June 3, 2026-Seniors Week

JUNE1-7

ThankYou forVotingfor Us as Your FavouriteSeniorsHomeCare

We areproud to servefamiliesacross NorthVancouverand West Vancouver everyday.LivingWellHomeCarewas foundedright here in NorthVancouver,in 2003. We arelocally ownedand operated, not franchised, whichmeans ourcareis personal,flexible,and rooted intheNorth Shorecommunity.

Ourofficeislocated steps from Lions Gate Hospital, keeping us closeto families, care teams, andcommunity partners.We are along-term memberof theBCCare ProvidersAssociationand atrusted surge provider forVancouver CoastalHealth, giving familiesaddedconfidenceinthe qualityand reliabilityofour services. Didyou know homecareisunregulated in BC?Whenchoosingcarefor someone youlove, itisimportanttochoosea provider that employsLicensedNurses andRegisteredCareAides.AtLiving Well, ourCareManagersare Licensed Nurses,and everycareaidereceives ongoingspecialized trainingindementia

care,palliativesupport, medication management,and safe,compassionate personal care.

Whetheryou need onehourofhelp, occasional support, 24/7live-in care, or assistancewhile recovering aftersurgery or ahospitalstay, we providedependable care with no monthlycontracts anda 24hour cancellationpolicy.

VisitLivingwellhomecare.ca or call 604-904-2397for more information.

Peirson recentlyearnedaCommunitySpirit Volunteer Awardafter spendingthree decadesasa volunteerbus driver for CapilanoCommunity ServicesSociety, transporting otherseniorsfromtheirhomes to outings on theNorth Shoreandbeyond. PAUL

It’s timeto celebratethe

contributionsofolderadults

MARGARET COATES

Contributingwriter

B.C.Seniors Week,which runsfrom June1to7thisyear,isa timetocelebrate olderadults for all theyhave achievedandforthemanywaysthey continuetoenrichourcommunities andoursociety.

CELEBRATING

TheSFUFactBookonAging,eighth edition,saysthatolderadultsmakeup a significantandgrowingshareofBritish Columbia’spopulation.In2023,people aged65andolder represented20per centofall residents,andthatproportion continuestoriseeachyear.

NSNH SeniorsProgramsand Services

NorthShore NeighbourhoodHouse offersa wide rangeofseniorsprograms that promotehealth, wellness, creativity, andsocialconnectionfor allability levels.Seniors canenjoy fitness classes, recreationalactivities, outings,art,music, andopportunities to meet new friends in a welcomingand inclusiveenvironment. Programs areofferedatNSNHand John BraithwaiteCommunity Centre. Specialized services include theActive Social Minds,dementiasupportprogram, features gentle exercise, games, and creativeactivitiesinasupportive setting forparticipants andcaregivers. The

Wellness Social Circleforfrailorisolated seniors, whichprovides weeklywellness and social opportunitiestoimprove quality of life.NSNHalsooffers aPeer SupportVolunteer Programwhere trained senior volunteersprovide emotional support, guidance,and resource informationthrough confidential oneon-one sessions availableindifferent languages!

Checkour websiteatnsnh.bc.caor contact us for moreinformation: TookaHashemi236-987-1046 orseniors@nsnh.bc.ca

Seniorsdomore volunteer workthananyother age bracket

Onemeaningfulwaytocelebrate seniorsisbychallenging themythsabout agingthat remainfartoocommoninour society.The WorldHealthOrganization notesthatoneintwo peoplehold ageistattitudes,includingolderadults themselves.

Thesemythologies aboutagingoften diminishthe realityofseniorsasmajor contributorstoourcommunity,both historicallyandinthe present.Seniors helpedbuildourcommunities,libraries, schools,universities,institutions,social programsandmuchmore.

The nexttimeyousayorthink‘seniors arenotproductiveinoursociety,’think again.Olderpeoplecontinuetocontribute,throughtheirtaxes,consuming goodsandservices,andvolunteering theirtimeand energy–infactseniors volunteermorehoursthananyotherage group.

Buildinganage-friendlyenvironment in ourcommunitiesisanotherway

SilverHarbour SeniorsCentremember RobertProulxshares a woodenhomestead hemade inthe centre’s woodshopa couple of yearsago.It wassoldatSilverHarbour’s annualChristmasmarket. PAULMCGRATH / NSN

tohonourolderpeople.Inaguideon age-friendlycities,theWHO says“anagefriendlycityencourages activeagingby optimizingopportunitiesforhealth,participationand securitytoenhancequality of lifeaspeopleage.Inpracticalterms,an

age-friendlycityadaptsitsstructuresand servicestobeaccessibletoandinclusive ofolderpeoplewithvaryingneedsand capacities.”

Accesstocommunity supportsand healthservicesisahallmarkofagefriendlycommunities Supportingsenior centresandthoseorganizationsthat provide servicesto seniorsisanimportantwaytoassistseniorstobeactive membersoftheircommunities.Senior centresarewelcomingandinclusive spaces, sourcesofsocialconnectionand emotional supportandplaces tointeract withpeers.However, asSFUassistant professorMeiLanFang says “second spacesavailabletoseniors–suchas seniorscentres,communitycentresor publiclibraries–areoftenoverlooked andunderfunded.”

AcrosstheNorthShore,allthree municipalitiesachievedage-friendly statusseveralyearsago.Whilethereisstill moreworktobedone,itisencouraging to seecontinuedprogress, particularly

withtheircommitmenttosupporting programsandservicesforseniorsand creatingpolicieswhichsupportseniors. Thereisawiderangeofprogramsand servicesavailabletoseniorsacross the NorthShore. Youcanlearnmoreabout theseofferingsintheSeniorsGuide –2026,publishedbytheNorthShoreNews andcompiledbyNorthShoreCommunity ResourcesSociety.Ifyouhaven’texplored these resourcesyet,it’swellworth taking alook.

Withsomanyseniorsinourcommunity,it’simportantthatwetakethe time tohonourandcelebratethem.Many NorthShoreorganizationswillbemarking Seniors Weekwithspecialevents,sobe suretocheckinwiththemtoseewhat’s planned.

MargaretCoatesistheco-ordinatorof LionsviewSeniors’PlanningSociety.She haslivedontheNorthShorefor56years andhasworkedforandwithseniorsfor31 ofthoseyears.Ideasforfuturecolumnsare welcome-Emaillions_view@telus.net.

•Drop-in at afitnesscentre• Join an AquaFitoryogaclass

•Meetwithfriends forswimmingorskating

•Try dance, pottery,paintingormusic

•Playasport in agymnasium or racquetcourt

• Financialassistanceavailable

“I’m worried aboutmymom”

NewSilverHarbourCentre isalmost readyto rock

ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Thewaitwillsoonbeover.

SilverHarbourSeniors’ActivityCentre is preparingto relocatetotheirnewhome besidethe rebuiltHarryJeromeRecreation CentreinlateJuly.

“We’refeelingincrediblyexcitedabout havinganewspace,”said AnnwenLoverin, executive directorforSilverHarbour.“A space that’sgoingtosuitour programsso muchbetter,andalsoisfuture-proofed for the growthintheseniorspopulationthat weallknowiscoming.”

Since1973, SilverHarbour has been operatingonEast22nd Street. More than70 programs,activitiesand servicesareoffered attheseniorscentre,tailoredforadults aged55andolder.

ComeJuly, thenewfacilitywillmove acrossthestreetfromtheircurrent

location,aplanthathasbeenintheworks forthelast20years.Themoveispartof the redevelopmentoftheHarryJerome rec centre.

Thetwo-storey,21,000-square-foot buildingisninepercentbiggerthanthe previousfacilityandcomeswithafully-equippedkitchentosupportthecentre’s mealprogram.

SilverHarbour’snewbuildingalsohas extraaccessibilityfeatures,includinglevel entrancesonboth floors,anelevator, larger hallwaysandaccessiblewashrooms.In someprogram rooms,therewillbebuilt-in hearingloopstohelppeoplewithhearing aidslistentospeakers,Loverinsaid.

“That’s reallyimportantforus,”shesaid. Alongsidethenewbuilding,Silver Harbourwillalsobeexpandingtheirphysical fitnessandactivityprogramming.This includesmoresmallgroup fitnessprograms ContinuedonB5

“because I’mnot always there.”

ShyloBrings Care To Your Home. Your momcannot move like she used to,but shestillloves beingonher own.

Shylo wantstohelpher stay in herhome. We have helped peoplewithdecreased mobility andaging challenges live comfortably in their homessince1980. ShyloHome

SupportCare canhelpyou with:

• Housekeeping,Laundry &MealPreparation

•MedicationManagement

•Getting OutToShop

•Outside Appointments...

... andmanyother issues that mayarise from time to time. Youdon’t have to do it alone.

New accessiblebuilding willhost expanded lineup ofprograms

enablingpeopleto receiveindividual andspecializedinstructionto helpmeet physical wellnessgoalsinareaslikefall prevention,balanceandincreasedstrength andmobility,shesaid.

SilverHarbour willalsobekickstarting newprogramsincelebrationofthenew move.Someofthoseincludeanewcomer artsprogram,whereseniors whospeak limitedEnglishcanlearnmultimediaart skills;aneldercollegeprogram, whereolder folkslearnaboutvarioustopics like climate changeorarchaeology;andinformational seminarstohelpseniorsmakesmartdecisionsinhealthorfinance,Loverinsaid.

June26willbethelastdayinthecurrent SilverHarbourbuilding,withstaff and volunteerstaking roughlythree weeksto moveintothenewfacility.Programswill slowlystartattheendofJulythrough August, withfulloperationskicking inagain inSeptember.

SilverHarbourhasbeenworkingwith HarryJerome reccentrestaffonco-running

CELEBRATING

programsthat bothyouth and seniors can takepartin,likeline danceandartworkshopsduringCultureDays.

Whenboththeseniorscentreand rec centre open,Loverinhopestolaunch intergenerational“grandparentandme”day campsforthe public totakepartin.

“Beingsoclosetogetherinournew buildings,there’salsotheopportunityfor more intergenerationalmingling,”she said.

Loverinsaidshehopesthenewspace willbeaboonforthecommunityfor decadestocome.

“Oneofthe reasonsthatwe’resoproud ofSilverHarbourandthenew buildingis theimpactthatour programsandservices makeinseniors’lives,”shesaid.“Bycoming to SilverHarbour,seniorsseeimprovementstosocialconnectedness,physical andmentalhealth, theirsenseofpurpose andtheircapacityto planandmake informedchoicesintheirlife.It’sa really positiveimpact.” AbbyLucianoisthe Indigenousand civic affairsreporterfortheNorthShoreNews.

Worriedabout Mom or Dad?

ComfortKeepers is redefining what qualityin-homecarelooks likefor seniors andfamiliesonthe NorthShore.Witha compassionate, personalized approach, ComfortKeepers helpsolderadults maintainindependence,dignity,and connectionwhile continuing to livesafely inthecomfort of theirown homes.

More than just caregiving,Comfort Keepersfocuseson “Interactive Caregiving™, auniquephilosophy that encouragesseniorstostayphysically, mentally,and socially engaged.From companionshipand mealpreparationto personal care andspecialized dementia support, everyservice istailoredtomeet individualneedsand lifestyles.

What trulysetsComfort Keepersapart isits commitmenttoexcellenceand accountability. ComfortKeepers is proudtobetheonlyHomeCareservice that is “Accreditedwith Exemplary Standing” by AccreditationCanada.A distinctionthatreflectsthe organization’s dedicationtothehigheststandards of quality, safety,and client care.

Familiesgainpeaceofmindknowing theirloved onesaresupportedbytrained, dependable caregivers whogenuinely care.Whether assistance is needed for afew hoursa weekor24/7, Comfort Keepersprovidesflexible solutions designed to evolve with eachclient’s changing needs.

Forfamiliesseeking compassionate senior care that prioritizes independence, trust, andqualityoflife; Call ComfortKeepersat 604.998.8806or email nwv@comfortkeepers.ca.

CELEBRATING

Advanced Medicalisyourtrusted one-stop shop forhomehealthcareand mobilityequipmentdesignedtohelp individualslive safely,comfortably,and independentlyathome. We proudly serveseniorsand people with mobility challenges by offeringreliablecosteffectivesolutions that supporteveryday living andhelp maintain qualityoflife. AtAdvanced Medical, ourknowledgeable andcompassionate staffarededicated to understanding eachcustomer’s unique andchangingneeds. We believe everyonedeserves thefreedom to remain active,confident,and independentat anyage.That’s whyweare committed to delivering personalized service, quality products,andongoingsupportwith professionalismand care.

With many combined yearsofeducation andindustryexperience, ourteamtakes prideinhelping customersand families find theright equipmentand solutions to improvecomfort,mobility,anddaily living. Ourhighstandardsandcustomerfirst approach guideustoeverythingwe

www.AdvancedMedicalBC.ca @AdvancedMedicalBC Don’tletaging

do —noexceptions.

The missionatAdvancedMedical is committingto empowering lives, enhancing independence,and making apositivedifference in ourcommunity everyday.

1863Marine Drive,WestVancouver 604-912-0106

NorthVancouver’s Boutique Hearing Clinic With Mobile Services

Since2009,HearatHome Mobile Hearing Clinic hashelped seniorsthroughout NorthVancouverandGreaterVancouver stay connected to the peopleand momentsthatmattermost.

Asoneoftheoriginalmobilehearing clinicsinthe region, we understandthat gettingtoappointmentsisnot always easy.Mobilitychallenges, transportation issues,healthconcerns,orlivingin assistedlivingandlong-termcarecan make accessing hearingcaredifficultfor many olderadults.

That’s whywebring hearingcaredirectly to ourclients.Fromhearing assessments and hearingaids toearwax removal, repairs, andongoingsupport, ourteam provides bothin clinicandmobile servicesdesignedaroundtheneedsof seniorsandtheirfamilies.

Hearinglosscanimpactcommunication, relationships,confidence,safety, and overallqualityoflife.Webelieve everyonedeservesaccesstoprofessional,

compassionate hearingcare, no matter wheretheylive.

Forover15years,ithas been ourprivilege to supportseniors, families,caregivers, and care homesacrossthe community with personalized hearing care and education.

hearathome.ca 3721DelbrookAvenue,#112, NorthVancouver 778-340-1101

TheNSNHSeniors CentreatJBCCisa warmandwelcoming communityspacefor adults55+wherethey cometo exercise,learn, play,socialize,volunteer, takebustrips,have funandmakenew friends. We offerfitness, art,music,wellness, language,socialization anddementiaprograms, low-costactivitiesand gamesaswellas variety offreeservicesincluding theSeniorsPeer Support,informationand referralprograms.

CELEBRATING

Legalservicesonthe NorthShore for40years

CELEBRATING

Lakes, WhyteLLP is your localfull-service lawfirm. Sincewefirstopenedour doorsin1986, ourcore identityhas remained thesame–weprovide straightforward andsound advice on all legalmatters.

Lakes, WhyteLLP 604-984-3646 info@lakeswhyte.com lakeswhyte.com

NorthVancouver Recreation &Culture

CELEBRATING

Lookingfor ways to keep moving, be creative,ormeetnew people?

Ouradultand allagesprograms span arange of activitiesand skill levels –including beginner options forthoselooking to learnortry somethingnew!So, whether you’re newlyretired, alreadyactive, or lookingfor activitiesthat supportyour health and mobility, there’ssure to be somethingfor youatNVRC! 604-987-7529 nvrc.ca

SPONSOREDCONTENT

It’s SeniorsWeekand formorethan50 yearsSilver HarbourSeniors’Activity Centre hasbeenoffering awelcoming gathering place forlocal seniors. We have over75 programs andservices,including physicalwellness, visualandperforming arts,socialconnectionprograms, informativeseminarsand muchmore. We also provideanumberofimportant services such as delicious low-cost meals, alegal clinic,and informationabout other seniorsservices.

Now, after50years in ourcurrent

location, Silver Harbourismoving! Starting late July,we’dlovetosee youat ournew buildingatthecornerofEast 23rdand St Georges. We’removingall our existing programs and services with us, plus starting newones. Youcan checkout ournewsletter, ourwebsite and oursocial mediachannels formoreinformation.

Newaddress:2325 St Georges Ave, NorthVancouver 604-980-2474 silverharbourcentre.com

73-year-oldinductedinto Canadian Black Belt Hallof Fame

ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Ifthere’sonethingabout NormaFoster,it’sthatshe neverbacksdown.

The73-year-oldNorth Vancouver residenthasbattled herwaythroughafive-decade careerinkarate,becomingthe firstwomanjudgeinthe World Karate Federation, a three-time championin theNationalKarate Associationandwinnerofmultiple goldandsilvermedalsinprovincialandnationalcompetitions.

Hertalentatthesportand perseveranceinpavingtheway forwomeninkaratearebeing recognizedthisyearassheisone of 12peopletobeinductedinto the CanadianBlackBeltHallof Fame.

“It’sgoodtobeacknowledged,”Fostersaid.“Itisgood forpeopleto realizethesethings,

theycanbedone.”

Nowholdingaseventh-degree blackbeltin Wado-Ryukarate, oneofthefourmajor stylesof Japanesekarate,Foster hascome a longway. Shefirsttookup karate whenshewas17andlivingin Aberdeen,Scotland.Beforethat Fosterwasacompetitiveswimmer,spendingthepreviousseven yearscompletelysubmerged in thatsport.Butheraquatic dreams weredashed whenshewastold shewasn’tgoodenoughandgot kickedofftheteam.

Determinedtofindanother sport,sheoverheardagroup of boystalking aboutkarateandwas interested.But whenshementionedherinterest,Fosterwas metwithhesitation.

“Iwasintrigued,becausethey wouldn’ttellme anythingabout it,”Fostersaid.“Theyweretrying theirbesttosay‘You’reagirl,it’s

onlyguysthatareintheclass.’ Theywererunningoutofways tosaywhyIwasnotasuitable candidateforjoiningtheirclub.”

Finallythey relented,andshe fellinlovewithitrightaway.From there,Fostereventually became thefirstwomantoachievefirst degreeblackbeltinshotokan karateinAberdeen.

Foster’skaratecareerhas takenhertocompetitionsin Scotland,CanadaandJapan. ShecametoCanadain1981, joiningKarateBC,andtwoyears laterformedawomen’steamon provincialandnationallevels.It wasatimewhentherewasalot of resistancetotheformationof divisionsforwomen.

Fosterwonfournationalgold medalsandtook homesilver intheCommonwealthKarate Championshipsin1984,claiming

ContinuedonB8

journeyandthetriumphs it took to get

SENIORSWEEK JUNE1-7

Pioneerin women’s karate has never backed down from a fight

anotherthreegoldandonesilver in1985.

Afterhercompetingdayswere overshemoved to Tokyotofocus on refereeing.In1989shebecame the firstwoman recognizedwith judgingstatusbythe WorldKarate Federation,butgettingtothe toprankswasn’twithouthumiliation.She remembersheading toMexico Cityforatournament, buttheevent was shutdown before itevenstartedwhilethe WorldKarateFederation referee committeesearchedthroughthe rulebooktoseeifawomanwas allowedtobeajudge.

Thecrowd,competitorsand otherjudgeswereleftbaffledby whatwasgoingon.

“Iwassohumiliated,Iwas angry,”shesaid.“I’mqualifiedto be here.”

Fortunatelythecommittee eventually realizedtherewasno

suchrulebarringwomenfrom judging,andFosterearnedan apology. Buttheexperienceleft a

lastingmark.

“Ithada deepimpactonme,” shesaid.“AllthestressIwent

throughhadcompletelychanged the biotainmygut.Suddenly I becamelactoseintolerant.”

Fostersaidsheoftengets askedwhyshekeeps fighting throughsuchobstacles.

“Peoplesay,‘Whydoyoukeep doingthis?’ AndIsaybecause I havetowin. BecauseifIdon’t, thisnonsensewillkeepgoing.”

Her determinationin fighting forgenderequityinkarategot theball rollingforotherwomen togetinvolved.Shebecamethe firstwomanappointedtothe WorldKarateFederationReferee Councilin2003andwasthe first chairoftheirGenderEquity Committee(now Women’sSports Committee),accordingtoKarate Canada’swebsite.

Since1998,Fosterhasbeen teachingkarateinCanada.She launchedadojoinBurnabyand earnedaspotinthecity’sSports HallofFamein2001.TheNorth

Van residentwasalsoinducted intotheB.C.SportsHallofFamein 2002,andwasatechnicalofficial forthesportatthe2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Shenowteacheskaratetoboth adultsandyouthatHollyburn CountryClub,andwillstartaprogramatKahlenaMovementStudio inEdgemontcomeSeptember. Andlikeanygoodteacher,what sheenjoysmostiswatching studentsgainbothphysicaland mentalskills.

“That’sabeautifulthing,”she said.“Icanseeit,martialartsin generalcandothatforyou.”

Fosterandtheotherhallof fameinducteeswillbecelebrated attheRichmondConference CentreonOct.10. AbbyLucianoistheIndigenous andcivicaffairsreporterforthe NorthShoreNews.Thisreporting beatis madepossiblebytheLocal JournalismInitiative.

Shylohelps seniors feel valuedand connected

ShyloHomeHealthcarehas become atrusted partner forseniors in theVancouverarea whowishtoAge in Place,remaining in thecomfort of theirown homes whilemaintaining dignity, safety,and independence. For over forty-fiveyears,Shylo hasprovided personalised care andsupportthatempowersolder adults to live lifeontheir ownterms.

At theheart of Shylo’sapproach is respectfor each individual’sautonomy. The agency recognisesthat everysenior’sneedsand preferencesare unique,so servicesaretailoredaccordingly. From companionship andpersonalcaretospecialised dementiasupport, Shylo’steamofRegisteredGeriatric NurseSpecialists designsCarePlans that fit seamlessly into eachclient’s lifestyleandhealthcare goals. Whethera senior needs dailyassistanceoroccasionalhelp, Shylo’sflexible care options canevolveascircumstances change.

What trulysetsShylo apartisitscommitmentto dignityand compassion.Caregiversare carefully selected notonlyfor theirprofessionalexpertise,but alsofor theirwarmthand respectfor clients’ privacy andindividuality.Byfostering trustand meaningful relationships,Shylo helpsseniors feel valued and connected,key ingredientsfor emotionalwell-being andqualityoflife.

Beyond direct client care,Shylo provides families withpeace of mind.Its localteamisdeeplyrootedin the Vancouvercommunity,offering responsive,24/7 supportand guidance.This community-basedmodel meansclientsalwaysreceive attentive, reliable service from people whogenuinely care.

AginginPlace isn’tjustabout stayinghome—it’s about preserving your autonomy.Through compassionate caregiving,adaptable support, anda deep respectfor clients’independence,Shylo Home Healthcare helps Vancouverseniors lead fulfillinglives in theirfamiliar surroundings. Their work ensuresthataging is not definedbylimitation, butbycomfort,dignity,and choice.

shylohomehealthcare.ca

604-985-6881

ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

Local JournalismInitiativeReporter

Itwassudden.

AmirKhatamiwasoutforawalk aroundAmblesideParkmid-Julylast year, atypical strollforhim,whenhe startedtoexperienceexcruciating pain–likeahammertothehead.

Whenhecamehome,hetoldhis sonParsaKhatami.Parsa,who studiesmedicineatUBC,hadagutfeeling it meantathunderclapheadache, animmediateemergencythatcould indicate somethingseriouslike a strokeorabrainbleed.

Withoutworryinghisfather,Parsa calmlytoldAmirhewouldtakehim tothehospitaltodoublecheck.

Oncetheygotto Vancouver GeneralHospital, Parsa toldanurse abouttheheadache.Quicklyhospital

staff gotAmirinside to complete scans. Aboutthreehourslater,adoctorcameintothe roomtellingAmir whatnoonewants to hear–there’s a braintumour.

Itwasa surprisetobothfather andson.Amir,now63, lived a healthyandactivelifestyle,going out forrunsandworking out daily.

Twodayslater,Amirhadsurgery to removethetumour.Theoperation wentwell, butthetumourlefthim withsomelossoffunctioninhis handsandnumbnessontheright sideofhisface. Thetumourwas closetopartsofthebrainthatcontrolvisionandothermotorsenses. Amirwasdevastated,ashewas forcedtostepawayfromhis30-year careerasadentist.

“Whenyoudealwith a ContinuedonB11

Arthelpswith healing process

catastrophicdiagnosisor somethingthat’shardfor a person,likeabraintumour diagnosis,itcanleadyou toaverydarkplace,”Amir said.“Inordertosuccessfully recoverandheal, youmusthavesomething insideofyou to beable to overcome that.”

ThatwaswhenAmir turnedback to art.Before Amirandhisfamilymoved to West Vancouver12 yearsagofromIran,he devotedhislifetoEbru (thetraditionalartof Persianmarbling)andcalligraphy.

Employingtraditional techniques that werepasseddowninthefamilyforgenerations,Amir hascreatedmore than 1,000 piecesandheldnumerousexhibitionsof hiswork.Comingbacktotheartformfelt natural,Amirsaid.

Also knownasAbr-o-Bād(Farsifor “cloudandwinds”),themarblingprocess beginswithacarrageenansolution,paint andvariouspipettes.Thesolutionallows thepainttofloatontop,lettingAmiruse a brushtomovethecolours.Onceit’sto

ContinuedonB12

CELEBRATING

CelebratingSeniorsWeekbySupportingAging in Place

As part of SeniorsWeek, the teamatHome InsteadWest Vancouverisproudtocelebratetheolderadultswho have helped shapeour NorthShore community throughtheir resilience,wisdom,andlifelongcontributions.Agingisa journeythat deservesdignity,compassion,and support, andwebelieve everyseniorshould have theopportunity to remain safe,comfortable,andconnected inthehomethey love foraslongaspossible.

Formanyfamilies,navigatingthe changesthat come with agingcanfeel overwhelming. Whetherit begins with noticingsmallmemory concerns, increasedisolation, difficultymanaginghouseholdtasks,orrecoveringfrom an illnessorhospital stay,itisoften hard to know whenor wheretoask forhelp.At Home InsteadWestVancouver,we understandthat invitingsupportintothehomeis adeeply personaldecision,and ourroleis to walkalongsidefamilies with kindness, patience,andunderstandingevery stepofthe way.

Ourlocal teamprovidespersonalized non-medical homecareservicesdesignedtomeettheuniqueneedsof each individualandfamily.Fromcompanionship,meal preparation,andlighthousekeepingto dementiasupport, respitecare, overnightassistance,and palliativecare, our servicesareflexibleandtailored toeachclient’scomfort,

routines,and goals.Sometimescarebeginswithjustafew hoursaweek to providecompanionshipor ahelpinghand; othertimes,families requiremorecomprehensivesupport. No matterthecircumstance,ourfocusremainsthe same:

compassionatecarethat helpsolderadults maintaintheir independenceandquality oflife.

WhatmakesHome Insteadtruly specialisthe relationships built betweenclientsand Care Professionals.Weknow that meaningful care is aboutmorethancompletingtasks, itis abouttrust,consistency,conversation,and human connection. OurCareProfessionalsarecarefullyselected fortheirempathy anddedication,and many becomean extendedpartofthefamiliestheysupport.

AswerecognizeSeniorsWeek, we encourageour communitytotakeamomenttocelebratethe seniorsin theirlives.Our parents, grandparents,neighbours, mentors, andfriendswhoseexperiencesand storiescontinue to enrich ourcommunities everyday.

At Home InsteadWestVancouver, itis ourprivilege to supportolderadultsandtheirfamilies with care that feels personal, respectful,and reassuring. Whether afamilyis simplybeginningtoexploreoptionsoris readytoarrange support, ourteamisalwaysavailable to listen,answer questions, andhelpfamiliesdeterminewhat feels rightfor them.

604-925-1570

SENIORSWEEK JUNE1 -7

Art workshopshelpseniorsstay connected

hisliking,apiecepaperisputontop ofthesolution.Carefully,thepaper ispulledout,endingwithaunique, colourfulpatternonthepage.

Gettingbackintothe practicewas healingforAmir, whosaidheusedit asaformof therapy.

WhenParsasawtheimpact marblinghadonhisdad,anidea sparked.ThetwolaunchedAmir MarbleSocialConnectionandHealth AgingSociety,anon-profitthatoffers marblingworkshops as arttherapy withthe goalof reducingsenior isolation.

“Socialisolationandnot having recreationactivity andcreativitycan actuallybeariskfactorforthings likedementia,”Parsa said.“Sothis fillsthatgap.”

Sociallyisolatedseniorshave a 27 percenthigherriskofdeveloping dementiacomparedtoolderadults whoaresociallyactive,according

to researchersfromJohnHopkins. A 2024surveyfromthe National InstituteonAgeing foundthat43 percentofCanadians50andolder are atriskofsocialisolation,and up to59percenthaveexperienced loneliness.

Morethan400 seniorshavetaken workshopsatvariouscentresacross theLowerMainlandsincethenonprofitstarted,Parsasaid.

Duringthe90minuteworkshop, attendeeshearAmir’sstory, learn thehistorybehindmarblingand createseveralartpiecestotake home.Parsaandhisclosefriend,Ali TavaKoli,helpruntheworkshops.

“People reallyloveit,”Parsasaid. “Mydadhasavery upliftingspirit. Healways jokesaroundandlaughs withtheseniors.”

Aspeopleage, physicaland cognitivefunctiondeclines, sometimesleadingtothemindsetthat theycannotbeginnewthingsortake

onchallenges, Amirsaid.Butwhen he seespeoplelearningtheart,the tonechanges when theyseethe final piece.

“[I’m]allowingthemto relive thechildinsideofthem,”Amirsaid. “Empoweringthemthroughthis mediumthat’slowbarrierandeasy tolearn.”

Thenextworkshoptakesplace June9fromnoonto1:30p.m.atthe TroutLakeCommunityCentrein Vancouver.Email info@amirmarble. com formoreinformation.

“Itwasa verydifficultsituation forbothofus,”Parsasaid.“Ihope myfather’sstoryandthedark timehewasgoingthroughcan inspireotherolderadultsinthe community.”

AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousand civicaffairsreporterfortheNorth ShoreNews.Thisreportingbeatis madepossiblebytheLocal Journalism Initiative.

Putyour

At NorthVancouver HearingAid Centre,webelieve hearingcareshouldfeelpersonal, supportive,and neverrushed.

LedbyDr. Amir Soltani, Au.D., RAUD,RHIP, alongside Dr.N.Shahnaz,Ph.D.,RAUD, RHIP,and VikkiMacKay, RHIP,our experiencedteamprovidestrusted hearing care forNorth Shoreseniors in awarmand welcoming environment.

Whyseniors choose us:

•No-pressure approach

•Complimentary hearingassessments

•Hearing aidtrial opportunities

•Money-backguarantee

•Hearing aids starting at $699.00 each

•Personalized ongoingsupport

LocatedatNorthview Pharmacy,our clinic offers amorecomprehensive approach to hearingcare. Workingalongsidepharmacistsand otherhealthcare professionalsallows us to better understand each patient’soverall health,medications,lifestyle, and hearingneeds.

Locally

Ourservices include:

•Hearing assessmentsand hearingaids

•Tinnitussupport

•Ear waxremoval

•Hearing aidrepairs,cleanings,and adjustments

•Ongoing follow-up care

Farsi-speaking supportavailable.Nophysician referral required.

LocatedatNorthview Pharmacy 1100LonsdaleAve #120, NorthVancouver,BCV7M2H3 Mon-Fri9am-5pm

northvancouverhearingaid.com 604-677-4832