Strike for the elders!

The elders biweekly social circle is in full motion, with elders going on their first official outing, a bowling trip.

Created by Melody Katsi’tsanó:ron Beaudin, elders activity coordinator at the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC), the biweekly gatherings were designed to combat isolation and encourage connection.

“My driving factor behind creating the social circle is access to transportation,” said Beaudin, who explained that when she first started working in community support, transportation was a big issue.

“A lot of elders either didn’t have vehicles, couldn’t drive very far, or couldn’t drive at all,” said Beaudin. “So, the goal was to help them come out and socialize.”

The program had a difficult start when its first event, scheduled for March 11, was cancelled due to severe weather warnings.

Since then, the group has enjoyed events such as vintage photo sharing, where elders spent the day reminiscing over old family and community photos.

This week, over 10 elders went on their first official outing to Bowling du Parc in Saint-Eustache.

“I believe it’s better than staying home and not doing anything,” said Mina Beauvais, who had not bowled in over 30 years.

“I was afraid at first, but I’m relaxing more now,” said Beauvais, who explained that it is her 89th birthday next week, and she wasn’t sure she had the ability to bowl.

Throughout the day, Beauvais had multiple strikes.

“I love it,” said Beauvais.

For Frances Hannaburg, this was her first time bowling in her 77 years.

“I’m very fortunate,” said Hannaburg, who shared that she overcame knee surgery and multiple cancers.

“It’s good for morale, it’s good for us to get out, to connect with people, and not just stay in the house all the time,” said Hannaburg. “Being in those four walls, it’s depressing.”

While Hannaburg said she won’t pursue a career in bowling, she loved playing and hoped to do it again.

“It’s a beautiful place to be at, with all the elders,” said Hannaburg. “We’re all having fun out of the house.

“Our elders are very important in our communities,” said Beaudin, who emphasized the importance of having safe spaces where elders can socialize and feel valued. “They’ll feel like they are appreciated.

“The word is definitely getting out. The elders are talking to their friends and telling them to come,” said Beaudin.

While all elders are welcome to the social circle, Anna Filippelli, activity coordinator at Riverside Elders Home, said age and health can affect participation levels.

“The two groups of elders are so different,” said Filippelli, referring to the difference in age for the elders living at Riverside.

“There’s a difference between an elder of 60-75, versus 75-95, and it’s a big difference,” said Filippelli.

Filippelli still does programming with the Riverside elders, but more one-on-one activities, and on a much smaller scale, like helping a resident curl their hair.

Elders at Riverside still participate in the social circle events, but according to Filippelli, depending on their mood, weather, and health, impacts their motivation to attend the events.

Filippelli explained that she and Beaudin have integrated some events for both groups of elders and aim to plan more integrated events.

The next outing planned for the elders is a shopping trip in Hawkesbury on May 27, and a biweekly elder chair exercise starts on May 19.

Those seeking more information or who want to register can contact Beaudin at 438-233-4263.

[email protected]

Fern Marmont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter