INSPIRED senior living magazine FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
NOVEMBER 2017
AMANDA & RICK HANSEN
ARTISTIC ACTIVIST HINDA AVERY ADVENTURES ON NATURE’S ISLAND
Inspiration for peopleWWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM over 55 • www.seniorlivingmag.com NOVEMBER 2017
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When it came time to update my life insurance last week, I was forced to think about my end-of-life plan. I know, I know, death speak in our culture is a morbid taboo, but I tried to approach it with the same positivity and humour I 4 Rick Hansen: Still in Motion tackle everything else. by John Thomson My focus is primarily on what I want done with my body after I 8 Community Dynamo no longer occupy it. Not unlike the “stuff” cluttering my closets, I’ve grown rather attached to this flesh vessel. Still, it needs to be dealt by Olivia Danylchuk with and one can only procrastinate for so long. Sure, I’m relatively 10 Know When to Hold ’Em young and healthy, but the eventuality of my demise is inescapable. For options, I turned to my go-to lifestyle/deathstyle consultant: by William Chiu Google. Traditional burial and cremation, it turns out, have cata14 Fostering a Sense of Community strophic implications for the environment. It would be difficult for me to square that circle in good conscience. by Catherine Gilbert Being part of an exhibit like BODY WORLDS would be wicked16 Self-Management Offers New Hope cool, but they aren’t accepting new, ahem, models. Medical school donation seems laudable, but I’m haunted by malodorous memories by Anne Riddick of the indignities visited upon formaldehyde-soaked frogs in high26 Blazes Worth Spreading school biology. by John Kelly In Tana Toraja, Indonesia, the bodies of dead relatives are kept in the family’s home and cared for years after they’ve bought the farm. 32 Dilettante Turned Published Author Family photos depict the deceased held up to “pose” for the camera. by INSPIRED Staff No amount of Instagram’s beauty filter could save me in those shots. Finally, I stumbled upon a TED Talk about the Infinity Burial 34 Artistic Activist Suit. One-hundred per cent biodegradable, the full-body, black suit by Sherry Conly contains a mix of mushrooms and microorganisms that aid in decomposition, work to neutralize toxins and transfer nutrients to plant life. In effect, returning my organic matter to nature with sartorial style. One of the funniest questions on the FAQ FOREVER FIT 19 TRAVEL 38 page was “Will the mushrooms eat me while ADVENTURE 20 ENTERTAINMENT 44 I’m alive?” Frequently asked, really? What did they have in mind? Office costume party? REBOOT 29 THE FAMILY CAREGIVER 46 Or simply getting their ninja on in the living YOUR MONEY 30 MARKETPLACE 47 room? Who knows, but it made me chuckle. Death FASHION 31 COURAGEOUS & OUTRAGEOUS 48 may not be funny, but life sure can be. While we still have breath in our lungs, we may as Cover AMANDA & RICK well laugh. |
NOVEMBER 2017
HANSEN
Nearly 30 years on, the couple continues to champion spinal cord research, public education and advocacy.
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Rick Hansen says he feels he’s one of the luckiest guys on the planet. Photo: Rick Hansen Foundation 6
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RICK HANSEN: STILL IN MOTION by JOHN THOMSON It was a momentous accomplishment, a global wheelchair odyssey spanning 34 countries, four continents and 40,000 kilometres. Rick Hansen’s 1985 Man in Motion Tour raised $26 million for spinal cord research. Thirty years later, the former Paralympian remains as passionate as ever about educating the public, funding ongoing research and championing access for the physically disabled. That’s not so say there haven’t been challenges along the way. Like the rest of us as we grow older, Rick has had to revaluate his priorities and shift strategies, keeping the end game in sight while embracing change. Change was already in the air the minute he returned from 26 months on the road. “I realized that the dream of the Tour was more than the Tour itself,” he says of those early days after circumnavigating the world in 1987. The Tour had raised awareness and people were talking about disability issues, but what was the next step and what could he do about it? “I needed some space,” he says. “I was trying to return to my athletic career, but I couldn’t find the motivation. I was getting a little demoralized, a little beat-up, emotionally. I couldn’t even get back into a training session, so that was tough. Okay, I said to myself, if I’m not getting back into athletics, who am I? What am I? It took some mentoring.” He turned to friends and family, notably his wife Amanda and his father-in-law Patrick Reid, the former commissioner-general of Expo ’86. “I was lucky,” says Rick. “Amanda wasn’t just my
physiotherapist, she’s my best friend and greatest advisor, someone who could shed a light on my strengths and weaknesses. I tend to see possibilities and Amanda’s very practical. How are we going to get there?” Amanda and Rick. It’s a classic love story. Physiotherapist Amanda Reid was not supposed to go on the Tour, of course; she was initially hired to get Rick ready for the road but as her visits increased, she soon became a valuable member of the road crew, keeping him healthy and adjusting his chair for the terrain ahead. “So, if I knew he had tendonitis in a certain area then I could change the position of the chair to take pressure off that area. It became quite a strategy,” she recalls. Sparks flew the minute they met, says Rick. “Oh, no question, at least from this side of the fence,” he laughs. Their working relationship blossomed into love. “We had something special,” he continues. “The real question was, were we going to throw it up to fate and random moments or were we going to take a real risk and put our relationship through the gauntlet of the Tour and see if we’d survive?” They survived the gauntlet and got married shortly after returning to Canada, but Amanda, like Rick, found it difficult to pick up where she left off. “After we got married, I started to do some casual relief at my old position and it became apparent that it wasn’t going to be a fit for me because of the profile. Patients viewed me differently. It just created a weird dynamic,” she says. “We just made a decision that I would stay at home and take a number of years off to raise our girls.” Realizing the Tour affected him deeply and wanting to make
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Snapshot with Rick Hansen
If you were to meet your 20-year-old self, what advice would you give him? “I’d say number one, don’t be so hard on yourself. Trust yourself more. And number two, make sure you continue to reflect more on the everyday successes. Look for those magic moments.” Who or what has influenced you the most and why? “My primary hero is Stan Strong, the manager of our [former] basketball team, the Vancouver Cablecars. He was probably one of the first surviving people of spinal cord injury. He was injured in the ’30s. He carved a life for himself out of nothing and supported me when I was wondering what life was like in a wheelchair with spinal injury. He made me realize it’s all about attitude. It’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do with it and see possibility, not disability.’ What does courage mean to you? “Courage is the ability to move forward in the face of adversity and stand up for your values.” What does success mean to you? “Success is feeling you’ve lived a life of self-awareness and integrity.” |
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a difference, Rick decided to follow two paths, one as a motivational speaker and the other as a part-time advocate, volunteering his time and knowledge. “I saw myself as an armslength leader,” he says, “so I found myself chasing two different career tracks: speaking and my work on the issue of disability. One day after our first born, Emma, arrived, I was doing a speech for a company and not wanting to be there. I wasn’t clear and present. I came back and told Amanda she was right, I had to get more focused. I just had to realize where my passions were. I was going to abandon the two separate approaches and integrate them.” Thus, the Rick Hansen Foundation was born. Daunting yes, but Rick says once he realized his passion lay in spinal cord issues, building the organization was easy. He applied the logistical lessons he learned on the road to the new situation. “You need legal experts, financial experts and a group of board members. In many ways, we were doing that within the role and responsibilities of the Man in Motion Tour. This was now replacing that with yet another long-term journey.” And another attribute Rick brought to the table: a resolve borne of the childhood accident that denied him the use of his legs. “That injury I had when I was 15 years old and the skills and competencies I learned made me resilient and that inspiration was important.” Located next to BCIT’s Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, the Rick Hansen Foundation, of which Rick is the founder and CEO, has funnelled over $355 million into spinal cord research, public education and advocacy since its inception in 1988. “My sense of it is the work I do is probably more important to Boomers and their parents as it’s ever been,” he says mindful of the many disabling conditions, some visible and some not so visible, that seniors face. Rick believes challenges can be overcome with a positive attitude and technology. “I’ve met many people who see a wheelchair or a scooter or a walker or a WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
hearing aid as a symbol of disability rather than enabling pieces of technology to help them function optimally.” He believes many seniors are missing out on activities or even putting themselves at risk by avoiding these products because of their perceived stigma. Having just turned 60 himself, Rick is conscious of the road ahead, a road he admits he was doubtful he would ever reach. “When I was young I thought I’d never see 60,” he says. “I wondered if I would ever make it physically and if I did, 60 probably wasn’t much to look forward to. My view has evolved dramatically. I see it as a milestone. I believe my best work’s in front of me. I believe I’m gaining wisdom and perspective and I look forward to it. My 60th birthday resolution is to be as self-aware as possible and to match the distribution of my time, so that I’m in the sweet spot and not wasting a moment.” Rick’s sweet spot is taking care of himself, so he’s not further handicapping his body or his mind. As a lifelong athlete, a daily workout is mandatory. “Number two,” he continues, “is to insure my time as CEO and founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation is spent on my best talents and a chance to make a difference; and number three is to work with urgency to create a great succession plan. I see myself over the next couple of years elevating into that founder role,” adding that his three children Rebecca, Alana and Emma may or may not be directly involved. “We’re letting the girls decide where they see themselves in the future,” confirms Amanda. “There’s never been a sense it’s an obligation for them,” she says. “It’s my sincere belief the Foundation and its vision will continue well past our time.” Rick continues. “Lastly and most importantly is to spend time with my family. Amanda’s brought three beautiful daughters into my life and two grandsons and I feel I’m one of the luckiest guys on the planet.” As family time becomes more important in Rick’s life, the yearly retreat to Gossip Island, a small sanctuary in the Salish Sea takes on added significance. The Hansens have been coming here for over 30 years. It’s where the girls grew
up and the family cabin harbours special memories. “They love it over there,” says Amanda. “[Emma’s] husband’s family are really big into building and restoring, so we recruit them to come and do some projects for us. That was a pre-requisite; we needed boyfriends or spouses with trades,” she laughs. Rick says he wants to take his grandson fishing, like he did with the girls.
exploit the environment for our own personal interests or needs, but we also need to protect it and give back to the fish.” And he’s giving back in other ways, as a role model for disabled athletes and as a supporter of like-minded organizations such as The David Foster Foundation. The Foster Foundation assists families with children in need of major organ transplants. Rick met composer and producer David Foster years ago
tion program whereby every building, school and park in the world will be assessed, rated and certified. More importantly, the Foundation is creating a global network of convergence so organizations like it can measure the same outcomes using the same common language. There’s lots to do, but Rick is adamant. “It’s always important to keep challenging our perspective, so maybe we
“It’s about the adventure, about the camaraderie, about being together and through that comes life lessons and life experiences.” Rick went fishing with his dad, his grandfather and his cousins when he was a kid and it helped define his character in the first six years of his life. After his injury, fishing helped his rehabilitation and then it became part of a vehicle to promote and introduce people to his charity. As a former chair of both The Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund, Rick is an avid conservationist. “I’ve come to realize we just can’t
when Foster wrote “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” as a tribute to the Paralympian. They’ve kept in touch ever since and Rick is often a participant in Foster’s annual gala but, alas, not as a singer. “Sing? I’m the kind of guy who made his two-year-old daughter cry when he sang “O Canada,” he laughs. Energized by his family and his mission, Rick continues to spearhead awareness and change. He wants to work with stem cells and lost neural tissue - “we gotta get that into more clinical trials and we have to make sure the spinal cord is protected after an injury” - and he’s pushing a global accessibility certifica-
see the things we face not as limitations or disabilities but as obstacles to overcome. The more we can shed the stigma about aging and disabling conditions, the more we can liberate potential, the more we can drive the vibrancy of our culture, the more we can drive economies, and the more we can see aging as the great opportunity of our time.” Thirty years after alerting the world to the aspirations, the challenges and the needs of the disabled, the Man in Motion is still in motion. |
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To learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation, visit www.rickhansen.com NOVEMBER 2017
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COMMUNITY DYNAMO by OLIVIA DANYLCHUK Since retiring from her career as a nurse, Elaine Kilpatrick is busier than ever pursuing passions she never had time for while working, teaching fitness classes and raising a family. After retirement, it was important for Elaine to find a new focus to stay involved in her community, while continuing to pursue her interests. Now, she teaches aqua fit classes, travels, makes time to enjoy her four grandchildren, and volunteers with countless organizations. “I love volunteering because I have contact with so many people with whom I wouldn’t have had a chance to meet otherwise; I feel I am giving back to my community,” she says. “Volunteering enriches my life because I get to enjoy activities that I may not have had time for when I was working and raising my family.” Elaine chooses her volunteer activities based on her passions and interests, saying, “don’t do it if it’s not fun.” Her passion for performing and fashion have led her to get involved with Heritage Model Productions. This company produces heritage fashion shows for senior residences and custom events. The production company’s goal is to tell historical stories, igniting memories among the seniors, and bringing entertainment and joy to their audiences. Elaine says some of the company members are phenomenal dancers and they even have a pianist who performs at each show.
ABOVE | Retired nurse Elaine Kilpatrick teaches aquafit classes at Commonwealth pool. LEFT | Elaine, dressed in costume, at a Heritage Productions event in Victoria.
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Roughly 30 models work with the company tirelessly to produce at least one show per week, as well as participating in parades and customized events. Company members take turns with modelling and hosting duties. Elaine particularly enjoys hosting and says the most important thing is to make the models feel beautiful, exemplifying her generous spirit. To indulge her love of the performing arts, Elaine volunteers as an usher for productions at the Mary Winspear Centre Theatre, and works in costume rentals at the Langham Court Theatre. Her lifelong career in nursing also provides her motivation for choosing volunteer projects. “My vocation in nursing fostered a desire to support and help out in my community,” she says. “I continue to gravitate to the hospital setting. I am a member of the SPH Auxiliary craft group, and we raise a lot of funds to buy new equipment for the hospital. My motivation to be involved is to support efforts to keep this hospital in my community.” She also works as a leader for the Diabetes Society’s walk and talk program, as well as its Take Down the Pressure blood pressure monitoring program. Elaine’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. On the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Elaine was honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. This award was given to individuals who have given service to their communities through volunteerism throughout their life. Elaine’s community-mindedness doesn’t end with volunteering; she also has a passion for fitness. Her personal fitness is a high priority. Each day starts with an hour walk and she enjoys biking to stay fit. Her favourite way to stay active is working as an aqua exercise instructor at the Commonwealth Pool in Victoria. She teaches two hour-long classes per week: Water Walking and Stretch and Strength. During Water Walking, Elaine incorporates her love of dance by using dance steps and setting the class to music. This is an upbeat class filled with lots of fun! By contrast, Stretch and Strength is a little slower paced and uses equipment to strengthen muscles. Fitness in the water is a great way to avoid strain on joints and muscles and allows participants to rehab injuries. No matter one’s ability, classes can help improve cognitive abilities and foster social interaction through meeting new people. Despite Elaine’s commitment to her community, she still enjoys travelling and spending time with her three children and four grandchildren. She hopes her lifestyle inspires them to stay active, as well. “I guess it is the social contact with people and the energy it gives me that inspires me to keep active.” Elaine’s advice for others looking to get active in their community is to try different things, see where your interests lie, and “go for it!” “It’s not only the physical benefit you’ll experience, but the social interaction will help relieve depression that comes from isolation,” she says. Getting involved in your community can boost your quality of life since you get out of life as much as you put in! |
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KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ’EM by WILLIAM CHIU If you ever get the chance to chat with Peter Brown, you’ll quickly be taken by his vitality. With a wry smile, he’s quick with a joke and an incredibly focused attitude. Over his lifetime he’s learned a lot. He’s learned to adapt to a new, unique “normal.” As a child, he never thought he was different from anyone else but, as he progressed through public school, he realized things weren’t entirely on point. Peter was born with cerebral palsy. When he was five years old, he was taken daily by the Easter Seals bus to GF Strong Rehabilitation Center in Vancouver for treatment, and to attend kindergarten and, ultimately, Grade 1. At the time, Peter thought all fiveyear-old kids held the same routine. When he went through a phase of self-discovery as the only disabled child at his public school, his perception of normal changed. This became his first experience with adaptation and acceptance. He fortunately learned that most children and teens would show him respect – as long as he returned the favour. A couple of stares and odd comments were par for the course, but he learned to accept this as his reality – one that he believes holds power as a learning opportunity for all, despite what others might initially think of him. Peter often draws on an analogy about his life, comparing it to poker. “I grew up with the view that I could either ‘fold’ or I could discover the value of the cards I held and adapt to my reality, regardless of what I may not be able to do.”
The very idea of folding was something he refused to accept. To this day, he recognizes the value in his cards and always tries to play the hand he’s dealt. It’s a mindset he held very closely, especially when he continued onto post-secondary school in pursuit of a law degree. Even when he was a young adult succeeding in his exams, passing the bar, and becoming a lawyer, he surprised himself at every turn. He would say the only thing more surprising is that his daughter is pursuing law as well! At times, he couldn’t believe his success, but he knew it was fostered by the confidence he gave himself to pursue it and see how things unfold. He never sold himself short and his family was always there to support him.
ABOVE | Disability advocate Peter Brown and his daughter take a selfie at a BC Lions game.
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Peter’s honesty and confidence earned respect from his peers. He felt obligated to break through his challenges, but also show how comfortable he is with his disability, in part, with the hope of dispelling the fears, myths and curiosity of those around him. It’s hard to deny someone who feels good in their own skin. “I identify the fear involved in pursuing the challenges and eradicate such fear to the best of my ability,” says Peter. After a lengthy career in law, what’s next up for Peter? Retirement. Work has been a huge part of his life. Law is where he learned to identify, interpret and explain human nuances, achieve mental balance and develop a sense of wellbeing by contributing to society. But to him, phasing out his work life doesn’t mean those skills should bite the dust. Being a lawyer has taught him how to analyze far beyond the obvious and he intends to use those skills to respond to retirement – to fill the void that work once occupied. He simply wants three things: to stay sharp, to be healthy and to leave an impression. Despite years of education under his belt, Peter wants to continue his learning, possibly to the extend of pursuing further post-secondary studies. For him, education is invaluable and the concept of studying never ends; continually growing and gaining new perspectives is a necessity for him. He believes others should be diligent in doing the same and truly lives and breathes it – like a mantra. His glow of enthusiasm for education when he’s speaking publicly is evident. “There is a simultaneous obligation on those living with any disability, as ‘experts within our field,’ to assist in educating and raising awareness within the able-bodied population of our challenges, successes and our journey.” Giving back to his community as an educator and advocate for people with cerebral palsy is important to him. Peter’s been a lead speaker for the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC)’s Youth Support Group and panel on physical, mental and emotional impacts of aging with a disability. CPABC has become an outlet for the
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local disability community to connect and, within it, Peter has found a place to offer his experience. He is intent on empowering individuals who may be facing the same adversity he once felt and continues to face. Cerebral palsy has made Peter extremely resolute. Growing up with his disability meant he’s had to take extra steps in being the best version of himself. In recent years, maintaining his health has become one of his most important goals. An avid gym-goer, he tries to follow four different fitness routines weekly to maintain and build his strength and coordination, including working with a personal trainer, water aerobics, pool running and extended cycling sessions at his gym. He admits that staying in tune with his motor skills has really made a huge difference and, as he has gotten older, his efforts have been paying immense dividends. Peter Brown: respected lawyer, family man, mental health educator, disability advocate and gym-rat. Quite a legacy, but Peter wants to make a lasting impression before the party is over. For him, writing has always been in the cards and he wants to create a memoir about his family history and background. And what does he most look forward to in retirement? “Not having to get up at 5:20 a.m.” | The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is a charity organization that supports people with disabilities across British Columbia. For more information, e-mail info@bccerebralpalsy.com
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FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY by CATHERINE GILBERT Whether at work or at play, Chantal Brodeur’s focus is on community. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, where she obtained a degree in Communications: Marketing and Public Relations, she went on to work after graduation for the city of Ottawa in community development – non-profit housing and city planning. It was also at this time that Chantal was introduced to the Special Olympics. A self-confessed solitary person, at first, Chantal wasn’t sure volunteering for this organization would suit her personality. She had been playing amateur softball and was invited to umpire for a Special Olympics game. She was told it would be fun. “I went and it changed my perspective on belonging,” she says. “Through Special Olympics you become part of the community.” Chantal clarifies that Special Olympics is not a singular event – it is an organization that encourages individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports, recreation and competition, year-round. There are six regions in BC, and Victoria has over 200 participants who range in age from seven years old up to almost 70. Nineteen different activities are offered that include bowling, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, softball and bocce. In softball alone, there are four different levels of ability. Because of the variety of activities, Chantal asserts that volunteers don’t have to be sports oriented, they just have to want to help. When Chantal’s position in Ottawa became redundant, she thought about coming to Victoria where her sister Johanne was already residing. She obtained a position with Volunteer Victoria, working again in com16 14
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munity development, but this time with a focus on volunteer management. After that, she worked for a short while for the Monterey Centre, Recreation Oak Bay. She then returned to government, working for the Residential Tenancy Branch of the BC government, then to the Francophone Affairs Program, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat, where she manages the Canada–British Columbia Official Languages Agreement on French-Language Services. “I went full circle,” says Chantal, “landing back into my passion for community development, this time serving Frenchspeaking British Columbians.” Now, at 56, Chantal is a volunteer with Victoria’s Special Olympics, where she can combine her love of sports with her passion for community involvement. Indeed, she has come full circle: growing up in Quebec where her parents owned and operated a hotel, she was introduced, at a young age, to the idea that people with special needs could have many abilities. Her mother continued to work after having been disabled in an accident, and her parents would hire people with special needs to work at the hotel. Fortunately, too, an uncle recognized that Chantal needed team sports, and she began playing softball, ringette and soccer.
ABOVE | A self-described solitary person, Chantal Brodeur derives a great deal of joy and fulfilment from volunteering with the Special Olympics BC – Victoria. Top left, Chantal with athlete Robert. Top right, Chantal hugs an athlete after the snowshoe event.
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Most recently, she coached the Bocce team from April to June this year and continues to be involved with the Special Olympics organization that she says, provides a sense of community through sport, and a place that is “safe, with a sense of belonging.” Participants do not need to have prior experience in the activity of their choice, and she has seen some athletes stay with a program for 10 years. She has observed that the activities increase skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment. There is also a strong sense of fair play. In track and field, for example, there is no segregation and participants are encouraged to go to the World Games. “It is not,” says Chantal, “about who is the fastest.” Volunteering for Special Olympics keeps you very busy, she says. There is a large turnover of volunteers and for new volunteers, the volunteer coordinator provides a training program that focuses on how to work with vulnerable clients, tolerance and teaching social skills. “You learn as you go,” Chantal observes, adding that the key to volunteerism, is “there has to be something in it for you.” Still, she believes everyone has something to give. | Special Olympics BC – Victoria is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and fundraising through such activities as bottle drives, dance-a-thons, swim-a-thons and donations to pay for uniforms, travel, venue rental and sports equipment. To find out more, visit www.victoriaolypmics.com
It’s simple and profound to see a smile on an elderly face that moments before was looking sad. Every day the Eldercare Foundation, with your help, brings smiles with small things like music therapy and art programs and big things like specialty equipment to restore mobility and independence. Please donate today and ensure our elderly are treated with the respect they deserve.
Please
give generously.
Without you the smiles fade quickly. 250-370-5664 gvef.org 1454 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7
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Two reasons to plan your Legacy Gift today. Here are two more:
• Positively impact your community • Take advantage of various tax saving options Contact us today: Carol Barton | carol_barton@can.salvationarmy.org | 250-386-3366 ext. 3 (Victoria) Vicki Raw | vicki_raw@can.salvationarmy.org | 604-296-3814 (Vancouver)
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SELF-MANAGEMENT OFFERS NEW HOPE by ANNE RIDDICK Certain truths become apparent when one is diagnosed with a chronic condition: life changes and we must learn to adapt; there are many health-related questions, decisions and choices to make; information and tools are required to find answers and manage successfully. It is our responsibility to embark on a journey of lifelong learning. This responsibility can overwhelm and confuse us at any stage of our chronic condition journey, whether newly diagnosed or having lived with the disease for many years. We may choose to ignore our chronic condition and hope it eventually goes away, growing so accustomed to it that it becomes our new normal. This attitude puts us in a holding pattern and robs us of the time necessary to deal with our responsibly to learn and put self-management strategies and tools to good use. Included among the first decisions after a diagnosis lies the answer to these questions: “Will I ignore this? Manage it on my own? Or seek help?” The conclusion can influence the outcome of our lives. What follows is my story about decisions, a sense of responsibility and how my point of view changed while living over 60 years with chronic conditions. I was 14 when the first symptoms, pain and stiffness presented themselves. It subsided for two years and was explained away as a sports injury. I never gave it another thought until, at 16, it came back with a vengeance, waking one morning with intense pain, unable to get out of
bed without help. Standing and walking were an unbearable challenge. I needed answers. After many months and doctors’ visits, my diagnosis became apparent: ankylosing spondylitis (a type of inflammatory arthritis in a group of diseases known as spondyloarthropies). I was told it may never go away, it may improve, or it may “burn out” over time. Unlikely as it was to occur, I chose to believe the latter, until many years later, when the disease’s inflammatory progression faded any harboured hope. It was then that the best decision along my chronic condition’s path presented itself. My fork in the road came in the form of an invitation to be trained as a self-management program leader. It was decision time. The program sounded good, but my attitude was bad. I had a closed mind, convinced there was nothing in this class I hadn’t figured out on my own, after years of what I thought was coping. It took less than a day, during my training, to understand just how wrong I was. I learned self-management tools, actual strategies for coping, and problem-solving techniques. I realized no matter what chronic illness others lived with, we all had a common goal: to live a happier and healthier life. We felt empowered learning and practicing new tools for dealing with symptoms and developing our problem-solving skills; learning from both the class and each other’s shared experiences.
Honour Love. Honour Courage. Your Legacy Gift to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will help provide pediatric palliative care for children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them all across BC. Together we can be there when families need us the most. Contact Robert Hamanishi 604.730.3310 rhamanishi@canuckplace.org canuckplace.org 16 18 18
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The Self-Management Health Coach Program is a telephone-based coaching program to support people living with chronic conditions to become better self-managers. Health Coaches connect with participants once a week for 30 minutes for a period of three months. Coaching can be extended for another three months upon a mutual agreement between all parties. Health Coaches can help participants to: • Choose goals and actions they want to take to better manage their health • Identify and problem-solve barriers to being healthier • Become more self-confident • Be motivated to initiate and maintain health-behaviour changes. • Coaches provide a dimension of support that complements and enhances professional health care; they DO NOT provide medical or clinical advice or treatment. Participants are paired based on gender, age and/or shared chronic health condition(s). Health Coaches will always be the one to call their participants. For many people, chronic health conditions can be extremely trying. They may benefit from having the extra support person in the form of a Health Coach to face the daily challenges of living with chronic conditions. The program is FREE and participants receive the Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions book. If you, or someone you know, would like to register and receive a weekly, 30-minute phone call to share self-management strategies and learn new ones, contact: University of Victoria Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health selfmgmt@uvic.ca Phone: 604-940-1273 or 1-866-902-3767 Or e-mail: smhcoach@uvic.ca
CHAMPIONS WANTED Leave a Legacy for BC Children and Families Leaving a gift in your will to Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon will provide accommodation and support for 2,000 families with seriously ill children each year at our 73 room house.
Check out the Self-Management BC website for other available programs www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Previously, I had learned a lot about my chronic condition by deciding to become a founding member of its provincial association, eventually editing their newsletter and reporting on their monthly guest speakers’ lectures. This level of participation encouraged me along my lifelong learning path. But, becoming involved in self-management programs was a major turning point in my life. I felt myself regaining control, knowing there was a lot I could do to assure myself
Contact us for information: 604-736-2957 plannedgiving@rmhbc.ca www.rmhbc.ca
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The difference you make could be life itself Leaving a gift in your Will helps thousands of women and newborns each year. With a legacy to BC Women’s Hospital Foundation you transform the lives of others for generations to come.
To make a donation or learn more:
bcwomensfoundation.org James Carruthers 604.875.2798
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of the best possible outcome. I was responsible for making good choices when it came to going to the doctor, arriving prepared, taking part in the decision-making process, communicating… and the list goes on. There were many things I didn’t know back then; many things I still have to learn. The most important realization, however, is that how I manage my chronic condition(s) is my responsibility. One thing has always bothered me more than anything else with each new challenging chronic disease I’ve faced is a greater sense of loss of control over life. Learning and practicing self-management skills is a huge step towards gaining back that loss. To someone diagnosed with a chronic illness, taking on the additional responsibility of being proactive, in hopes of regaining a sense of control over their life, may seem overwhelming. The process of learning self-management skills can be daunting. Perhaps, that’s why I’m sharing my story. Is it possible, after reading this article, that others, like me, may be encouraged to look at their chronic condition in a new way? Making the crucial decision to learn and practice self-management is the first step down the right path towards successful living with a chronic condition, but where does one start? Recently, I took another step on my path. I attended an enjoyable and informative training workshop. There were several like-minded people, all believers in the benefits of self-management and wanting to share their knowledge and experience to encourage others like themselves. We were trained as Health Coaches for a new province-wide program. Today, I was matched up with a new participant and now look forward to making my first Self-Management Health Coach Program call this week. By helping others as a self-management health coach, I have also helped myself and improved my quality of life. I have learned, and lifted my spirits. And, I’m confident this is another good decision while I continue travelling along my life’s path. |
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should be supervised to avoid accidents. And all bowlers must wear proper footwear, supplied by bowling lanes. Bowlers who bring their own shoes should avoid storing their shoes in their vehicle. The shoes can become damp. The foot must be able to slide before the ball is released and if the sole of your shoe sticks, you’ll risk injury to the knees or back. If you own your own shoes, keep them at home or in a locker at the lanes. Bowling may seem like a mild activity, but any activity your body isn’t used to should be introduced gradually. Even those in excellent physical condition are bound to be sore the next day, especially if they’ve overdone it. For your first time out, start with a lighter ball (if possible) and don’t bowl too many games. Warming up the muscles (with various arm/shoulder rotations and squats or lunges) before you play may also help reduce some of the muscle soreness. It may also help to stretch your muscles after each throw and again at the end of your game. Bowling could be right up your alley, especially if you really don’t like standard exercise programs! |
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Many people are taking their exercise indoors with the colder weather approaching. Indoor bowling is an enjoyable social activity and it offers a few fitness benefits such as improving coordination and flexibility. More than 130 muscles are used when bowling, and about 450 calories can be burned in an hour of steady bowling – if you steer clear of the calorie-dense foods and drinks available! Bowling doesn’t require a high level of fitness and its camaraderie and competition appeals to many. And it can be an appropriate challenge for the mind, as bowling does require some strategy. It’s a sport for any age, from kids old enough to walk steadily, to their grandparents enjoying the activity with them. It’s also a game suitable and popular with people with disabilities: many bowling lanes have special ramps to accommodate wheelchair users. Bowling is relatively injury free, but there are some cautions. Those with severe low back problems may aggravate their injury: swinging the ball with the arm extended puts more torque on the lower back. People with shoulder or wrist injuries could aggravate those problems with consistent bowling. Take frequent rests or use a wrist splint. And there’s always the risk of crushing your fingers between the heavier balls used in 10-pin bowling. Children, especially,
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ADVENTURES ON NATURE’S ISLAND by JACQUIE D. DURAND Known as “Nature’s Island,” the Lonely Planet lists Dominica as number four for Best in Travel for 2017. Locals joke that “…if Christopher Columbus rose from the grave and returned to the Caribbean, Dominica is the only island he would still recognize.” As I started to explore the island, I understood why. With its lush, rainforest-covered mountains, and its fresh running streams and rivers, you cannot help but be enamoured by the environment. My stay will include soft adventure tours of hiking, snorkeling, zip-lining and horseback riding. Encompassing an area of 15 square kilometres on the east coast of the island, the Kalinago Territory holds all the secrets of the traditional culture and way of life of the Carib Indians. The Kalinago name for their island is 22 20
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Wai‘tukubuli (“Tall is Her Body”), but was renamed Dominica by Columbus. Three National Parks constitute this first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean. Rainforests cover two thirds of the island’s surface (surprisingly sans poisonous creatures), with over 1,000 plant species, 170+ types of birds, and hiking trails over a dozen mountains. Battling over possession of the island, the French and English struggles ended in simply contributing to its cultural richness. Meanwhile, the Kalinago/Caribs managed to retain their hold on Dominica and St. Vincent as neutral lands not to be occupied by any European power but, left to the Kalinago people in perpetuity. I was drawn to explore the colourful and bounteous markets with jovial vendors displaying their wares with a welcoming
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– and highly infectious – demeanour. In search of fresh coconut, I stood watching with fascination as the vendor chipped away at the nut with a machete. I held my breath with each strike, praying he would not lose an appendage on my behalf. Afterward, he halved the nut and handed it back with a ladle, fashioned from the outside of the shell, with which I could scoop out the meat. As a woman walking alone throughout the city, I felt safe. I later discovered Dominica boasts a very low crime rate. Here, I must agree with Jerry Grymek, Account Director and Dominica Public Relations Representative for Canada: “It stole my heart.” The village of Soufrière is a beautiful reminder of the early French settlement. Here, St. Mark Church (1844-1890) draws tourists with its colourful brickwork, and adds to the history of how the French intermingled with the islanders. Directly beside the church is “Bubble Beach.” Or more correctly, Soufrière Sulphur Springs, a popular spot with tourists and locals alike. The sands of the spring are so hot, it takes a little finesse to enter. However, this became prepara-
tion for my visit to Ti Kwen Glo Cho at Wotten Waven, where I could choose between the sulphur spring or the healing mud baths. In Soufrière Bay, Champagne Reef is one of the Caribbean’s top five dive sites, and was recently rated as the No. 1 snorkeling site among 25 Caribbean snorkeling sites by Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine. Underwater geothermal springs vent gasses in the form of thousands of warm bubbles. It’s like swimming in a glass of champagne.
Boulder corals sat atop the reef, and plate corals gave way to whip corals as I went deeper. Sponges were plentiful from the top to the lowest depths. I was in good eco-company as this reef is home to lobster, parrot fish and Hawksbill turtles. Back on land, Rainforest Riding is a family-run business owned by Canadian Valerie Francis. Located between the National Park and the beach, Valerie and family members will take you by horseback through the rainforest along a section of the Wai‘tukubuli Trail. Ride
Give them a world with the best healthcare possible
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Picky Palates can actually enhance the dining exPerience Any chef can relate to the challenges of catering to finicky or highly selective eaters, and can attest to compromised dining experiences when picky palates don’t like the menu. At Retirement Concepts, chefs embrace the challenge selective diners or different dietary needs might present. They inherently recognize the dining experience in their facilities is just as important as a friendly atmosphere and dependable service. They also know their residents have very unique needs that range from challenges with eating due to medical conditions to those who are simply looking for a memorable and special dining experience. They cater to these needs in several innovative ways that include having their menus reviewed by nutritionists, creating fresh, healthy meals and snacks on site, organizing special events that feature enticing delicacies, and even ensuring
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1-844-603-home (4663) www.retirementconcepts.com @retconcepts
meals, whether they are pureed or are the featured entrée of the day, have a pleasing presentation. For those special occasions when residents may be looking for a more intimate atmosphere, many of Retirement Concepts’ communities feature private dining rooms. Retirement Concepts staff recognize the meals and snacks served during dining times are so much more than just fuel and sustenance. They are part of a uniquely communal and social aspect of life that bring seniors together and even unite them. Every meal at every community is created with this understanding in mind. To learn more about everything Retirement Concepts offers its residents and guests, visit www.retirementconcepts.com If interested in touring a community near you, please contact us at info@retirementconcepts.com.
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Your Gift is an Investment in
When you invest in The Cridge Centre for the Family, you give a gift of hope, security, and love. Your gift supports abused women, brain injury survivors, young parents, families of children with special needs, seniors, children, and those in need of affordable housing. Visit cridge.org/give or phone 250-995-6419 to plan your gift. Serving those in need since 1873 … because love is the bottom line.
One in seven of the men in your life will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. We’re here to help. When men come to Island Prostate Centre with a cancer diagnosis, they are usually anxious, sometimes terrified. We support them by helping them make informed decisions about their treatment and providing counselling and support programs. Make a lasting impact by remembering Island Prostate Centre in your will. 250-388-0214 www.IslandProstateCentre.com philanthropy@IslandProstateCentre.com Capital Region Prostate Centre Society Reg. Charitable No. 86665-8230-RR0001
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along beside the Roseau River, or swim with your horse in Prince Rupert’s Bay. Eventually, and reluctantly, we ended our peaceful ride at Fort Shirley, Dominica’s most historic site. The Cabrits Garrison at Fort Shirley (built 17741825), overlooks Prince Rupert’s Bay. The Garrison, including barracks and officer’s quarters, became obsolete at the end of the war. Abandoned in 1854, the fort and garrison were used as a quarantine station and hospital in the 1870s and the 1920s. It was later established as a National Park in 1986, and now flourishes as such. Paddling on the Indian River, I was in search of the Sea Witch’s cabin where they filmed segments of Pirates of the Caribbean. Along the way, the entangled tree formations of the Mangroves made for an ominous-looking cinematic effect. In the midst of this unassuming location is Hideaway bar. It made for a quaint, down-to-earth setting for a drinking WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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ABOVE | Horseback riding and ziplining are among the many adventures available to visitors of Dominica. Photos: Jacquie D. Durand
establishment – much in keeping with a pirates’ hideout – with tables and seats cut from varying sizes of tree trunks and limbs. Hiking along the Wai‘tukubuli trails in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, I headed off to the Emerald Pool at the base of a 12-metre waterfall, and found the perfect spot for a rejuvenating swim. Continuing along the trail, I happened upon an outlook, where I stood in awe of the magnificent view. The trees seemed full of parrots, hawks, hummingbirds and many other types of birds. Their songs harmoniously blended to create a unique island symphony. Combined with the fragrances and the sea air, the semi-hidden outlook made a perfect location for an impromptu meditation session. Just stop, breathe, relax
and repeat, remembering the sentiments of JRR Tolkien: “Not all those who wander are lost.” The Papillote Wilderness Retreat and Tropical Gardens sits on the slope of Morne Macaque, near the small mountain village of Trafalgar. Founder/owner/manager Anne Grey first came here in 1961 from New York looking for something more. Anne immediately fell in love with the island and purchased a piece of land in the mountains. Her paradise grew from a small snack bar to a craft centre and a full restaurant. After losing it all to Hurricane David in 1979, Anne and Cuthbert Jno Baptiste implemented the island’s first skillstraining program, engaging Trafalgar youth in learning construction skills. The site now boasts a spa and a non-profit botanical garden with 1.6 hectares of developed trails, two waterfalls and natural, volcanic, hot mineral springs and bathing pools, all surrounded by the fragrances and the songs of the rainforest. Anne’s dream now includes two two-bedroom suites with individual outdoor kitchenettes, ideal for families to enjoy that with which Anne first fell in love. Perfectly relaxed, it was time to face my biggest fear and head off to try some zip lining through the rainforest canopy at Adventure Park. Stepping off the platform and flying through the canopy, I was so busy watching for the birds I could only hear during my previous ground explorations, that I forgot to be afraid of the height. The rewards of this elevated adventure far outweighed my fears. Was I weak in the knees afterward?
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604-530-1101 604-530-1101 Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison 21616 Harrison 52nd Avenue, LangleyHarrison Call today. Harrison Call today. Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Pointe Pointe Landing Landing Pointe Pointe Pointe Pointe Call today. www.harrisonpointe.ca Pointe Pointe
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You bet. And absolutely exhilarated! My Dominica adventure provided a natural conduit to physically and spiritually connect with the true essence of “Nature’s Island.” This is one bucket-list location well worth repeating. Having experienced Dominica in her full beauty, I believe, with the strength and resilience of her people and the land itself, she will quickly regain her natural allure for all to enjoy. | For IF YOU GO information, visit www. seniorlivingmag.com/articles/dominicaadventure Editor’s Note: According to reports out of Dominica, Hurricane Maria devastated the island when she struck on September 18, 2017. With a force that took 85 per cent of all homes and 100 per cent of the island’s GDP, Maria destroyed much of the infrastructure, leaving Dominica’s most vulnerable people without proper supplies. If you’d like to send help through the Red Cross, visit www.ifrc. org/en/
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BLAZES WORTH SPREADING by JOHN KELLY There comes a time in the lives of most people when they determine to change the world. As humans, it’s in our nature to want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, so we look to our particular skill set to effect that change. Through music or medicine or marketing, we endeavour to put our talents to good use and make the world a better place. (There was even a guy who tried to sell pie from the sky. His is another story.) Very few make a global difference. For the majority of us, dreams of a utopia of our own making are eroded by the day to day until we settle for the change we can make in our own corner. And that’s a worthy goal and certainly a more achievable one. Vancouver’s Roger Killen is not unlike the scores of us whose lofty ambitions have hit the ground not running. “I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, attended Trinity College in Dublin and graduated with an honours degree in Business Studies and a single digit golf handicap in 1973. I immigrated to Canada in 1975 and worked as a salesman and product manager for Xerox Canada until 1979.” So began Roger’s entrepreneurial journey filled with peaks and valleys. The trip has been a fruitful one, but by Roger’s own admission, some of the fruit has been rotten. “Between 1980 and 2000, I launched 12 different startups with good, bad and ugly results.” A west-end restaurant flopped and a growing homebuilding company folded after being defrauded by an unscrupulous sub-contractor. But Roger’s vision transcended the start-ups and setbacks. The fact that he kept getting back on the horse is testament to his “try, try again” atti28 26
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tude and the horse’s patience. It is a cornerstone of his philosophy in business – and in life. But what really sets Roger apart from the pack is the drive to take stock of what he’s learned and, if he hasn’t changed the world single-handedly, offer others the insight, experience and platforms to take their shot at it. Roger knows the greater good can be served by a great idea. His current baby, TEDxStanleyPark, is no longer a baby. It is an annual, not-for-profit conference at which a suite of educational and inspirational short talks is shared with onsite and online audiences that Roger launched in 2012. “I now serve humanity,” says Roger in self-deprecating style, “as a catalyst for people who want to launch worthy movements. The tangible form that this takes is the annual conference and a weekly Meetup called Vancouver Business Network.” For the last six years, Roger has produced TEDxStanleyPark named for Vancouver’s iconic outdoor green space. Their vision and perennial theme is as monumental as it is simple: Inspire Brave Actions. “This theme is born from our belief that all human achievement is rooted in three elements: the dreams that we dream; the decisions that we make; and the actions that we take.” Their mission is the spread of worthy ideas in the belief that they will move “thoughtful optimists with open minds and big hearts to take brave actions – conversations that matter, attitude shifts, policy changes, support for worthy causes, political and social activism and launching movements that make a positive difference.” ABOVE | TEDxStanleyPark, where ideas are shared online and in person. RIGHT | Roger Killen is the producer of the wildly popular TEDxStanleyPark.
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TEDx are much like the TED Talks you may have watched on YouTube, but differ in significant ways. They are shorter events, usually lasting only a day or less, far less expensive to attend, and produced locally. The live audience for TEDxStanleyPark has grown from 100 to 2,200 people. YouTube views reached 20,000 within nine months of the first conference. The most recent has exceeded 2,000,000. Roger says the satisfaction he gets from helping others is enormous. And it is not limited to or reserved for his work with TEDxStanleyPark.
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“Several years ago, I adopted a ‘3 RAKs a day’ practice and I have had a smile on my face ever since. A RAK is a random act of kindness. Every day, I actively seek out three opportunities to help others. When I perform a RAK my inner voice says, ‘Yyyyyeeeesssss’. Imagine the uplift that three Yyyyyeeeeeesssses a day gives my spirit.” If Roger Killen hasn’t already endeared himself to you, ask him why, upon leaving Belfast, he chose Vancouver. “Why not? Vancouver is the finest city in the finest country in the world,” he says. “To boot, I live in the West End, so I live in the finest community, in the finest city in the finest country in the world. How lucky am I?” You may disagree with the finer points, but you can’t deny his gratitude and enthusiasm. To call Roger’s TEDx venture the terminal point of his start-up journey would be to grossly underestimate his appetite for entrepreneurial wanderlust and his
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desire to make our world a better place. In fact, with all he’s done, with all the experience he’s amassed and expertise he’s cultivated, you may be wondering if there is a new business idea up his sleeve, an iron leaning in a dark corner just waiting to be plunged into the bright fire. Roger’s marketing skill is never far from the surface. “Yes, but I have my idea in stealth mode for the time being.” Roger, like a ship’s captain who knows he is only as good as his crew, maintains a “steady as she goes” attitude for the future with no plans to veer from the course. “I see myself as a catalyst – I use my time and talents to build platforms from which worthy ideas inspire people to take actions that give legs to dreams of what could be.” If Roger hasn’t changed the world, he is the spark that gives life to the fire in others – the kind of blazes worth spreading. | For more information, visit online at www.tedxstanleypark.com
REBOOT by VERENA FOXX TERRY and CAROL FRAME always knew they preferred having people over to going out, so they decided to make a retirement business out of being social at home. After working as a transmission line Construction Superintendent throughout BC, followed by a municipal stint overseeing sewer and water lines in the Okanagan, Terry decided to start a hospitality focused small business in their spacious Armstrong house. “We thought we’d give it a try and see if we liked it,” he says, referring to their Bed & Breakfast venture.
Carol, a long-time registered nurse in Enderby, joined him in the day-to-day running of the business a few years later. Now, 12 years into operating Schubert Bed & Breakfast Estates on 3.8 hectares of land on Schubert Street in Armstrong, they both say there is always something that keeps them motivated to carry on. “We like our home and we like meeting people,” they agree, telling an anecdote about a young globetrotting couple from India, who, on leaving after a week, hugged them and said, “It was just like being at Grandma and Grandpa’s house!” JANE CLAYTON lived much of her working life in different areas of Vancouver’s early innovative film world. She was engaged in various roles in the city’s original independent film theatres and emerging film festivals. These experiences opened the doors for her to move to Coal Harbour’s PAL (Performing Arts Lodge, a residence for people who had been active in the professional arts and related industries). “There’s creativity behind every
door,” she says. With that impetus and support, Jane and fellow resident and singer/songwriter Judy Ginn Walchuk collaborated on a writing project that took on a life of its own – to their surprise – and became a hit play.
Comfort Cottages is a hilariously funny story about the ageing process. It became the No. 1 grossing production in PAL’s 11-year history. In the meantime, Jane has also written an empathic and somewhat edgy manual, initially intended for her nieces, and titled I’m Dead, Deal with It, that aims to ease the pain and support the process of loss for those left behind. |
Where will our skilled nurses come from? Camosun College trains hundreds of nurses, front-line mental health workers, caregivers, lab and dental technicians every year. When you leave a planned gift to Camosun College, you’re creating healthy, prosperous communities for us all. • Annuities
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To discuss your personal giving goals contact: Karen Whyte, Advancement Manager
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You can always be there for them. CHARITABLE GIVING OPTIONS There are many good reasons for charitable giving. The top three reasons why we give, according to the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, are:
Give a second chance at a happy life. . . there is no better gift you can give to a wild animal in need. Include a gift in your Will or designate a life insurance policy to the BC SPCA to set wings flapping! Visit us today at spca.bc.ca/giftplanning or contact Yolanda Benoit ybenoit@spca.bc.ca 1.800.665.1868
OVER E K MA
INSPIRED * senior living magazine
We are looking for adventuresome women, over the age of 55, willing to undergo a makeover including hair, makeup and fashion. To qualify: - hair length needs to be long enough so our stylist has something to work with — close to shoulder length or longer - must attend hair and clothes fitting appointments in Vancouver Trained Nick Arrojo, Hana Akai features Arrojo hair care 1-2 weeks priorby to the show products. Hana is also with an educator of Redken willing to cooperate our stylists and show staff brand products. - absolutely you want ayour stylist whotransformation will provideatsupportive YouIfwill complete makeover our upcomingadvice, quality products and ina Vancouver precisiononhair that works foryou your lifestyle, call 55+ Lifestyle Show Septcut 23 (9am-3pm) where Hana to book styling appointment. will be presented on stage. Your your photosnext and story will be featured in upcoming issues of INSPIRED Senior Living. Colour Specialist • Precision Haircutting • Make-up Application
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• Compassion for a cause we personally believe in; • We have been personally affected or know someone who has been affected by the cause the organization supports; • We feel we owe something to our community. The opportunity to contribute to something worthwhile doesn’t go unrewarded. The tax benefits to you and to your estate can transform your charitable impulses into “planned giving” strategies in your tax and estate planning. When people think of leaving a legacy, many first consider creating a private foundation. Private foundations bring with them a certain level of prestige and provide donors with total and private control. But the costs are high and some feel these funds could be reallocated into charitable means. For many BC residents, a donor-advised fund is an attractive alternative. With this option, you retain a strong influence on how your charitable gifts are used, but free yourself from significant costs. Donor-advised funds are established by an individual, couple or family. They provide a lower-cost alternative to setting up and managing a private family foundation. There are three simple steps in the process: 1. The donation(s) is made to the donor-advised fund (DAF) and a charitable tax receipt is issued. 2. The donation is invested in the DAF account according to the investment strategy, and a portion of the DAF is distributed annually for charitable giving purposes, with the balance remaining invested. 3. The donor determines which charity receives the distribution while not having to worry about the costs and operational responsibility of running a foundation. | Chris Mills can be reached at 604-659-8061 or chris.mills@ raymondjames.ca Chris Mills is a financial advisor with Raymond James Ltd. The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of Raymond James. This article is for information only. Raymond James Ltd., member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
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FRIENDLY FASHION by CALLIE MARTIN With the rise of the vegan movement – thanks, in part, to easily accessible online documentaries and the connectivity of likeminded individuals through social media – consciousness about the treatment of animals has been elevated like never before. Some people feel as strongly about all animals as they do about their own dog or cat. Due to this and many environmental issues, the fashion industry has felt increased pressure, in the last decade, to provide sustainable clothing options that do not use animal materials of any kind. Though some were skeptical these pieces could still be considered “fashionable,” vegan and cruelty-free designers have been stepping up to prove that looking good doesn’t have to come at a cost. Faux fur has been on the market almost as long as animal activists have been around, so it should come as no surprise that many major retailers (such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and JCPenney) carry only the faux versions in their stores – allowing for a sigh of relief from shoppers worrying about accidentally purchasing the “real deal.” Of course, as the weather cools and we start shopping for a new warm coat, some worry that faux fur (and man-made stuffing) will not provide the same protection designed by Mother Nature to keep animals warm and dry. While faux fur lacks the water-shedding and double-coat that genuine pelts naturally offer, designers are often conscious of this and aim to compensate by adding thicker layers of fleece to keep us toasty during the chillier months. Vegan coat wearers are no more prone to getting a case of the “shivers” than their pelt-wearing counterparts. Another common complaint of those trying to switch over to kind clothing is shoes. During autumn and winter when leaves and snow cover the ground, shoes on the market tend to feature leather and suede, marketed as the only way to keep your little piggies warm and stylish. Good news! There exists a vegan option to make your footwear as coveted and cozy as the “real thing”: cruelty-free suede. Typically made from synthetic materials that mimic their genuine predecessors, this option so closely resembles real suede many have trouble telling the difference.
Companies such as Vegetarian Shoes out of the United Kingdom (though retailers in the US – like MooShoes – do carry the brand) specialize in creating fashionable footwear that does not sacrifice warmth or style, proving itself as a viable option for animal-conscious shoppers in need of a new fall flat. Of course, coats and shoes are only half the battle, as there’s a lot more to you than just feet and torsos. Though many clothing items (such as dresses and shirts) are naturally vegan due to their reliance on cotton, some savvy shoppers want larger retail stores to carry more accessories made with the well-being of our fuzzy, feathered and scaled friends in mind. As with shoes, it can be difficult to find handbags made from faux leather, but retailers such as Free People (who have six locations across Canada) offer a wide array of vegan shoes, bags, skirts, vests and even make-up brushes to help decorate any look with a kind twist. For those looking for more “activist” inspired wear, then websites such as Etsy boast a wide array of vegan designers from across the globe who create “merchandise with a message.” If you’re interested in promoting cruelty-free clothing that features everything from t-shirts depicting whimsical avocados printed on organic cotton, to simple graphic shirts with empowering messages written on the bust, the vegan fashionistas of Etsy have something for everyone, and with every price-point in mind. With kind clothing fashion, you can feel fabulous – and friendly. |
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RIGHT | Long-time writer James Ellsworth has just released his first novel, Apparent Wind. Photo: Barbara Ellsworth
DILETTANTE TURNED PUBLISHED AUTHOR by INSPIRED STAFF “Our Stories Are the Teller of Us” James Ellsworth has long been an INSPIRED contributor. With the recent release of his new novel, Apparent Wind, we sat down with James to peek inside the writer’s mind. INSPIRED: Have you always wanted to be a writer? JAMES: “Yes. Unlike an elephant’s gestation period of 95 weeks, my quest to write lasted considerably longer – almost 50 years. My Grade 9 English teacher encouraged me; I had some poetry published in my college newsletter, some reviews in professional magazines, and I’ve kept diaries to record travel and daily events since my wife’s pregnancy with our daughter. But I never had the discipline to get up in the few wee hours before work and write; that is until I saw retirement on the horizon. Then, I seriously cultivated my desire to write. Graham Greene and Ernest Hemingway would write 500 words a day; Stephen King reportedly pens 2,000. If I could discipline myself to attempt the practices of that heady com-
pany then just maybe I too could be a writer. The first step was to write daily, the second to write for purpose. I applied for or took opportunities to write where I could: informational packages for Grand River tour guides; articles for a fledgling news website, where I covered the 2006 Canadian Open; travel pieces on sailing and a tugboat touring business; and educational/curriculum work, which culminated in being part of a best-selling text, Exploring World Religions (I wrote the chapter on “Aboriginal Spirituality”). ‘Practice and learn, learn and practice’ went hand in hand like a mantra. I took a travel writing course with Eva Shaw, Californian author of more than 70 books; and I participated in a week-long writing session at the Banff Centre for the Arts with a focus on memoir with Governor-General Award nominee Saskatchewan’s Trevor Herriot. He taught me to always carry a notebook because you never know when an idea or observation may occur. And always read; it helps with style and turn of phrase.
IMAGINE A FUTURE WITHOUT PAIN AND DISABILITY. YOUR LEGACY GIFT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. A legacy gift to Arthritis Research Canada directly supports leading research, finding answers and saving lives. Help us reduce the burden of arthritis right now and for future generations.
Arthritis is Ageless 34 32
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To learn more about leaving a gift in your will please contact: Patti Nakatsu Tel: 1.855.750.0400 pnakatsu@arthritisresearch.ca ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA www.arthritisresearch.ca Leading research. Finding answers. Saving lives.
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My first bit of writing was published with the Globe and Mail in 2003, almost 15 years ago. The recognition and the pay cheque were wonderful stimulants to write more.” INSPIRED: How did you come to write a novel? JAMES: “Once again, it was an idea that germinated for a long time and morphed through several iterations. I started gathering stories of my father’s youth as a family history or biography. Then I added the idea of the Foreign Service, after turning down an invitation to join too late in my career. That element and the idea of keeping journals were somewhat autobiographical. Then the creative narrative took off. Throw in my love of history and some unsolved Canadian spy issues and the story took shape. It only needed the prodding of those close to me and a resolution to set pen to paper, as it were. J.K. Rowling took six years to write the first Harry Potter book, The Philosopher’s Stone, Margaret Mitchell spent 10 years on Gone With the Wind, and Michael Crichton wrote Jurassic Park in eight years. The research, preparation, writing and editing can take a while. It took me four years to compile Apparent Wind above and beyond research. That’s a half-dozen drafts, chapter titles, glossary and incorporating focus group feedback. Afterwards, I received several encouraging ‘rejections’ during a year appealing to literary agents and publishers. Finally, I took the initiative. After an independent-publishing course, the novel’s birth occurred in February 2017. It was a great project and the reviews have been very encouraging. Readers seem to have taken to the parallel stories: one of Des, the spy who worked for Canada’s RCMP from 1935 to 1985 in the Great Depression, the Spanish Civil War, World War II through Ortona and Monte Cassino, tracking double agents in Vancouver and terrorists in Cuba; the other of his son, David who tries to find himself while following his father’s journals. It’s a mid-life coming-of-age story perfect for Canada’s 150th anniversary.”
Your legacy could be her childhood. “We joined the Legacy Circle and included Variety in our will with an estate gift so our legacy can live on through improving the lives of children. There is no greater gift than childhood.” BARBARA AND BOB STEWART
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Every dream, when nurtured, will steadily grow Leave a legacy of learning with your gift to students and education at North Island College
INSPIRED: Do you have further plans for your writing career? JAMES: “Most definitely. I continue to write features and travel articles for INSPIRED Senior Living. This keeps me practicing my craft while interviewing interesting people and experiencing new places. I am also working on a sequel to Apparent Wind, following the Dilman Diaries from 1985-2015. It’s called Wing-OnWing, another sailing metaphor. I have plans to write a third novel about Métis and identity entitled The Middle Ground that chronicles my family tree from 1729 and the War of 1812. Perhaps even a compilation of selected features called, A Decade of Definite Articles. I have a passion for writing and the ideas for projects are like pokers in the fire. As Frank Herbert who wrote the Dune Chronicles said, ‘There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.’” |
To learn more, call 250-334-5085 or visit foundation.nic.bc.ca today.
For information about James’ novel, Apparent Wind, visit Amazon.ca or the writer’s website at www.wordsworthwriting.org WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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ARTISTIC ACTIVIST by SHERRY CONLY Accomplished artist Hinda Avery expresses her deepest thoughts, fears and triumphs through her work. Best known for her Resisterrrz series, which premiered in 2011 at the Martin Batchelor Gallery, Hinda had an impact on the art world when the controversial pieces were unveiled. These pieces, originally created as a tribute to family members lost during Hitler’s reign of terror, have grown to become a whimsical series and documentary, which addresses the impact of the holocaust on so many innocent people, as well as Hinda’s take on feminism. Starting out as small, grey-scale pieces depicting the horror of concentration camps and life under Nazi control, the paintings grew in strength, colour and size as Hinda’s characters, the Resisterrrz, gained power and ultimately defeated Hitler. As the artist gained power, so too did her characters, originally modelled after her aunt, grandmother, mother, friends of the family and herself. Hinda was born to a Jewish mother who fled Poland when the war began. Though not directly a victim, she was affected by her mother’s reluctance to assimilate into Canadian society, for fear of being persecuted for being Jewish. “My mother didn’t know what was happening to her 36 34
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family members in Poland,” says Hinda. “She eventually realized her family had been killed, and she suffered tremendously from her experience. Unwittingly, she passed her trauma onto me. To her it was a very unsafe world where Jews were hated. Given her experience, that’s understandable, but in order to protect me, she passed on that message and that’s a pretty heavy burden for a child to carry around. That equals victimhood.” Mentored by her mother’s best friend Leah, a surrogate mother of sorts, Hinda grew up with diverse political and social views that gave her courage and formed the basis for her feminist beliefs and push for equality across all walks of life. Leah’s daughter is one of the women in the Resisterrrz series. Of Leah, Hinda says, “she was a very humble, working class woman whose politics really resonated with me. I have a very deep respect for Leah, and now for her daughter. Both women have had a tremendous impact on my life because of their beliefs. They are my heroines.”
ABOVE | Artist and activist Hinda Avery and her work from the Resisterrrz series. Photo: Dan Toulgoet
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When Hinda visited many sites in Poland and Germany, she was unable to find any records of her family, so she decided she needed to paint them as a way of memorializing them. “The process was a form of art therapy for me,” she says. “It was a way to connect with the murdered women. I had two photographs that I used, and I added myself and my late mother to the paintings. I then added more women and friends until I was painting very large groups.” In the first of the series, the women were depicted as victims – naked, mournful and lost. The group, including the grandmother and aunt she’d never known, were painted as frail, worn-down characters. As time went on, Hinda gave her characters new life and reduced the number to the key six women. The six got dressed, and grew stronger, less fearful, while the Nazi men slowly became cartoonish and small. By the end of the series, the paintings themselves are larger than life, the colours vibrant and outlandish, with Hitler, himself, being scorned by the Resisterrrz. This was Hinda’s way of fighting back, not only against the regime that fractured her family, but against the idea that women are helpless. This was also her way of paying homage to the true resisters, the brave men and women who stood up to the Nazi regime in any way they could, often stopping at nothing and sacrificing themselves for the good of others. Resisters in prison camps incited violent riots, armed themselves with Molotov cocktails, and helped escapees to hide out in farmhouses or underground drainage systems, and somehow found the strength to fight Nazi soldiers, despite being days from death due to starvation and disease. “The whole thing was a fantasy, and it took me out of being a victim into being a resister, just like them,” says Hinda. “Even though it was all make-believe, I still went through the process in the paintings, and had I been in Poland during the war, I like to think I would have been a resister.” Originally, she didn’t want to try to include Hitler at all, but as the women grew stronger, he became less of an opposing force, and more of a caricature. “It was not easy for me to paint that man, but after a while, I found it was oddly enjoyable because I could do whatever I wanted with him. In my film, he’s all green. I had an art critic describe it as ‘puke green,’” Hinda says with a satisfied chuckle. In the final painting, titled Der Fuhrer, the larger-than-life characters boot Hitler into space. The series has now been turned into a film, Hinda and her Sisterrrz, and is being shown at Film Festivals across North America, including Toronto and San Francisco. The film was directed by Michael Kissinger and is about the evolution of the work, and how it changed and evolved with each series. It features Baila, the chosen protagonist of her series. Baila is an amalgamation of all the women, a force to be reckoned with, and the character chosen to represent the lost “Rosen Sisters.” A retired Women’s Studies professor at a number of British Columbia universities, including UBC, Hinda is a strong advocate for human rights. She achieved a Doctorate degree and
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went on to teach for many years, while steadfastly immersing herself in the world of art. “I’ve always wanted to be an artist,” she says. “When I retired, that gave me the opportunity to do the art work I loved so much because I had the energy and the time.” Hinda believes feminism should mean equality for all, and has stood by this belief her whole adult life. In light of the current political climate, she wants to spread knowledge and to help educate others about women’s rights. “I was very active in the women’s movement in the ’60s-’80s, and have not wavered at all. I attended the Women’s March in Victoria and it gave me a lot of hope, but we have a long way to go until our roles are more androgynous.” Having visited Scandinavian countries for conferences, Hinda has noticed a distinct difference between North American women and Scandinavian women. “I find that they are far ahead of us,” she says. “There are equal numbers in parliament, the sciences, architecture, and engineering. Women even walk a little differently in those countries. Their walk is a more confident walk.” Hinda continues to focus her art on the empowerment of women and is now creating a comic titled Bayla’s Issues. Destined to be an oversized graphic novel and eventually an animated film, the series features Bayla, a strong, proud, middle-aged woman. This project explores the problems faced by many senior women: growing old in a culture that values youth and physical appearance; invisibility; striving for recognition
You can always be there for them.
Ensure inspiring, insightful, commercial-free programming continues for generations to come. Please remember British Columbia’s Knowledge Network in your will or trust. For more information contact:
Donna Robinson Phone 604.431.3136 Toll-Free 1.877.456.6988 Email plannedgiving@knowledge.ca Website knowledge.ca/legacy
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Give a second chance at a happy life… there is no better gift you can give an animal in need. Include a gift in your Will or designate a life insurance policy to the BC SPCA to set tails wagging! Visit us today at spca.bc.ca/giftplanning or contact Yolanda Benoit ybenoit@spca.bc.ca 1.800.665.1868
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without having the necessary means or energy; and the fact that time is quickly slipping away – all a far cry from the typical depiction of over-sexualized feminine characters in most comics and graphic novels. “I’m very disturbed about the way women are portrayed in popular media – magazines, comic books. There are no images of strong-looking women in comic books, or in films,” says Hinda. “I think the problem with the portrayal of women in media is that they’re strong independent women, but they’re still sexualized. Their appearance is more about their looks than about their abilities or attitude.” Not that Hinda is anti-male, she simply believes in equality and role-sharing, as well as gender neutrality where one doesn’t have to play a feminine or masculine role. “I personally feel that other than biological differences, there really aren’t many differences between men and women,” she says. In addition to her art, Hinda uses her years of experience and knowledge to continue to educate herself and others on current-events issues. She is also an animal rights activist and spends a lot of time advocating against factory farms and medical experiments on animals. She’s on the board of the BC Foundation for Non-Animal Research, and is working with the board to encourage medical professionals to use alternative means of testing. Between her art and activism work, Hinda divides her time between her homes in Vancouver and Victoria. |
Your legacy. His life. Please leave a gift in your Will.
1.888.663.3033 bcchf.ca/legacy
To Move or Not to Move? A Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options Are you a senior who has been wondering lately whether you should consider moving? Perhaps the maintenanc e of your current home is more difficult due to diminishing ability or energy. Or you may want a lifestyle that allows you more freedom and less responsibili ty. In either case, this book will help you ask the important questions and find the solution that is right for you.
For some, the right decision might be to stay right where downsize your possessions you are, but and look at acquiring support services to fill whatever need arises — such as help with shopping, meals, household chores, preparing personal care, or getting around. Others may determine the responsibility of looking after their current residence is too great and they would like to move to a place where they still have a high degree of independenc e but access to staff to take care of the things that are proving to be a bit of a headache. There are also those whose health and safety is enough of a concern to them that they want to live in a place with all the supports and services necessary to give them the peace of mind they are currently lacking.
$14.95 in Canada
Magazine
Published by INSPIRED Senior Living magazine, a division of Stratis Publishing Inc.
INSPIRED Senior Living
How to manage any of these scenarios, is what this book offers. It will give you insight into each option, the pros and cons to expect, and how to navigate the process of going from where you are now, to where you want to be.
For seniors, or families of seniors, this book is the ideal place to start asking the questions and discovering the answers.
To Move or Not to Move?
Written by the publisher of INSPIRED Senior Living magazine, and revised for 2017, this 128-page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand O N L.9Y5 the decisions they need to make. $+ 1S&4H & GST Whether you decide to stay in your home or move, this book will help you navigate to where you want to be.
To Move or Not to Move?
A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residen tial Options
British Columbia edition
INSP IRED senior living magazine
“A realtor at our recent 55+ Lifestyle Show in Vancouver ordered 25 books to give away to clients. She said this book has everything in it she wants her clients to know.” Name _________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ ______________________________Phone __________________________ Email _________________________________________________________
$19.85 (includes GST and S&H) Send cheque to: Senior Living, #3, 3948 Quadra St., Victoria BC V8X 1J6 Or call 1-877-479-4705 (ext 100) to order with credit card. WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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A WALK THROUGH GERMAN HISTORY by KATE ROBERTSON Germany, a country less than half the size of British Columbia with a population over twice that of Canada’s, is a country crisscrossed with a 200,000-kilometre network of walking trails. With a newly designed pilgrimage trail celebrating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s criticisms of the Catholic Church in his 95 theses, and the subsequent birth of the Protestant Reformation, what better time to pack my hiking boots and check it out.
Worms
On the first day, I travel 60 kilometres from Frankfurt to Worms, one of the oldest cities in Germany – a principality of the Roman Empire shortly after the year 600. It’s Sunday, and with church bells ringing, my guide, Bettina, leads me to the central square to show me the Reformation monument, the world’s largest. She explains the figures on raised pedestals are famous 16th-century politicians and humanists who impacted the Reformation. Further down the cobble-stoned streets, past tiny cafés and bakeries selling freshly baked pretzels, at St. Peter’s Dom, one of the original imperial cathedrals in Germany,
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LEFT | From top: Lutherhaus in Eisenach.
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On the Luther Trail to Oppenheim. Sculpture of Luther’s shoes at Helyshof Gardens, Worms.
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is the Heylshof Garden. A plaque and some big bronzed shoes, mark the spot where Luther stood before the Diet of Worms in 1521 and refused to recant his theses. Initially a professor and theologian, and later a monk, central to Luther’s teachings were: an intermediary (a priest) between the people and God was not necessary; God is not a damning one; and his disbelief in the Letters of Indulgence that the Catholic Church was promoting, where a devotee could buy absolution and closeness to God (as well as keep the Church wealthy).
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Thirteen minutes away via train the next day, I arrive in Alsheim to meet Ralf and his group, part of the local church congregation who marked the Lutherweg (trail) here. At the train station, we hoist on our day packs and start following the green “L” stickers that mark the trail, through old narrow streets bordered with centuries-old buildings, and finally into the countryside. The group is eager to show me a Lutheran-style pilgrimage on this 16-kilometre leg of the almost 400-kilometre trail. En route they sing songs, and we have a 30-minute walk of meditative silence. I learn that Luther did not believe in pilgrimages (he felt you did not have to do anything special to show devotion to God), so the trail follows the old trade routes that he would have travelled on. This area, which the Rhine River snakes through,
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is renowned wine country and most of our walk is through lush vineyards where much of the trail is shared with the previously established Rhein Terrassen wine trail. Our pilgrimage ends with a tour of the Oppenheim Church, another Romanesque cathedral, before we return to the neighbouring village of Guntersblum, where Schwanhof Schuppert is hosting a Luther-style dinner, complete with a special Luther-wein they have created for the commemoration. This family has been vintners here since the 17th century, and before that, the original building was a tavern, where it is said Luther stopped for an ale on his way to Worms.
Frielendorf
Opening Novembe r 2017!
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The next day on the train north-east, I pass wheat and barley fields (for all that beer and bread), half-timber buildings with shuttered windows, red tile roofs and finally wooded forests into Frielendorf. Here, I meet with Pastor Virges and Mayor Vaupel and group, who accompany me on the Elisabethenpfad trail. St. Leave your legacy of compassionate care for those who are dying or struggling with the loss of a loved one.
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A legacy that will know no borders By remembering Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders with a gift in your will, you are making an extraordinary commitment. Your legacy will help provide medical assistance to people in need, whoever and wherever they may be. © Isabel Corthier / MSF
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Crossroads can help you in the process of defining your gift, and will also help to cover a portion of your Will revision fees. For more information contact: Anna Wilczewski Fundraising and Development Officer 604-945-0606 anna@crossroadshospice.org anna.wilczewski@crossroadshospicesociety.com
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Elizabeth of Thuringia lived from 1207-1231 and is one of the most famous German saints. The Elizabeth paths cover more than 500 kilometres and overlap with Jacob’s trail, which goes all the way to Spain to connect with the Camino de Santiago. We start at Klosterkircher Spieskappel, a parish church, but previously a monastery where Luther spent the night on his return trip from Worms. Pastor Virges is happy to share his wealth of knowledge about Luther, Elizabeth and the various pilgrimages he has done. We walk past farms, grazing horses, and fields and forests, to the Spiessturm, a watchtower constructed in 1430 that stands where there was a crossroads of important trade routes in the Middle Ages. Beside the tower, we picnic on hearty open-faced rye sandwiches loaded with a local delicacy, ahle wurst, a slowlyaged pork sausage, and drink refreshing apfelschorle (mineral water and apple juice), before I must say goodbye to my fellow pilgrims.
Kathus to Bad Hersfeld
“Not so old, only about the 1700s,” says Herr Otto when I ask him the age of a church in the distance. I realize I must alter my perception of “old” here. I’m on my next leg of the Lutherweg from the village of Kathus, back to Bad Hersfeld. Herr Otto helped design the Luther Trail here and knows a lot of the history. As we cross a peaceful creek that was once the border between two counties, he tells me the original bridge
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LEAVENWORTH & WARM BEACH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVALS Dec 14-17: 4 Days We have included a dinner theatre at Warm Beach Camp that is covered in dazzling light displays and the holidays sounds of Victorian Carolers. A horse drawn sleighride, the lighting Festival in the Vavarian town of Leavenworth, WA and a traditional Bavarian dinner. $875 Cdn
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Please remember Zajac Ranch for Children with a bequest in your will.
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was called “pilgrim” bridge, so once upon a time in Germany they used the English word. Luther passed through Bad Hersfeld on his way to Worms, and on his return on May 1, 1521, he stayed overnight at the abbot’s house. The abbot asked Luther to preach his theses, which Luther did in the wee hours of the morning at Stiftsruine, an old Roman church (now the remarkable setting for the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele, a famous German summer theatre). Two years later, Bad Hersfeld became Protestant, one of the forerunners.
Eisenach
My final train ride takes me to Eisenach, a historical walled city that was an important central stopping place between several major cities. Luther was sent here from his nearby hometown when he was a boy, in 1948, to receive his Latin education. At the Lutherhaus, currently a museum with a Luther exhibition, I see the original room where he lived. Next, I make the steep climb through what looks like Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest, to the stunning, and amazingly intact, UNESCO-protected Wartburg Castle. When Luther would not retract his criticisms of the Church, he was condemned as a heretic and had a price on his head. In a faux-kidnapping, he was brought here to hide for one year before he moved on and once again got involved in Reformation efforts. At the castle, Luther wrote prolifically and, within 11 weeks, translated the
New Testament from Greek to German. This translation allowed access to the masses and had important significance for the development of a uniform German language. “If you don’t know history,” says author Michael Crichton, “then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of the tree.” Somehow, I think Martin Luther would have agreed and approved of my pilgrimage down these German trails, where I learned so much about the people, the culture and Germany’s long, rich history. | For IF YOU GO information, visit www. seniorlivingmag.com/articles/luthertrails-germany
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ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT “A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS” Great Baroque holiday music that dances with joy! Vancouver Chamber Choir, orchestra, guest choirs and soloists sing Bach, Vivaldi and carols. With guest conductor John William Trotter. 8pm Sat, Dec 16, Orpheum, Vancouver. Ticketmaster.ca See ad page 44
A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS Bach and More for Christmas
8pm SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017 The Orpheum John William Trotter | Vancouver Chamber Choir and Orchestra Pacifica Singers | Vancouver Youth Choir The great Baroque composers knew how to write music that literally dances with joy. Make it a party – meet the Vancouver Chamber Choir family of choirs, orchestra and soloists in the Orpheum for a concert which celebrates the Christmas season like no other. Our guest conductor is John William John William Trotter Trotter, the Choir’s former Associate Conductor, who will lead the various forces in music of Bach, Vivaldi and carols for all to sing.
1.855.985.ARTS (2787) vancouverchamberchoir.com
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“ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” The Victoria Operatic Society brings back the classic tale of an orphan girl, Anne, who rises from destitution by virtue of her pluck and personality. Originating in Canada, the play left capacity audiences there to journey to London, where it opened to acclaim. See ad page 44 CINECENTA AT UVIC Cinecenta loves seniors. Their cozy 300-seat theatre and terrific concession bar features tasty baked goods and great coffee. Popcorn with real butter at no extra cost too! Seniors (65+) rates. See ad page 28 ELEMENTS CASINO With the multi-million-dollar redevelopment, Elements Casino Victoria will be the largest all-inclusive, full-service gaming entertainment venue on Vancouver Island featuring a 600-person entertainment venue, a 70,000-square-foot gaming floor as well as restaurants, lounges and a feature buffet! See ad page 23 “O CHRISTMAS TEA” Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss, grab your teacups! London’s 3-time Impresario award-winning comedians James & Jamesy tour their heart-warming and hilarious Christmas comedy across British Columbia this holiday season. “Complete and utter fun for all ages” (CBC). See ad page 44
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Caregiving Done Safely By Wendy Johnstone
C
aregiving often involves physically demanding tasks. It requires conscientious care for your loved one – and for your own health. Performing tasks in a way that minimizes stress on your body can help prevent injuring yourself and the person for whom you are caring. Consulting with a specialist such as a rehabilitation specialist or physiotherapist is the best place to find expertise to support you in your caregiving experience and physical tasks. WorkSafeBC provides a comprehensive resource on health and safety information and resources for those who provide care. Visit www. worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/industries/healthcare-social-services One of the best suggestions I’ve heard from a physiotherapist to minimize the risk of injury is to have the person you are caring for do as much as possible for themselves. Although it may take longer, it gives the person being cared for more independence and reduces the amount of bending, twisting and lifting being done by you. Here are a few simple suggestions for proper body mechanics that can help you avoid injuries: When sitting: • Sit on a firm chair with a straight back. You should be balanced on your “sit bones.” If your chair does not offer lumbar support, make your own with a rolled-up towel or pillow.
• To ease your back when sitting for a long period of time, make use of a stool or ottoman. You can also perform pelvic tilting exercises to gently mobilize your lower back. •To avoid slouching when performing crafts or reading, make use of pillows on your lap to bring your work closer to you without straining your arms or neck. • For prolonged sitting or car rides, be sure to adjust your chair to suit you and take frequent breaks to prevent your back from seizing up. When lifting: • Lift with your legs, not with your back. • When bending down to lift something, face the object you are lifting and bend your legs (i.e., your hips, knees and ankles) while keeping your back straight. •When turning, rotate your entire body, not just your back. • If you are unsure if you can lift an object, get someone to help you. • There are many devices available to help carry or move heavy objects. If you need help using a device, ask someone who has experience to show you how to use it properly. Pushing a wheelchair: • Make sure handles are at a good height for you to push without bending forward. • Keep your back straight. • Your feet should be shoulder width apart for sturdiness while in the standing position. • To manoeuvre a wheelchair forward or backward, keep your back straight and use your body weight. Adapted from: keystoneeldercare.com/caring-for-the-caregiver-chiropractic-massage/*|
Wendy Johnstone is a Gerontologist and a consultant with Family Caregivers of British Columbia in Victoria, BC.
Are you still struggling? Visit our website for more information for caregiver resources, webinars, articles, one-on-one support and more! Visit us at familycaregiversbc.ca. We’re here to help.
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Marketplace COLLECTOR SEEKING VINTAGE/
collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net Victoria
FOOTCARE: Happy, Healthy Feet make a Happy, Healthy Person. The more the merrier. Call FootNurse Marcia R.N.,B. Sc.N. 250-686-3081.
DEALER SPECIALIZING in items priced from $500 -$10,000 pays instantly for vintage quality Wrist Watches; Omega, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Jaeger LeCoultre, Piguet, etc. Working or not and Gold Pocket Watches, Fine Clocks, Nautical Instruments, Optics, Military Medals, Badges, Log Books, Swords, Antique Firearms, Gold & Silver Coins. 4065 MacDonald St, Vancouver. Graham 604-716-8032.
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GENTLE LOVING TOUCH by a certified bodyworker to rekindle trust, passion, and sensuality. For all genders. First session half price. call Ed at 250-667-8624 or thetouchingcure@gmail.com
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in the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505.
CHANGING PLACES Downsizing and relocation specialists SINCE 1991. Moving? Aging in place? Need help? Don’t know where to start? Let us take care of all the details from start to finish. Call Jane 250-721-4490 Victoria and the Island for a free estimate www.changingplaces.ca
SENSUAL MASSAGE. Are you missing touch? I’m a Certified Sexological Bodyworker, I work with Couples and Individuals. Sher 250-889-4166 or sexeducator@telus.net
DOWNSIZING?
Dream Downsizing can take the stress out of a move. Sorting, packing, unpacking, advising, and more. Free estimate call Cathy at 250-634-3207 or visit us online at DreamDownsizing.com BBB
EXPERIENCED PRIVATE HOME CARE worker/housekeeper seeks live-in
position. Provides assistance with all aspects to help you stay in own home. Good driving record, no criminal record. Excellent references. Qualicum, South Island 250 286 9822.
ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s professional mobile foot care nurses. Debbie Mason LPN and John Patterson LPN. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Experienced, qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. Please call 250-390-9266.
DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES
WANTED: Old stereo/audio equipment. Any condition. Amplifiers, turntables, speakers, receivers etc. Honest/friendly. Victoria and V.I. Call Bob, 250-896-2268, northtowns26@gmail.com
WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-6529412 or email fenian@shaw.ca WANTED SCANDINAVIAN Mid Century Furniture from the 50’s & 60’s. Teak, rosewood, leather, and chrome pieces any condition. 250-380-7022. lacknerwayne@ gmail.com WANTED: HANDYMAN, part time, flex time, easy job. Live in or out, Greater Vancouver. Payment cash or cheque. Call 604-735-2814.
Single Seniors Meet & Greet • Victoria Wednesdays • 9:30-11am Location varies. Join our weekly newsletter to get current info. Our weekly gathering has between 1525 people. We invite you to come join us to see if it’s a fit for you UPCOMING EVENTS Nov 11 - Cenotaph/Trafalgar Legion Nov 15 - The Kensington - SpeakerPeggy Hancyk “Dementia with Dignity” Nov 25 - Saltspring/Chemainus Theatre Dec 10 - Pender Isl. Christmas Concert Dec 11 - Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Dec 13 - Christmas at The Kensington We request participants to get to know each other by attending our group meetings prior to signing up for a trip.
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Courageous
&
OPPORTUNITIES Growing older is inevitable (if we’re lucky). But letting go of outdated ideas about later-life potential means you don’t have to grow old! Each decade after 50, plan something exciting and then follow up and do it. At least once a month, engage in a new experience. Go to a new place, try a new kind of food, walk into a room full of strangers and make a new friend or get better acquainted with your computer. Let go of energy vampires. You know the kind: those who make you feel as though you need an energy transfusion after interacting with them because they’ve drained yours. This includes people you work with, people you live with and people to whom you are related. Bear in mind, there is to be no violence attached to this act. I have found the more involved I am in other activities, the less energy vampires are able to find me. Choose a method that works best for you. Dismiss negative stereotypes. It is up to us to as pioneers of aging to define the way the generations coming behind us view the topic of aging. We are not our grandparents – or our parents – so we must be the guides. Be sure to support your own life force. Make every day an awakening, a new opportunity to grow and change. We don’t
have to grow old, but we do have to grow. What does it mean to age well? For me, facing the fact that my hair is white by PAT NICHOL means I can play with vibrant colours. The gift it has given me is joyful fun and an opportunity to talk to the people it inspires. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Oh, I couldn’t do that, I’m too old” think about the woman I spoke to recently who celebrated her 80th birthday as she finished walking the Camino de Santiago or those who began working out in their 70s and are now running marathons. While I don’t necessarily suggest inline skating or diving off a high cliff, the possibilities that still await us are abundant. What are you planning for this next stage of your life? Share your ideas, let’s talk about them. |
Outrageous
Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com or visit Pat’s website at patnichol.ca
WIldlIfe legaCIes If you are interested in making a living Will or leaving a legacy in your Will to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, please email us at wildlife@niwra.org for a brochure & video.
We provide care to critically sick, injured and orphaned wildlife such as eagles, owls, song birds and black bears. Help care for these animals by partnering with us through your legacy gift or donation.
THEY DEPEND ON US, AND WE DEPEND ON YOU...
THaNK YOU fOR YOUR sUPPORT!
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre 250-248-8543 Box 364, 1240 Leffler Road Errington, BC
50 48
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Senior Living... The Berwick Way™ At Berwick Retirement Communities, you will enjoy an unparalleled standard of living at a superior value. Creating a wonderful environment where residents enjoy exceptional services from friendly staff is The Berwick Way. Find out more about The Berwick Way™ – Ask one of our Senior Living Experts Today!
www.BerwickRetirement.com V I C TO R I A | N A N A I M O | C O M OX | K A M LO O P S | C A M P B E L L R I V E R Proud to be BC owned and operated JOB BRC-17779 CLIENT: BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PUBLICATION: SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE INSERTION DATE: TBD TRIM: 7.25X4.75 PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103
Financial confidence with our b[right] term rates
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Don’t let finances stand in your way of participating Leisure Involvement For Everyone (LIFE)
is Saanich Parks & Recreation financial assistance program.
INVESTMENT AND SAVING SPECIALS ON NOW
If you are on a limited income you may qualify for discounts on programs and free passes to our four recreation centres. For more information call 250-475-5407 or visit saanich.ca
Jeanie Shih Retirement Advisor 604-549-5383 604-419-8888 • gffg.com WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
NOVEMBER 2017
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I didn’t expect to bring Bella with me.
At Amica you can always feel at home. Expect premium amenities and personalized service with a range of care options. You can even bring your pet.
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TM
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2017-06-19 11:19 AM