UNITY — With the weather turning colder, the probability of the senior population staying home is also increasing. Fortunately, in some of our smaller communities, having a seniors’ centre helps alleviate the risk of depression and illness by offering the community seniors the opportunity to get out and socialize.
Jim Sego, secretary of the Unity New Horizon Senior Club, along with his wife Carole, have been members of the New Horizons senior club. Sego says membership cost is $10 for the year and even though numbers have fluctuated over the years, it has grown steadily with 60 members currently.
The club meets twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, where a variety of activities are held. Potluck lunches, card games, board games, Kaiser tournaments, and birthday parties are just a few of the activities that keep the Unity senior population active.
Membership in the Wilkie New Horizons has seen a decrease since the pandemic, however roughly half of the 30 members participate in regular activities. The group does not have an annual cost but does ask for a small fee to join in on the fun.
Georgina Salewski, who has been with the centre for close to 10 years, says most activities include cards, however she would like to see a variety of other games and possibly invite other senior clubs from surrounding communities. She has found being a part of the club has been beneficial to her, as she has gained friendships and a general love and care for each other.
The Villa Marie in Macklin is an assisted-living senior facility with 25 residents, and Executive Director Helena Hoogstad says most of the residents take part in the regular activities. Fan favourites include mingo, horse races, indoor bones and the card game Buck. Puzzles are available along with exercise and weekly yoga lessons with Trish Deschryver.
Hoogstad adds music performers add some merriment to the building, along with other visitors including children with the Evesham Community Church Youth Group, Macklin Daycare and Vacation Bible School. Hoogstad adds that she has seen non-resident seniors also join in on the activities, and those who wish to visit are always welcome.
The Government of Saskatchewan is accepting applications for grant funding for senior organizations and groups. The Rivers West District of the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association was one of the 13 successful applicants.
Applicants had to develop projects that help seniors to remain in their homes, as well as improve social participation and active living to qualify for the grant. At this time, the committee have made connections through partnerships and persons interested in hosting events with the guidance of the SSFA within the Rivers West District.
