Elders social circle kicks off this month

Kanehsata’kehró:non elders looking to hang out with friends, or meet new ones, can sign up to join a social circle launched by the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC) this month.

Starting on Wednesday, March 25, elders will have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of different events, which will occur on a bi-weekly basis from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community building.

“It’s part of our movement toward culturally founded approaches to social services prevention,” said Teiawenhniseráhte Jeremy Tomlinson, KHC executive director.

“From a Tsi Niionkwarihó.ten perspective, families hold a much broader definition. Children, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties, tótas, etc., it’s important in that aspect to ensure their inclusion in our services and of course, from a more scientific perspective, it has proven health advantages across the spectrum, emotional, mental, and physical.”

Severe weather warnings cancelled the first social circle booked on March 11.

Activities for the social circle will include shopping, day trips, workshops, special lunch outings, and more, according to a public Facebook post. The events will also include a light lunch.

“I think that generally speaking, people who would want to participate certainly can profit from it,” said Vivian Oke, an elder at Riverside Elder’s Home.

“I believe that there are some elders who would be shy, not used to going out singly, but maybe with a group that would be different.”

Oke has been to community organized elder social outings before, including a trip to the sugar shack for lunch and to shopping malls.

She looks forward to an outing where she would be able to go on a trip to Montreal, such as to a museum or the Botanical Gardens.

Anna Filippelli, activity coordinator at Riverside Elders Home, said social events outside the home help to improve elders’ mental health by combating loneliness.

“When you just stay by yourself, you become isolated, right? And when we become isolated, the bigger our chances of becoming depressed,” said Filippelli.

A few of the elders at Riverside are mobile enough to join in a social activity outside the home, and some are looking forward to the social circle, said Filippelli.

“They were actually excited,” said Filippelli. “They’re looking forward to doing something.”

Filippelli has worked for two years at Riverside and helps to organize activities for the seniors at the home.

When she first began, some of the elders were resistant to doing new activities.

But over time, they’ve warmed up to her one-on-one exercises and group games.

“I’m very happy to say that they look for me every day now,” said Filippelli. “And so, to me, that just means that I think I’m doing a good job.”

Her efforts to increase elders’ participation in social events have also helped to encourage more of the mobile elders to go into the social circle, said Filippelli.

“I’m trying to get them a little bit more active with the other elders’ group also,” said Filippelli. “But it’s going to take a little bit of time.”

For more information, those interested can contact Melody Katsi’tsanó:ron Beaudin at 438-233-4263.

[email protected]

Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter