Recreation and staying active in every stage of our lives is important. Not only does recreation provide physical health benefits, but emotional and social benefits as well. Senior recreation programs play a key role in the well-being of older adults. Participation in senior recreation programs can help maintain mobility, joint flexibility, agility, and so much more. Living an active lifestyle in your senior years can improve balance, reduce falls and associated injuries, and aid in prolonging independence as you age. Regular daily activity can help reduce or prevent many of the health issues that become more common as we age. At OSCR, there are so many Healthy Living Programs to choose from. Everything from exercise classes to ballroom dancing, arts and crafts, bingo, and more. We encourage our residents to take part in the fun programs offered at OSCR- you can keep fit and have fun by joining our HLP staff for regularly scheduled recreational programming. Below are some examples of the Healthy Living Programs offered at OSCR: RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS Arts & Crafts, Bingo, Table Bowling, Bean Bag Toss, and Darts SOCIAL PROGRAMS Tea & Chat, Friendly Visits, and OSCR Focus Group FITNESS & WELLNESS PROGRAMS Group Exercise, Fall Prevention Classes, Ballroom Dancing, Group Walks in the Community, and Pet Therapy EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Mysteries of the World, News & Views, and Trivia Games

Making the move to senior living is a big lifestyle change for many of our residents. OSCR offers a unique senior housing option for seniors in our community, and we’ve gathered extensive feedback on what our residents like the most about living here. Below is a list of the top things our residents love about life at OSCR: Ability to Maintain an Independent Lifestyle The Supportive Living suites at OSCR provide privacy for our residents, where we encourage maximum independence in their daily lives. Our residents can live independently in their private suite, with the opportunity to choose how they go about their day. Whether they wish to join in on the Healthy Living Programs, enjoy the outdoors in one of many seating areas, or watch the programing on the OSCR television channel, the choice is theirs! Supports to Age Gracefully OSCR’s Supportive Living Services offer our residents freedom from meal preparation, house cleaning, and laundry. Our Food Services team prepares tasty & nutritious meals, while our Homemaking team completes weekly housekeeping and laundry services. By taking these time-consuming and strenuous tasks off of our resident's hands, they have free time to participate in the many Healthy Living Programs offered each day. These services assist seniors to live independently for as long as possible and allow OSCR to serve our residents with a wide range of lifestyle, health care, and personal need options. Sense of Community Living at OSCR provides opportunities for relationships and purposeful activity amongst our residents. Our dining room allows seniors to make connections with their peers, as tablemates tend to become good friends. The Healthy Living Programs encourage our residents to participate in group activities and social events. The amenities offered at OSCR creates a sense of a small community, with all of the essential services steps away from our suites- we have a pharmacy, convenience shop, salon, chiropodist, and fitness centre on-site. Security and Serenity The Residential tower at OSCR provides a safe and supportive environment for all who call the building home. Our residents no longer need to worry about security concerns associated with living on their own- we have staff on-site 24/7. There’s always a friendly face nearby, with over 300 seniors calling OSCR home.

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The annual OSCR Fall Fair was held recently- it was a fun & festive day! Clients and their family members took in the fall colours and décor on our back property, enjoying hot apple cider, seasonal tarts, and warm BeaverTails. Musical entertainment provided by Matt & Heather put everyone in an upbeat mood. Clients also had the opportunity to have their caricatures done- the artist created some masterpieces! A tarot card reader was on hand to offer readings to clients, and a face painter created beautiful designs for everyone. We look forward to the Fall Fair each year as it is a great time to gather to celebrate the season and make the most of the beautiful fall weather- we couldn’t have asked for a better day! 

As we approach Thanksgiving, it is important to recognize the things that we are thankful for in our lives. Studies have shown that a little gratitude can lift your spirits and brighten your mood to help you live a more fulfilled life. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are grateful for- this could be the smiling faces of OSCR staff members that you interact with, or simply the sun shining on a beautiful day. Maybe you are thankful for your friends and family, your neighbours, your cherished memories, or your favourite hobby- when you slow down to think about it, you probably have a lot to be grateful for every single day! Practicing gratitude has been shown to benefit both your mental and physical health- having an optimistic, grateful mindset can affect you in positive ways. Below are some of the benefits you may experience when you focus on the good things in life: Stress Reduction Many seniors will experience loneliness or a longing for the past from time to time- when you reflect on your happy memories and are thankful for them, you can improve your mood and outlook. Being grateful for your past experiences not only reduces stress, it also helps you build relationships and boosts your ability to overcome any challenges that may come your way. Improved Sleep Practicing gratitude can lead to a more peaceful night’s rest, since research has shown that when you have an influx of positive thoughts and a calm mind before you go to bed, this can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Try writing down a few things that you are grateful for each night before you turn in. A More Positive Outlook on Life Gratitude can change your frame of mind and lead to a more sustainable form of happiness. If you take the time to reflect on what you are thankful for each day, you may adopt a more positive outlook on life and become happier overall. Gratitude gives seniors a sense of joy, contentment, and appreciation- if you count your blessings rather than your worries, you’ll be more optimistic about the future. We have so much to be thankful for here at OSCR- from our wonderful residents and staff members to the safe and supportive housing options that we offer, our beautiful location near the lake in Bronte, and the inclusive community that surrounds us- we are grateful for all of these things each and every day. Try practicing gratitude in your life and see how it improves your outlook!

National Seniors Day is a special occasion to celebrate the important role older adults play in Canada. We honour our senior citizens every year on October 1 st . This day is a time to pay tribute to the men and women over the age of 65 who have helped make Canada the great country it is today and who have enriched our lives in so many ways. Seniors have made- and continue to make- profound contributions to our society. They represent a large and growing part of our population; we all have special seniors who have made a difference in our lives. Whether they are our teachers, parents, friends, or neighbours- seniors have a positive impact on us.  We are so grateful for the seniors who call OSCR home- we are fortunate to have a friendly, diverse, and active group of residents living here. They make the OSCR community a fun and exciting place to live and work. Happy National Seniors Day!

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As we age, our memory may not be as sharp as it once was, and we may notice that we become forgetful from time to time. Occasionally, we might forget an item on our shopping list, or misplace our keys. If you notice a significant change in your memory, it is a good idea to reach out to your doctor. There are many things you can do to stimulate your brain function- here are six ways to keep your mind sharp as you age: Be Active Regular activity, from walking to light exercise, can boost oxygen and blood flow to your brain. Your mind and body are interconnected- keeping active on a regular basis can benefit the health of your brain, and thus help improve your memory. The Lifemark classes offered on-site at OSCR are a great way to get moving. Get Crafty Arts & crafts are a great way to stimulate yourself artistically. Being creative challenges your brain and can improve function. Painting, drawing, and even doodling may have a positive impact on your mind. We encourage you to participate in a Healthy Living Programs craft class. Eat Well A healthy and balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nutrient-rich proteins can help boost your brain health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, so eating well can aid in maintaining good brain function and memory. The Food Services department at OSCR prepares healthy & nutritious meals every day. Read Regularly Try to get into the habit of reading on a regular basis. Reading is a great way to stimulate your brain and help reduce memory decline. We have many books available for you to borrow from the OSCR library. Also, reading the daily news, whether you subscribe to a printed newspaper or read it online, is a great way to incorporate reading into your routine and keeps you up to date on current events. Play Games Challenging yourself to games, such as sudoku or word searches, can make a big difference when it comes to brain health. Even the simple act of completing a crossword puzzle can test your memory and keep it sharp. Group games such as bridge, cribbage, and trivia can also aid in maintaining good brain function and mental alertness. Check the HLP calendar to see when group games are held. Stay Social Interacting with others on a regular basis can have a positive effect on one’s intellectual and social well-being. Catching up with friends and having stimulating conversations can help improve memory and brain function. Chatting about days gone by, as well as current events, will keep your mind sharp and your brain strong. Strike up a conversation with your tablemates in the dining room and with other residents around OSCR.

Making the move to Supportive Living can be a stressful time. Whether you are moving from the home you have lived in for many years or an apartment unit, downsizing is a time-consuming task which may feel overwhelming. Choosing what to part with and what to bring with you is a big decision. Read on for some downsizing tips to help you before your move: