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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!

The 1980s was a decade marked by significant social, economic, and pop culture changes. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! A Decade of Economic Changes In the 1980s, the economy saw a dominance of conservatism and rise in free market economics. This change was due to advances in technology and the movement towards relaxed capitalism. This decade also saw the emergence of the Global Warming theory, which began to be discussed within the scientific and political sectors. Massive Population Growth The 1980s was a decade that saw a tremendous population boom around the world. The population increased from 4.4 to 5.3 billion people in this decade. During the 1980s, great advances in genetic and reproductive technology were made. Gestational surrogacy was first performed in 1985, making it possible for a woman to become a biological mother without experiencing pregnancy, for the first time in history. Additionally, the first set of “designer babies”, a pair of twin girls, were created in a laboratory in 1989. Pop Culture Icons During the 1980s a wide variety of different television shows, music, and movies emerged. On TV, sitcoms were all the rage. Popular shows included Family Ties, Cheers, and The Wonder Years. The launch of MTV had a large effect on the music industry, as music videos became popular. Artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince mastered this new media and turned music videos into a profitable commodity. On the big screen, the 1980s brought us the golden age of teen films. Movies such as Sixteen Candles, Risky Business, and Pretty in Pink smashed box office sales. Fashion & Trends The beginning of the 1980s saw similar trends to the previous decade, however, styles evolved rapidly. Fashion became more extravagant during this period, with shoulder pads, acid-washed jeans, and leg warmers becoming popular. Hair and makeup styles were over-the-top, as perms, bright eyeshadow, and teased ‘dos were seen on young trendsetters. Trends were exaggerated and eye-catching during this decade. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1980s!

September is Healthy Aging Month. There are many healthy habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine, which can promote a healthier lifestyle as you age. OSCR encourages healthy aging by offering a variety of physical and cognitive activities through our Healthy Living Programs, as well as providing well-balanced and nutritious meals prepared by our Food Services department. Healthy Aging Month highlights the importance of making healthy choices each and every day to ensure you are thriving in your senior years! Keep Fit Regular movement is an important part of staying healthy as we age. 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. Get Enough 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. Eat a Balanced Diet 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. Exercise your Brain 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 by the HLP department to stimulate your brain and keep your mind active while engaging with your peers.

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Staying socially connected is vital for our well-being. This is especially true for seniors, as they may experience reduced social interactions due to factors such as retirement from the workforce or new health issues. There are many ways seniors can stay engaged- maintaining social connections offers many positive benefits and helps foster a sunny outlook as you age. Enhanced Health Staying engaged in your senior years has been shown to reduce health issues as you age. Being physically active and participating in fitness classes or group walks can lower your risk of certain health conditions and improve your overall well-being. Social interaction can also have a positive effect on your mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation. Whether you connect with someone in person, over the phone, or online, having social connections in your senior years is very important. Living at OSCR provides seniors with many opportunities to create and foster social connections with fellow residents, whether they are neighbours, tablemates, or connect through HLP activities. Greater Sense of Purpose When people are involved in social activities, they feel an increased sense of purpose. Having a connection to an organization or your community can reduce loneliness amongst seniors and encourages them to connect with others who share similar interests. Group activities create a sense of belonging, and having a busy social calendar keeps you engaged on a regular basis. Consider taking part in the activities offered by the Healthy Living Programs department. Join in on an art class or game or simply gather with others to enjoy the live musical entertainment. Living amongst peers at OSCR creates strong social connections and keeps seniors engaged. Our community is inclusive and welcoming to all!

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!