TSC offers a variety of activities for Senior Members 55+ within the Thornhill Community Centre
I’ve recently learned that some of our members and instructors are currently enjoying exercising at home with Jenny McClendon videos. Jenny is a fitness enthusiast with over 26 years experience in fitness training and group instruction and is also a licensed Physical Therapist. She has a love for teaching seniors and beginners in hopes that they know that it’s never too late to start an exercise program.
Browse all her YouTube videos and be sure to check out her beginner Line Dance video.
Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku, refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The Japanese words “Shinrin-yoku” translate into English as “Forest Bathing.”
In the Fall of 2018, the City of Markham completed construction of four Shinrin-yoku trails in local parks. These trails offer interpretive signage, seating, and are designed to be easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The locations of the trails are Pomona Mills Park, Toogood Pond Park, Springdale Park and Valley, and Rouge Valley Park.
With the exception of benches being off-limits, these trails are open to be safely enjoyed while practicing physical distancing.
Do you suffer from chronic pain or have mobility issues and would like to give Yoga a try? Developed by the therapists at the Chronic Pain Service at Toronto Rehab, this 25 minute Chair Yoga video was created to provide a gentle and chronic pain friendly exercise option. Or try their gentler 10 minute version with an emphasis on breathing.
Remember, finding ways to keep moving everyday is one of the best ways to manage your pain.
“Journaling: The Easy, Time-Tested Strategy For Becoming Happier and More Successful
Let’s talk about journaling. Writing in a journal or diary is one of the best, easiest, low cost ways to improve your happiness, have more emotional intelligence, and to help you reach your goals.
Journaling is easy to get started. You don’t need complicated technology that takes a long time to learn. You don’t need to buy some sort of expensive gadget that is out of your price range. It doesn’t require fancy running shoes, or even require you to break a sweat like exercise does. It’s not a difficult or complicated skill to learn…writing in a journal is so easy that anyone can do it as long as they can write.
Whether you choose to write in a program like Microsoft Word, an app like Evernote, or with old-fashioned pencil and paper, you start to get the benefits of journal writing immediately.”
Read the full article, then see a list of Journal Prompts to help get you started. Happy writing!
Some of you have asked if the annual City of Markham Canada Day Seniors Lunch would go ahead this year given the current COVID-19 situation. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled, as did other large gatherings.
In an effort to celebrate Canadian pride while practicing physical distancing, the City will host Markham’s first-ever virtual Canada Day celebrations, to take place online on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Planning for the online activities is currently underway. Check back for more information and updates.
As you may have learned, the Canadian government has announced additional aid in the form of a one-time tax free payment of up to $500 for eligible seniors to offset any increased living expenses they have incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
See details here.
It’s great to still feel connected while we are physically apart. That’s why Markham Public Library has launched Keeping Connected – a phone check-in service for our community. When you sign up you’ll receive a call from MPL staff once, weekly or biweekly. A library card is not required.
They can offer library program information, help with online services, Reader’s Advisory (reading suggestions based on your reading interests), as well as find information about community services or simply for a friendly phone call and light conversation.
Sign up using this form on the MPL website or by emailing smann@markham.library.on.ca
If you would prefer to register by phone, please call Harman Singh Malhi at 416-294-1964. Please share this with other Members who you think may be interested.
“Walk” through some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions like the Museum of Natural History, then go for a “ride” on Disney’s new Frozen rollercoaster. Tour the beauty of nature in National Parks and watch live footage of Pandas playing at the Zoo.
See a list of Museums, Zoos, National Parks and Theme Parks offering Virtual Tours.
Spring is here and many of us are itching to get growing.
The good news is, starting today garden centres will be open for curb-side pickup. Plants and seeds are also available at select grocery stores, WalMart and through on-line retailers.
The Toronto Master Gardeners website offers a wealth of resources including a guide on Balcony & Container Gardening.
Many gardening videos can be found on YouTube including 8 Vegetables and Herbs You Can Re grow Again and Again Inside your House or Garden.
Here are some suggested garden tools to make everything easier.
Read some interesting articles published in Psychology Today including Why Gardening is so Good for our Mental Health and 10 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening.
Happy Growing!
Understandably, many people may be feeling anxious, unsure and even scared at this time. These are normal and healthy responses to unexpected or stressful situations. Disruption to regular daily routines and distancing from family and friends is hard and many are struggling as a result. In times like these, it’s ok to not feel ok.
THE CANADIAN COALITION FOR SENIORS’ MENTAL HEALTH offers some great suggestions on “Activities to do while Physical Distancing” Give one a try today! 🙂
Thornhill Seniors Club 