Silver and Gold Magazine

Should I Start Receiving CPP Early?

2012-03-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

Brian Weatherdon, a certified financial planner, chartered life underwriter, and certified professional consultant on aging, expresses his views on what it would be like to start receiving CPP benefits early.

"Should I start Receiving my CPP Benefits Early?"

In an ideal world we would all retire at 55 – yes? So that’s no longer in view. In fact many people want to continue working, and the question becomes even more important to them than it has ever been before.

Under the old CPP rules you could easily view your CPP statement and see what value you would have if you started getting CPP income from age 65. For each month earlier you could get an extra ½%, and for every month later that you started drawing you could get a bonus of an extra ½%. That meant starting your CPP at age 60 could give you five more years of drawing (but at up to 30% less income on a monthly basis). Or if you delayed to age 70 you’d have five fewer years of income (yet have up to 30% bonus on a monthly basis).

That approach was clear and felt pretty fair to most people. If you expected to miss reaching age 78 you’d have an incentive to draw on CPP sooner and collect more dollars in advance of dying. And on the other hand, if your family history and personal health suggested living to 80 or longer, you’d have incentive to delay drawing CPP until at least age 65.

But now CPP is changing. Drawing early implies a greater penalty now, ie a loss of 36% as compared with waiting to age 65. Of course the bonus for waiting to age 70 has increased, ie to 42%. These factors change how you experience the incentive of how you choose. If someone had reason that they expected to pass away by age 74, they might want to draw CPP as early as possible. (…unless they were still working, since now CPP income stops if you’re working, and employer/employee must continue deposits to CPP). That depends of course on whether they’re still working since the new rules stop CPP income if you’re working, and require you and your employer to keep up deposits until age 65. On the other hand, the longer one expects to live, the higher becomes your incentive for delaying your CPP until at least age 65 – perhaps even to age 70.

Who needs to mention that our society is aging: we all know that! Related to this is the fact people may be planning to work a little longer than their parents did….but then we expect to live longer as well. Let’s suggest men on average now live to 81 and women to 84. We also know the fastest-growing age group in Canada is the 85+. If you feel you can relate to this personally, then what effect does it offer your choice of when to draw from CPP? Would a longer lifespan suggest accepting the bonus of higher CPP by drawing later?

So there are a few key points I feel I can offer to help you consider your own choice. (link to continue reading)

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2012-02-29T17:28:00.002-08:00

The Optimist Club of Carlisle would like to invite you to come out and enjoy our Community Breakfast with the entire family on:

Sunday, March 4th from 9 am to 1 pm

at the Carlisle Community Centre (1496 Centre Road, Carlisle).

Our All-You-Can-Eat Country Buffet includes Bacon, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Home Fried Potatoes, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Goods, Coffee, Tea and Fruit Juice.

Tickets available at the door - $10 for Adults and $5 for Children (under 10 years). All proceeds raised will go towards supporting local youth activties.

For more information, contact Mike at 905-689-4304.

Optimist International is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to bring out the best in kids”. More than 86,000 members in over 30 countries strive to improve, participate in, influence and contribute to the healthy development of young people.

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Silver and Gold is a magazine for Mature Adults all over Canada! Read our latest issue online by linking through our website: www.sngmagazine.com

Maritimes has the largest proportion of Seniors in Canada

2012-02-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Canada’s population is aging, yet it has one of the lowest proportions of seniors among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. As of July 1, 2009, there were 4.7 million seniors aged 65 and older in the country, accounting for a record high of 13.9% of the population.
In 2007, when 13.5% of Canadians were seniors, the proportion was lower than in the United Kingdom (16.0%), France (16.6%) and Germany (20.2%). The United States, however, has an even lower proportion of seniors than Canada in its population (12.8%).
As baby boomers enter this age group over the coming decades, the proportion of seniors will increase rapidly. According to the medium-growth scenario of the most recent projections, seniors could account for close to 25% of the population by the end of the 2030s.
Life expectancy at age 65 has also been increasing. In 1985, a 65-year-old could expect to live another 17 years. That had increased to 20 years by 2006: 18 years for men and 21 years for women.
As of July 1, 2009, there were 1.3 million people aged 80 and older in Canada, representing nearly 4% of the population, and there were 6,000 Canadians aged 100 and older. In 2001, centenarians numbered 3,400. The number of centenarians could reach more than 17,000 people at the beginning of the 2030s.

Where seniors live

At just over 15% in Prince Edward Island and nearly 16% in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Maritime provinces had the largest proportions of seniors aged 65 and older as of July 1, 2009. At almost 14%, Ontario and Manitoba had the second- and third-smallest proportions of seniors, while Alberta was the province with the smallest proportion at 10%.

Source: Stats Canada 11-402-X

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Silver and Gold is an uplifting, informative magazine for Boomers and Seniors in Canada. Subscribe for free to our online edition. www.sngmagazine.com

What size RRSP do I need to retire?

2012-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Determininghow much you need to retire can be baffling. Where do you start?

“Assessyour financial situation and personal needs,” advises Chartered AccountantDavid Trahair, author of Enough Bull: Howto Retire Well Without the Stock Market, Mutual Funds or Even an InvestmentAdvisor.

“Thegeneral rule is that you need 70 per cent of your pre-retirement income, buteach situation is different. Figure out your expected retirement income andexpenses. Do you own your own home, or will you have rental or mortgagepayments? Do you have other outstanding debt or financial responsibilities,such as supporting an aging parent?

“Also consideryour RRSP investments. Do you know what your annualized Personal Rate of Return(PRR) has been since you opened your RRSP? Many brokerage firms don’t providethis information on their monthly statements,” advises Trahair.

“Get rid of any debt at ahigher interest rate. For example, if your PRR has been two per cent a year onaverage since you started your RRSP and your mortgage is at six per cent, thensimple analysis shows that paying off the mortgage leaves you further ahead.

“Rememberthat your RRSP is supplemented by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old AgeSecurity (OAS). If your RRSP is projected to provide enough income duringretirement, you may want to optimize its size so it doesn’t spit out too muchincome and cause a clawback of Old Age Security.

Broughtto you by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario

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Each issue of Silver and Gold Magazine contains a section entitled "Business Matters", which includes financial, banking and money advice and tips. To view Silver and Gold's current issue please visit www.sngmagazine.com

RED Gala event for a great cause

2012-02-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

"Love Your Heart Right From the Start" Gala event,
at LeDome in Oakville

This Saturday, Feb 18th, join host Ishrani Henry from Re/Max About Towne Realty in Oakville for a buffet dinner and dance RED event (dress code: RED), silent auction, vendors, door prizes, guest speakers, professional photographer and more.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S while helping to raise funds toward the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Halton, in honour of Mr. Michael Ramcharran.

Tickets: $50
Cocktails: 5pm
Dinner: 6:30pm
Location: LeDome, 1173 North Service Rd. E., Oakville

REGISTER TODAY:
Call Ishrani at 905-484-0392 or email ishrani12@gmail.com

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Silver and Gold is a magazine which focuses specifically on the mature adult in Canada. For more information or to post your not-for-profit event please contacts us.

FREE meditation seminars thru Golden Horseshoe

2012-02-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 8th in Burlington, Brant Hills Comm. Centre: 7pm - 9pm (with live Tabla music)
Thursday, February 9th @ University of Waterloo, Student Life Centre: 3pm-5pm
Thursday, February 9th in Brampton, Bramalea Centre: 7pm-9pm - (with live music performance)

Details & Info about each of the above programs can be found at this link

Dr. Andrei Harabor, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary, is passionate about Meditation. He will share his insights on what Meditation actually is and what it does for us. He will lead a hands-on demonstration of the experience of Meditation and present the latest medical research on the benefits and effects of Meditation. Dr. Andrei Harabor is a meditator himself for more than 20 years. The lecture will be followed by Chakra Workshop and a Q & A session. All are invited to these free community events sponsored by Sahaja Yoga Meditation.

Each event is unique and is addressing its own Theme.

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Silver and Gold Magazine focuses on the lifestyle and specific needs of Canadian Mature Adults. For more information or to view our latest issue online CLICK HERE.

Secret to avoiding Calcium-related deficiencies

2012-02-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

LECTURE: "The Secret to Avoiding Calcium-related Osteoporosis and Artherosclerosis", will be presented by Natural Factors and The Vitamin Store:

FEBRUARY 15, 2012

Demo: 6-7pm

Lecture: 7-9pm

Are clacium supplements safe? Why do so many of us have a lack of calcium in our bones, while calcium plaque builds up in our arteries? This is the Calcium Paradox.

Join Naturopathic Doctor, Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, as she launches her new book "Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox. Learn about a long misunderstood, fat-soluble vitamin that holds the key to strong bones, healthy arteries, prevention of wrinkles and more. This talk could save your life!

LOCATION:
Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre
10 Market St. S.,
Dundas, Ontario

RSVP:
Seats are limited, please reserve ASAP!
905-628-9565 or
905-690-8383,
email: info@TheVitaminStoreCanada.com

For more information go to: www.doctorkatend.com

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Silver and Gold Magazine supports the education of health and nutrition of all mature adults. For more information about Silver and Gold Magazine visit our website.

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QUESTION: Do you take supplements? If so, which ones? Add your comment below.

TIPS for visiting SOUPFEST this Feb. 7

2012-02-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

This year's Hamilton Soupfest is taking place this coming Tuesday, February 7th, from 11:30am to 8pm at Hamilton Convention Centre.

Here are some tips to ensure your Soupfest visit is most enjoyable:

Wear comfy shoes. There's a lot of walking as there are a lot of restaurants offering amazing soup tastes. It's not a sit-down dinner! Wear flats or running shoes and you'll prevent sore feet!
If you're driving, park in the basement of Hamilton Convention Centre and leave your heavy winter coat in your car - you won't overheat and you won't have to carry your coat around during your whole visit.
Bring a reusable shopping bag: You will pick up great info about the restaurants, special coupons, and you may even buy a treat or two... plus you can support Living Rock by reading up about what they do, and buying their Soupfest Recipe Book (amazing soup recipes from local restaurants!)
Bring a pen – so you can vote for your favourite restaurant, favourite display, favourite soup, favourite "unusual" soup, and more. Pens are hard to come by at the Soupfest!
Bring some loose change: There are raffles and special prizes... PARTICIPATE! Remember this is a fundraising event. Help all you can!
Bring a small tupperware container with lid. Just in case you absolutely LOVE a particular soup, you can use your ticket to receive it in your tupperware for taking home.
Bring a filled, reusable water bottle! Walking will make you hot and thirsty (and so may some soups). There will be water available there, but just in case, bring your own.
Be prepared to buy more soup tickets = bring some cash! You may find the soup choices are so many that this is a great opportunity for you to taste a variety of them all in one large hall – you may need more tickets! Plus, we cannot stress this enough: Remember this is a fundraiser for a great cause. The money you spend will go a looong way.

QUESTION: Got any more tips to share?

Comment below.

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Silver and Gold Magazine is HUGE on soups! We support the Soupfest every year. Come and visit Publisher Suzanne Soto-Davies as she serves soup this year!

For more info on Silver and Gold Magazine for Adults 55+ http://www.sngmagazine.com

Help Burlington name its largest city park

2012-02-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Burlington, Ont.—Feb. 3, 2012 – You may know it as New City Park , but in reality the city’s largest park doesn’t yet have a name. It’s time to change that.

Boardwalk Footings, October 2011

Starting on Feb. 3, residents will have a chance to vote online for a new name. Simply visit the city’s website and click on the banner for details.

Voting closes on Feb. 15

In 2002 the City of Burlington, in partnership with the Bruce Trail Association, acquired a 165 acre parcel of land near Dundas Street and Kerns Road along the Niagara Escarpment in the northwest corner of the city. By the fall of 2011 development of the first phase of this park, including significant re-naturalization, construction of two soccer fields, playground and trails was nearly complete. The park will officially open in June, 2012.

“The city showed vision in buying this property when it did, demonstrating a commitment to green space and valuable resources in this city,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “Located on the Niagara Escarpment – a UNESCO world biosphere reserve – this park is a magnificent anchor for Burlington.”

As development of the property progressed, the unnamed recreational area became known as New City Park – not a real name, mind you, more of a bookmark or placeholder. Now, it's time to name Burlington's largest city park.

To get the process started, the city surveyed several community groups – Conservation Halton, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Bruce Trail Association, Burlington Historical Society and several park-user groups – and asked for potential names. They came back with a combined list of 25 names. Using city naming protocols, we’ve narrowed that list to three.

“The City of Burlington wants your input into the naming of the city’s largest park, and is working with its community partners to do so,” said Scott Stewart, General Manager of Community Services. “Naming the park is an exciting opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved before grand opening day in June 2012. We look forward to bringing your feedback to Council for approval.”

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Silver and Gold Magazine supports the creation of local parks to benefit everyone, as an Age-Friendly Community. For more information on Silver and Gold visit www.sngmagazine.com

Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza! Feb 7th

2012-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Acclaim Health is proud to present:

7th Annual Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza

February 12, 2012 at 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

RattleSnake Point Golf Club, Milton

Join Acclaim Health for an exquisite brunch, a lavish dessert buffet, silent auction and wonderful entertainment!

For over 80 years Acclaim Health has provided community health and support services to residents in the Halton Region. This Annual Brunch is truly a celebration of Community Spirit where local businesses, families and friends come together to help raise funds so individuals can continue to benefit from Acclaim's many charitable services.

Tickets are selling fast, call to get yours now!
905-827-8800
1-800-387-7127.

Don't miss out on this great event!
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Silver and Gold Magazine focuses on the specific needs and lifestyle of mature adults, 50+ in Canada.

QUESTION: What is your favourite kind of chocolate? (white, milk, dark).

Oakville seniors new committee in place

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Seniors' Working-Action Group (SWAG)

Background:

On March 7, 2011, Oakville Town Council voted to discontinue 8 citizen advisory committees. The Oakville Seniors' Advisory Committee (SAC) had provided input to the Town of Oakville on matters affecting seniors in the community.

At the March 7th meeting an amendment was passed to form a task force, at no cost, to find a suitable replacement for the committees.

While awaiting the report of the task force, and in order to maintain a voice for seniors in Oakville, the Seniors' Working-Action Group (SWAG) was formed. It meets regularly at the Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors under the authority of the Department of Recreation and Culture.

Mandate:

The Seniors' Working-Action Group (SWAG) will continue to support the wellbeing of seniors by providing information on issues of interest, advocation and liasing with community groups. The SWAG will:

Review issues of interest and concern to seniors such as, but not limited to health, transportation, recreation, planning and traffic.
Advocate for quality of life and dignity for seniors in the Oakville community.
Provide seniors' information to the community.

Priorities for 2012:

1 - Communication

We will undertake projects to provide seniors with information and education on a variety of topics - security, fraud & scams, finance, health issues, housing options, safety, support services, etc.

Note: Please mark your calendar....

Seniors Fair 2012 - Successfully Mapping Your Future

Saturday, May 5th

Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

2 - Transportation

We will continue to pursue the issue of free public transit for seniors aged 65+ in off peak hours or options for substantially reduced fares.

QUESTION: HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

1 - What information would it be helpful for you to know?

2 - Anything else?

3 - Suggestions?

For more information about the Seniors' Working-Action Group or to share your feedback, questions or concerns, Contact the SWAG by email using the Subject Line - SWAG

Nancy Beddoe – Phone: 905-845-6601 ext 3976

nbeddoe@oakville.ca

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Community Development Halton seeks volunteer board members

2012-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

Board of Directors
Community Development Halton is seeking volunteer board members to help guide the organization into the future.

Mission: Through research, community development, planning and promoting volunteerism Community Development Halton strives to improve the quality of life for all residents of Halton.

Community Development Halton (CDH) is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mandate is to strengthen communities by building a strong civil society that fosters equity at the community level. CDH’s community-based research and development activities serve Halton’s nonprofit and voluntary sector agencies, municipal and regional government and local grass roots organizations concerned with the well-being of people in their community. CDH works through two program areas, Social Planning and Volunteer Halton, which promote and nurture civic engagement, inclusion and innovation.

Social Planning helps communities to assess their challenges and strengths and determine what change should be made to improve the quality of life of their residents. Social planning activities build community social infrastructure, encourage dialogue on critical social issues and act in the public interest.

Volunteer Halton is an advocate and catalyst for volunteerism, providing leadership and support for volunteer efforts to build a healthy and socially innovative community.

The Board of Directors, made up of volunteers who live or work in Halton Region, governs the work of CDH. Directors are elected at the Corporation’s Annual General Meeting held each year in September. Board meetings are held monthly, on the first Monday of the month, except in July and August. A full description of the work and responsibilities of a board member is available at www.cdhalton.ca . As an organization, CDH seeks to reflect the strengths and diversity of the community it serves.

Learn more about this opportunity on a Board of Directors working to help make Halton a great place for all to live, work, raise a family and retire. For further information contact:

Nina Truscott
President, Community Development Halton
905 632-1975
president@cdhalton.ca

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Have you read Silver and Gold's latest issue online? We are a magazine which focuses on the mature adult across Canada. Link through our website: www.sngmagazine.com

Are you fit for shoveling? Safe Snow Practices

2012-01-30T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hamilton Paramedics Urge Safe Snow Shovelling Practices – During the winter season Hamilton Paramedic Service responds to numerous calls involving injuries, cardiac chest pain, and even cardiac arrest as the result of strenuous exercise from shovelling snow. Hamilton Paramedic Service would like you to keep in mind the following tips if you are thinking of shovelling snow:

Contact your doctor about your health status before taking on this strenuous activity. This is especially important if you have had a heart attack or other have forms of heart disease, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, are a smoker or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Dress warmly
If someone else is at home let them know you are going outside to shovel
Watch for signs of frostbite
Consider hiring someone to shovel for you or contact a volunteer program like Hamilton’s Snow Angels
Use proper techniques when shovelling – use your legs by bending at your knees and keep your back as straight as possible, and step towards the area you are throwing the snow to avoid twisting at the lower back
Take smaller loads of snow with each shovel
Take breaks – approximately every 15 minutes
If you can – push the snow instead of lifting it
Watch for signs of heart attack – chest pain or discomfort (squeezing, pressure, fullness, burning, heaviness), pain in other areas of body (arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, back), prolonged shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, feeling faint/dizzy, excessive sweating, and/or nausea and vomiting – if you experience any of these symptoms stop shovelling and call 911 immediately

“We strongly urge everyone to review our tips on snow shovelling and call upon your community neighbours to assist you if required”, says Paramedic Chief Brent Browett,

These and more safety tips can been found at http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/AB392E23-D845-4EAC-A2D1-967E2DBFD413/0/SnowShovelingSafetyTips.pdf
Or
http://www.hamilton.ca/EMS under First Aid/Safety Tips

Note: As this message was received, two elderly individuals collapsed in Hamilton due to the strenuous work that is snow shoveling. Please be cautious.
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Silver and Gold Magazine focuses on the specific needs and lifestyle of mature adults. Subscribe for FREE to our online edition: www.sngmagazine.com

Crime Stoppers of Halton supports seniors through campaign

2012-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Oakville, Friday, January 27, 2012

Despite Halton Region being named the "safest regional municipality in Canada" for the fourth year in a row, seniors will continue to be targets and victims of crime, with increased risk to persons with a physical challenge.

This year, Halton Crime Stoppers is using Crime Stoppers Month to create awareness about crimes that affect local seniors, including telephone scams, door to door frauds, and elder abuse situations.

The theme is called "Get informed, get involved, report crime against seniors."

Elder abuse is most often defined as: single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person (World Health Organization).

Crime Stoppers presented at Halton Region, with speakers raising awareness about senior crimes and the various methods of seeking help, including using Crime Stoppers' Tip Line (1-8800-222-TIPS) as an anonymous and efficient way to report crimes or suspicion of such. Speakers enforced the important fact that Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to caller I.D. – an initiative supported by Supreme Court of Canada ruling.

Speakers included Halton Region Chair Gary Carr, CrimeStoppers Board of Director Chair Gary McLean, Halton Regional Police Elder Services Coordinator Cst. Wendy Moraghan and Chris Bint, Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG).

For more information on Crime Stoppers and how to get involved in this year's campaign call 905-825-4747 ext 5139 or email haltoncrimestoppers@cogeco.net

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QUESTION: Did you know Crime Stoppers is not a part of the Police? Did you know that by law, they do not subscribe to 'caller i.d.'?

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Silver and Gold Magazine is an uplifting publication which focuses on the specific needs and lifestyles of mature adults across Canada. For more information on Silver and Gold Magazine, or to read our latest issue online: www.sngmagazine.com

Is there such thing as retirement? Post your comments.

2012-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Silver and Gold Magazine is about real people, in real situations. We don't sugar coat it, and strongly believe that the mature adult cannot, and should not, be stereotyped. We're not all affluent and don't all live in the same house we've resided in for the past 40 years, just as we don't all downsize to condos and travel three times per year.

However, mature adults are living longer, healthier, more active lives. We're working past 65 whether because we have to, or like to. We're full-timers, part-timers, volunteers... and unfortunately money doesn't stretch as far as it used to.

The dictionary defines retirement as "the point where a person stops employment completely" or as the point when a person can become eligible for private or public pension benefits. One thing we're sure of: the meaning of "retirement" has evolved.

What does "retirement" mean then? Is there such thing as retirement?
What do you define as 'retirement'?
Are you planning for it?
Do you think you'll be working the rest of your life? Do you want to, and are ok with that?

In our upcoming Spring issue we will be focusing on this topic, and are requesting submissions. Post your comments below, or email us your thoughts before January 30th, 2012 to: info@sngpublishing.com

Please note your comments may appear in our next issue (anonymously), so please advise if you don't wish to have them published.

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Silver and Gold Magazine is published in print and online, and focuses specifically on the lifestyle and needs of the mature adult. www.sngmagazine.com

Age Friendly Communities in Canada

2012-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

– By Mary-Beth Horvath, Suzanne Soto-Davies; with special thanks to Joan Gallagher-Bell

“Older people play acrucial role in communities – in paid

or volunteering work, transmittingexperience and knowledge,

or helping their families with caringresponsibilities.

These contributions can only be ensure if older persons

enjoygood health and if societies address their needs.”

– World Health Organization

Exactly what is an‘Age-Friendly Community’?

An Age-friendly community isan inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing. The Age-Friendly Program originatedwith the United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO) as an internationaleffort to address the environment and social factors that contribute to activeand healthy ageing societies.

Rationale:

- Theproportion of the global population aged 60 will double from 11% in 2006 to 22%in 2050.

- In 2008, forthe first time in history, the majority of the world’s population lived incities, and by 2030 approximately 3 out of every 5 people will live in an urbanarea.

- Since citieshave the economic and social resources to undertake the necessary changes tobecome more age-friendly and are in the position to lead the way for smallercommunities, most of WHO’s work has focused on the urban environment.

In2006, World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Public HealthAgency of Canada, and with the Government of Canada as a key partner, alignedforces with other federal, provincial, territorial and other non-governmentparties and introduced the Age-Friendly Community Guidelines. The Age-Friendly initiative’s objectiveis to engage maturing Canadians and their communities to better prepare andserve the ageing population. 33cities from 22 countries around the world participated in the project. The research included four Canadiansites of varying populations – Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia andQuébec.

Between 2006 and2007, 158 focus groups, involving 1485 older persons, were organized.Consultations with 250 caregivers and 515 service providers were also held. Values were established based on what seniors around theworld deemed important. Seniors also expressed what they found as advantagesand disadvantages in living in their respective communities.

The projectphase was completed in 2007 and resulted in the "Global Age-FriendlyCities: A Guide" which outlines a framework for assessing the"age-friendliness" of a city. Eight key features were identifiedby WHO in this guide and include: Outdoor Spaces, Transportation,Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, CivicParticipation and Employment, Communication and Information, Community andHealth services.

As a result of this work,today there are vast networks of Age-Friendly initiatives formed as forums,roundtable discussion groups and projects underway nation-wide. Thesediscussions involve various sectors of the community including non-profitservice agencies, faith groups, members of the business community, caregivers,and seniors (active seniors, as well as those who require supportive services, and those who require supported living services).

Who benefits?

The focus of working towardan age-friendly city is ‘enablement’ rather than ‘disablement’. This means asafe, engaging place for children and families, as well as an inclusive placefor people of all abilities. In an Age-Friendly city all members of thecommunity potentially benefit from social inclusion – regardless of race,financial status, sex, ability, or age.

By initiating proactivediscussions focusing on the eight key issues identified by WHO, key actionoutcomes are defined affecting each particular city, and steps are taken torecommend action outcomes to move along a path toward an Age-Friendly city.

In Ontario for example, manycities have engaged in Age-Friendly initiatives including Guelph (United Way),Haliburton (Haliburton-Kawartha Pine Ride District Health Unit), Halton Region(Elder Seniors Advisory Committee), Burlington Age-Friendly Seniors Council(United Way), Hamilton (HamiltonCouncil on Aging), Ottawa (Ottawa Council on Aging), Thunder Bay (Centre forEducation and Research on Aging ‘CERAH’ / Council) and Toronto (TorontoSeniors’ Forum).

Throughout Canada, initiatives have beenintroduced toward Age-Friendly communities, a movement which is imminent takingto account the issues facing global demographic growth. These initiatives aresupported by a membership to WHO, by linking with experts, facilitatingcollaboration, promoting learning of topics at hand, strengthening partnershipsand sharing approaches. A city that becomes a member of the network is alsoable to use the designation “Member of the WHO Global Network of Age-FriendlyCities.”

To find out what's being done with Age-Friendly Communities initiatives across Canada, click to continue reading

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Silver and Gold Magazine is an Age-Friendly Magazine focusing on Boomers and Seniors across Canada. www.sngmagazine.com

Want to lose weight this year? Eat more often.

2012-01-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that if you want to lose weight, you will have to eat well and exercise: Educate yourself on which kinds of foods you should be eating, and get off the couch (or desk) and walk, jog, move. Get the 'juices' flowing!

Remember your parents saying "finish what's on your plate otherwise you're not getting dessert"? That was probably one of the worst pieces of advice we received! Not only were you trained to stuff your face with what mom or dad thought was "enough food" for you (remember, your stomach is typically the size of your fist), but you had to eat quickly (terrible for digestion!) and then eat dessert.

However, the best way to curb your appetite is to eat more often. You want to avoid feeling "hungry", as many quickly learn that losing the battle to shed pounds is easily done when hunger strikes.

Children are very good at this and it comes natural to them: They eat all day long. They may not finish what's on their dinner plate, but as long as the snacks they ingest are nutritious (and they play outside, move, and not sit all day in computer-land), they will be fine.

Here's how to eat more often and lose weight:

Eat every two-to-three hours. Make sure what you eat, counts. In other words, make it NUTRITIOUS, otherwise you're not doing anything for yourself.
When you have main meals, use small bowls instead of dinner plates: they appear to have a higher quantity of food, but don't (as long as you don't pile up the food).
If you're eating proteins such as steak or chicken, cut your bite sizes ahead of time so they fit in your bowls.
Refrain from drinking liquids with your meal - they will distract your digestive system from its work. Instead, do as dogs do: eat, then drink. Or drink, then eat. If you must drink a liquid with dinner, make it water and take small sips.
If you don't feel "full" after your meal, don't worry. You know that in a couple of hours you will eat again, and it will count. You won't be stretching your stomach, which is what gives you the 'full' feeling. Remember: you eat to SATISFY and take away hunger.
After eating, ask yourself "am I still hungry?" (be honest with your answer). If the answer is NO, then take a deep breath and allow your body to digest. If your answer is YES, follow the 10-minute rule: Look at the clock and wait 10 minutes before having anything else to eat. Then eat something else if you're still hungry.
Snacking is very good for your system, but ensure these in-betweens are small, nutritious and satisfying: a small apple with a handful of almonds; 1/2 a tuna sandwich with lime and pepper instead of mayo; a handful of sunflower seeds and half a banana, etc.
Another good tip, is to buy yourself a good quality juicer and a good quality protein powder and make a jug of juice at night, for the next day's snack. Add some flax seed to the mix and you will have a complete, healthy, satisfying meal.
Feed your body for 12 hours, and let it rest for 12 hours. It may take you a couple of weeks to 're-train' your system's clock, but it will help you in the long-run: better sleep, better digestion, more energy during the day, better nutrition, which in turn helps you move more, think clearer, be healthier, focus, eat less!
When dining out, this method can still work: Split meals with someone you're eating with, or eat half a portion and save the other half for later. Choose wisely: a healthy bowl of soup, or half a whole-grain bagel without mayo, for example.

Suzanne Soto-Davies, publisher of Silver and Gold Magazine uses this method. "When I go out for a business lunch, I often have people say to me - is that all you're eating? or 'you eat like a bird!" Says Suzanne. "What they don't realize is that it's my first lunch only! At about 2pm I will have the other half. So I get 'peckish' not 'hungry'. There's a big difference!"

So your daily nutrition should look something like this:

Breakfast: 7am (as soon as you wake. The body needs fuel after a long night of rest)
Morning snack: 9 or 9:30 am
Lunch #1: 11:30am (before you feel like you're starving!)
Lunch #2: 2pm
Afternoon snack: 4:30pm (when you're driving home, before you shop for dinner items, and before you start cooking dinner)
Dinner: 6 or 6:30pm (or when your family gathers for dinner)
Evening snack: 7 or 7:30pm (depending upon when you've had dinner, and about 12 hours after breakfast).

Watch the evening snack! Many make this an opportunity to pile up on potato chips, peanuts (although they are good but heavy for a night-time snack) and dairies such as cheese, which are difficult to digest and can disturb your sleep.

Sounds like a lot of food? It isn't. Remember you're eating small portions, and fueling your body throughout the day, keeping your blood sugar levels steady, curbing your appetite, and having more energy to get things done this year.

This method will only make you healthier, and have a better 2012!

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Silver and Gold Magazine focuses on the needs and interests of the Mature Adult. Visit our website http://www.sngmagazine.com

Bowling Fun for the Whole Family

2011-12-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Silver and Gold team had a great time today at Burlington Bowl! Have you been bowling lately?

In the last taping of Cable 14's "Silver and Gold, For The Record" we featured "Seniors in Sports", and one of the sports we did not mention is bowling. After today's experience, it deserves mention!

Bowling is a great game to take the grandkids to, reunite with children, make new friends, regardless of experience. Burlington Bowl - which also serves Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, Dundas and Mississauga, is a large, clean, above-ground bowling atmosphere with great food and reasonable prices. (right now Burlington Bowl has a special on until tomorrow, Dec. 30th)

Yes it's 10-pin bowling, but balls start at 4lb. weights - perfect for the smallest grandchild (appx 3 y/o). Some of the lanes are well lit and others are glow-in-the-dark (my youngest was afraid of the dark lanes so we opted for a middle-lane). We recommend 8lb. balls for avg women, 12lb. for men, 5-6lb. for 10-13 year old children and of course, try them on for the best fit as some balls have smaller holes than others.

So it's not just a game for ol' f*rts! The game is making a comeback with younger families and combining more modern music (some which may not appeal to older listeners), and at Burlington Bowl, you can also choose to play billiards or other games.

The restaurant has been featured at 'Restaurant Makeover' and it's a bright addition to the mostly-dark bowling area. Food is reasonably priced (avg $5 for a burger, wrap or sandwich) and the Caesars made by Ally are FANTASTIC (we had a laugh at how ironic her name was).

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For special offers and info on the Burlington Bowl family of companies - visit www.burlingtonbowl.com

The New Shen Yun, at the old Hamilton Place Theatre

2011-12-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Had an opportunity to see Shen Yun in Hamilton over the holidays and I was very impressed (minus the venue... read on...)

The show was as colourful, vibrant and inspirational as I had heard it would be, and did not disappoint. What the audience wasn't aware of (or it seemed so by the sound of the "ooh's" and "aah's") is that Shen Yun Performing Arts has 3 groups of performers going around the world showcasing their talents, and now in its 6th year, has had an opportunity to impress thousands globally.

In my humble opinion, the only thing that could've been better, was the venue. Hamilton Place is much loved by local Hamiltonians, but it needs to be refurbished and cleaned up. The city perhaps needs to reinvest in changing the out-dated orange carpet, fixing the leaking roof (the 'Home Depot' buckets were an eyesore), have some local students paint colourful murals on the 70's styled cement walls, and update lighting.

The show was exquisite, but the intermission was lacking. With only chips, jelly beans and cookies to choose from, it seemed more geared to a children's bar than an adult bar. The First Ontario 'Tapas' Lounge (a great idea for such a performance) was closed, and there was nothing to eat around Hamilton after the show - unless you're up to having a Sub or a Tim's sandwich as a 10pm dinner...

So go prepared!

Sadly one gentleman did not. His group of 8 was so hungry that they purchased Haagen Daz ice cream during intermission, to later be told it was not allowed inside the theatre. What a shame! Eight melting ice creams and a group of sad, starving spectators... Would it not be best to have a few servers selling tasty Spring Rolls and Dumplings? (seems more fitting as well, than salt & vinegar chips and ice cream...) It would've been a great revenue source...

A spectacular show goes hand-in-hand with the venue. This is what gives the audience a complete experience. In this case, absolutely everyone enjoyed the show, but many left starving and disappointed at the venue.

On a final note, Shen Yun would've probably sold out more than 2 shows had hecfi invested in advertising. Many of our friends and colleagues were disappointed not to have even heard about Shen Yun until we told them about it... and many were mature adults - perhaps they will consider Silver and Gold Magazine next time?

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For more info on Shen Yun: http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org

What's wrong with the word SENIOR?

2010-03-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

When Roy Scott and I first discussed the topic "the word Senior" and all its surrounding negative connotations, his "writer's juices" instantaneously. Roy's article is worth bloggin (and bragging) about – wouldn't you say?

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"What's Wrong with the word Senior?"

- by Roy Scott, St. Catharines - commentary for Silver and Gold Magazine, January/February 2010 issue

http://www.sngmagazine.com

"Seniors are the cause of many of this country’s problems. They are draining our health care resources, bankrupting our pensions, and taking away jobs from young people."

"Boomers and seniors are a strange bunch who do not deserve the time and effort for recognition. They are a waste of time, since they are going to die soon anyway."

These disparaging remarks were uttered by a young, female, pharmacy employee to a co-worker; and by a twenty-eight year old advertising executive to a colleague. These attitudes and comments have become prevalent in our youth oriented society.

To engage in dialogue with these individuals would be a golden opportunity to discuss relevant issues regarding generational differences. The truth is, many young adults today are not receptive to debate and opposing points of view. They have been spoiled by the benefits that their parents and grandparents made sacrifices to provide for them. Consequently, they have become a generation of selfish, self-indulgent, hedonists.

We are a world of six billion people. Each one unique: different looks, feelings, and ambitions. However, should we not all have the capacity to accept each other’s differences and revel in God’s creations? Surely, He meant for us to co-inhabit this planet in harmony and love.

Seniors have paid their dues by working for forty or fifty years. In that time, most would have earned a million dollars or more. About half of that would have been paid out as taxes in one form or another--all of which contributed to the growth and prosperity of this great country.

The other 50 percent, for the most part, would have been used to support a family and provide them with all the necessities: a comfortable home; a warm bed; nourishing meals; clothing; education; transportation; and medical care--and not without sacrifices along the way.

Why, then, would anyone begrudge seniors a decent standard of living after the pay checks have stopped. Shouldn’t they at least be afforded the respect they earned?

Seniors did not put their children in “homes” because caring for them was difficult. Yet, today, many of those children are opting for retirement homes and chronic care facilities, because their aging parents have become a burden.

Sure, as part of the aging process the body deteriorates causing associated medical issues; but don’t babies and small children use up a lot of health care resources with ailments specific to their age group? Yet, who complains?

Another important fact is that seniors, who are living longer--ironically, because of better health--now represent an age group (55 to 100) almost as large as all other groups combined. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable to expect they would use a large portion of health care; yet statistics show that five percent of the population use 95 percent of our emergency resources (police, fire, and paramedics). That would typically be young adults, and involve drugs, alcohol, related accidents, and criminal activities.

Statistics Canada reports that “Seniors are generally in better health than a quarter century ago, are more comfortable financially, and lead more active lives. Moreover, six out of ten seniors reported very little or no stress in their lives, compared with about three in ten from the 25 to 54 age group.” As well, 52 percent of men aged 65 to 74 were moderately active physically, compared to only 48 percent in the 35 to 64 group.

Canadian seniors also keep busy socially with more than half being members of a group or organization, and 39 percent doing volunteer work. They also provide informal assistance helping family, friends, and neighbours with cooking, housework, and yard work.

Another misconception is that all seniors are wealthy. Government reports show that as a group, seniors have the largest percentage of wealth in the country. That money, however, is tied up in their homes and retirement investments. Since they no longer have a pay check, that “wealth” will have to sustain them for 20 or 30 years. The after-tax income of married elderly couples was only $48,300 in 2006, according to Statscan.

If you are not a senior, then please consider the sacrifices made by those who lived through the great depression, the second world-war, and the many years of iceboxes, coal furnaces, party-line telephones, and primitive medical procedures. They are the ones who toiled and laid the groundwork for the higher wages, shorter work-weeks and technological advancements you enjoy today. Pay seniors the respect they deserve.

If you are a senior, stand up and be counted! Proud to be Canadian . . . proud to be a senior!

I encourage you to subscribe to Silver and Gold to see continuing articles on our changing times, and the positive contributions seniors continually make to the fabric of this wonderful country.