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!
Every year on November 11th, we remember and honour those who died during military service, and those who served in wartime. The date and time is significant, as First World War hostilities ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" in 1918, in accordance with the armistice. Remembrance Day is observed in many commonwealth countries. Red poppies, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, are worn in the weeks leading up to and on November 11th in remembrance of the fallen Canadians who fought for us all. As we pause for a moment of silence at 11am, we reflect on the bravery, courage, and selflessness of those who fought for freedom. Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; it's a time to reflect on the importance of peace, and to be grateful for the freedoms we have thanks to their efforts. Lest We Forget
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Halloween at OSCR was filled with frightful fun and spooky sights. The annual Halloween Bingo game kicked off the celebrations, where seniors had a chance to win double the jackpot- it was all treats, no tricks during the fun game. On Wednesday, Greg performed a special concert, playing a variety of Halloween-themed songs to the delight of our residents. Everyone was doing the monster mash, dancing and singing along to the spooky sounds. A local daycare came by for a visit on Thursday; the children were dressed in adorable costumes, and our seniors handed out treats to them while they paraded around the family room. This visit is a much-loved tradition that all of the residents look forward to each year. The week was capped off with a pumpkin carving and costume contest, where residents dressed up in their Halloween best and teamed up to try their hand at winning the pumpkin carving contest. Their creations were displayed outside at the front entrance, to the amusement of residents and visitors. Everyone had a great week celebrating the spooky season. Happy Halloween!
Diwali is a festival of lights that is celebrated by followers of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. It is a celebration of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit meaning “row of lights”. This year, Diwali begins on October 20 th . The timing of this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar and is held every autumn. Celebrations begin on the day of the new moon, which is the darkest day of the lunar month. On the evening of Diwali, people light candles and clay lamps called diyas, placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night. During this multi-day celebration, family and friends gather to share meals and sweets, exchange gifts, and watch fireworks light up the night sky. Celebrants clean and decorate their homes to usher in the new moon with joy and positivity. Diwali is seen as a time for new beginnings, when people welcome wealth and prosperity into their homes. Happy Diwali!
The Healthy Living Programs team recently organized a Fall bus trip to Andrews Farm Market and the Mandarin restaurant. It was a fun-filled day of viewing the fall foliage and market offerings, which was capped off with a lovely meal. The bus left OSCR in the morning and headed to the first stop on the day trip- Andrews Farm Market. Clients enjoyed wandering around the scenic property and spent some time perusing the seasonal produce and delicious treats for sale in the shop. The weather was perfect- the leaves were a beautiful shade of orange, the sun was shining, and everyone enjoyed the fresh country air. After spending time on the farm, the HLP team and clients boarded the bus and headed to the Mandarin restaurant for a delicious meal. There was something for everyone on offer at the large buffet, with a mix of Chinese and Canadian favourites. Following a great day of fun and food, the clients headed home to OSCR, with everyone looking forward to the next Healthy Living Programs excursion!
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can lift our spirits and brighten our mood. Acknowledging the good things in your life, such as family and friends, good health, and independence in your senior years, can bring greater happiness and well-being to your daily life. We asked a few of our clients to share what they are thankful for this year- here’s what they had to say:
The OSCR community recently gathered on a beautiful Autumn day for our annual Fall Fair. The sun was shining, and leaves were gently falling as the festivities got underway. Musical entertainment was provided by Matt and Heather, the dynamic duo who always put on a stellar performance for our seniors. Their beautiful songs created a joyous mood during the fair. A BeaverTails food truck served up delicious warm pastries to everyone, as the scent of cinnamon drifted through the air. There was also a talented caricature artist on hand, who created amusing works of art for the residents. The OSCR Fall Fair is a day residents and staff look forward to each year- the Healthy Living Programs team always puts on a delightful afternoon to celebrate the season. As Thanksgiving is upon us, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the seniors who call OSCR home- we are thankful to have the opportunity to serve you each and every day.
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Every year on October 1 st , we honour seniors across Canada by showing our appreciation for the ways they have helped shape our country and continue to enrich our lives each day. National Seniors Day is an important time to celebrate the impact older adults have in our society each and every day. Those 65 years of age and older have made and continue to make profound contributions - at home, in our communities, and as part of the workforce. National Seniors Day was first celebrated in Canada on October 1 st , 2011. Each year since then, we recognize the efforts and accomplishments of older adults. This day is a chance to do something special for a senior in your family, your workplace, or your community. Take this opportunity to thank a senior for their contributions, not only on October 1 st , but throughout the year. Thank you to all of the seniors who call OSCR home. We are grateful to be surrounded by a diverse, active, and friendly group of residents who make OSCR a positive place to be. Happy National Seniors Day!
September 30 th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to honour the resilience, dignity, and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors. A day to remember and pay tribute to the children who never came home. A day to engage and educate Canadians about our history and how it has and continues to impact Indigenous communities across the country. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which is an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of residential schools. The orange shirt promotes the important message that “Every Child Matters” and symbolizes the stripping away of freedom and culture experienced by generations of Indigenous children. We encourage everyone living and working at OSCR to wear orange on September 30 th to honour the missing children, and the thousands of survivors of residential schools across the country. On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the tragic and painful history of residential schools in Canada, as well as acknowledge the ongoing impacts experienced by survivors and their families.
