Each year, October 1st is set aside to recognize the important contributions of Canadian seniors. Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, National Seniors Day gives us all an opportunity to celebrate seniors who have helped shape our community and to raise awareness of their concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially our Older Adults. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the return of some in-person programming this fall, as well as the continuation of virtual workshops from the City of Ottawa.
Please check out the list below for recreational, cultural, and interest-based programs for Older Adults, including registration information.
Recreation and Leisure for Older Adults
The Churchill Seniors Centre is a designated hub within the City of Ottawa and has remained open throughout the spring and summer to provide rehabilitation programs to adults over 50.
“It’s difficult to be told to stay home and simply go for a walk to stay fit,” Anita Findlay, Program Coordinator says. “If you have a bad hip, bad knee or bad balance post-stroke, you can’t do that. So, we’ve remained open to be able to offer something to our clients.”
It’s one of very few such hubs that does not operate out of a hospital, and its main use during the lockdowns was a weight and cardio room with equipment specific for people who have mobility issues, like the recumbent bike and the Nu-Step machine.
As of August 3rd, many classes resumed at the center. There are 10 different fitness classes, a teddy bear (sewing) club, and an arts program. There are also many more set to start this fall, such as learning lectures, as well as the resumption of Duplicate Bridge and Integrated Fitness, for those unable to participate in mainstream fitness classes.
A full list and schedule of available programs can be found here or by calling 613-798-8927.
Additionally, two other seniors center’s are also set to reopen: Kanata Seniors Centre (613-580-2980 ext. 20656) & Nepean Seniors Centre (613-580-2828, option 2).
For more information on all available activities, please contact each location.
Fall Virtual Programs for Older Adults
Join us virtually with live-streamed, interactive fitness classes, art classes and social meet-ups to stay connected and promote your well-being this fall!
The City of Ottawa’s Virtual Programs are offering a number of registered arts and fitness programs for Older Adults such as:
- Cardio and Strength
- Chair Exercise
- Nia
- Yoga
- Zumba
- Drawing and Painting
- Coloured Pencils
- And more!
We are also offering a variety of free social meet-ups including:
- Coffee Break Socials
- Intergenerational Series
- Lunchtime Travel Series
- Long Distance Grandparent Workshops
- View our Virtual Brochure online today for a list of our registered programs!
- Register online through your account on ServiceOttawa, or visit the front desk at an open City of Ottawa community centre near you.
Wellness Fridays
Free Wellness Activities for Seniors
Ottawa Public Library is continuing the popular series of Aging Well Together at the Library: Wellness Fridays programs, offered online by the Library in partnership with City of Ottawa and funded by the City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Plan.
The Wellness Fridays for seniors programs are free. They will continue through December! Programs are held on Zoom in English and in French. We have expanded the series and there are now programs on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, as well as on Friday mornings this fall. Participants may also join us by phone (via Zoom) if they do not have access to a computer or the internet. Each topic will have a two-part program. Themes for program topics will include drawing, painting, yoga, and journaling, as well a mini-series on keeping your memory fit.
We have complimentary kits, including supplies and instructions. Registration on the Ottawa Public Library website is required; supplies and spaces are limited, so register early to reserve your spot and your kit! We will e-mail you a week before the program begins to arrange for the pickup location of your kit.
Registration is open for fall courses:
In English:
Mixed Media Art
Yoga
Imaginative Watercolours
Coloured Pencils
Keeping Your Memory Fit: Strategies to Help Remember Names
Keeping Your Memory Fit: Mnemonic Strategies to Help Boost Memory
Breathe and Flow Meditation and Mindfulness
Keeping Your Memory Fit: Using Visual Thinking to Help Boost Memory
Zen Drawing and Doodling
Art Journaling
In French:
Yoga doux
Pastels d’huile
Aiguisez votre mémoire: Stratégies pour faciliter la mémorisation des noms propres
Dessin à l’aquarelle
These classes are also announced in the Wellness Fridays blog post !
To register, you need an Ottawa Public Library card, which is free to all Ottawa residents. You can get a temporary card online or call InfoService 613-580-2940.
For questions, contact us: WellnessFridays.Vendredissante@ottawa.ca
If interested in joining these live broadcasts, please connect with the Good Companions Centre, Seniors’ Centre Without Walls via phone, 613-236-0428 ext. 2323, or by email scww@thegoodcompanions.ca.
There is no fee and no internet access is required, just a telephone line!