Indoors or out, make the most of winter
Ahh, winter.
Besides hanging out in the sauna at the Y and pretending it’s summer, there’s lots to do, whatever your age.
The City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Activity Guide is full of suggestions. Find it online at ottawa.ca/ recreation.
There’s also lots to do at the Good Companions, a non-profit multi-service seniors’ centre at 670 Albert St. View thegoodcompanions.ca to see what’s being offered.
Another popular option is the Learning in Retirement program at Carleton University. The six-week Winter 2019 session begins Jan. 7, ending Feb. 15. Registration for the Winter session opens Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. This winter’s offerings include 11 lecture series ($140, two hours per week), two memoir-writing workshops ($200 each, two and a half hours a week) and two Italian language workshops ($250 each, class meets twice a week).
This session’s topics include art, architecture, politics, history, music, physics and literature, and will allow participants to explore a range of high (and low) points in human history, knowledge and creativity.
Sessions run all year, and while classes are promoted to older adults, all ages can attend. There are no prerequisites, required readings or assignments, just lifelong learning.
Visit www.carleton.ca/linr for details on classes, how to register and to sign up for their email list to receive advance notice of future sessions.
In Deep River, Ont., in the Ottawa Valley, the Seniors Friendship Club helps many seniors in the area survive the winter.
“We founded the Seniors Friendship Club in 2013,” said Cathy Chapman of the SFC. “This not-forprofit corporation initially started by seniors for seniors has evolved into a no-age-limit club and provides monthly and weekly activities for those of us who brave the cold. Try to keep up to our members if you can! There are beautiful trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or just walking. We sponsor fitness classes twice a week and hold social get-togethers once or twice a month for members to gather and gain information from different guest speakers on different subjects. We hold movie viewings once a month as well. We have a mandate to provide education, cultural, recreational and social programs.”
Deep River has many clubs for activities such as bridge, darts, pottery, knitting, skiing, woodworking and walking. There is a walking in the halls program during the winter months in the local high school. The local Legion has programs, and there is an annual Winterfest in February. “We lose a few people to the warmer climes, but the numbers leaving are growing less every year,” said Chapman. “There is something for everyone here in this hidden gem of a town.”
Lucille and Bob Christie of Deep River, who have lived there for more than 50 years, have no limit of things they like to do, from cross country skiing and snowshoeing to Lucille’s indoor group activities for quilting, spin cycling and wool spinning. She is also a member of a book club and a dedicated driver for Meals on Wheels.
Bob says he has regular coffee sessions in town with his male friends to help him get through the winter. He also plays hockey twice a week and is an active gym member. As a pilot, he enjoys going for a flight when conditions permit. And, adds Lucille, “it’s the best time of year to enjoy cooking and socializing with friends. Mind you, once I’ve had my fill of winter, I’m happy to welcome spring!”
“I don’t have a problem surviving winter,” says Deep River artist Anne Seck. “It’s the hot humid summers l have trouble with!”
Having an active, healthy dog helps, she says. “She and I get at least two hours outside daily, walking or snowshoeing on the local trails, whatever the temperature. Ice grips on boots are essential. I’m lucky to live within walking distance of shops so rarely need the car for errands. In addition I swim — very badly — in the local pool once a week.
“More sedentary diversions include watercolour painting, indulging in other creative activities, serving on a local arts committee, a Spanish conversation group — supposedly good for my aging brain — and other volunteer stuff.”
With a horse, pony, dog and cat to care for, author Colleen Rutherford Archer and her husband Andy have no problem finding things to keep them busy during the long, cold winter. “There’s a group dog walk in the woods every day to help keep the blood circulating, plus seniors’ ice skating three times a week, which we greatly enjoy,” said Rutherford Archer, who, indoors, loves “reading and writing, but no ’rithmetic.”
It’s the best time of year to enjoy cooking and socializing with friends.