Enjoy our Latest Edition!

September is Healthy Aging Month, which focuses on inspiring older adults to improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. Healthy Aging Month aims to encourage positive lifestyle changes with the message that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits. Below are the pillars of healthy aging- read on to learn more about each one:  Movement: Aim for regular, moderate movement like daily walks or balance exercises. Daily walks can bolster your heart and lung health, as well as maintain muscle mass and strength. Frequent physical activity keeps you limber, strong, and enhances your overall mobility. Participate in the group exercise classes that are offered regularly at OSCR to keep fit. Balanced Nutrition: As we age, our dietary needs change. Eating a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight, as well as prevent high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The Food Services department follows Canada’s Food Guide to ensure all meals served at OSCR provide the proper nutrients for our clients. A variety of dietary needs can be accommodated by our team. Quality Sleep: Ensure you are getting enough sleep at night; experts usually recommend 7 to 9 hours. Take a short nap if you feel tired during the day. When you are sleeping well, you are more likely to have a positive mood and more energy to partake in your favourite hobbies and social activities with friends. Brain Stimulation: Keeping your brain stimulated can benefit your mind and help to keep your memory sharp. Stay up to date with current events, tackle brain teaser puzzles, or read a book. Participate in the trivia sessions or group discussions offered by the Healthy Living Programs department to stimulate your brain and keep your mind active while engaging with your peers. Social Connection: Maintain strong ties with friends, family, and community groups to prevent loneliness. Take part in the social activities that are run by the HLP team to connect with fellow residents and build friendly, social connections. Preventative Care: Keep up to date with physical exams, routine health screenings, and recommended immunizations. Schedule regular check-ups, annual vision & hearing screenings, as well as MedsCheck consultations with your pharmacist. Being pro-active about your physical health ensures you are staying on top of any concerns as you age. Healthy Aging Month highlights the importance of making positive choices each and every day; OSCR provides supports to ensure you are thriving in your senior years!

Making the move to senior living is a major life transition that comes with many benefits. Supportive Living at OSCR offers a carefree lifestyle without the burden of household tasks, peace of mind knowing you are in a safe and supportive environment, as well as increased social opportunities to build connections with your peers. Those living in the Residential Tower at OSCR enjoy the many advantages that come along with senior-focused supportive housing; read on to learn more about these benefits. Carefree Living When you move to Supportive Living at OSCR, you benefit from carefree living free of cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Our Food Services team prepares fresh, healthy meals for you. Our homemakers take care of the weekly cleaning of your suite, as well as your personal laundry. Our property staff look after any regular maintenance that your suite may require, such as changing light bulbs or fixing a clogged sink. These benefits allow you to focus on what really matters to you on a daily basis. Safety & Security Peace of mind comes from knowing you are in a safe and supportive environment. OSCR clients in the Residential Tower benefit from being surrounded by their peers, and the comfort of knowing that staff are on-site 24/7 in case of emergencies. We take the security of our residents seriously, and those living here can be confident that everyone looks out for one another. Another benefit is accessibility- the average apartment or home doesn’t come with pre-existing safety features for seniors. At OSCR, every suite is equipped with safety bars in the washroom, as well as handrails in the hallways. The front doors of our building are automated, allowing for easy access with walkers, and the elevators allow for ease of travel between floors. Increased Opportunities for Social Interaction When you live in a home or apartment on your own, you might not see or talk to your friends & family every day. Being surrounded by your peers, as well as the friendly OSCR staff, prevents loneliness that is associated with living by yourself. Supportive Living at OSCR provides social opportunities through the Healthy Living Programs that are offered regularly, as well as lively conversation with your tablemates during meal service. Studies have shown that many people over the age of 65 feel socially isolated; when you live at OSCR, there’s always a friendly face in the common spaces to chat with, or fun to be had by participating in one of the many recreation programs that are scheduled. There are so many benefits of moving to senior living; OSCR residents live a carefree lifestyle, with peace of mind knowing they are safe & supported, while staying socially connected!

The 2010s, pronounced “twenty-tens” was the decade that began on January 1 st , 2010, and ended on December 31 st , 2019. The 2010s were a decade marked by economic recovery from the financial recession that began in 2008 and the emergence of new technology, with changes to how we communicate and connect. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! Technology & Communications The 2010s were defined by the rise of smartphones, and their ability to connect people to social media, email, and voice calls on one device. Social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram gained popularity, with millions of new users creating accounts. Apps such as Airbnb and Uber allowed people more options for accommodations and transportation. Traditional cable television subscriptions decreased, as people switched to media streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. The way we accessed music also changed, with digital downloads via apps such Apple Music and Spotify gaining popularity over physical CD purchases. Consumers wanted instant access to communication, music, film, and television- the technological advancements during the 2010s offered people these options.  Pop Culture During the 2010s, Superhero films led the box office. James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ surpassed $2 billion in sales at the start of the decade. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was another big earner in the 2010s. The music of this decade was dominated by dance-pop artists such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry; Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran saw a rise in their popularity as well. As the 2010s wrapped up, Billboard named Canadian rapper Drake the top artist of the decade. Fashion Trends Fashion in the 2010s was slimmer fitting and more formal compared to previous decades. Technological advancements had a big impact on how people accessorized, with smart watches and wireless earbuds worn by many. The emergence of athleisure wear in the 2010s meant that people were wearing clothing typically reserved for the gym, such as leggings and crop tops from Lululemon out and about. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 2010s!

Enjoy our August Edition!

Summertime in Ontario provides the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy some fresh air, and be active outdoors. Early morning and evenings are the best time for seniors to take advantage of the summer weather, as the sun is still shining, but humidity and UV rays are not as high as they are during the midday heat. Below are some summer activities to make the most of the summer season: Take Your Hobby Outdoors Hobbies such as reading, knitting, or drawing can easily be taken outside into the summer air. Pack up your book, or crafting supplies, and have a seat in the shaded areas on the back patio. The gazebo offers comfortable seating and a view of the garden and the patio tables are a great place to gather with others who are interested in similar hobbies. Enjoy the Lake Breeze If you are able, take a stroll down to the waterfront park to enjoy the view of Lake Ontario, soak up the sunshine, and appreciate the cooling lake breeze. Take a stroll on the paved lakeside pathway and enjoy the beauty of Bronte harbour. Be sure to check the Healthy Living Programs calendar to see when the group walks are scheduled. While you’re down there, try to find the Muskoka chair that was recently painted by OSCR residents; there’s ample seating all along the lakefront for you to relax and take in the view.  Cool Down with a Sweet Treat Grab a cool beverage or ice cream treat from OSCaR’s Place; head out back to enjoy the shade under an umbrella at one of the patio tables in the backyard or sit under the awning out front. These are great places to chitchat with fellow residents and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while making the most of the summer weather. Enjoy the summer weather while it lasts- stay hydrated, keep cool, and wear sunscreen!

Enjoy our July Edition!

Canadians from coast to coast celebrate Canada Day on July 1 st . This is a day to display our true patriot love for Canada and everything that makes us uniquely Canadian. A time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and show gratitude for this wonderful country that we proudly call home. Canada Day is a statutory holiday which commemorates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation. On July 1 st , 1867, Canada marked confederation with the signing of the Constitution Act, thus marking independence from Britain, creating the Dominion of Canada. Originally called Dominion Day, Canada gained full patriation from Britain with the signing of Canada Act in 1982, and the federal government officially changed the name of this holiday to Canada Day. For 159 years, Canadians have come together to celebrate the birth of our nation. Communities across the country hold celebrations that feature outdoor public events, concerts, and fireworks. Red and white are the colours most commonly worn on this day, as Canadians show off their patriotic outfits. The largest Canada Day festivities take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Canada Day is a special time when Canadians gather together to celebrate our beautiful, diverse country; a time to come together and celebrate the true north, strong and free. Happy Canada Day!

There’s no shortage of fun things to do this summer in Bronte Village- a wide variety of exciting community events are happening just steps away from OSCR. Check out schedule below to see what’s going on in beautiful Bronte this summer! Bronte Lake Notes Every Thursday @ 7pm beginning June 18 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park- Sails Stage Featuring contemporary music from local bands, these free concerts delight both young and young at heart. Dance and sing along while enjoying gorgeous views of the harbour. Bronte’s Dominican Bachata Party Every Friday @ 6:30pm beginning June 19 th Bronte Market Square Get ready to dance along to the rhythm at this event which brings joy and community spirit to the heart of Bronte. Canada Day at the Bronte Legion Wednesday, July 1 st from 11am – 10pm Bronte Legion Food trucks, vendor market, live music and more. Everyone is welcome! Town of Oakville Canada Day Celebration Wednesday, July 1 st Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Head on down to the waterfront for an evening of fun & fireworks. Bronte Farmer’s Market Every Sunday beginning July 6 th from 10am-2pm Bronte Market Square Fresh local produce, sweet treats, and a variety of handmade products. With 35+ vendors on-site, there’s something for everyone! Oakville Wind Orchestra Every Tuesday beginning July 7 th @ 7pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park- Butterfly Gazebo Canada’s oldest community concert band will host six family-friendly concerts. Enjoy an evening of music from a wide variety of genres in the summer air. Oakville Latino Festival Friday, July 24 th – Sunday, July 26 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Celebrate the vibrancy and richness of Latin culture at the 5 th annual Oakville Latino Festival. Enjoy Latin food, dance, music and art down at the waterfront.  Art in the Park Monday, August 3 rd Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Take a stroll though the park and see the artistic talent on display. This event will feature more than 180 artists and artisans from across Canada. Afro-Caribbean Canadian Fete Saturday, August 29 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park This event will feature amazing music, assorted vendors and a live DJ. Free and fun for all ages, this celebration of African and Caribbean culture is not to be missed!