Seniors and Public Transportation

Do you use public transportation often? This article explores many common forms of transportation and offers friendly reminders and tips to be mindful of during your next outing.

Safety Tips for Seniors Using Public Transportation

Take special care when using public transportation

By Sharon O'Brien, About.com Guide

Whether you’re in your home city or on vacation, public transportation can be a good way to travel. In most cities, public transportation is much easier, less stressful and more cost-effective than traveling by car or taxi.

Special Challenges for Seniors Using Public Transportation
As many seniors get older, they notice a loss of balance, strength, or dexterity, making them more vulnerable to injuries. If you are experiencing these changes, the following tips can help:

Public Transportation Safety Tips

1. When you enter or leave a vehicle, watch for slippery or uneven pavement and other hazards that could cause you to fall or twist an ankle.
2. Have your bus fare ready to avoid losing your balance while you look for correct change.
3. When you enter or leave a subway car, be sure to “mind the gap” as they say in London. There is a gap between the edge of the train platform and the subway door. Watch your step.

Seniors see 1.3% increase in Old Age Security benefits

Old Age Security benefit rates increase for the July-September quarter

Last month, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada announced the quarterly benefit rates for Old Age Security (OAS), effective July to September 2011.

As of July 1, the basic OAS pension benefit, paid to people 65 years of age and older, will be $533.70 per month.


This represents an increase of 1.3 percent. Payments under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances will also increase by 1.3 percent. Beginning this month, seniors with little or no income will receive a new GIS top-up benefit of up to $600 for single seniors and $840 for couples. This additional annual benefit is part of Budget 2011.

For further information, please consult the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

Source URL: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=%2Findex&nid=609809

Book a suite after May 1st AND move in before August 31st and you are eligible to spin the “Wheel of Treasures” to win fabulous prizes

See the full gallery on Posterous

Great article from Forbes on how to make your retirement comfortable

Living Well in Retirement

Baby boomers are redefining what it means to live well in retirement. As the stories in this Special Report illustrate, some are seeking fulfillment (and extra income) from new “retirement” careers, others are angling for adventure by retiring abroad and many, after a lifetime of acquiring, are shedding their excess possessions. Whatever your vision of a good retirement, we’ve got advice to help you achieve it by making sure your savings aren’t eaten away by unnecessary taxes or investment fees. Plus, we explain how much of your nest egg you can spend each year and how to protect yourself and your loved ones through a proper estate plan.

Edited by Janet Novack 5.19.11 
as posted on Forbes.com

 

View the full article filled with useful retirement related links right here

All Seniors Care Living Centres honoured with 2011 Healthy Living Award!!

All Seniors Care Living Centres receives

Reh-Fit Centre’s 2011 Healthy Living Award

The Reh-Fit Centre’s Healthy Living Awards is an annual event that promotes community health by celebrating organizations and individuals who have made a difference in encouraging healthy, active living across Manitoba. Since 1999, when it was first held, the event has recognized the contributions of 173 Manitoba individuals, businesses, corporations, associations, or organizations who have contributed to healthy living across the province. The Awards recognize accomplishments by individuals and organizations in four categories: individuals, businesses or corporations, organizations (paid staff), and groups (volunteers).
All Seniors Care was the 2011 Recipient in the Business Category for our annual week long Seniors Games. Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Bruce Lillie stated “it is a huge honour to be recognized for this initiative. At All Seniors Care we strive every day to support vibrant, active, and healthy lifestyles for our residents and the Seniors Games is our annual celebration of this commitment. ASC management and staff, our local community supporters, and the politically leaders who got involved at all of our facilities took away many wonderful memories of the games and look forward to being part of the event next year.”

About All Seniors Care Living Centres

All Seniors Care, where caring is our number one concern, has become the new standard of excellence in luxury retirement living. Founded on an unwavering commitment to exceptional care, All Seniors Care is dedicated to creating and operating the best senior’s facilities, while providing the highest level of care to our residents. Delivering the highest quality of services, amenities and activities are all part of our commitment to Aging-In-Place. Residents and their families can expect enhanced independence, greater peace of mind, and higher quality of life throughout the years at this beautiful facility. Our full time Director of Health and Wellness will lead many daily activities designed to challenge, inspire and entertain even the most discerning and active seniors. Our Red Seal certified chefs and their teams carefully plan each meal to ensure all residents enjoy delicious, nutritiously balanced culinary creations every day – hallmarks of our commitment to excellence in providing gracious retirement living.

Beacon Heights in Ottawa is presenting info sessions on May 19. Call today to book your tour!

A great article profiling our own Summerwood Village in Sherwood Park

“The Year of Joy”

What a wonderful “Year of Joy” Linking Generations had this year.  It is hard to describe just how much the students are gaining from their interactions with their seniors.  I know they are bringing amazing Joy into each other’s lives simply by listening and sharing their lives.  These young people and the seniors are sharing their life experiences, sharing their dreams, and sharing their hearts.  Thanks to each Linking Generations senior for giving of your time and of your heart.  We are impressed by your wealth of knowledge and interesting life stories and touched by your kindness and compassion. 

Linking Generations is very grateful for the support we receive from Summerwood Retirement Residence.  Special thanks to Dianne Lalonde and Caryn Lansing for your personal belief in the benefits of connecting these two generations ~ your wonderful support is appreciated.  You are supporting our Linking students to experience history through the eyes of their seniors. 

Thanks to our Linking Angels:  Cheyenne Brown, Patricia Hollman, Heather Wilton, and Alicia Webster for sharing your time, your hearts, and your kindness to make each visit meaningful. 

We are very grateful to our funding partners:  Alberta Government Community Initiatives Program, Lakeland Ridge School, and Holy Spirit Catholic School.  We also really appreciate those individuals who choose to designate their United Way donations to Linking Generations or pledge their support to the Mayor’s Walk/Run.  It is these valuable partnerships or ‘links’ that make our program such a success. 

Seniors or your families, please have a look at Linking Generations website www.linkinggenerations.ca.  The photo gallery captures the true essence of our programs ~ the smiles of the seniors and their students. 

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Linking Generations ~ Teens & Seniors, Caring & Sharing