time of your life.

The key to aging well is staying active, engaged and informed. The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] is a non-profit organization that promotes positive aging for all in an age-friendly community.

Our programs and services can help you feel great, as you grow older –
Stay active, engaged and informed with us!

5 Great reasons to be a full member!

1. Access learning, fitness and social opportunities for older adults

• Keep your mind active: SCOA offers technology classes, crafts, Life skills workshops
• Keep your body active: The SCOA Globe Walkis a free monthly fitness challenge – Join a team, stay fit and have fun!
• Social activities promote health and well-being:  Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Clubs, are free monthly socials – now in 5 locations city wide!

2. Stay informed with information that matters to you! You receive…

• The latest happenings and community events delivered right to your
  inbox with a monthly eNews
• Coming of Age newsletter with useful articles, classes & programs for seniors and news

3. You receive discounts from participating sponsors and our special coupon pack

4. You have a vote at our annual general meeting and learn more about your community

5. You help us build an age-friendly communitywhere older adults are valued and included

Make your voice heard – Be part of a friendly, growing community of older adults [3600+]

You can help us build a better future with older adults –
Become a member today!
Single memberships $25/Couples $35/Corporate $250/Nonprofit $25/Associate Free
Memberships renewed yearly [April 1 to March 31]

1. Phone 306.652.2255 to pay with credit card

2. Sign up online scoa.ca

3. Visit our office 2020 College Drive[ Field House ]

Goodbye Freedom 55. Hello Freedom 70+

by Murray Scharf

As a result of the increasing longevity and healthy-life period of older adults, the work opportunities and financial needs of older adults have changed significantly.  For the cohort of people born in the 1920s, the life expectancy was less than 65 years and for those reaching retirement, the life expectancy was three years for males and eight years for females. Thus, “freedom 55” had some valence.

However, for the current cohort of retirees, those born in the 1950s, the average person was expected to reach 65 and, on average, enjoy 13 years of retirement for males and 17 years for females.  The current cohort entering the workforce are expected to live well into their 80s with nearly one quarter living to the age of 100.  A ‘Third Age’ has been inserted into our lives.  Thus, “Goodbye Freedom 55; Hello Freedom 70+.”

In recognition of this ‘Third Age’, the Saskatoon Council on Aging, in partnership with Radius, Saskatoon YWCA, the Saskatoon Chapter of the Saskatchewan Retired Teachers, and the North Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, has undertaken The New Horizons: Seniors Encore Career Project.  The purpose of the Project is to facilitate the engagement of older adults in the workforce and in entrepreneurial pursuits.  The general aim is “to consider ways of redesigning life so that long lives become a gift that is energizing, creative and fun.”

The Encore Careers Project encompassed two stages: an exploratory stage to assess the needs of older adults, and a second stage to explore career transition options.  In the exploratory stage, focus groups and individual interviews were held with selected samples of older adults. The focus was on the older adults employed, seeking employment or wishing to enter into entrepreneurial endeavours.  In the second stage, the focus was on service agencies and employers.  The Project is ongoing with a focus on workshops and the employer dimensions.

It was soon realized that one of the major needs was for the development of a pathways and agencies document that could serve as a road map for individuals and agencies seeking support and services.  As a result, the Directory of Service Agencies was developed.  This document will be made available through the SCOA website: http://www.scoa.ca/publications.html.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Still looking for last minute holiday gifts? The Saskatoon Council on Aging has a few suggestions that would make wonderful gifts or stocking stuffers for older adults:

A TASTE OF TIME – Not your ordinary kind of Recipe Book

A Taste of Time is more than a cookbook; it is a keepsake and a tribute to special moments with friends and family.   The first  section  “Heritage Recipes preserve the Family Memories”  has stories about recipes brought over from “the old country” or new recipes discovered in the new land.  On the home remedy side there is the traditional mustard plaster for colds  and also interesting tidbits like 60 uses for salt and 15 uses for Vodka.

The  “Home for the Holidays” section includes stories around interesting traditions families put into their celebrations, including cultural traditions  like Ukrainian Christmas Eve or  special birthday cake recipes.  The last section “Pass Along the Recipes” has sections like Prairie Comfort Food “Casserole & Potluck Dishes”.

Taste of Time is a tribute to all the culturally diverse and memorable recipes and stories from our past. This cookbook can be purchased ($20) from Saskatoon Council on Aging 306-652-2255. All proceeds from the cookbook go towards supporting programs and services for older adults!

SCOA Globe Walk Lanyards

A Globe Walk Lanyard would be a perfect gift idea for those on your list who are 50+ years!

For the low cost of  $20, the lanyard will give a Globe Walk team member access to the indoor track at the Field House twice a week from January through April.

If they are not a team member, it is easy (and free) to become part of the SCOA team.

To pick up a lanyard, visit the SCOA office in the Saskatoon Field House or for more information, call our office at 306 652-2255.

Give the gift of SCOA Membership

Looking for the perfect gift for  friend, family member or that person who is hard to shop for 55 + ? Consider giving a gift of membership with the Saskatoon Council on Aging.

Read more …

Two great cookbooks!

Back by popular demand just in time for the holidays! Two great cookbooks to choose from: Living Simply or A Taste of Time. You may decide to get both!  The books are $20 each and proceeds go towards SCOA`s programs and services.

Living Simply is a great gift for anyone who is venturing out on their own for the first time, has recently assumed new family responsibilities or is new to Canada. Prepared by the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economists (Saskatoon), this book is more than just great recipes. It also offers practical tips and basic home skills on anything from how to safely thaw meats to reading labels. 

A Taste of Time features treasured family recipes and the stories that make them memorable. Enjoy over 222 recipes, unique anecdotes and quirky tips. Each section of the cookbook is marked with beautiful, original drawings by local artist Helen Johnson.

Don’t hesitate – reserve your copies of these treasures today! Call 306-652-2255.