Improving Elderly Health and Well-Being Post Pandemic
COVID-19 Pandemic lockdowns, restrictions, fears, losses, isolation, anxiety, stress have tremendously depleted physical and mental health and well-being on everyone, most significantly on the elderly, the most vulnerable members of our community. As the pandemic restrictions are easing up and as we are adapting to the new normal, our project goals are to reboot elderly health and well-being by addressing three main health pillars: Physical Health, Mental/Social Health, and Nutritional Health. The project will develop and deliver series of senior friendly exercise and fun physical activities, social and cultural activities, and nutritional workshops that will improve overall physical and mental health for the vulnerable members of our community. The project activities will address 3 main health pillars: 1. Physical Health: A 2017 study in The Lancet reported that people who were physically active for 30 minutes five days a week - whether walking, doing household chores or gardening - reduced their risk of dying prematurely by 25% and of developing heart disease. Our project will develop and deliver 36 weekly seniors friendly exercise classes and fun physical activities to promote overall physical health and wellness. 2. Social / Mental Health: Seniors who socialized frequently enjoyed better health and quality of life, according Statistics Canada. Our project will deliver 36 weekly senior social drop-ins to reduce social isolation, promote social connection and supporting networks. We will also develop and deliver 6 cultural activities and celebrations such as cultural music, cuisine, dancing to promote the sense of belonging. 3. Nutritional Health: A healthy diet, along with regular physical activity, can help prevent or slow down the progress of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers according to the University of Regina. Our project will develop and deliver 6 workshops on elderly nutritional health & wellness to help seniors plan healthy and nutrient-rich foods on budget.