Flashback Fun: A Look at 1970s World Events & Pop Culture
August 8, 2025
The 1970s was a decade marked by significant social, economic, and political changes. Read on to take a walk down memory lane!
A Decade of Significant Events
This decade followed the carefree “Swinging Sixties” and saw the end of the war in Vietnam. The economy suffered a recession in the early part of the decade, which led to high inflation, stagnant wages, and unemployment. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau implemented wage and price controls to help boost the Canadian economy.
Progressive Social Changes
The 1970s ushered in an era where women’s rights, environmental movements, and gay rights gained momentum. Social progressiveness continued to grow during this decade; historians often refer to it as a pivot of change following the postwar boom of the 1950s and 60s. In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister in the UK. The 1970s saw a rise in the push for equal rights in many countries around the world.
Pop Culture Icons
This decade saw the rise of new musical genres. Punk and disco dominated the music scene, with artists such as the Ramones, Donna Summer, the Clash, and the Bee Gees topping the charts. The world mourned the death of Elvis Presley and the breakup of the Beatles. People flocked to theatres to see blockbuster movies like Star Wars, The Godfather, and Saturday Night Fever on the big screen.
Fashion & Trends
Clothing trends of the 1970s were a drastic change from the styles worn in previous decades. Men and women were wearing bell bottom pants and platform shoes. Tie-dye clothing was popular amongst the hippie crowd. High-waisted jeans were all the rage, and women everywhere were asking their hairstylist for the “Farrah Fawcett” hairdo with feathered face-framing layers.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1970s!
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Maintaining mobility is an important part of healthy aging. There are many ways living at OSCR can help improve mobility in your senior years. Read on to learn how senior living can help keep you moving. Convenient Access to Fitness Classes There are a variety of drop-in exercise classes regularly offered on-site at OSCR. Certified instructors lead a variety of classes which aim to improve senior’s strength and mobility, while teaching various Falls Prevention techniques. Yoga and stretching classes are also offered on-site, where clients can work on their flexibility and balance. Participation in these activities can help reduce the risk of falls, as well as make you feel more confident in your physical abilities. Proper Nutrition & Hydration The Food Services department at OSCR prepares nutritious meals each day. Eating well and staying hydrated provides your body with the energy and strength to lead an active lifestyle. Meals served at OSCR are well-balanced with your health in mind; protein and calcium are essential for repairing muscles and maintaining bone strength, which supports mobility. A variety of beverages are offered at each meal, which help to keep you hydrated; dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps, which can negatively affect your mobility. OSCR residents are required to make their way down to the dining room for meals, which promotes daily movement. Escorted Group Walks in the Community OSCR’s Healthy Living Programs department regularly schedules group walks to Lake Ontario and the local Bronte neighbourhood led by HLP staff members. These walks are a great way to increase your mobility while socializing with your peers. You can feel safe and supported by the HLP team while you are getting exercise out in the community. Peer Encouragement When you live in a senior’s community amongst your peers, there are many opportunities to build friendships with your fellow residents. Many people living at OSCR go out for daily walks with their friends or take the bus to nearby shopping malls to stroll the shops. Having fellow residents who enjoy being active is a great way to stay motivated and enhances your overall mobility and quality of life. Supportive Living at OSCR can help improve your mobility and encourage you to live your best life!
The OSCR community gathered on a beautiful day for the 2 nd annual Summer Carnival. The back property was transformed into a fun fair, complete with live entertainment, games, and carnival refreshments. Residents and their guests enjoyed the lively atmosphere, which offered something for everyone, both young and young at heart. The upbeat sounds of the band set the mood as residents mingled and danced along to the music. Children and adults alike enjoyed the petting zoo, getting up close with the adorable animals. Carnival style games delighted everyone as they tried their luck to win a prize. Faces were painted with cute motifs, and the caricature artist created amusing works of art. The 2 nd annual OSCR Summer Carnival was a great success thanks to the efforts by the Healthy Living Programs team. They did an outstanding job of putting on an amazing event for our clients and their guests. The sun was shining, and the weather was ideal for this joyous summer celebration. The Summer Carnival is a day everyone looks forward to- we can’t wait for next year!
Every year on July 1 st , Canadians across the country gather to commemorate Canada Day. This is a day to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, and to show our love for the great country that we proudly call home. It is a time to come together and celebrate the true north, strong and free. Canada marked confederation on July 1 st , 1867, with the signing of the Constitution Act, thus marking independence from Britain and creating the Dominion of Canada. Originally called Dominion Day, Canada gained full patriation from Britain with the creation of Canada Act in 1982, and the day was renamed Canada Day. For 158 years, Canadians have come together to celebrate the birth of our nation. Across the country, communities gather to honour Canada’s birthday by holding celebrations complete with musical performances, traditional cuisine, spectacular firework displays, and other patriotic activities. Many people come decked out in red & white to honour the colours of our flag. The celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, are the largest and most exuberant. From coast to coast, Canada Day is a special time when Canadians come together to celebrate our beautiful, diverse country and show our true patriot love for Canada. Happy Canada Day!
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Each year on June 21 st , Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated in Canada. This is a day to honour and recognize the culture, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the country. It is also an opportunity to educate ourselves about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples- to listen to their stories, learn about their traditions, and reflect on their experiences. Indigenous Peoples Day falls on the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. This date was chosen for the important connection it has to many Indigenous communities, as it is a day that holds cultural and spiritual significance. The summer solstice symbolizes a time of renewal, community, and celebration. Across Canada, this day is marked by ceremonies and celebrations which highlight Indigenous performances, artwork, and activities. Communities come together to hold large festivities, gathering to honour the people who are indigenous to the land we call home. On Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflect on the responsibility we all carry as people living and working on Indigenous lands. OSCR’s grounds are located on the territories of the Anishnabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Ojibway, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize the past and present contributions of the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples that continue to have a hand in shaping and strengthening these communities in our province and country. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!
Bronte Village is hosting a wide array of fun and exciting community events this summer. OSCR residents are lucky to call beautiful Bronte home. We encourage you to head down to the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and Bronte Market Square to check out the events listed below! Oakville Film Festival Movie Under the Stars Friday, June 6 th @ 7pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Bronte’s Dominican Bachata Party Friday June 14 th , 20 th , & 27 th @ 7pm Bronte Market Square Bronte Lake Notes Every Thursday @ 7pm beginning June 19 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park- Sails Stage Town of Oakville Canada Day Celebration Tuesday, July 1 st from 5pm-10pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Bronte Farmers’ Market Every Sunday beginning July 6 th from 10am-2pm Bronte Market Square Oakville Wind Orchestra Every Tuesday beginning July 8 th @ 7pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park- Butterfly Gazebo Oakville Latino Festival Friday, July 25 th – Sunday, July 27 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Art in the Park Monday, August 4 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Afro-Caribbean Canadian Fete Saturday, August 30 th Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
We celebrate Seniors Month in Ontario every June. This is a time to honour and acknowledge the amazing seniors across the province. During Seniors Month, we recognize the contributions that older adults have made in communities across Ontario and highlight the important role seniors play in our province. This year, the theme for Seniors Month is “Fit, Active, and Healthy Seniors”. This theme aims to encourage seniors to stay physically and mentally engaged on a daily basis, promoting the importance of social interaction, wellness, and exercise. OSCR’s Healthy Living Programs offer a wide range of activities to support social connection, engagement, and physical activity amongst our clients. We are committed to encouraging our senior population to take part in the HLP programming, and live active, healthy lives at OSCR. Seniors Month is a special opportunity to celebrate the older adults in Ontario. We are so fortunate to be able to serve hundreds of seniors, both onsite at OSCR, as well as in the community. We are so grateful for the seniors who call OSCR home. Happy Seniors Month!
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The 1960s was one of the most influential and progressive decades in history. This was a decade of significant change, known for the civil rights movement, the emergence of the counterculture movement, as well as peace, love and rock & roll. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! A Decade of Significant Events Many significant world events occurred during the 1960s, including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., marking a time of political unrest. This decade also saw “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” with the moon landing being one of the most watched television events of all time. Rise of the Counterculture Movement During the 1960s, societal values were changing from conservative and subdued, to one of activism and protest. This decade saw a revolution in society, with people pushing for changes related to racial equality, women’s rights, environmental, and political movements. Pop Culture Icons This decade is known for peace, love, and rock & roll. The 1960s marked the arrival of the British Invasion in music, with the Beatles taking over the airwaves. The sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin were popular amongst young people. In the mid-sixties, many households purchased their first colour televisions; Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, and Carol Burnett were amongst the most popular actors on tv screens during this decade. Fashion & Trends Clothing in the 1960s featured vibrant colours and patterns. Mini skirts, go-go boots, and bell bottoms were all the rage. People moved away from the conservative, formal fashions that were popular in the fifties. Men began wearing their hair long, and women preferred shorter hemlines on their skirts and dresses. The change in fashion trends was largely influenced by the rise in the counterculture movement, where they rebelled against tradition and demanded social and political reforms. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1960s!
