Through this unprecedented time, many people are struggling to find JOY. Although January provides us shorter days and cold weather, it can be the start of something new! 
 
Here are some ways of inviting JOY in your life on a daily basis!
 

Our Village has a longstanding history of partnering with local colleges and universities, which provides the opportunity for student placements within our Wellness Team. Students gain practical experience in their related field, while contributing their skills to our community. Staff embrace opportunities to mentor and integrate fresh ideas and perspectives into existing programs, while residents enjoy sharing their knowledge, experiences and wisdom with a younger generation.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a skill we can utilise in order to better understand our emotional and physical states. We can be mindful by paying attention to our surroundings, living in the moment, and really focusing on our behaviours, thoughts and emotions. Remember to treat yourself with compassion and let yourself be imperfect. Make a mental note of your negative thoughts and emotions but let them pass by without affecting your sense of self.

Our Memory Care Activities Coordinator Mandy, shared these photos of residents stringing popcorn to decorate the Christmas tree.  The activity brought back special memories of different holiday traditions - some even remembered stringing popcorn for their own trees as kids.  Holiday energy is in full swing at the Village!

This morning some residents were working in our beautiful woodworking rooms. One resident is making a doll house for his granddaughter and another is painting decor.

This woodworking space is close to 2,000 sq. ft. with a paint, saw and wood rooms equipped with tools and benches for all members to enjoy.

This is one of over 20 resident run programs at The Village.

Today was the start of our 3 week Watercolor Art Series in partnership with the Waterloo Button Factory. Residents enjoyed painting a detailed sunflower! It is so nice to see people back together and enjoying some creative fun.

Residents of our Parkview Suites (memory care) enjoyed some art therapy this afternoon. Our painting group is a place where individuals with all different artistic abilities can come and let the paintbrush guide them.

This summer we have been gifted with nice warm weather! It has provided lots of opportunities for our Registered Kinesiologist, Nancy to teach fitness classes outside. Residents decided after an outdoor yoga class yesterday to do some tree poses surrounded by the beautiful trees.

With growing interest in our community, we often get asked similar questions about retirement living. Today’s blog is the first in a series that provides answers to some of your most commonly asked questions.

In many Western societies, including Canada, aging is seen as something to be avoided and fought.   When you pay attention you will see negative stereotypes and perceptions of seniors often portrayed in entertainment, social media, and everyday language.  The Village Wellness team believes aging to be something to be celebrated and enjoyed and has adopted the concept known as  “Positive Aging” -  sometimes referred to as “Aging Well”, “Aging Gracefully”, or “Successful Aging”.