Staying Safe on the Roads!

Delmanor Northtown held a driving workshop geared to help seniors prepare for their upcoming driving tests.  The workshop was focused on increasing the capacity of older adults to drive safely for as long as possible through their retirement years. Safe driving enables seniors to maintain their engagement in the opportunities and freedoms that driving a vehicle provides.

 

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the driving population and driving is vital to their independence. Yet, older driver mortality and morbidity is on the rise. The leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 65 to 75 years old in Canada today is driving-related accidents. More specifically, individuals over 75 have a 3.5 times higher crash rate compared to 35 to 44 year olds (Canada Safety Council, 2005). With the senior population on the rise, it is projected that by 2040 there will be almost double the number of older drivers in Canada.

 

 

 

Elaine, from the Ministry of Transportation, was invited to Delmanor Northtown to offer an informative workshop and share her experience and insight to assist the seniors in keeping their driving skills current and active.  Elaine gave a very interesting presentation and also provided literature to the seniors for later

review.

 

Taking your driving test again after so many years can be a nerve racking experience for seniors, but after the workshop many of residents and invited guests felt more confident in their driving capabilities.

 

If you would like more information on future driving workshops held at Delmanor Northtown or if you would like a tour of the residence, please contact Laurie Fortin, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (416) 225-9146 or online at delmanor.com 

A Masquerade Ball at Delmanor Northtown

Delmanor Northtown is known for their fantastic themed dances.  The wonderful events that are hosted by the retirement community are always welcomed by excited residents and community guests.

The theme of the most recent dance at Delmanor Northtown was a masquerade ball.  This theme has been around since the 16th and 17th centuries in England.  People in all times and places enjoy the trickery and deception of wearing masks, and in the end, taking off their masks to reveal their true identities.

The residents were invited to bring their favourite mask, wear one of their own creations, or select from one of the many different styles of masks that were provided by Delmanor Northtown. 

A three piece band supplied the live performance music for dancing, and for guessing who was hiding behind each of the masked disguises.

The Northtown culinary team impressed as usual with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments while the seniors danced and mingled with guests.

All proceeds from draws and ticket sales were donated to the North York Women's Shelter as part of the "Delmanor Northtown Gives Back Initiative".

All of the seniors had a wonderful time at this feel good party, not only having fun but giving back to the community.  Everyone looks forward to the next Delmanor Northtown dance!

If you would like to learn more about retirement living at Delmanor Northtown or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Laurie at (416) 225-9146 or visit online at delmanor.com.

Delmanor Wynford Hosts a Progressive Bridge Tournament!

Bridge is a very popular past time with the residents at Delmanor Wynford.  You will often find impromptu games of bridge taking place among the seniors through the retirement residence.  A progressive tournament was arranged for residents & community members with very special guests in attendance.

Barbara Seagram was born in Barbados, West Indies.  She is a Registered Nurse, a bridge teacher, author and administrator.  Along with  her professional bridge teaching business, Barbara co-wrote eighteen bridge books including her widely known 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know.  The book is in it's 13th printing and has been translated into French, German, Japanese and Danish.  It has been named the top selling bridge book of the last 50 years!

Alex Kornel is a Gold Life Master with 4000 master points. He has been playing bridge since he was 7 years old. He and his wife, Barbara Seagram, owned and operated the Kate Buckman Bridge Studio for many years. It became the largest bridge club in Canada and the 4th largest on the continent. In 2006, it won the American Contract Bridge League award for "Top Bridge Club in North America".

 

Alex is a certified director and instructor and has a great love of the game. Those who participated in the bridge tournament realized that they had much to learn as they discovered some finer points of the game while they played.

 

The Tournament is on!

Barbara and her husband Alex Kornell now own and operate the Barbara Seagram School of Bridge.  The Delmanor Wynford residents were thrilled to have Barbara and Alex present for their Progressive Bridge Tournament to gain some further insight and perhaps a tip or two from the masters.  Alex awarded each of the tournament consolation winners with a copy of the Barbara's book - Pocket Guide to Bridge.  Residents of Delmanor Wynford and friends from the community were thrilled to be a part of this informative and enlightening afternoon. 

The delightful strawberry shortcake

Alex Kornell

There were 8 tables of bridge players that took place in the event.  Although everyone had fantastic time, the winners of the tournament were: 

1^st Place was Gordon Frattini

2^nd Place was Maude Stapley

3^rd Place was Sue Abernethy

Delmanor Wynford Head Chef, Charmaine Pelletier prepared a delicious strawberry shortcake that was enjoyed by everyone after the tournament.

If you would like to learn more about the exciting activities taking place at Delmanor Wynford or if you would like to learn more about retirement living, please contact Pam Palmer or Monique Kuhn, Marketing & Community Relations Managers at (416) 331-9797 or online at delmanor.com

Delmanor Northtown Takes the Party to the Roof Top!

Delmanor Northtown is well known for its unique and picturesque terrace spaces.  What better way to utilize this space than with a Caribbean party on top of Delmanor Northtown!

 

The rooftop terrace at Delmanor Northtown offers a quiet garden retreat for reading and visiting with friends, or a café terrace that is idea for people watching.  The terraces offer both full sun or cool shade depending on your preference.  There is a perfect terrace area for every taste!


 Delmanor Northtown was adorned one summer evening with palm trees and festive lighting while everyone danced to the music of the steel drum band.  The vibe of the Caribbean was felt by everyone at Delmanor Northtown as they were transported away on a tropical island vacation!



The Steel Drum Band



 



The party was a fantastic success, the seniors can not wait for the next roof top celebration!

If you would like more information about retirement living at Delmanor Northtown or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Laurie Fortin, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (416) 225-9146 or online at delmanor.com



Delmanor Staff Appreciation Boat Cruise!

Delmanor Head Office Executives, along with management and staff from each of the Delmanor Retirement Communities properties boarded the Northern Spirit in Toronto Harbour for an evening boat cruise that won't soon be forgotten!



Sheldon Gould, COO,  Charmaine Pelletier,
Executive Chef and Culinary Services Manager at Delmanor Wynford

Management & staff or Delmanor Wynford

Delmanor staff felt very appreciated while they enjoyed cocktails, and a lovely dinner with dessert bar.  After the delightful meal, the guests danced on the deck with the view of the Toronto Skyline.

The evening was a fabulous way to show appreciation to the staff at Delmanor for their dedication to their work, and the caring and compassion extended to the seniors that they serve everyday.



Delmanor Seniors Communities VP of Marketing, Elaine Wood
and Pam Palmer, Marketing and Community Relations Manager Delmanor Wynford

Residents at Delmanor Wynford were provided with a delicious boxed dinner in advance of the staff departing for the event.  "We work in your home; you don't live in our building", was the message given to the seniors in appreciation for their consideration in allowing the staff to attend this event.



The lovely ladies of Delmanor Wynford

Everyone aboard the Northern Spirit  had a wonderful time celebrating camaraderie, true team spirit and the unique group of people that make Delmanor Seniors Communities second to none in the retirement industry!

Staff of Delmanor Wynford

Delmanor Wynford: General Manager Michelle White, Dining Room Manager Mike Baker,
Head Conceirge and Move-in Coordinator: Sophia Beecher

If you would like to acquire more information about retirement living at Delmanor Wynford, or if you are interested in joining our team, please contact Pam Palmer or Monique Kuhn at (416) 331-9797 or online at delmanor.com

Laughter & Yoga at Delmanor Wynford

Residents of Delmanor Wynford, along with friends from the community met in the Wynford Center to combine two of the most beneficial activities one can take for overall health and well being; laughter and yoga.  Lynne Kropman, certified 'Laughter Yoga' teacher led the 60 minute Laughter Yoga session for the over 60 people that attended the session.

Laughter is healthy because it promotes good physical and mental health.  It is especially important for seniors since as we laugh, it induces physical changes in our bodies; including increasing the amount of oxygen we take in, stimulating our hearts, lungs and muscles.  Laughing also increases endorphins that promote mental well-being.  Laughing is good for our hearts and our minds and since it requires no physical movement, it can be done by everyone!

Yoga has been proven to combat stress, fatigue and pain.  Some yoga poses increase core strength and balance, which reduce the risk of fall related injuries.  Above all, yoga is a form of exercise that can help seniors feel younger through their retirement years.

Lynne asked the participants how they felt after the laughter and yoga seminar.  Some of the responses were "very good", "recharged", "happy", "invigorated", to name a few.  Everyone had a very positive experience during this seminar and see how important it is to incorporate a little laughter and yoga in to our everyday lives.

If you would like more information about retirement living at Delmanor Wynford or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Pam Palmer or Monique Kuhn, Marketing & Community Relations Managers at (416) 331-9797 or online at delmanor.com

Delmanor Wynford Celebrates Caribana!

Caribana is a festival that celebrates Caribbean culture and tradition that is held in Toronto each summer.  Caribana was introduced to Canada by immigrants from Trinadad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Antigua & Jamaica.  Millions of people attend the Caribana parade every year to enjoy the beautiful costumes, delicious food and the infectious Caribbean music, including steel pan, soca and calypso.

General Manager Michelle with residents Ron & Richard

 The spirit of the islands was felt at Delmanor Wynford as residents enjoyed a barbecue on the Rooftop Terrace, complete with Caribbean specialties such as jerk burgers and jerk chicken.  The refreshing mango salad and  mango ice cream were favourites among the residents.

Joyce & Nyasha celebrating Caribana

Staff members had a blast dressing up in beautiful costumes from Caribana and the Trinidad and Tobago carnivals.  Residents and staff danced the  night away to the soothing sounds of the steel pan.  Everyone that attended Caribana at Delmanor Wynford had a wonderful evening living the Caribbean culture for a day.  The music and dancing were so popular with the seniors that they have requested Caribbean dance lessons in the fall!

Wynford recreation department: Chelsea, Ashley & Nyasha

If you would like more information about retirement living at Delmanor Wynford or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Monique Kuhn or Pam Palmer, Marketing & Community Relations Managers at (416) 331-9797 or online at delmanor.com

Delmanor Northtown Goes Black Tie!

Who doesn't enjoy getting dressed up for a formal black tie event?  A black and white theme creates a sophisticated, sleek and elegant atmosphere.  Delmanor Northtown was dressed up for a formal gala themed  dinner and as usual, just got it right!

Often black and white affairs are reserved for very formal occasions.  Delmanor Northtown staff and residents thought that a black and white themed dinner for no apparent reason other than for fun was  a fantastic idea!

In keeping with the high standards set by Delmanor Northtown for all of their themed dinners, this event truly did not disappoint.  The seniors loved the opportunity to dress formally in black and white and take part in an elegant dinner with live entertainment.

Brian & Doreen

Anne, Betty & Helen

All of the Delmanor Northtown residents loved the chance to take out that special suit and wear that elegant black dress.  Looking great ladies and gents!

If you would like more information about retirement living at Delmanor Northtown, or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Laurie Fortin, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (416) 225-9146 or online at delmanor.com

Steps to LivingWell

Your dermatologist is a perfect partner as you notice changes occurring with your skin as it ages.  It loses much of the underlying fat tissue that makes it soft and supple. Over time, collagen (“the glue” that holds elastin together) depletes from the dermis. Collagen depletion makes our skin thinner and less supple and causes skin to sag and lose its resiliency. In addition, as we age, decreased blood flow to our skin results in slower healing.

As you get older your skin becomes less able to protect itself from damage, and it heals more slowly from cuts or burns. The skin is the body’s largest organ and as you age it becomes more important to take care of your skin. 

A dermatologist will emphasize that healthy skin starts with the nutrients that reach it from the inside of the body and to follow some simple tips.

• Take a vitamin D supplement daily.
• Eat plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Ideally they should come from natural sources such as ground flaxseed and fish such as salmon.
• Drink water all day long. Drinking tea or coffee does not count because it can deplete the overall fluid supply.
• Cut back on processed foods and sugars.
• Exercise regularly. Exercising Infuses skin with oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production.
• Use sun block. UV rays are the main cause of skin cancer.

Skin can be thought of as the wrapping on a special gift and it protects us from the many things in the environment. The good news is that it’s never too late to respond to what you see!

Brought to you by your LivingWell Coaches.

Hands on Exotics Visits Delmanor Elgin Mills

Hands on Exotics, the highly accredited travelling zoo from downtown Toronto came to Delmanor Elgin Mills to share their very popular animal assisted therapy show with the residents.

From parrots to pythons, lemurs to lizards, kangaroos to coatis, Hands on Exotics offers hands-on animal interactions and programs to groups and schools all over Southern Ontario.

Hands on Exotics primarily works with rescued and adopted exotic animals and brings them into retirement residences and nursing homes for pet therapy; schools and day cares for education, and birthday parties, fairs and festivals for fun and positive experiences.

Whether they preferred smaller animals like the hedgehog and chinchilla or were brave enough to handle exotic animals like the boas, flamingos and owls, there was something for each of the seniors to pat and cuddle with the Hands on Exotics show.

Everyone had a great time interacting with the diverse and unique animals that came to the residence for this entertaining and therapeutic show.  All of the seniors and staff thoroughly enjoy when Hands on Exotics visits the residence and look forward to the next time they bring the amazing animals to visit.

If you would like to learn more about retirement living at Delmanor Elgin Mills or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Susan Applebaum, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (905) 770-7963 or online at delmanor.com