It’s hard to imagine a life without the memories we’ve gathered over the years. Our careers, our travels and adventures, dear friends and cherished members of our families. They anchor us to who we are and who we were, and when that anchor gives way, we are left adrift in a confusing sea of fear, embarrassment and isolation.
According to a 2012 Statistics Canada survey on disability, more than 600,000 individuals, or 2.3 percent of Canadian adults, suffer debilitating memory loss from various causes. Among the challenges many of them face is isolation, which, in turn, can lead to anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of dementia.
In the early days of memory loss, the necessity for support systems is not always apparent, but developing a familiarity with a place and group of people at this time will prove invaluable during later stages. Thanks to the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, such a support system is available through Memory Café, a weekly program that provides persons with memory challenges, accompanied by a loved one, an opportunity to join with others who are coping with similar difficulties.
Held every Tuesday morning from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the activity centre, Memory Café begins with an hour of seated yoga, led by Certified Yoga Therapist Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey followed by a social hour. As they snack on cookies and hot beverages, participants share their latest news, funny or inspirational stories, and play games that often have everyone laughing. Every other week, local musician Vicki Beeman leads the group in a sing-a-long of old songs. Occasionally, group outings are arranged to places such as the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden and the Tide Pools Aquarium, a picnic in the park or a local concert.
Mary Basas, whose mother was once an active participant and has recently passed, wrote that for them, “Memory Cafe was a place where Mama felt a lot of joy amongst friends. It also became my weekly happy place especially when watching her interact and have fun.”
The cost of participation (currently $6 per couple), is more than affordable, and while membership in the Sechelt Senior’s Activity Centre is required, this comes with its own bucket of benefits, including an affordable lunch among friends and a diverse selection of activities and supportive programs for seniors.
It takes a special kind of courage to acknowledge that you need help, and even more courage to take the first step towards getting that help, but once taken, doors begin to open, and a burden once carried alone begins to lighten.
To learn more about Memory Café and other programs offered for seniors, contact SSAC at (604) 885-3513 or https://www.secheltactivitycentre.com/.
