Keeping seniors connected

Transcona

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/09/2024 (551 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The community of Transcona is very lucky to have dedicated senior resource co-ordinators and volunteers who guide seniors in the area to amazing services. The Transcona Council for Seniors, along with the Transcona Retired Citizens Organization offer so many programs and services that most people are unaware of.

One such initiative is the social prescribing initiative, spearheaded by the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC) through its executive director Connie Newman and social prescribing consultant Stacy Boone. Social prescribing is a way for health-care providers to connect patients to a range of non-clinical services. MASC works alongside health-care providers and medical clinics to connect patients to a wide range of resources which will help to improve social engagement, health and well-being.

A recently published study of older Canadians found that one in four people over the age of 65 are lonely, one in three wish to participate in more social activities and one in seven don’t have internet or email. Some of the benefits of prescribing that such people connect to community resources are fun, improved mental and physical health, new friendships, reduced rates of cognitive decline, improved memory and/or sleep and reduced loneliness.

The Transcona Council for Seniors receives social prescribing referrals from doctors and connects people to the appropriate community services. Currently there are numerous opportunities such as: 55-plus home maintenance programs, transportation to and from appointments, meal programs, exercise classes such as Zumba, pickleball, yoga and Drums Alive. For those who still like to tinker there is even a men’s shed program. For the artists, there are art classes, and for those trying to keep up with the kids or grandkids there are technology classes. Hard of hearing, vision-impaired or Alzheimer caregivers’ support groups are also available.

If you are looking to help out in the community there is always a need for volunteer drivers for medical appointments and to help out at special events, as well as for peer leaders for exercise or education class instruction.

Collaboratively, working alongside medical professionals, our seniors will become more connected in the community with peer groups and in turn improve every aspect of their health.

For more information on programs available through the Transcona Council for Seniors, you can contact Colleen Tackaberry or Lorri Dahl at 204-222-9879 or email tcs@mymts.net. There is also a wealth of information at transconaseniors.ca. To learn more about social prescribing, check out the MASC website at manitobaseniorcommunities.ca