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• The New Influencers: Why Boomers are changing foodservice
  

  By Divakar Raju - originally published on Restobiz.ca http://www.restobiz.ca/new-influencers-boomers-changing-foodservice/

  While we tend to assume foodies are Instagramming Millennials, there are other important players leading the charge in the evolution of food culture. Boomers are huge influencers, and they lend their clout to different areas as they retire. According to StatCan, 5,000 Canadian Boomers are retiring each week. A boom that once represented birth and an ample workforce now represents 285,000 people retiring annually over the next seven or eight years.

  Boomers represent a unique generation and are approaching their retirement differently than others who came before them. Many are entering their retirement years with bucket lists, exotic travel destinations, and a 60-is-the-new-40 attitude. To compete in the changing market of retirement living, where it used to be simple to get 100 per cent occupancy, retirement centres need to provide something that others don’t to maintain a competitive advantage. Boomers living in retirement homes don’t want to alter their lifestyle because of where they live, and they are pushing retirement communities to step up their food game because they have the purchasing power to match their demands. The want for healthy, tasty, unique and entertaining meal choices isn’t changing, and they aren’t afraid to put their money where their mouth is to get it.

  The Health of it All

  One of the earliest signs of the generational shift is the awareness residents of retirement homes have surrounding common dietary issues including gluten, salt content, and sugar sensitivities. With this awareness comes generational consumer spending on health. A recent report from Morgan Stanley reveals that Boomers spend 3.4 per cent more on health-related purchases compared to their parents.  It is also expected that this market will increase by 1.04 per cent each year between today and 2060 as  younger Boomers age.

  From Farm to Plate

  Wanting to remain young, healthy and vibrant involves taking an active interest in what goes into your body. According to Fona International, “Baby Boomers are more than twice as likely as Millennials to prioritize wanting product labels that provide information they can better understand (what they’re eating).” Residents in retirement living want to know the details of what’s in their food, how it’s prepared, whether it’s vegan, dairy-free, grass-fed, free-run or whatever else is relevant to what they’re eating. Whether produce is supporting local farmers can be important in the decision making in terms of what goes on their plates and in their mouths. Because of this, retirement communities are beginning to gravitate towards fresh, locally produced products, and some are even growing at onsite gardens to meet the needs of residents.

  Food That Isn’t Hard to Swallow

  The move toward healthier, more appetizing meals also applies to residents with disabilities such as swallowing disorders. The advent of the smoothie bowl and other photo-worthy meals belongs in real life as well, as chefs push themselves towards making these meals more innovative and appetizing.  Gone are the days of simply grinding up food in a blender to create a smoothie or vitamin rich shake.  Food molds can be used to provide the aesthetics of a more traditional dish, but with the needed consistency.

  Variety is the Spice of Life

  If you were given the opportunity to go to your favourite restaurant, and order your favourite meal, each day, each week, odds are that over time you’d get sick of the food and end up hating that meal. Boomers are looking to mix things up, and that includes both the food they eat and where they eat it.  The senior living dining experience was once marked by vast formal dining rooms with banquet-style seating, white tablecloths, and little palpable difference in atmosphere from one meal to the next. The result was something consistent and pleasant but static, limited and predictable. Then came the Boomers.

  Long gone are the days of five o’clock dinner times in the same stale room. The evolution of choice allows Boomers to customize their dining experience to their specific lifestyles without compromise. Trends have increased toward multiple venues for retirement residents to enjoy their food, with communities having a handful of options including full-service restaurants, casual quick-service marketplaces, pubs, bistros and coffee and ice cream parlours with extended and flexible hours to help keep the dining experience fresh. While there aren’t a lot of communities that are creating outdoor dining areas, those who are able to provide alfresco patio dining may find that they win the favour of gaining more residents seeking an experience mirroring the life they aspire to in their retirement, sought after Canadian patio experience included.

  From the Food Network to the Open Kitchen

  There was once a notion that healthy food and the food provided in retirement living is boring and bland. But when retirement community chefs start running cooking demonstrations, tastings and workshops, residents get more excited about eating. Open kitchens, for example, allow for residents to watch their food as it’s prepared. The trend toward open kitchens stems from a focus on transparency in food preparation and diners’ devotion to fresh, local ingredients and made-to-order cooking. An open kitchen also creates a more home-like environment for diners.

  Technology to Improve the Service Experience

  Boomers make up a decidedly technology-friendly generation that also values good service. By taking advantage of POS systems to provide table-side ordering, not only will the kitchen find out directly what the diner wants, but the wait staff is better able to focus on immediate needs, like refilling wine and water glasses, or grinding that pepper to make sure the meal provided is just right. Paper and electronic based comment cards can help the kitchen and service staff continually improve both the service and quality of food provided.

  Brand Loyalty Without Compromise

  Marketing companies looking to cash in on the Boomer demographic have realized that this is a generation that values nostalgia, and they’re proud to be loyal to brands they believe in. Whether it’s the jeans they wear, the cars they drive or the fact that they purchase their morning coffee at Starbucks, they support the brands that have earned their trust. If you build them a brand that they love, they’ll want to support it. By creating a destination café that is more than a generic coffee shop, residents will want to go and grab their coffee and will proudly take their guests along when they visit.

  Tourism Industry to a Kitchen Near You

  Boring, predictable meal planning is off the table as the chefs must evolve with the trends and the dining expectations of a generation that doesn’t want to be told what to eat and when. The Boomer generation does not expect to alter their habits when they move to a senior living community.

  While some communities have been eager to adapt and rise to the new opportunities presented by Boomers, others are slower to act. Retirement community operators should follow trends in both food and hospitality-related industries and emphasize variety, choice and the casual, and placing less importance on the formal and tightly scheduled.

  What’s Next?

  According to a recent article in The Financial Post, “Only a small percentage of younger seniors are opting for some type institutional setting, but a tsunami (of demand) is coming when they hit (their) 80s.” As the industry braces itself for the wave of Boomers in need of housing, they must focus efforts and resources towards appealing to this target audience. Retiring Boomers are interested in the experience. They want amenities like pools, gym, wifi, great food, and a community connection. Preparing for this is crucial.

  The industry will need to invest in their future business to keep up with both space available to serve this large influx and unique service demands. Retirement communities like Toronto’s Delmanor has built its vision around meeting these needs and abide by a core mission statement: “To be the retirement living choice of tomorrow; ahead of the curve in a diverse and ever-changing world.” By incorporating multi-level care, live cooking stations, alfresco dining, POS systems, multiple dining options, food molds, and increasing technology in the kitchens they are ahead of the curve and anticipating change. Delmanor and other like-minded companies are leading the charge in the next generations of care.

  Today we have an opportunity to expand our services and become cutting edge providers, but in order to do this we need to better understand, survey and meet the changing demands our current and upcoming clientele, and provide a space they’ll want to call home.

• Delmanor’s Sheldon Gould will change how you think about retirement home dining
  

  Sheldon Gould would probably forgive you if you think the food in retirement communities is boring, bland or just plain bad. It’s not that it’s well-deserved — it isn’t — it’s just all too common, so he’s used to it. Gould is the COO of Delmanor, a community of retirement residences in the Greater Toronto Area, and reckoning with people’s preconception of what his chefs prepare is just part of the job. So if you’re touring one of this facilities and show up expecting the worst, his team will take it upon itself to prove you wrong.

  “We do everything from scratch. We have Red Seal chefs in our kitchen,” says Gould, referring to the Canada-wide trade certification program. “We do kitchen tours quite often if we get a sense there’s that perception.”

  Hospitality, Continued

  While Gould oversees operations generally for Delmanor, his focus on delivering a top-tier culinary program to Delmanor’s five communities is a product of a long career in foodservice. After graduating from the Ryerson Institute of Technology, now Ryerson University, in hospitality and tourism, Gould took a job with Canadian Pacific Hotels, the predecessor to Fairmont Hotels, and spent much of the ’70s jumping from property to property across Canada. Gould moved into chain restaurants, first with the company that developed the now-ubiquitous Earls concept, then later with The Keg Group. Then, in the early ’90s and with a young family in tow, Gould made the jump into retirement communities. Somehow, very little changed.

  “It’s still very much a continuation of the hotel business,” says Gould. “I remember a friend asking me after I’d been the retirement business for a few months if I missed the restaurant business, and I said, ‘Well, it’s a different business, but I’m still serving 750 meals per day.’ So all those components are still there.” Gould was still in hospitality; it just went by another name.

  Gould even grew up on a working farm in Renfrew, a small town about 100 kilometres west of Ottawa in rural Ontario. His life, one way or the other, has revolved around foodservice, which is especially important for retirement communities because the retirement sector is growing by leaps and bounds, and the generation driving that surge is increasingly paying attention to what they eat.

  The Booming Market

  Canadian Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are now retiring in droves. According to Statistics Canada, the number of adults who aged past the 65-year mark jumped by 20 per cent between 2011 and 2016. In 2016, for the first time in Canadian history, they outnumbered children up to 14 years of age, and the demographic shift driving those jaw-dropping statistics is still closer to the beginning than the end. The earliest Boomers reached retirement age in 2011, which means the generation still has 12 years of retiring in front of it. And as a group, a 2011 study by the NPD Group, a foodservice consulting firm, found that 72 per cent of seniors said nutrition is important when planning a meal, and they seem unwilling to accept substandard fare.

  Jordan Bruce, chef at Delmanor, recalled a trifle he had been making for years with zero complaints from guests. Then came Adelaide.

  “She almost rang my neck,” says Bruce. The problem, Adelaide vocally let him know, was the lack of rum, so Bruce acceded to her request and added rum to the next one. “It was a huge hit across the community. Now the menu says Adelaide’s trifle. She has a little swagger in her step.”

  Other Delmanor chefs have similar experiences. One chef got pointers on her butter chicken, while another received a recipe for goulash from one of his guests. Many residents formally contribute to menu planning, while others grow vegetables on site that go into various dishes. The chefs are encouraged to act on their residents’ tastes and preferences, which vary from community to community. The residents have lifetimes of cooking and eating behind them. They know what good food is, and they expect it at home. Letting the quality of it deteriorate could spell disaster for the brand, just like it could for any restaurant.

  “I’ve attended a lot of residents’ meetings where the bulk of the meeting was, ‘the soup’s too salty.'” Meanwhile, someone else observes that there isn’t enough salt in it, and that goes back and forth for the whole meeting,” says Gould, recalling his handful of decades in the industry. By contrast, Gould says food is rarely brought up at Delmanor residents’ meetings, which is important not just for the residents, but for the Delmanor brand.

  “I’ve run properties in the past that had very solid culinary programs,” says Gould. “But once the perception is there that they have food issues, it’s a very tough thing to turn around.”

  No Bad Nights

  Hence, attracting Red Seal talent with hotel and restaurant experience, the focus on fresh, local ingredients, seasonal menus and not just white-linen service, but in-house pubs serving comfort food, too. Popular food culture isn’t limited Millennials and Gen-Zers snapping photos of brunch. It’s intergenerational, and for retirement communities that do it well and adapt to residents’ preferences and culinary wisdom, it’s a competitive edge. Constantly improving the culinary program isn’t just a feature of the brand; it’s a core component of its growth and sustainability.

  Managing that growth is at the heart of Gould’s work and altogether not very different than his role in first jobs hospitality and foodservice. Only now, if Gould or his team slips up, it’s not one-off bad night. It’s confirmation of the ill-conceived notion that the food in retirement communities is no good. It’s why Gould has already started building the culinary team for Delmanor’s next residence in Aurora, which starts construction in February.

  “We really focus on trying to bring our people up from inside the company,” says Gould. “By the time we open, we’ll have more Red Seal chefs that know our product, know our brand and are able to move into the new communities.”

  Gould wants the new team up to his standard, which at this point, is justifiably high.

• Essential tech for seniors
  

  Mon., March 5, 2018

  Today’s older adults are the first generation to routinely use high technology in their day-to-day lives. Here are 10 of the best devices that all seniors should embrace, as recommended by Delmanor LivingWell Managers Kristina Lopez Papic and Tiffany Moraes.

  1. Tablets, computers and laptops 
  These devices have been real game changers. And for seniors, tablets — portable and loaded with apps — play an especially important role in communication and cognitive stimulation. “Some favourite apps of our residents include Mind Games and Left vs. Right,” says Lopez. “It’s great for mental stimulation, they can play every day to stay cognitively engaged.” Newspaper apps are also big hits, adds Moraes. “Of course, tablets also open up the world to seniors through email, Skype, Facebook, YouTube and more.”

  2. Smart phones
  The go-to device when you’re on the move, seniors love their phones “to communicate with friends and family, and they’re also great for emergencies,” says Lopez, who says one of her seniors’ favourite phone apps is Uber.

  3. Smart watches
  Apple watches and Fit Bits have lots of applications, but older adults primarily use them as fitness trackers, says Moraes. “Seniors love the novelty of connecting to their steps. Smart watches are more accurate than pedometers at calculating steps. They also show distance, calories burned and more. They have so many functions and they’re easy to use.”

  4. Foldable keyboards
  Many seniors find the keyboard on their phone and even their tablet too small for easy use. “Foldable keyboards are very portable and connect to devices using wireless Bluetooth technology so you don’t have to use the touchscreens,” says Lopez.

  5. E-books
  Can’t get to a bookstore or library? E-books offer great advantages: “You can order a book from the comfort of your home,” says Moraes. “Plus you can adjust the font size if you require larger print.”

  6. Tiles
  These small tracking devices can attach to almost any item and use Bluetooth technology to connect to your mobile device, locating the item when it goes missing. “For anyone who constantly loses their keys, phone, wallet and more, this is an amazing piece of technology,” enthuses Lopez.

  7. Assistive technology
  Whether to aid with hearing or sight, there are some great new products, including technology to enlarge your desktop or special phones to help those who have hearing impairments, says Moraes. “There are also devices that connect wirelessly to the television via Bluetooth so a person hard of hearing doesn’t have to turn the volume way up.”

  8. Light therapy
  These are light boxes that fight off seasonal affective disorder, “recreating light for those who have issues with mood over lack of sunshine,” explains Lopez. The devices and bulbs are portable, affordable and don’t take up much space.

  9. Sound sleep machines
  This device plays different soothing sounds and blocks out ambient noise to help you sleep. “It’s great for those with short sleep cycles and insomnia,” says Lopez.

  10. Medical alert systems
  These send alerts for those who may require emergency medical attention, particularly if you’ve fallen or are experiencing a traumatic medical event.

   

   

• Healthy eating tips for seniors
  

  Mon., March 5, 2018

  When it comes to the food we eat, today’s mature adults are much more discerning than previous generations. “Boomers are educated, well-travelled and sophisticated consumers. They know their food, their coffee, their wine,” says Divakar Raju, Corporate Manager of Culinary Services for Delmanor retirement communities. “They’re on their electronic devices and they understand about nutrition, quality and good food. Gone are the days when they’d be satisfied with a bland diet of meat and potatoes.”

  Food has a role in our emotional well-being
  “Food is an important part of our lives, and eating should be a pleasurable experience. But we may not be able to eat the same in our senior years as we did when we were younger,” explains Raju. Health issues must be considered, from heart disease and cholesterol to diabetes and acid reflux. “It’s no longer just about what appeals to you, and today’s well-informed seniors know that.”

  Flavourful foods with a creative touch
  As people age, they may not be as responsive to taste, textures, flavours or even temperatures. “It’s essential that food is easier for people to manage as they age, but taste is also important. In order to maximize flavour, we use a lot of fresh ingredients, which will generally be more flavourful. We also cook with more spices and herbs than salt, and we use less sugar.”

  Nutrient-rich foods for smaller portions
  The older we get, the smaller the portions we need. Seniors tend to eat smaller meals and snacks more often throughout the day. “This means we have to provide all the nutrients in smaller portion sizes to not compromise on the nutritional value of the meal.”

  Raju suggests a few healthy eating tips and smart food choices:

  1. Enjoy hearty soups as often as possible.
  Good stocks and fresh, wholesome ingredients offer plenty of nourishment, and soups are comforting and easy to eat.

  2. Choose fresh and local as often as possible.
  From fish and eggs to meat and poultry to vegetables and fruits, focus on what is seasonally available and locally fresh and design menus around those foods.

  3. Go for homemade.
  Foods made from scratch are always tastier and are cooked without preservatives. They usually use less trans fat, sugar and sodium. If you do eat prepared foods, carefully look at labels.
  
  4. Use a variety of nutrients.
  When preparing meals, aim for 4 to 5 ounces of protein (such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, cheese), 3 ounces of vegetables or fruit, 2 ounces of carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta or potatoes, for example), and 1 ounce of sauce. This is a standard healthy mix of food groups but particularly important for this age group.

  5. Don’t skip dessert!
  People love their sweets, and as we age, the sweet palate stays strong. Go for healthier options such as desserts with low or no sugar or smaller portions and fruit.

  6. Have healthy snacks around.
  Eat smaller portions and snack more often, be sure to keep a supply of grab-and-go fruit such as bananas, apples, pears, oranges and grapes, as well as dairy items like yogurts and cheese, to snack throughout the day.

  7. Drink plenty of water.
  It’s important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, so a good tip is to have a jug of water handy, infused with fruits for flavour.

   

• Why 80 is the new 70
  

  Thu., March 1, 2018

  “There are different ways we look at someone’s age,” explains Delmanor LivingWell coach Karen Hatch. “There’s your chronological age: the number of years you’ve lived. But there’s also your functional age, referring to one’s ability and health; your psychological age, which speaks to the state of mind; and social age, referring to behaviour.”

  The one we may have the most control over is our psychological age. “We see many people who are young in age but seem much older due to their mindset,” says Hatch. “But the reverse is also true. If someone feels old, it will affect their outlook on life and they will indeed be old. But if your mindset is such that you want to learn and explore, and if you choose to focus on your abilities rather than your actual age, you have greater opportunities to learn, enjoy new experiences and stay young of mind and heart. Someone much older who stays active, volunteers, sleeps well, continues to learn, stays socially engaged and stays relaxed and positive will stay young.”

  Hatch believes that giving the mind an opportunity to relax without focusing on the past or worrying about the future is key, and for that she recommends breathing exercises. “Breathe in slowly for four counts and notice the expansion in your ribs. Then hold your breath for four counts and notice how full your lungs are. Then exhale slowly for four counts and notice how the shoulder and chest lowers and the muscles relax. This technique can really help you stay calm and manage stress.”

  Namalee Makuloluwa, LivingWell Manager at Delmanor Glen Abbey, has some other strategies for staying young at heart as you age:

  1. Do the things you love as long as you can.
  “Many seniors continue to be physically active, taking part in the things that interest them, being part of their community and travelling,” says Makuloluwa.

  2. Try new things.
  “Use this time in your life to do the things you may have always wanted to do but never had the time or opportunity. Take a course, start a new business, teach others, write a book, learn a language. The opportunities are endless.”

  3. Keep up socially.
  “Continue to get out and meet new people, see friends and family, participate in things that interest you.”

  4. Challenge yourself.
  Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you can’t take on new challenges. “Now is a good time to try something new and challenging, like rock climbing, stand-up comedy or going for a balloon or helicopter ride,” says Makuloluwa.

  5. Volunteer.
  “Work with kids in a reading program in a school, do something at your local community centre or with other retirees. Help out at your local hospital or library. Give back by doing something you know, something you love or something you want to try.”

• Living With Dementia
  

  Mon., March 5, 2018

  A diagnosis of dementia is a life-changing event, and not just for the person directly affected. Those closest to the person are profoundly touched as well. It’s perfectly normal for all those involved to experience feelings of fear, denial and anger while adjusting to what’s ahead. The road is long, perhaps five to 10 years. So it’s important for family members to learn how to cope with this new reality and effectively support their loved ones through the changes they will experience.

  “You know the individual will increasingly have problems with their memory,” says Elaine Wood, Vice President of Operations for Delmanor retirement communities. “They may lose their license to drive and eventually experience a loss of independence as they can’t get around anymore.” Besides forgetfulness, their “new normal” symptoms might include mood swings and other fluctuations in behaviour, explains Wood. How can those caring for them help? Here are some suggestions:

  1. Celebrate the person.
  They may respond differently at times but inside, the person is the same. “It’s so important to treat your loved one with the same understanding, respect and patience you showed them before they started losing their memory,” stresses Wood. “You don’t want to lose sight of the individual,” adds Jennifer Beninato, MemoryPlus Manager at Delmanor Elgin Mills.

  2. Focus on the positive.
  There’s no point in being argumentative or trying to impress the person with logic. “They’re looking to regain the control and power they’ve lost, so it’s common for them to point the finger at someone else,” explains Wood. “Be sure to be as agreeable and empathetic as possible, then redirect their attention elsewhere by starting a different conversation to get them thinking about something more positive.”

  3. Be flexible.
  “Let go of your expectations and be prepared to change plans from day to day as time allows. Let them take the lead as much as possible. Remember that the goal is enjoyment, not achievement,” says Beninato.

  4. Engage in activities they can still enjoy.
  Keep your loved one as engaged as possible. “It provides comfort and support and allows the person to maintain more individuality and independence,” explains Beninato. Remember what they’ve always loved to do: maybe it’s baking, which you can now do together. Perhaps they loved to paint, exercise, play cards or games. “It’s pleasurable to do activities with someone you love, as well as mentally stimulating.”

  5. Adapt the things they can no longer do on their own.
  Be creative about introducing new ways to enjoy the things they did in the past. “If the person travelled, for example, look at old photo albums of trips and reminisce,” suggests Beninato. Other examples: if they used to garden, take them for a visit to a garden centre to engage their passion for flowers. If they enjoyed shopping, consider a short trip to a favourite store. Or if they loved going to the theatre, get some videos of old television shows or movies and watch them together.

  6. Take care of yourself.
  Remember your own health is also a priority. “Take care of yourself so you have lots of patience and love to share,” says Beninato. “Do things you enjoy: exercise, eat well, sleep well, find ways to relax like going for a walk or massage, engage in your own hobbies and interests, and take a break from caregiving to spend time with other family and friends.”

   

• Best activities for a healthy mind and body
  

  Mon., March 5, 2018

  No matter your age, exercise is vital to your well-being. That’s especially true for older adults. Physical activity reduces the risk of a number of health conditions. It keeps you strong, flexible and stable and is an important element of independence and longevity.

  “Physical activity also creates new pathways in the brain and strengthens old pathways, plus there will be an increase in oxygen flow to the brain,” says Delmanor LivingWell coach Karen Hatch. If fitness is new in your life, it’s important to start slow, says Hatch. “Look for exercise classes that are geared to beginners and work your way up, or hire a personal trainer to help you get started. Ultimately, your goal is to exercise for 150 minutes per week, but that can be broken down into segments of whatever length you like: two 10-minute walks a day for example.”

  At any age, the key to success is to add variety to your workouts, so here are some examples of exercise strategies well-suited to older adults:

  Walking with Nordic walking poles
  “Nordic poles are great tools for stability,” explains Sue Merritt, LivingWell coach at Delmanor Northtown. “As we age, we may shorten our gait and stop swinging our arms. Poles keep the arms engaged and get more body parts moving.”

  Join a class
  “Fitness classes for seniors are designed for general fitness but also to challenge our balance, reaction times and coordination,” says Hatch. “It’s also great for social engagement,” adds Merritt. “Exercise classes provide opportunities for cognitive stimulation: processing verbal and visual cues help with mind/body connections.”

  Buddy up!
  One way to have fun while you get fit is to have an exercise buddy. Go for regular walks with a friend, outside when the weather’s nice or inside at a mall or track when it’s cold or rainy, advises Hatch. “One great idea is to add stand ups — every time you pass a bench, practice sitting and standing a few times to help strengthen your legs and core.”

  Get in the water
  “It’s easier to exercise in water as joints become buoyant,” explains Hatch. “It also provides resistance for strength.” If you aren’t a great swimmer, walk in shallow water, use a pool noodle for support or join an aquafit class. Therapeutic pools, which are warmer and shallow, are especially good for those with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis or are recovering from a stroke, adds Hatch.

  Wii bowling
  This video game exercise platform has lots of subtle benefits, says Merritt. “The action of throwing the bowling ball encourages balance training, weight shifting and hand-eye coordination. But it’s also a great social activity to keep us moving and engaging with others.”

  Yoga and tai chi
  “These activities bring in the mind-body connection as well as providing balance, strength and flexibility benefits,” says Hatch. Classes designed for seniors are always advisable so that considerations are made for conditions such as lowered bone density and arthritic joints.

  Dance!
  A great form of exercise that encourages movement and helps balance, dancing is also an excellent social activity, says Hatch. “It’s a good way to enjoy some music and spend time with friends.”

  Shuffleboard
  Great for social interaction and teamwork, it also helps maintain better posture and balance, says Merritt. “It’s done in an upright position, so it reduces the risk of problems like compression fractures of the spine by encouraging good alignment.” A shuffleboard court can be set up inside so it can be enjoyed all year round.

   

• School isn’t just for the young
  

  Mon., March 5, 2018

  Learning is vital for young people, but the benefits continue in our senior years. “Lifelong learning keeps the brain active and the mind, body and spirit engaged,” explains Karen Hatch, LivingWell coach at Delmanor retirement communities. “Learning gives us a purpose and helps keep us active and sharp so our brains don’t go stagnant.”

   

  Learn something new
  “Aside from the obvious brain stimulation that comes from actively seeking out new information, seniors really need to think about stepping out of their comfort zone,” says Whitney Hilts, LivingWell Manager at Delmanor Elgin Mills. 

   

  “Let’s say someone is a poker player who loves to play but knows the game inside out. Learn how to play bridge,” says Hatch. “Or perhaps you paint, and watercolours are your medium. Maybe you could consider acrylics – or try working with clay.”

   

  But don’t step too far out. “If you’re not musically inclined, learning a musical instrument may just be frustrating and not add to the enjoyment of succeeding at something new. Make sure you can laugh at yourself when things don't go the way you had hoped or expected,” advises Hatch.
  
  Learn what interests you
  There’s no point in signing up to learn a new language if it’s something you’re really not that interested in. At this stage of your life, you’ll want learn about things that engage your interest.

   

  Almost all the learning that takes place with seniors is something they have some previous interest in, says Hilts. “If you love music, but already know how to play the piano, what about studying opera or taking a course on the history of music? Take what you already love and branch out into new areas because it can take you to so many new places.”

   

  Learn something relevant
  “Things that may not have held your interest when you were younger may now feel relevant,” says Hilts. Often these new topics are related to wellness and healthy living for older adults. “Mental health, diet and nutrition and physical fitness are now important, so many seniors are researching alternative diets and exercise programs. They can seek out their own information and take learning into their own hands.” Learning new technology is very relevant in today’s world. Begin with something simple. Do you have lots of photos? “Learn to transfer your pictures onto a computer and you’re getting a digital experience. That’s a great place to start,” says Hilts.

   

  Learn what you’ve always dreamed about
  Did you always want to be a writer but never learned the basics? Maybe you always wished you had studied yoga or learned to play the guitar. “Your chance of success is good because it’s already a passion,” says Hatch.

   

  Is it too late to learn something new?
  Many seniors pull back because they feel it’s too late to start learning a new skill or acquire new information. Not so, says Hilts. “Anyone can continue to learn, even if they have memory challenges. Perhaps they have trouble storing new information, but they will still get something out of a learning experience.”

   

  “Lifelong learning helps keep us relevant, mentally sharp and young in mind and body,” adds Hatch.

   

• Discover the Delmanor Difference

  As a proud member of the Tridel Group of Companies, Delmanor offers a spectacular turn-key lifestyle with convenient locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

  If you enjoy travelling south for the winter or want to head to the family cottage for the summer; our full-service lifestyle alleviates the worry of home maintenance while you enjoy a favourite destination. The Delmanor
  team will be here to welcome you home upon your return.

  At Delmanor, we’re dedicated to establishing service that shows. If you’re too busy to act retired and your life is more interesting than doing daily chores and meal preparation, then you’ll find it easy to call Delmanor
  home. If your life has become defined by what you have to do, instead of what you want to do, you’re not alone. You’ll fit right in, surrounded by like-minded people who have worked hard to achieve the freedom to
  enjoy all of life’s opportunities.

  
  Delmanor Communities are conveniently located, with easy access to everything you’ve always enjoyed. You’ll have the chance to try the things you’ve always been meaning to try. Join the company of old friends and
  enjoy familiar hobbies, or discover new interests and new friends who share your interests. We offer a retirement lifestyle designed to make both you and your guests feel welcome every day of the year.

  At Delmanor, we recognize that there is more to your retirement than just putting in time. Our signature LivingWell™ program encourages individual empowerment and active mind, body and spirit. We believe in
  new beginnings rather than old routines, that friendships keep us young, that activity keeps us fit and that interactions keep us whole. We believe our Residents have the power, individually and collectively, to make
  retirement fulfilling.

  
  Delmanor offers full-service independent and assisted living services, along with state-of-the-art building security and life safety systems. Enjoy white linen table service in our dining rooms and an array of menu choices
  prepared daily by our Red Seal Chefs. Other amenities include a hair salon and spa, movie theatre, pub, library, fitness studio and putting green.

  
  Suites are very well-appointed. Choose from studio, one and two bedroom suites — many with balconies or private terraces. Luxury features may include granite counter-tops, full-size stainless steel refrigerator,
  microwave oven and front loading washer and dryer for your added convenience.

  Every Delmanor team member is dedicated to anticipating your needs, by being attentive without being intrusive. Our team is carefully chosen for their passion and commitment to delivering exceptional service — we call
  this The Delmanor Experience.

  
  DISCOVER MORE AT DELMANOR.COM

As with other Delmanor communities, this is an exceptionally well-appointed, very modern retirement residence, with a hotel-like environment that includes a concierge, and suites with in-suite service. Suites are very spacious, friendly staff is easily at hand, and the dining is exceptional. Located just north of the 401 on Yonge Street, this is very close to a variety of local shopping including drug stores and coffee outlets.

If you are used to having the best things in life, then Delmanor communities like this one are the right place to get the seniors' care you need. Aside from excellent care staff, spectacular onsite amenities and features include concierge service, billiards, a full library, a bar, a spa and gym, an onsite movie theatre, and a private bus that shuttles residents on a variety of day trips.