Hey Senior 

Good Morning, Senior! Welcome to the dawn of Hey Senior—your weekly guide to aging gracefully. This isn't just another newsletter; it's the launch of something truly special. So, grab your favorite drink and get ready to unlock the secrets to living your best senior life.

Let’s dive in!

— Jot Narwal

🥇 Athletes or Not, Seniors Score Big at the BC Games

🎉 What a week it was! The 55+ BC Games wrapped up last week in Abbotsford, it was a showstopper! From the thrill of cycling races to the precision of darts and the strategy of ice curling, it was a display of grit, talent, and yep, undying youthful spirit.

👏 But hey, it wasn’t just the athletes who stole the show. A roaring applause for the 1,000 volunteers who made it all happen. Whether they were keeping score, offering medical support, or even handing out water bottles, their energy was contagious. If you ever doubted that community spirit is alive and well, this was your proof.

📝 Action Point: What sport did you once play or dominate? Was it table tennis? Marathon running Or dart throwing? Share your sports legacy with us. We envision the centenarian Olympics soon.

🗓 Mark Those Calendars! But hold on, the excitement isn’t over. Next year, the torch passes to Salmon Arm from Sept. 10 to 14, 2024. Whether you’re planning to compete or volunteer, it’s time to start gearing up. Let’s show Salmon Arm the powerhouse of talent and spirit we are!

 🏆️ World Record Alert: Charcuterie Takes Over White Rock Pier!

Hey, food lovers and record-breaker fans! Guess what? Sheila’s Catering, our local culinary hero, just turned White Rock Pier into the Guinness World Record-holding charcuterie board. We’re talking a 485-foot-long feast!

🍴 The Delicious Deets

Picture this: You’re walking down the pier, but instead of seagulls, you’re greeted by an endless spread of gourmet cheeses and meats. Co-owner Wes Lévesque and his team pulled out all the stops. Three days, 250 boards, and even a falconer to keep those pesky birds away. And the kicker? The old record was just 204 feet. We didn’t break it; we demolished it!

💡 Good Vibes, Good Causes

But hey, it wasn’t just a win for our taste buds. The event also dished out goodness for local charities. So, every ticket bought was a high-five to causes like Sources food banks and Friends of the Pier.

A Word from Home Instead White Rock: Your Home, Your Sanctuary

Do you or a loved one dread the thought of leaving the comfort of home for assisted living or long-term care? You’re not alone. Most seniors prefer to spend their golden years in the familiarity of their own homes. That’s where Home Instead White Rock steps in.

🌟 23 Years and Counting

For over two decades, we’ve been the go-to home care service in South Delta, South Surrey, White Rock, and Langley. Our mission is simple: to ensure seniors can enjoy the dignity, independence, and quality of life that only home can provide.

👩‍⚕️Why Choose Us?

Your home is your sanctuary, and we aim to keep it that way. Our trained caregivers are more than staff; they’re an extension of your family, offering everything from meal preparation to medical support.

📞 Give Us a Holler!

If staying at home sounds like your kind of future, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let’s make your home a forever home.

👂 Listen Up: Your Hearing Could Save Your Brain

Ever thought your hearing could affect your memory? Well, it does—a lot. If you're not hearing well, your chances of developing dementia could shoot up by up to 5 times! Now, we don’t want that to happen.

📊 Quick Stats:

• Mild Hearing Loss: Nearly 2x more likely to get dementia.

• Severe Hearing Loss: Buckle up—5x more likely.

🤔 Why Should You Care?

1. Brain Drain: Poor hearing can cause your brain to shrink. Yep, shrink!

2. Social Life: Struggle to hear, struggle to socialize. Less socializing, more dementia risk.

🌟 Good News: Hearing Aids Help

• Early Action: Catch it now, and you could save your future self a lot of trouble.

• Already Struggling?: Hearing aids can even ease Alzheimer's symptoms.

🛠 Action Point: Not sure about your hearing? A quick online free test could be your first step to a healthier brain. Try this one.

🚑 The ER Chronicles: Where Time Flies & Where It Crawls

From Monday morning’s data, in the race against the clock, Ridge Meadows Hospital is the Usain Bolt of ERs, while Surrey Memorial—let's just say they're still lacing up their shoes.

🐰 The Speedster: Ridge Meadows Hospital

Average wait time to see a doctor on this Monday morning? A breezy 22 minutes. You'll be in and out before your coffee cools.

🐌 The Slowpoke: Surrey Memorial Hospital

Pack a meal, maybe two. With an average wait time of 8 hours and 21 minutes, you could binge-watch an entire season of your favorite show.

🛠 Action Point: Next time you've got a non-life-threatening emergency, choose wisely. If you're headed to Surrey Memorial, maybe pack a lunch. Or dinner. Perhaps even breakfast for the next day.

💡 Reddit Unveiled: The World’s Most Diverse Coffee Shop

Reddit is the virtual coffee shop where topics range from 'How to fix a leaky faucet?' to 'Existential crises at 2 am.'

Here’s a question from a seniors thread.
👵 Ask a Senior: "What did you think would stand the test of time but didn't?" Some answers include:

• Malls: Once bustling centers of social life, now languishing.

• Newspapers: Replaced by the instant gratification of online news.

• Sears: Could have been Amazon, but now it's more like a retail relic.

🩰 Ballet for the Soul and the Soles

If you thought ballet was reserved for tutu-clad youngsters, think again. Ballet is a full-body workout that stimulates the mind and improves coordination. It's also a fun alternative to traditional gym workouts, offering a blend of artistry and athleticism.

🎵 Why Ballet?: If you're tired of the mechanical monotony of gym machines or looking for a break from your walking routine, ballet brings grace and excitement to fitness.

🗓 Scale the Heights for Alzheimer's: Your Mountain Awaits

Whether you're an adventurous hiker or prefer a leisurely walk, September 24th offers something for everyone. From the challenging BCMC Trail to a 1.5-km Summit Stroll, you're not just walking; you're walking for a cause.

🌅 The Maple Leaf Stretch: Start Your Day the Canadian Way

Start your day with a stretch as refreshing as a morning in the Canadian Rockies.
🌲 How to Stretch:

1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Lift your arms overhead and interlock your fingers.

3. Turn your palms upward and gently stretch upward.

4. Inhale deeply as you reach for the sky.

5. Exhale slowly as you lower your arms back down.
   Do this 3-5 times, and you’ll feel energized and ready for the day ahead.

🍁 Sip Your Dessert: Healthy Nanaimo Bar Smoothie

Relish the iconic Nanaimo Bar flavors you’ve always loved—now reimagined as a health-conscious smoothie. A true taste of BC, made better for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder (or vanilla Greek yogurt)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• A dash of maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep: Place your frozen banana, rolled oats, and cocoa powder into a blender.

2. Layer It: Add the shredded coconut and vanilla protein powder (or Greek yogurt) to mimic the classic Nanaimo layers.

3. Blend: Pour in the almond milk and blend until smooth. Taste and add a dash of maple syrup if needed.

4. Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy your guilt-free BC treat!

🌱 High in Fiber & Protein: Aids in digestion and muscle growth—perfect as a post-workout snack or filling breakfast.

🍌 Natural Sugars & Antioxidants: Offers a sweet treat without added sugars, while boosting your immune system.

🛠 Action Point: This is a dessert you can drink anytime—without the guilt! Try it out and share your experience with us.

📚 This Week's Memory Lane

• Local: SkyTrain’s Expo Line debuted in 1986, initially running from Waterfront to New Westminster. It was a watershed moment in local public transportation and opened the door for future expansions like the Millennium Line and Canada Line.

• Global: WWII’s end in 1945 reshaped geopolitics and brought troops back home.

• Cultural: “The Kids of Degrassi Street” first aired in 1984, marking the beginning of a cultural touchstone for Canadian youth.

☀️ Weather Whispers for the Week Ahead

Looks like Mother Nature is on our side! This week is mostly a sun-fest with temperatures gently climbing from a cozy 19°C to a pleasant 24°C. Zero rain in sight, except for a sprinkle of clouds on September 10th. Time to enjoy those late-summer walks!

Reply to this email for feedback and suggestions. Tell us what did you like the most.

Until next time, keep aging like a fine Canadian maple syrup—only getting sweeter with time! 🍁