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Living60+

Seniors & Stress LANGLEY PIONEERS Building a Foundation for the Community

LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES’ LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2019

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Living60+ FEATURE ARTICLES: McGregor Says...................... 5

Museum of Flight

Seniors and Stress................. 8 Museum of Flight.................. 10 Langley Pioneers.................. 12 Langley Seniors Centre........ 14 Seniors & Sexuality............... 16

www.langleyadvancetimes.com PUBLISHER: LISA FARQUHARSON | ADVERTISING MANAGER: SHAULENE BURKETT EDITOR: JIM MCGREGOR | CREATIVE: JANICE MARSHALL Langley Living 60 Plus is published three times annually by the Langley Advance Times. For advertising information please contact our office. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. 20258 Fraser Hwy., Langley, BC V3A 4E6 | 604-533-4157 | www.langleyadvancetimes.com

Dollars & Sense.................... 18 Triple A Seniors Housing Society.................................. 20 Talking Politics...................... 22

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OCTOBER 2019

he temperature has dipped and the days are getting shorter, time to relax and read some of the inspirational and educational stories in this issue of our magazine. We sat down with the dedicated volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight to learn about restoring and preserving our aviation history, a great place to visit on a rainy fall day. We met with the Triple A Seniors Housing Society to discuss the immediate need for safe, affordable housing for Langley’s vulnerable seniors, and to get some insight into what these passionate people are doing to come up with viable options. We take a look at how stress affects us in our daily life and provide some options to relax and refresh. Maureen McGrath explains the benefits of keeping fit and active and regular contributor Frank Bucholtz tells us what may be looking at as a result of the federal election. In our Dollars and Sense feature we give you some options on how to help your family financially, while you’re still here and can making their lives better.

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Langley Senior Resources Society

We learn about one of Langley’s valuable resources, our Pioneers, and learn how they played an important role in building our community. Langley Senior Resources Society has a busy fall/winter schedule with lots to do to occupy your time and the recreation centres have many programs laid out for the coming months. We hope we have provided some stories to make you think, make you smile, and to inspire you to keep Living 60+! Jim McGregor is a lifelong resident of Langley and former Fire Chief for Langley City. Jim is a published poet and author and a regular contributor to the Langley Advance Times.

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Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

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McGregor Says

Jim McGregor

The Hidden Orchard

committed a sin as old as the Bible the other day; I stole an apple from a tree. Well, I really didn’t steal it, the branch was hanging across the fence – and I only had to step across a small ditch – so I guess I really wasn’t trespassing. But that’s human nature isn’t it, we massage our sins and rationalize and justify them until they are just indiscretions.

As I was leaning on the fence post munching on my prize, I surveyed the sad sight in front of me. The tired house was boarded up and the weathered barn was wide open. Where there used to be a lawn and garden were now waist high weeds and overgrown rose bushes. A pear tree drooped under the weight of scabby pears and the bees and wasps staggered drunkenly among the fermenting plums, which lie wasted on the ground. A rope with no swing hung from a maple limb and the whole scene was quiet. I knew it wouldn’t be long until the development sign went up and the farm came down.

So much produce goes to waste in spite of the efforts of some who try to organize crop sharing or u-pick efforts. Farmers now bring in pickers from other countries to pick our fruit so it can be transported to warehouses, shined and packed for the stores where we complain about the ridiculous prices. I have a pear tree and a cherry tree and I do absolutely nothing to them and yet I always get pears and cherries. I don’t do dormant spraying or add any fertilizers and the only pruning I do is loping off a low hanging branch if it interferes with the lawn mowing. Nature seems to look after all the other stuff. No doubt there are many things I could do to increase the crop, but I don’t can or preserve anything, and a juicy pear for dessert or a bowl of cherries as a snack is plenty for me, and my two trees seem to appreciate the lack of attention. I seem to recall that fruit grows on the previous year’s growth so if you don’t prune regularly, the fruit ends up on top where Continued on page 7

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Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

Jungle Apples

you can’t reach it. Guys have ladders and being able to pick cherries standing on the ground sounds pretty boring to me. I like to think that nature knows what she’s doing. I found myself remembering the fall clean up at Dad’s place when we would crawl though the fence, trample the brambles, and pick the apples growing on an old orchard tree. I have no idea what type they were, but when you bit into them your lips pursed and your teeth tingled. We would bring a pail of these and a bucket of blackberries to Mom and she would do magic things with pastry. I could only imagine the smells that used to come from the kitchen of this broken house, the pies in the oven, the shelves filled with jars of pears and plums. I stepped up on the bottom fence rail and plucked one more apple for the road. When you have to work for it, rip your pant leg, scratch your arms, and climb a branch or two, it just seems to taste a lot better. That’s what McGregor says.

J IM M C GREGOR

Across a field of long grass Full of thistles and spiders, Stands a weathered old gnarled apple tree; He scrambles up on Dad’s shoulders Shouts out, “Let’s go!” From there a jungle is all he can see. Climb the rusted barbed wire, Find the old orchard tracks, Pull back the curtains of thick ivy vine, “There’s a lot here for Grandma,” He shouts out with joy, “These big jungle apples look fine!” Tangled, twisted old limbs Hang heavy with fruit, Enough to fill baskets and pails; Then covered with grass stains, Mixed in blackberry juice, “We’ve got them all!” the little guy yells. Then Grandma puts them in jars Or spicy, hot pies, So on Thanksgiving Day we will see, What became of the treasure He collected with Dad, On his trek to the old Jungle tree.

■ OCTOBER 2019 ■ Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES

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SENIORS AND STRESS HEAT H E R C O L P I T T S , B L ACK PR E SS ME DI A

atricia Toppings Simpson loves nothing more than bashing a small plastic ball with a small paddle. For her, table tennis is a great stress release.

“It is a good exercise for sure, particularly for senior people,” said the founder of the Mellow Yellow Table Tennis Club. This “Lancashire lass” won’t pin down an exact number, except to say that she’s in her late 80s. She founded the club almost two decades ago.

“I started off in 2000 and convinced the [seniors’ centre] to buy a table,” she said. The sport proved so popular that the club has grown to more than 60 members, and there are several tables set up at the Langley Senior Resource Centre – where the club meets. “We do it more or less for companionship, to get people together, but the reason that I started is because of the cardiologist in Vancouver General [Hospital] said it’s one of the best things for your heart.” Another table tennis club member found it brought her blood pressure down to normal levels, impressing her doctor. In addition to offering the kind of physical activity that’s good for seniors, the club is also a key outlet for socializing. And staying active and staying social are two keys to combating stress. “A lot of people say they get stressed when they don’t come to table tennis,” Simpson quipped. “They find it very relaxing.” There are stresses in everyone’s life, but what causes stress tends to change as people age. And when it’s not dealt with, people such as Janice McTaggart sees the effects. She’s the director of outreach at Langley’s largest seniors centre. “There’s just so many things that come at you as you get older, and it happens faster and faster,” McTaggart said. Seniors’ stress comes from concerns about health, finances, housing security, isolation, elder abuse, Janice McTaggart, outreach director caregiving for spouses or of the Langley Senior Resource adult children, feeling safe, Centre. (Heather Colpitts/Langley feeling valued, downsizing Advance Times) ■8

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Staying active and socializing are two keys to combatting stress. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)

and moving, outliving loves ones and friends, and concerns about end of life. “A lot of people live in fear of what’s going to happen to them,” McTaggart added. She recommended having some tough conversations before life forces change. What kinds of housing would you like if you’ve had a serious illness such as a stroke? Are your will and advanced care directive in place? Have the conversations about what you want as life circumstances change, such as having to go into care. Stress in seniors manifests itself in depression, anxiety, confusion, and withdrawal. Stress can lead to seniors not eating properly, which becomes a downward spiral of health impacts. Stress is about not feeling in control of your life, and unfortunately one of the ways people think they are dealing with stress is denial. “I think there is that issue of thinking ‘I don’t need help’ and also the independent side of not wanting to ask for help,” she said. “Lots of people are embarrassed to ask for help or they don’t want people to know how bad their situation actually is.”

Continued on page 9

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

Another key factor in stress is social isolation, which McTaggart said plays a role in being vulnerable to scams and fraud. But people may not find it easy to reach out. She said the staff and volunteers at the centre often help newcomers overcome reticence to join or get involved in a new social circle. Social isolation can also lead to people having inappropriate sexual relationships just to have someone in their lives, she cautioned. “We see people falling into relationships that they probably shouldn’t just because they’re so lonely,” she noted. “…[in lieu] I say just muss up the covers and drop some socks on the floor, you’ll be good.”

Seven numbers every senior should know: • 811: This service is available 24/7. Get advice from a nurse, pharmacist, or dietician in this free province-wide program through the provincial government. • Personal health: Have your doctor’s contact information at hand, including clinic hours. Those without a family doctor should keep details about nearby walk-in clinics. • Home supports: Better At Home provides everything from friendly visits, yard work, minor home repairs, grocery shopping to transportation to appointments, snow shoveling, and light housekeeping. Services vary by community and small fees may apply depending on income. Contact the local program at 604-268-1323 or betterathome.ca.

But help is available to seniors and can be as close as the telephone.

• 1-855-412-2121 is the Fraser Health Service Line. Find out about Fraser Health programs including in-home personal care, home-care nursing, rehab, palliative care, day programs, and respite.

McTaggart and other professionals who work with seniors are there to help people understand there are community resources, programs, and information that help reduce seniors’ stress levels.

• Fraser Health Crisis Line can be reached at 604-9518855 or 1-877-820-7444 every hour of the day, seven days a week. Obtain confidential, free support for mental health issues whether it’s distress, suicidal thoughts, addictions, family violence, abuse, loss, or loneliness.

“Education, information – those are the biggest gifts we can give people to give them a sense of control over their life and the ability to have some choices and not be trapped into a certain decision,” McTaggart said.

• 211 is a province-wide service that has information on community, social, and government services and programs. • 911 for emergencies.

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MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

Vic Bentley took a picture of himself flying a Tiger Moth. (Bentley Family photo) HEAT H E R C O L P I T T S , BL ACK PR E SS ME DI A

ic and Joan Bentley thought they’d come to Canada to visit relatives before returning to their native New Zealand.

“My wife and I came to Canada in the 1960s for a ‘couple of years’ and we are still here,” Vic Bentley quipped. It’s a long way from a small town called Hamilton in central New Zealand to the Fraser Valley, and it’s not been a straight path thanks to Vic’s love of aviation. He’s worked all over the globe. ”I started out as an aircraft mechanic for an airline in New Zealand and this led to flying as a flight engineer on overseas flights,” he said. “After moving to Alberta, I continued with my trade as an aircraft mechanic while building up my flying hours.” He was hired as a co-pilot for Pacific Western Airlines in Edmonton. “It was a great introduction to northern Canada to fly above the Arctic Circle, especially in winter, and across the Rockies to Prince Rupert. Later, I moved to the Vancouver base and spent many years flying the West Coast and Interior routes spanning B.C. and Alberta. As the airline morphed into Canadian and then Air Canada, this led to overseas flying to Europe, Asia, South America, and the South Pacific.” Bentley was also an aircraft accident investigator “because ■ 10

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of my technical and flying background. I assisted in several investigations in this country and overseas.” And due to his experience on the Boeing 737, he was a company check pilot. “This involved training pilots new to the company and giving simulator instruction to current pilots,” he explained. Now about 15 years into retirement, he’s still ‘working’ in aviation, as part of the cadre of volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight. The museum started in the early 1970s when local aviation enthusiasts came together to stop historic aircraft from being sent to the U.S. or Europe. Originally the museum was located in South Surrey, actually across the street from the Bentley home, before it opened at the Langley Regional Airport in 1996. Working alongside the volunteers is what keeps Bentley helping out at the museum, which is housed in a nondescript hangar at the busy Langley Township airport. “Volunteers are not there because of the paycheque. There is none,” Bentley said. “They are there because of having a community spirit and a dedication to preserving a little slice of Canadian history.” The museum is packed with artifacts of all sizes. Of course, the restored aircraft tend to be the stars of the show and it’s thanks to the museum’s volunteers, many like Bentley who have aviation experience, that the museum has the treasures it does.

Continued on page 11

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

Vic Bentley volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight which is located at the Langley Regional Airport. (Yellow Drum Productions photo}

“We all know stories of a historic building or steam locomotive that has gone to the wreckers,” Bentley said. “It is the same in aviation, when an old aircraft gets neglected and the airport decides it has to be removed. The scrap metal merchant is usually the highest bidder.” The founders of the museum wanted to stop this trend and scoured B.C .and the Prairies to collect old artifacts. Now some of these items are on display. “Our Hamden bomber on display is the only one of its kind in the world,” he noted. The museum leadership appreciates having volunteers such as Bentley, who are able to contribute aviation knowledge to keep the aircraft flying but grounded enough to do what needs to be done. “Vic has served on the museum board, and is also one of the museum’s volunteer aircraft technicians and pilots,” said the museum’s events person Carla Deminchuk. “Undaunted by technology, Vic also manages the museum’s web page, and is keenly interested in improving the museum’s visibility and relevance within the community.” He said he and his wife enjoy filling the outdoor planters each spring.

“And if the garbage needs emptying, then let’s get it done,” Vic said. “Need someone to add to the museum website? Well ok, that is a new challenge. Is someone needed to identify and catalogue a barn full of old aircraft parts – let’s get out the parts manual and get going. You need a tour guide? OK, what time and how many in the party?” So let the museum know how many will be in your party when you visit this hidden gem of the Fraser Valley. Admission is $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors and children, but a family pass (two adults and up to five children between six and 15) is $25. There are special group rates for tour groups. The museum is located at Hangar 3-5333 216th St., and can be reached at 604532-0035. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for a few public holidays, Christmas, and New Years. “I would love it if Langley residents did not say, ‘Museum? What museum?’,” Bentley said. “It’s central location at the Langley airport makes it accessible to individuals or groups from seniors to pre-schoolers. Come and see aircraft that made history in B.C. and around the world.”

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LANGLEY PIONEERS Building a Foundation for The Community

Pioneer committee JIM M C G R E G O R

he term “pioneer” brings to mind a picture of a horsedrawn covered wagon crossing a barren plain headed for a new land. Langley’s first pioneers travelled up the Fraser River from New Westminster and later by train from the Prairies or the Eastern provinces. Working and trading with the Indigenous people who were already well established in the area, early settlers began to clear land, build farms, erect churches and schools, and create the many smaller communities that we know today such as Langley City and Langley Township. One lady recalled gathering in her hometown in Holland after WWII and listening to Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie King, who had come to their region. He invited them to leave their war ravaged country and come to Canada where they would be welcomed and assisted in making new homes and building our country. Next came their arrival in Eastern Canada and their seemingly endless train trip across the country to arrive at the station in Fort Langley. Each year, Langley takes the time to honor those that settled here, built the homes, and constructed the roads. Their farms led to the businesses, and the businesses brought people. A banquet is held on Nov 19, Douglas Day, which is the day in 1858 the proclamation was signed in Fort Langley establishing B.C. as a Crown colony. Alice Johnson a pioneer and member of the Langley pioneer committee, explains how you get to be classed as a pioneer. "A Langley pioneer is someone who is at least 70 years of age; currently lives in Langley; and has lived at least 60 of those years continuously in Langley. Each year some pass away, but new ones meet the criteria so the event will have life for years to come. We encourage anyone who meets the criteria or knows of someone who does, to contact the Douglas Day committee and get on our list.”

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The formal celebration of Douglas Day began in Langley in 1946 (there were some banquets held as early as the 1920s with the Native Sons and Native Daughters acting as hosts). But since 1946, each year there has been a dinner to honour our pioneers. The first couple of decades, the event was held at the Fort Langley Community Hall. It was a celebration that included pioneers from Surrey and Delta. Pioneer balls were also hosted prior to the dinner in preparation of this annual celebration. The early days hosted roughly 30 pioneers, but this has since grown to more than 300 pioneers. The Pioneers look forward to the event Alice says, “The majority like the noon event. This way we will provide a full hot meal for lunch and hopefully, because it is a daytime event, many of our pioneers will be able to attend.” Each year the committee chooses a theme for the banquet showcasing different occupations or trades. Bob Griffiths was a carpenter and stone mason. Bob’s father, Owen, was a bricklayer by trade and his grandfather had been a stone mason. Bob and his brothers took up the trade and his family built many of the red brick federal buildings such as the one in Langley City at 204th Street and Douglas Crescent in 1948. “We also built federal buildings in Cloverdale, up the valley and across the river.” Bob recalls. “We built the Wishing Well pop bottling cinder block building beside the Milner School, and many other brick or block buildings in the Langley area.” Duane Benson and his family ran the Milner store from 1952 to 1976. Duane came to Milner at age 26 from Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, where he had farmed and run a small coffee shop but had no retail store experience. The store had been in operation under previous owners from 1908 and was touted as a successful business. “P.Y. Porter had a store in Murrayville, Tom Vickery had one in the Fort, and the Otter Co-op was coming on strong so there Continued on page 13

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

was some competition out there for sure.” “I had to almost start from scratch. They filled in the ditch on Glover and changed my parking so there were lots of changes happening. In 1955, I took over as post master and that kept people coming to the store to get their mail. Doris Marrington did most of the post office work, but I knew we had to hang on to that.” “We sold everything from groceries to rubber boots to hardware and paint. Often we would have to take the panel truck into Vancouver and pick up supplies and freight. One of the kids would go with me and, with no freeway, it was a full day trip.” Early pioneers had to travel to New West or Abbotsford to see a doctor or have operations. The first hospital was built in 1948 soon after, Dr. George Neilson arrived in Fort Langley. Dr. Mike Neilson followed his brother, George, to Langley in 1958 and they set up a practice in Fort Langley. “Langley was a small, quiet community back then,” Dr. Neilson recalls. ”We knew our patients and their families, personally, and we were in touch with the village. My practice was much more than looking at a computer, handing out prescriptions, and making referrals. We were much more to our patients than just a medical doctor.” “A normal day may start early with one or two house calls, while you were on the way to the hospital to make rounds. Maybe we had received a call overnight or we were stopping in to check on someone from an earlier call.” Early business pioneers included the Barron family, who op-

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erated two successful service stations. Del Barron recalls that keeping the customers on the road was often more than just replacing parts. “I prided myself on being able to replace generator bearings rather than just sell the customer a new generator. It was less profitable, but it kept people coming back if we kept the costs down.” Thursdays in Langley City were auction day and Gibson’s Auction barns were right across the street from Barron’s. “Those were busy days as people came into town for the sales and dropped off vehicles for tune-ups, servicing, or repairs. It was often the only opportunity for them to get things done so we worked some long hours.” Albert and Dorothy Anderson are included as pioneer farmers. Albert is now a member of the Douglas Day committee. “The pioneer recognition is unique to Langley and I have always attended out of respect for the men and women who were my neighbours, teachers, or clients in my veterinary business.” Albert says. “It’s difficult to consider myself a pioneer, up there with all those people whom I have looked up to for so many years.” The “pioneer spirit” is well recognized and preserved in the Langley community. Tickets for the event are available at the Township of Langley Civic Facility, the Community Centres, and the Langley Centennial Museum. If you want your name on the pioneer list or know someone who should be, contact Sarah Regehr at the Township of Langley at 604-533-6173.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Langley Seniors Centre

Langley Township

Shred it Event

WC BLAIR RECREATION CENTRE

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am-2pm All proceeds benefit the seniors in our community. Langley Senior Resources Society, 20605 51B Ave., Langley BC

Yoga for MS Oct 29-Dec 3, 11am-12pm Fit for Life Seniors Oct 28-Dec 2, 1-2pm

Holiday Craft Fair

Seniors’ Holiday Hop Thursday, Dec 12, 1-3pm at West Langley Hall. $8 in advance/ $10 at the door. Join us for some social time with snacks, music, and plenty of time for socializing!

WALNUT GROVE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Saturday, Nov. 16, 9am-4pm Over 50 vendors, unique Christmas Crafts & Stocking Stuffers.

Ukulele Circle for Beginners Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm. Join any time! Interested in learning a new instrument, or playing a ukulele among new friends? Come learn how to tune, strum, and play alongside others in your community. Bring your own ukulele or book ahead of time to borrow from the library. Teaching materials with songs are included.

Remembrance Day Service

Friday, Nov. 8, 10:30-11:30am This is a full Remembrance Day Service to honour our past and present veterans.

Advanced Ukulele Circle Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm. Join any time! Hone your skills with the ukulele and learn some advanced tips, tricks, and techniques! Participants should be comfortable with chording the major keys and strumming. The course will provide the basics of chord/ melody, moveable chords and pick use. Bring your own ukulele or book ahead of time to borrow from the library. Teaching materials with songs are included.

Breakfast with Santa and the Choir Tuesday, Dec. 17, Starts at 8:30am Purchase your tickets from the front desk $15 for members and $20 for non-members Choir performance starts at 10:00am

Carpet Bowling Mondays, 10am-12pm. Join any time! Come out for some fun and light exercise. Deliver the ball and watch as it rests ever so gently against the jack.

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Hospital Gift Shop Applications in store or call 604-888-9114 Cashiers Needed 2-4 shifts per month, training provided

langleymemorialhospitalauxiliary.ca www.langleymemorialhospitalauxiliary.ca auxiliary.lmh@fraserhealth.ca

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

UPCOMING EVENTS City of Langley The City of Langley Recreation, culture and community services department is excited to offer a variety of social, fitness and health programs to help our community members maintain an active, healthy lifestyle no matter what your age or abilities.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS These drop-in programs are free with a valid Games & Track Pass ($10/year). All equipment is supplied. Social Bridge Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, 1– 4pm Timms Community Centre MPR 1

Players should have some knowledge of rules strategies and Game Play. New players welcome- please arrive at 12:30pm for an newcomer orientation!

Duplicate Bridge Wednesdays, 1-4pm Timms Community Centre MPR 1

Beginners welcome! Learn the rules, etiquette and game strategies for this fun, trick-taking card game.

Texas Hold’em – Learn To Play, Tuesdays, 1-4pm Timms Community Centre MPR 1

Learn the basic rules, strategies and game play in a small relaxed setting with other newbies! No experience necessaryanyone can learn to play!

Texas Hold’em – Tournament Play Thursdays, 1-4pm Timms Community Centre MPR 1

Put your skills to the test! For those with a good understanding of the rules and strategies for Texas Hold’em join this fun social group for an afternoon of Tournament Texas Hold’em. Please note: The City of Langley Social Clubs are recreational clubs only — no actual cash awards are given.

FOOD & FRIENDS Sponsored by the City of Langley and Langley Meals on Wheels. Enjoy great food and great conversation with a variety of guest speakers from the community. Lunch, dessert and entertainment is all included for on $6/person. Space is limited- reserve your spot. 604-514-2940.

Location: Flourish Chinese Seafood Restaurant, 20472 Fraser Hwy. Mondays, 11:30am-1:00pm October 28 November 25 December 9 December 23

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■ OCTOBER 2019 ■ Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES

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Seniors &Sexuality

Maureen McGrath, RN

Exercising Will Keep You Young And Sexy!

f you’ve ever listened to my radio program the “Sunday Night Health Show” on 980 CKNW in Vancouver, you will know that I love to exercise. I exercise because it makes me feel great whenever I do. I’ll admit there are times when I’d rather stay under the covers and have been known to drag myself out of bed. But it’s always worth it! Exercising outdoors is my favourite type of exercise. Now, please don’t get me wrong, I don’t exercise obsessively. Nor do I compete. Only when it’s for a good cause will I participate in an organized walk or run, like the recent CIBC Run For the Cure.

My top choices for exercising are swimming, biking, hiking, skiing, and walking. Tennis, too. Although I swim year-round, I admit it’s not as frequent in the winter as it is in the summer. So I make up for it with indoor tennis. But it’s still not enough exercise for my arms that is. You see like a lot of women, my arms that are at risk of becoming bat wings! My arms don’t get enough exercise and I’d always felt I could up my game — so to speak — if I involved my arms more. The biking, hiking, walking, and skiing are all great forms of exercise. But it means that only my legs are getting the benefits of exercise. Enter urban poling. You can imagine my delight when I discovered this form of exercise known as nordic walking.

I am delighted to say that I have incorporated urban poling practically every single day — because I love it and because I know exercise is so good for me! Also variety is the spice of life, which keeps me moving in the right direction… toward health. Why is exercise so beneficial? Well, for one it makes you smarter! It also increases your heart rate, which sends more oxygenated blood to your brain. Neuroplasticity also happens, and that means your brain can change through brain cell regeneration. Therefore it can adapt after an experience such as a stroke. Exercise helps with all of this. Exercise also kickstarts the growth of new connections between the cells in the cortical areas of your brain. This means that your higher thought processes will improve, like decision making and speech — two areas that may be affected as you age. Excess body weight is associated with an increase in falls and fractures due to the effect on mobility. Exercise helps to keep you trim and maintain a healthy body weight and helps to stabilize blood sugar. Exercises lowers a person’s risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and hypertension. If you are experiencing stress and/or pain (which many seniors do) exercise can help. Chronic pain will negatively impact your mood. Endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are released during physical activity.

I had seen people using urban poles and I must admit I cast judgement their way. Yes, I am human and I can’t help but make assumptions. For example, I thought they were exclusively for older people who had issues with their balance or who were afraid they were going to fall. Was I wrong!

All of these brain chemicals play an important role in increasing your mood, which means you may be more likely to be “in the mood” more often. Not to mention that exercise increases mobility and flexibility and helps things when you get frisky with your lover.

So, I invited Mandy Shintani, CEO of Urban Poling Inc., into the radio station to join me on the program to educate me and my listeners. I really wanted to incorporate this into my exercise regime. Mandy was awesome and explained the proper technique. She explained that the poles were somewhat like cross-country skiing — minus the skis.

So why would you want to incorporate urban poles into your life? If a better mood, sex life, and relief of pain hasn’t convinced you, this might:

Urban poling tones you and burns calories. It also provides benefits to your posture, which is essential as people age. And we’re all aging, unfortunately, every single day.

2. Urban poling burns up to 20 to 46 per cent more calories than standard walking. Wow!

After having a quick personal training session at my office, by Mandy, I was hooked. But you could always go online for instructions. ■ 16

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1. The poles allow you to offload weight from your hips and knees into your upper body. You can walk further, faster or even pain-free.

3. Urban poling uses 90 per cent of your muscles — especially those underused upper body muscles. Goodbye bat wings!

Continued on page 17

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

4. It’s a social event. And a fun one at that! Research demonstrates that loneliness is an issue in our world especially for seniors. 5. The smooth rhythmic action may increase your serotonin levels giving you a new zest for life and making you happier. 6. Urban poling is an energizing activity that can be enjoyed by people of any age and athletic ability. Just press on the ergonomic handles with more or less intensity to modify your pace. 7. Urban poling is easy on your joints. One more thing. If you’ve recently had surgery, speak to your doctor or health-care provider about using urban poles in your recovery. They’re far more stable than a cane. In fact, many people are choosing a type of urban poles called the activator poles over canes and even walkers (if appropriate and approved by your doctor) when they experience issues with their gait or walking. They are far sexier looking too! Hey who knows you might meet someone out on the trails too! So many benefits. It’s easy. Just grab your poles and head out. There’s no need for a fancy new outfit. But you might want to buy one anyway, because of your new svelte shape and renewed sex appeal! For more information on urban poling, go to: Urbanpoling.com Maureen McGrath, RN NCA and Sexual Health Educator also hosts the Sunday Night Health Show.

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■ OCTOBER 2019 ■ Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES

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17 ■

Dollars &$ense

Andrew Dunn

Charitable Giving

s a whole, Canada is often viewed as a society with a strong sense of philanthropy. In looking at the past 15 years, for example, the rate of Canadians who give to charities or non-profit organizations has remained above 80 percent. But more specifically than being part of a country with embedded philanthropic values at the national level, individuals may wish to consider charitable giving within their own families and in individual terms — what it means to them and how it may contribute to leaving a lasting legacy, how they want to give back, what the best approaches are, and how to maximize potential tax benefits. Among many individuals, making charitable donations is a regular aspect of life, whether that’s an annual gift to a charity they feel strongly about or a more spontaneous gift such as responding to a need for donations following a natural disaster. Philanthropy, on the other hand, is a more strategic approach to charitable giving through establishing a long-term plan for giving, setting out an individual’s or a family’s goals and working to make that vision a reality. Plans may be very personal in reflecting the donor’s convictions, beliefs and values and may

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require a greater commitment from those involved to monitor, carry out and evolve the plan. No matter where you fall on the charitable/philanthropic spectrum, RBC Dominion Securities can help you make your charitable wishes a reality. Here, we offer some planning considerations for those who are so inclined. There is no gift tax in Canada, so gifting money to family members is the simplest form of charitable giving. Our clients frequently help children and grandchildren through gifts used for everything from down payments on home purchases to RRSP, TFSA, and RESP contributions. In BC, where the cost of living is high and many families have little disposable income left for saving after paying for housing and life’s necessities, helping children build a nest egg through gifted TFSA and RRSP contributions can go a long way to reducing financial stress. For added benefit you can use taxable assets to make your gifts, thereby not only helping your family member but also reducing your future tax burden by shifting money from your taxable accounts into your child or grandchild’s tax deferred accounts. Continued on page 19

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

Beyond family, charitable donations to a qualified charity attract a federal tax credit of 15 per cent on the first $200 donated every year. Amounts over the $200 threshold could attract a federal tax credit of up to 29 per cent. There are also additional charitable tax credits available provincially. To maximize your credits consider pooling your receipts and reporting them on a higher income spouses’ tax return, or carrying small donations forward for up to five years and then claiming the total donation in the final year to benefit from higher tax credits on donations above $200. If part of your giving includes donations of stocks or mutual funds from a taxable portfolio, make sure to stipulate that those gifts are “in kind”. You will still receive a donation credit for the entire stock value, but you won’t trigger any capital gains on the donated securities, so your charitable act won’t come with a tax burden attached to it. For those interested in a more philanthropic approach to giving, you can consider the Charitable Gift Program here at RBC Dominion Securities. The Charitable Gift Program enables individuals and families to set up their own foundation that annually directs grants to charities of their choice, and from a multi-generational perspective, it provides the opportunity for families to collectively discuss how the foundation will give back each year. Multiple generations can get involved in the process, and unlike a one-time, major gift to a charity, a gift to your own foundation can live on indefinitely and that foun-

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dation can be passed on for generations to come. Furthermore, within your own foundation, you can provide annual giving to one charity you support, or spread out grants to other charities over time. For interested clients, the Charitable Gift Program is not only a way to meet their ongoing philanthropic desires, but to also engage multiple generations of the family, share and reinforce their values, and promote a lasting legacy and shared sense of purpose. As with all financial matters, planning is the cornerstone of a successful gifting and donation strategy. Working with a qualified advisor to understand and maximize potential tax benefits as well as determine the correct amount and timing of your gifts will ensure that you can meet your charitable goals without impeding your other financial needs. To learn more about gifting and donations, the Charitable Gift Program, or creating a financial plan, contact the Dunn Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities. We’d love to hear from you, and we’re here to help. Andrew Dunn, CIM, Vice President & Associate Portfolio Manager Dunn Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities 604-881-8515 or Andrew.g.dunn@rbc.com

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■ OCTOBER 2019 ■ Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES

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TRIPLE A SENIORS HOUSING SOCIETY Promoting Access to Appropriate, Affordable Housing JIM M C G R E G O R

e all like to think that retirement means we can relax in a comfortable home and live happily ever after. You may be surprised that a survey revealed one in five seniors in Langley City and 1 in 10 seniors in Langley Township live in poverty and do not have access to safe, affordable housing. These numbers are above the national average.

When these numbers first came to light, three local organizations met to address the situation. Canadian Association for Retired Persons, (CARP) Langley Seniors Resource Society (LSRS), and Langley Seniors Community Action Table (LSCAT). Marilyn Fischer, the current president of the Triple A Senior Housing Society, recalls that this group needed to address Marilyn Fischer receives the issues surrounding senior congratulations from Iglika housing supply and affordIvanova, from the Canadian ability. “In 2013, we worked Center for Policy Alternatives. together to create Triple A Seniors Housing and then we held workshops to raise awareness of the issues.” The group’s initial efforts resulted in a half-day workshop on Nov. 23, 2013, with speakers focusing on “Searching for Solutions to Senior’s Housing Concerns” and included the launch of the Langley Senior Housing Survey, in which 540 residents of the City and Township of Langley participated. For Senior’s Week June 2, 2014 they introduced a documentary “I’d Rather Stay”, supported by the Township of Langley and the seniors advisory committee, a video featuring an intimate look at the diverse lives of older adults who strive to age in place in their neighbourhoods — was presented by the Centre for Hip Health & Mobility, UBC, and sponsored by Triple A Senior Housing and Langley Seniors Community Action Table. For the senior housing summit Sept. 25 and 26, 2014, they presented “Acting Now – Housing for Our Aging Population”, held at Newlands Golf and Country Club with upwards of 150 attending, including elected officials, social planners, and senior staff members from both the City and Township, who reflected their strategy of awareness, advocacy and action in the cause of the development and preservation of housing options for older adults in our community. ■ 20

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“We raised $16,000 at that event. We had funding from BC Housing, CMHC, Van City, Aldergrove Credit Union and the City and Township. We were gaining momentum.” The group was now getting recognition as their speakers represented CMHC, BC Housing, Terra Housing, City of Burnaby Social Planning Department, Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, and SAFERhome Standards Society. Tenure options offered by the Life Lease model and Manufactured Home Parks and inspiring examples of community collaboration and partnerships for senior housing were presented. “One of the initiatives that materialized was the Langley Senior Housing Survey, in order to determine what the actual numbers were that we were facing,” said Fischer. The survey was conducted in 2014-2015 and, as well as highlighting other concerns, the results confirmed that seniors in the Langley communities were living at risk of poor health and accidental injury as a result of their lack of financial resources to obtain the necessities of life and obtain accessible housing to accommodate their limitations. The results of the survey indicated even though 30 per cent of the respondents who were planning to move in one to five years, they were asking, “When will suitable housing be available that will be affordable, accessible, and meet our respective mobility, social connectedness and safety and security needs?” In 2015 results of the Langley Senior Housing Survey and recommendations from senior housing summit dialogues were provided to locally elected government officials and others involved in the development and provision of affordable and non-profit housing. In 2018 the group gained new board members, creating a nine member community board, and chose to seek societal status. On Feb. 9, 2019, they officially became the Triple A Senior Housing Society with a defined purpose of “The preservation, expansion, and operation of affordable, accessible, and appropriate housing options for vulnerable seniors.” This purpose is in concert with the National Housing Strategy. On Sept. 7, 2019 they held their first workshop under the new society banner. “We promoted the Hope 4 Home Conference and Resource Fair.” We had a 125 people register for the event and again we received funding from BC Housing, Van City and the City and Township as well as some local business support, Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe & Harold Whittell, she said. “The resource fair was offered to exhibitors who were offering low-cost or subsidized products or services that seniors could Continued on page 21

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

take advantage of to help maintain their homes and remain there. Services like Elder Dog Canada and other safety and security measures can help seniors age in place. That’s what we like to see.” Too often she’s seen events offering things such as handyman services that cost $75 an hour. “That’s far too much for many seniors on a fixed income,” Fischer noted.

is the affordable housing for seniors?’ We are pleased to see projects like the Shepherd of The Valley housing project, and we know of others coming on line in both the City and Township.”

The Hope 4 Homes was well attended.

“We also addressed affordable rental housing and the many options that exist out there. We would like to promote home-sharing programs and have people, who have available space, open their homes to vulnerable seniors. There are agencies like Golden Girls Canada that have run successful homeshare programs.” “Our conference agenda had presentations on what the City and Township of Langley are planning for the future. BC Non-Profit Housing Society outlined their programs. Van City has approached us to discuss funding, so now we are moving ahead and hoping to make a positive difference,” Fischer said. “We are in front of both councils constantly asking, ‘Where

Now opeN

The Triple A Seniors Housing Society challenges the governments at all levels and regularly meets with developers to ask where the affordable is.

Fischer also participated in all Fraser Health Authority’s LINC Summit meetings, where community stakeholders participated in a pilot project to redesign care for seniors that will help seniors to live healthy, independent lives in their own homes. “On behalf of Triple A Senior Housing, my focus was to suggest that the success of this project depended on the availability of housing that is affordable and meets the accessibility needs of the seniors it is designed to serve.” Fischer summarizes, “I wouldn’t say we are the conscience of the community, but we are a dedicated group of people who strive to make a difference and speak for those who can’t.”

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■ OCTOBER 2019 ■ Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES

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Talking Politics

Frank Bucholtz

The people have spoken. Now what can we expect?

he federal election campaign is over, and now Canadians must deal with whatever government was elected on Oct. 21. There are many issues directly affecting seniors which came up in the campaign. These were articulated very well at two candidates’ meetings organized by Langley Seniors Community Action Table. The new government will have to deal with these over the next four years if it wishes to ensure that all seniors are taken care of. Canada is, in many ways, a model for the world. Our vast land area and small population has, over the generations, led to a variety of social programs which ensure that people don’t get left far behind, just because of their age, health, where they live, or disability. The first true social program brought in by the federal government was the Old Age Pension, now known as Old Age Security (OAS). It first came in as a joint federal-provincial program in 1927, but by 1952 had become a federal program. At first, it applied to people 70 and over, which meant that, for most, they only received it for a short time. The average age of death was considerably lower at that time. The age to receive OAS was reduced to 65 in the 1960s. ln the 1960s, the two social programs which have an outsized effect on seniors were introduced by the Lester Pearson government. These are the Canada Pension Plan and Medicare. The Canada Pension Plan was originally meant to cover 25 per cent of wages for retirees, through a system of mandatory contributions. Under the last federal Liberal government, the goal was changed and contributions by working people are set to increase. The goal now is to cover one-third of wages. The goal has been changed largely because private retirement plans have become less secure. Some plans have defaulted due to bankruptcies while many other employers have switched from defined benefit pension to defined contribution pensions. DC pension payments are much more variable, and most will likely pay out less than DB pensions would have. The changes to the CPP will not affect current retirees, but will have an impact on anyone who contributes to CPP from this year on. The Conservatives have promised to lower income taxes and boost a seniors’ tax credit. Medicare was first introduced in Saskatchewan by the provincial CCF government under Tommy Douglas, and it later became a national program. While health care is a provincial responsibility, the federal government was able to bring in Medicare by agreeing to pay a portion of provincial health care costs. ■ 22

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Seniors are the major users of the health care system, simply because their bodies are wearing out. Of course, this is not true of everyone. In the recent federal election campaign, health care and improvements to income security were major topics. The NDP, Liberals and Greens promised a national Pharmacare program. The NDP promise was the most comprehensive, pledging to cover costs for dental care, prescriptions, mental health services and eyeglasses. They and the Greens said it would begin in 2020. The Liberals promised a Pharmacare program would come, but were vague on the timeline and what exactly would be covered. The biggest challenges in bringing in such a program are jurisdiction, bureaucracy and costs. Health care is a provincial responsibility and almost certainly, provinces would have to administer such a program. Many seniors already have a form of Pharmacare through benefits programs that they either purchase or receive as a retirement benefit. The most logical and low-cost approach to a national Pharmacare program would be to first make it available to those who do not have any coverage. This would ensure that people who do not have coverage are taken care of, while ensuring that those with good plans do not end up losing benefits. This would also keep costs low. If any new program is set up, governments at both the federal and provincial level need to ensure that administration costs are kept to a minimum, and technology is used to keep staff costs down. Income security was also covered in the questions at the meetings. The Liberals have promised an increase in the OAS for people 75 and over, to help cover more costs as they age. They also promised a 25 per cent increase in the CPP survivors’ benefit. This makes sense, as the death of a spouse can cause significant financial hardship to the survivor. There is no question that seniors on lower incomes can use every bit extra. As noted in one of the questions at the forums, 12 per cent of senior families and 28.5 per cent of single seniors are considered low-income. This is more true if they live in expensive areas like Langley and other parts of the Lower Mainland, and are renters. This is why elements of the national housing strategy introduced in 2017 need to be acted on more quickly, to improve the supply of housing and provide more non-profit options. The people have spoken, and at least in Langley, candidates were made aware of the challenges facing seniors. We will see in the coming months just what will actually change.

Published by the LANGLEY ADVANCE TIMES ■ OCTOBER 2019 ■

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