ST. PAUL – Seniors’ Week is coming, and there are several events scheduled to take place in the St. Paul area.
From June 5 to 9, St. Paul Regional FCSS will host a five-day celebration, with events planned for St. Paul, Heinsburg, Mallaig, Elk Point, and Ashmont. The events will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in each location, with a free light lunch and a chance to connect with fellow seniors.
Brenda Billo, FCSS programmer, said the week is meant to honour seniors’ contributions in the community, as well as foster intergenerational connections. Various youth and student groups from each community will either be performing or helping serve seniors at the events.
“We are going to promote connectedness among seniors,” Billo said. Activities will also promote wellness for seniors. The events will include presentations from Alberta Health Services, chair yoga by Sunshine Yoga, and presentations on maintaining a healthy diet by Lakeland Primary Care Network.
The week is also an opportunity for seniors to voice their concerns, and “an opportunity to be able to reach out and meet people that might be able to support them,” said Billo.
These opportunities will not be exclusive to Seniors’ Week. Seniors are encouraged by FCSS staff to reach out at any time if they are struggling in areas such as technology or health, for example, and they will be provided with a referral.
Seniors, aged 55 and above, are invited to participat5311e in the upcoming Seniors’ Week activities. Billo emphasized that seniors need not belong to a particular community, as the week serves as an opportunity for them to explore new areas and connect with like-minded individuals.
“It's important to recognize our community members, and specifically seniors, because they're the ones who have built this community,” said Billo. “We need to celebrate them and say thank you.”
Registration is required to take part in the events and can be done by contacting the FCSS at: 780-645-5311
