Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life in Your Senior Years

May 9, 2025

The key to improving your quality of life in your senior years is implementing beneficial habits that will help you maintain a happy & healthy lifestyle as you age. Read on to learn more about what you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your quality of life in your senior years!


Stay Social

As we age, we often spend more time alone. It’s important to make time in your schedule for maintaining social connections with loved ones & friends. OSCR’s Healthy Living Programs offers a wide array of social programing and activities. Participating in these programs gives you a chance to make beneficial social bonds with fellow residents and creates a sense of belonging. Staying social as we age is important for both emotional wellbeing and cognitive health and will lead to an increased quality of life.


Keep Fit & Active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining your strength, mobility, and balance as you age. Keeping active and fit will improve your quality of life by improving your physical health- OSCR offers regular fitness classes as well as group physiotherapy led by Lifemark instructors to help you live a healthier life.


Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating well on a regular basis plays a big role in your quality of life. OSCR’s Food Services department follows Canada’s Food Guide to ensure the meals served in our dining room are both nutritious and delicious. A diet rich in whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of certain health problems, as well as boost immunity and strengthen your body.


Rest & Relax

Taking the time to relax during the day can reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Listening to soft music, reading a book, or meditating can help calm the mind and promote relaxation. Getting enough quality sleep during the night is an important factor in maintaining good health as we age. Keep to a consistent sleep schedule and try to get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Rest and relaxation play a big part when it comes to your general health and energy levels- incorporating a good routine for both will lead to a better quality of life.


Go For Regular Check-ups

As we age, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare providers. Just like a car, humans need to have any concerns or issues looked at. From your vision to your teeth, to your hearing and your general overall health- it’s important to visit your healthcare professionals regularly to prevent any issues from affecting your quality of life.


Try implementing the habits above and see how they can increase

your mood, outlook, and improve your quality of life!

Remembrance Day

By Lesley Bridge • November 11, 2025
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

OSCR Newsletter- November 2025

By Lesley Bridge • October 31, 2025
Enjoy our Latest Edition!

Halloween Fun at OSCR

By Lesley Bridge • October 31, 2025
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! 

Celebrating Diwali

By Lesley Bridge • October 20, 2025
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!

Fall Day Trip

By Lesley Bridge • October 16, 2025
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!

What OSCR Clients are Thankful For

By Lesley Bridge • October 9, 2025
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:

OSCR Fall Fair

By Lesley Bridge • October 3, 2025
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.

OSCR Newsletter- October 2025

By Lesley Bridge • October 1, 2025
Enjoy our October Edition!

National Seniors Day

By Lesley Bridge • October 1, 2025
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!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

By Lesley Bridge • September 30, 2025
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.