Stronger At Home Newsletter - In Your Community

The Benefits of Staying Engaged

• Physical Health: Group exercise (walking clubs, aquafit, chair yoga) improves balance, reduces falls, and strengthens the heart
• Mental Health: Regular social contact lowers rates of depression and anxiety and improves resilience
• Cognition: Social participation is strongly associated with slower memory loss and reduced risk of dementia
• Longevity: People with strong social networks live significantly longer than those who are isolated

Where to Start - Consider some of the options listed below to engage in your community.

• Local Seniors Clubs & Centres: Join activities like card games, dance nights, or coffee mornings. 
• Walking & Hiking Clubs: Great for fitness and meeting like-minded friends. Many have beginner-friendly or slower-paced groups. 
• Aquafit or Gentle Fitness Classes: Low-impact exercise that’s easy on joints while improving strength and balance. 
• Volunteering: Offer your time at local libraries, museums, food banks, or schools—purpose and movement combined. 
• Community Gardening: Fresh air, light exercise, and the joy of growing food or flowers. 
• Craft & Hobby Groups: Knitting circles, art classes, and woodworking groups encourage fine motor skills and creativity. 
• Church: A local community of faith can offer many opportunities for connection and support.
• Transportation Services: Many towns offer shuttle buses or volunteer drivers to help you access programs and shops. 
• Grocery Delivery & Errand Services: Access helpful services so you can save energy for the activities you enjoy most.

For those with Mobility or Cognitive Challenges - Look for: 

• Accessible fitness programs like chair yoga, seated Tai Chi, resistance band training or condition-specific programs for Parkinson’s, MS, arthritis, or dementia. 
• Adaptive aquatics with pool lifts and warm-water classes. 
• Memory cafés offering social activities for people living with dementia and their caregivers. 
• Online classes and virtual clubs for those unable to attend in person. 
• In-home volunteer visits for companionship and activity. 

Practical Tips for Safe Community Participation 

• Choose familiar routes and locations that are accessible (ramps, elevators, seating areas). 

• Call ahead to community centres or clubs to ask about accessibility features or quieter times of day. 

• A cane, walker, or wheelchair isn’t a limitation—it’s a tool for independence. 

• Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists can help you select and adjust devices so you feel secure. 

• Start small: a short walk to the corner store, 15 minutes at a gardening club, or one new class. Gradual exposure builds stamina and confidence. 

• Practice deep breathing before heading out. 
• Bring a friend or family member the first few times to ease transitions. 
• Some community programs offer “buddy systems” to help older adults feel supported. 

• If going out feels too challenging, look for hybrid or online programs offered by local libraries, seniors’ centres, or recreation departments. 

• Many cities offer accessible transit, volunteer driver programs, or shuttle buses for seniors. Ask your community centre or city hall for details. 

Check out our Welcome Video below

Foundational Principle Highlight

Client Spotlight

Murray built up the courage to do a physio session at the community pool with her Physiotherapist, Carmen. Murray took an accessible taxi by herself to meet Carmen at the pool.  They transferred her to a water wheelchair with a lift in the change room, and then navigated the pool together for the first time. Murray was able to achieve her goal of standing again with the buoyancy of the water to help her.  She even got to experience a hot tub for the first time in her life. It was a great day for both client and therapist!