Combatting Social Isolation

When Covid struck in 2020 and the need to isolate from others was mandatory, it was alarming for everyone, especially for Seniors who may have had to depend on their family for support. I , who am 71 now, was fortunate to have a spouse to lean on. However, I was aware that our Senior community consisted of many single and widowed individuals, who could not go to grocery stores or get the support they needed. A few months later, I was pleasantly surprised at how MFRC [Malvern Family Resource Centre], got involved in the crisis. They provided a daily e-newsletter that included jokes [laughter is the best medicine] and interesting trivia and puzzles. Each day offered a variety of virtual programs to keep the Seniors included and engaged. Some were interactive [ exercises, yoga, socials, dance parties, art therapies, story telling] and some were information and education links to age relevant topics of health, nutrition, elder abuse, will making and the likes. Every Friday a family movie link was attached. Free food drop off and pick up was arranged for the needy. Free art supplies were provided for the therapy to fend off stress, depression and loneliness. Till today, we get access to webinars or in-person sessions from Healthy Ageing 101 programs, Toronto Council on Aging, Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario, Art Your Service, Alzheimer's Society and Mt. Sinai Hospital geriatric and health.

On behalf of all Seniors in our community, I am most grateful for these wonderful benefits that have kept us sane during these difficult years. Keep up the good work. We who are in our "golden years" have already contributed to society, now we should reap some of the benefits and get the respect that is due.