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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
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SILVER THREADS SERVICE
with some standing, there was light music and an easy-going atmosphere. I thought, “I can do this once a week.” Flash forward 10 months. I still walk but have found that going twice a week to Functional Fitness has done a world of good for me. I do feel better physically, my blood pressure has improved, I have better sleep and less pain. The unexpected thing that has happened, is the connections I have made. Many of us stay after class to add more coffee stains to our leggings and to chat and share stories. We make plans together, we have watched movies, attended presentations at Silver Threads and have gone out together for dinner (early bird specials because we are “seniors”) and gone shopping, (thrifting because we are on a “fixed income”).
I must admit, I got over my horror pretty fast. The class ranged from probably 55- to 85-year-olds, and most were dressed as stylish as I. We did some exercises in chairs,
Silver Threads Service
Over 67 years of community service to seniors! Offering great programs & two locations to serve you. Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151
Spring Programs New and Exciting!
Gentle Yoga Victoria Centre A floor-based class for strength, mobility, and balance. Dates: Mondays, May 27th to June 24th Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Cost: 5/$45 members, $65 non-members Leader: Tanya Roberts
Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268
Fun with four-letter words.
Silver Threads Service offers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Memory PLUS Program begins May 23rd for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information.
stay active * stay healthy * stay connected
Enhance your Health at Hydrate:
Create words from the letters
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Welcome to Fall! We have a cozy IV chair awaiting your arrival! Come relax, recharge, and rejuvenate as we support your system with a customized naturopathic nutrient infusion.
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We offer complete naturopathic and IV care, medical aesthetics and a full naturopathic dispensary to keep you looking and feeling your best!
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We know sauna is helpful to all genders and effective for helping the body recover from exercise and sports, or simply relaxing, managing stress and getting a mood boost. But does It offer specific benefits for women? Let’s dive in:
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Finnish Sauna Tradition in Downtown Victoria BOOK NOW
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Nordic Wellness + Women’s Health
round the world from May 6th to 12th we focus on and celebrate Women’s Health Week. In Nordic countries and for many European women, the practice of sauna has been part of their health rituals for eons. Here in Victoria, we share the same practice of sauna and cold plunge to support women’s health each week with our offering of Women’s Wellness Wednesdays: each Wednesday afternoon and evening, space Is set aside at RITUAL Nordic Spa so that women can gather and relax into the sauna circuit together. Since the doors opened, Ritual has offered time on Wednesdays to create a space for women to feel comfortable, experience body neutrality, explore wellness, and build community. It’s become the busiest night of the week!
N O R DI C C I R CU I T | P R I VAT E SAUN AS | M AS SAG E
The Spring 2024 Program Guide is available at our Centres and on our website: www.silverthreads.ca
BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE
Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information
250 590 1482 | hydratewellness.com 1103 Fort Street | on the corner of Cook and Fort
Qigong Victoria Centre An ancient Chinese moving meditation exercise that involves body movement, breathing and mental focus. Dates: Tuesdays, May 21st to June 25th Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Leader: Frances Weick
Gentle Yoga Saanich Centre A floor-based class for strength, mobility, and balance. Dates: Thursdays, May 23rd to June 27th Time: 9:30am to 10:30am or 10:45am to 11:45am Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Leader: Tanya Roberts
ANSWERS
Sometime during the month I saw Silver Threads “Try it Free Week” information. I ignored it. Then I saw it again and got to thinking, “maybe there could be something for me.” Once I got over my horror that I was going to go to a “Seniors Centre” I signed up for a Functional Fitness class. I put on my best moth eaten, coffee-stained leggings and off I went.
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It was becoming easy “not to”. Not to go out, not to see friends, not to call family. Days became weeks and weeks became months and then it was August. One day I went for a walk. Not a long one, just 30 minutes. It was a nice day, the sun was shining, I went at my own pace. Nothing spectacular, just a
walk. Later that day, I actually felt good, a bit lighter. I thought, “I can do this a few times a week.” So I did and stuck with it for the month. One small step for womankind.
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t was 10 months ago that I felt like I was heading toward “rock bottom.” Maybe not completely there, but on the way. I’d recently broken up a long-term relationship, stopped working, had a not great health diagnosis and was just lonely and bored. As an up to that point – mostly together 62-year-old – I knew what I was experiencing, and my head was telling me what I should do. It was just the rest of me that wasn’t listening.
Proactive Brain Health at Silver Threads Service Many of us are looking to stay sharp and are proactive in improving our cognitive function. If you are ready to take crosswords
and brings extensive experience in program administration, group facilitation, and inter-personal skills. The program runs for 6 weeks from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Cost is $54 for members and $78 for nonmembers. Silver Threads Service serves older adults 55 years and better and has two Centres, one in Victoria as well as the Saanich Centre which is located at 286 Hampton Road, not far from Tillicum Mall. There is good parking at the Centre for those who are driving. Silver Threads Service has been serving the community for 67 years. To contact our Saanich Centre call 250 382-3151 or visit our website at www.silver threads.com
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How I changed my life
If you had told me last summer that joining Silver Threads – a seniors centre – would be the thing that helped me realign I don’t think I would have believed you. But there you go! This is how I changed my life. I would recommend having a look at what Silver Threads offers and take that first step. Tell them Evelyn sent you.
or Sudoko to the next level, we have a program for you. A new session of the popular program Memory PLUS (Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies) will be starting Wednesday, May 22nd at the Saanich Centre. This weekly two hour program teaches participants about brain health and the science of how memory works. Each week will cover an important topic related to proactive brain health and participants will discuss important tips and strategies, connect with peers and try fun brain fitness activities. The group is led by a qualified facilitator, Louise Thauvette. Louise is social worker who has worked in social services,
· Time in the sauna can boost circulation, alleviate chronic pain, reduce joint stiffness, and strengthen the immune system. The body responds to the heat of sauna by releasing dynorphins and endorphins in the brain; a biochemical effect creating a mellow,
glowy happiness. Cold plunging requires grit and stamina. Immersing in cold water and building tolerance can feel like a victory — many who are tentative and try it, later claim
they start looking forward to it. On Women’s Wellness nights, the friendly calls of “You’ve got this!” from other women make the plunge easier. · Many women say it helps reduce symptoms of menopause, as night sweats, hot flushes, low mood or anxiety. We hear it each week from guests: “I’m going to sleep SO WELL after this.” There’s something about the experience – whether the release of stress, detox from sweating, happy endorphins, the physical “reset” of the plunge, or the chance to spend two hours with friends—that helps deliver amazing sleep.
Consider it for your own health or gift a visit for the women in your life. The Wednesday night vibe shifts weekly based on who arrives, how everyone is feeling and sometimes even, the
music that’s playing! It’s delightfully unpretentious and there’s often friendly chatter among guests, ages from 18 to 80. The Nordic Circuit features sauna, steam, cold plunge, Nordic bucket shower, salt lounge and outdoor patios. All you need is your swimsuit! Learn more at: RitualNordicSpa.com Visit us at RITUAL Nordic Spa, an urban sauna house in downtown Victoria. The Nordic Circuit features sauna, steam, cold plunge, Nordic bucket shower, salt lounge and outdoor patios. All you need is your swimsuit! Learn more at: RitualNordicSpa.com