Seniors’ Month in Ontario is an opportunity to recognize and honour the seniors in our community and across the province. This year’s theme of Seniors’ Month is more important than ever: Stay Safe, Stay in Touch.
Senior Persons Living Connected (SPLC) acknowledges our vibrant and diverse community of seniors. SPLC remains committed to building inclusive communities and helping seniors stay active, healthy, and connected – not just during the pandemic, but always.
“At the heart of SPLC programs, we aim to help seniors to age strongly and live their best possible life,” said SPLC Executive Director Diane Duncan. “Many SPLC programs encourage active living and social connections for seniors. By staying in touch with one another and doing the things they love, whether it is support groups or exercising, we know seniors will continue to thrive. It has been especially important to keep these programs going during long periods of self-isolation throughout the pandemic.”
Active Living Programs
While many SPLC programs ensure that members of our community have access to necessities, such as food and medications, SPLC recognizes it is also important for seniors to stay active and have fun. Over the course of the pandemic, SPLC made changes so that many of the programs that seniors rely on and love, could be offered online and virtually.
For example, those who normally attend SPLC art classes through our Active Living Centre are inspired to keep improving their sketching skills a video from SPLC staff. For seniors who prefer phone calls, SPLC has trivia phone games to help keep minds active and engaged.
Many seniors are having a great time singing together in regularly scheduled video conference calls. On Fridays, an enthusiastic group meets for Chinese karaoke to sing along to popular songs from the 60s to the 90s.
And, just because we haven’t been able to exercise as a group, seniors can follow along with videos by SPLC posted on YouTube. Specially made for the SPLC community, there are videos on simplified Tai Chi, yoga, and gentle standing or chair exercises.
Seniors interested to check out any of SPLC’s programs, can find more information on our Programs and Services During COVID page, or check out our events calendar listings.
Tech Support for Seniors
With all of these programs going online during the pandemic, it’s important to ensure seniors are comfortable using their devices. That is why SPLC is offering our Technology Assistant Program over the phone. During these 40-minute phone calls, a qualified volunteer navigates seniors’ questions regarding their devices.
One senior in our community who participated in the Technology Assistant Program, learned how to do tours online – she toured High Park to see the cherry blossoms. “Addie (our Virtual Technology Assistant volunteer) also gave me ideas about museum tours, and best of all he introduced me to Spotify and YouTube,” she said. “I just finished listening to k.d. lang sing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and my spirits soared!”
Seniors wishing to sign up for our Technology Assistant Program, can email sukaina@splc.ca or call 416-493-3333, ext. 256. Learn more about SPLC programs and services provided during the pandemic.
Celebrating SPLC Seniors with shared stories
