As an older adult, you’re likely aware of the importance of staying active for optimal mental and physical health. However, amidst all your activities, it’s crucial to ask yourself: are you truly having FUN? Fun and joy are essential components of a fulfilling life, making us feel alive, engaged, and connected to others. When we embrace laughter and play, the world becomes more vibrant and inviting. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that transport them, making them lose track of time or feel like a carefree kid once again. The good news is that many of the best activities for senior citizens are low-cost or even free. So, why not explore activities that reignite the youthful spirit within you?
Community News
#TurnMayGrey
May is Brain Tumour Awareness Month in Canada. Brain Tumour Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about brain tumours, promote research, and support those affected by the disease. It is an opportunity to unite as a collective force, raise our voices, and create positive change. This year, we highlight the need to raise awareness for brain tumour signs and symptoms to increase early detection and diagnosis and improve patients’ survival chances. Learn more about the most common signs and symptoms of a brain tumour and download the infographics at www.braintumour.ca/signs and share them on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #TurnMayGrey!
Essential Tips for Disability Tax Claims
Navigating the intricacies of disability tax credits can be daunting, but understanding the process is crucial for accessing financial support. Here’s a vital tip: Keep detailed records of medical expenses and consultations related to the disability. This documentation is invaluable when applying for the credit, ensuring you receive the maximum entitled benefits. Additionally, seek assistance from a qualified specialist well-versed in disability tax credits. Their expertise can streamline the application process and help you optimize your claim. By staying organized and seeking expert guidance, you can alleviate financial burdens and focus on prioritizing your health and well-being.
Sprout into Spring
Spring is about all things green and at Mortar and Pesto we have plenty of amazing green products to help you maintain and improve your overall health and wellbeing. We carry sprouting kits that allow you to grow nutritious microgreens in your own home, perfect for adding a nutrient-dense boost to your day. We also have greens powders, sea veggies, and high-potency broccoli capsules for those who want to achieve therapeutic doses for epigenetic support. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is also liver season – a great opportunity to check out the many plant-based products we have that help the gallbladder and liver!
May Events for Seniors at RDPL
Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.)
*NEW!* Collicutt Walk & Talk (every Thursday at 11:30 a.m.)
First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month)
Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (second Saturday of each month)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
Get Money Smart! 75 Ways to Save on Household Expenses (online on May 14)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (May 7 & 21)
Readers’ Theatre (May 16)
Sip n’ Stitch (May 16)
Crib, Cards, Coffee and Conversation (May 19)
Symphony at the Snell (May 25)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
Interested in Volunteering?
Are you looking for something productive and a whole lot of fun to do in your spare time? Would you like to make a difference in the community too? Consider volunteering at the Golden Circle!
We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that you can participate in such as: Bingo and Casino volunteers; Friendly Visiting, Volunteer Driving for Supportive Medical Transportation; Escorted Grocery Shopping or delivering Groceries or Frozen Meals; Kitchen and Dining Room help; Special Event Help from decorating, set up and take down, to serving, ticket taking or bar tending; Committees and the Board of Directors – we are a registered non-profit society with a Governance Board of Directors. We are always looking for individuals with a passion for older adults and making a difference in their community to join the Board or our Committees!
If you are interested in more information on becoming a volunteer at the Golden Circle, please contact Megan Schapansky, Program & Volunteer Coordinator at 403-343-6074 or [email protected]
Did You Know Volunteering is Healthy?
We all lead busy lives so it can be hard to find time to volunteer, however, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Not only does volunteering offer vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer! The right match can help you make friends, connect with your community, learn new skills and in some cases even advance your career, but did you know that volunteering can even make you feel happier and healthier? Volunteering can be a real confidence booster and we all need that some days.
Giving to others can help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. Numerous studies have been undertaken that show the beneficial health outcomes of volunteering. Research has found that participation in voluntary services is a predictor of better mental and physical health. People who volunteer have been shown to have better self-esteem, higher overall satisfaction ratings with their life, lower depressive symptoms, greater functional ability and yes – even live longer!
While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.
National Volunteer Week
April 14 to 20 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. The theme for 2024 is “Every Moment Matters”. It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities. We are happy to join with organizations across the nation to recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they’re making to strengthen inclusivity and wellbeing in our communities. Now more than ever, Every Moment Matters!
Why is Volunteering Important to Us?
At the Golden Circle we rely on volunteers to help support a variety of aspects of our operations from assisting in the Kitchen and Dining Room, to supporting special events and fundraisers, providing supportive transportation to medical rides, delivering groceries and frozen meals from our own kitchen, and doing friendly visiting over the phone. We cherish our volunteers and could not do this important work without them!
Join us April 14 through 20 as we celebrate our individual and collective actions in creating a strong, interconnected and vibrant community! Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing our time, talent and energy to support one another and to build community better together.
Book of the Month:
HealthyGirl Kitchen: 100+ Plant-based Recipes to Live Your Healthiest Life by Danielle Brown. Whether you’re a practicing vegan or just interested in trying out more plant-based meals, this go-to cookbook with insanely easy, out-of-this-world delicious recipes will help you become the best version of yourself. This cookbook contains over 100 plant-based recipes that are 100% vegan, refined-sugar and flour free, gluten-free optional, and ridiculously easy to prepare.
Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org.
Disability Tax Benefits
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit aiding individuals with physical or mental impairments in reducing income tax. It extends to those supporting disabled individuals or their spouses. Applicable at federal and provincial levels, the DTC aims to level the tax playing field between those with and without disabilities. Individuals facing additional costs related to medical care, food, housing, transportation, and personal assistance services can find financial relief by claiming the DTC on their tax return. Moreover, DTC eligibility opens doors to complementary government programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, Child Disability Benefit, Canada Worker’s Benefit Disability Supplement, and Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit.
