What’s New

“Lunch & Learn”s have been some of the most popular initiatives at Islington Vertical Village, attended by 25 to 60 residents each time. The most recent was a presentation by Connected Canadians, a national digital inclusion charity that promotes digital literacy in older adults. It seemed that we could get along without technology until recently, when it is a widespread assumption that everyone has a computer and smart phone. Connected Canadians uses a combination of one-on-one support, instructor-led workshops, and web-based resources to provide, free of charge, training in digital literacy skills.

Janice Greenberg, speaker

Our enthusiastic expert speaker was Janice Greenberg who talked about the usefulness of artificial intelligence (chatGPT) and gave some good advice about shopping for groceries online. If you missed her presentation she followed up with some handouts to help us become comfortable with these digital supports. Click below to download these handouts.

• ChatGPT – artificial intelligence
• Grocery shopping online

A snap election in February has made voting more complicated especially for older Ontarians who may find it difficult to get to the polling stations.

In case you are still wondering about basics, our riding is Etobicoke North, our polling station is at Kingsview Public School and voting day is February 27. For information about voting in our riding on the day, or in advance check with Elections Ontario. Weather may be the deciding factor for early voting so check the weather reports.

If you are unable to get to the polling station you can request to vote at home. Call  the local election office (1-833-705-3204) at Woodbine Centre to book a home visit.

Some of us are interested in voting strategically. Check out votewell.ca or notoneseat.ca for advice.

Last Saturday Islington Vertical Village hosted an activity for the little ones in the building, as well as the  grandchildren and great-grandchildren of residents. There was an opportunity for each child to colour animal masks, make a three-dimensional pumpkin and an autumn wreath. These craft afternoons are always a treat, as much for the adults as for the kids.

Autumn has arrived, and our cottaging residents are back home, and beginning to engage in the social activites here.  Drop by the bistro on weekday afternoons for a break and some conversation. While the weather is suitable, you may like to join us at the fountain deck on Friday afternoons for happy hour. Everyone is welcome to join in. Come as you are.

Take a look at the recent items added to our IVV website

SAFE: Senior Adult Fitness Exercises – Exercise program for seniors
developed by the McGill University Health Centre.  The program is divided into four levels. Start with the first and move up if it seems easy.

Reverse Diabetes OHIP covers the cost of this 12 week program addressing type 2 diabetes. It is run online with virtual doctor visits, group support groups, information sessions, etc.

Power Over Pain Portal – Your pain is real and you are not alone. Power Over Pain provides you with access to resources, courses, peer support and much more, so that you can control your pain. This is a free program.

What’s up with COVID-19 this fall?

If you look around you might think that the pandemic is over. The first 25 minutes of this video contains  recent expert thinking about where we are in Ontario regarding COVID-19.

Yesterday began with clouds and chilly weather but no rain, so we were able to meet outdoors on our beautiful fountain deck. Newcomers were warmly welcomed and everyone was glad to be together. And the sun did come out.

We were able to collect the names of some new volunteers and add to our IVV contact list, which is kept  to help residents to stay in touch with each other. Some who missed out on the fall alert devices added their names to a waiting list, in case we are able to bring another clinic to our community. Meanwhile, your family doctors may be able to apply for these devices, which are a great comfort for those who may be in danger of falling.

There is still so much we can do to enhance our lives here, with the goodwill of the community.

We gathered in the party room to hear from Ken Kivenko, on the topic of Investor Protection for Seniors. Ken is a fellow resident and a real expert on the subject as well as a passionate advocate for older people hurt by financial “advisors”.  He explained that seniors are perceived by the unscrupulous as having a combination of diminished capacity and money to invest, which inspires a temptation to take advantage in various ways.  Ken has dedicated himself to righting wrongs in the Canadian investment world, and he kept the audience of close to 40 residents in rapt attention.

More than fifty residents are experiencing a new sense of independence now that they are wearing devices designed to intervene in case of a fall.

IVV worked with the NORC group at UHN to enrol eligible residents in the Toronto Grace Health Centre Fall Alert Pendant program. Each applicant was given a pendant (that can also be worn on the wrist).  The device can recognize a fall, and wearers can also activate a button to call for help. All alerts are directed to the 24/7 call centre located out of Toronto Grace Health Centre. Please note that the alerts do not directly go to emergency services (911). The team will assess your situation and respond accordingly. Cottagers and travelers have been pleased to note that the alert device functions anywhere in Canada and can send help to you wherever you are using GPS.

In case you missed the clinic you can add your name to a waiting list, as IVV may be able to set up another clinic opportunity. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to apply for the service.

Here is the device manual for your reference.

And a how-to video.