“The rate of cognitive decline was reduced by an average of 70% in older adults who were frequently socially active compared to those who were infrequently socially active over an average of 5 years.”
Programs and Services
Agency Led
Aging Positively
Supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this program is designed to empower and connect isolated seniors with cultural and language barriers to lead a dignified life through education and prevention, social engagement, promotion of physical and mental well-being and integration in the society in a culturally and linguistically appropriate environment. Activities include an array of therapeutic programs, yoga, strengthening exercise, nutritious hot meal and free transportation to all participants. The program also focuses on promoting volunteerism among the participants to outreach to isolated seniors living in community institutions.
South Asian Adult Day Program
Funded by the Central Local Health Integrated Network (CLHIN) through the Aging at Home Strategy, South Asian Adult Day Program was established in 2010, in York Region to serve the diverse South Asian Community. It is delivered in partnership with the New Unionville Home Society and has set a best practice model for the ethnic community.
South Asian Adult Day Program (SAADP) delivers an integrated (cognitive/frail elderly) ethno-specific program in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. We provide free transportation, healthy breakfast, lunch and a light snack. The program consists of Information on prevention and wellness philosophies, Yoga and mild mobility exercises, enjoyable activities, including the opportunity for socialization and peer support.
Connections to Decreasing Isolation
Funded by United Way and York Region, The Connections to Decrease Isolation program is designed to build to target isolated and marginalized seniors who are attending various places of worship and community centres in York Region and in Scarborough. The program is designed to encourage seniors to connect with each other and the broader community. The program hopes to strengthen and improve the knowledge and skills of low income seniors who are isolated and have language and cultural barriers, by supporting their efforts in mitigating the effects of poverty.
Fall Prevention
Funded by CLHIN, Social Services Network has partnered with Carefirst Seniors and Community Services Association to provide seniors who are 65 +. These classes are led by qualified instructors. These classes focus on four different types of exercises such as:
- Endurance – Improve health of the heart and circulatory system
- Strength – Build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss
- Stretch – Keep the body limber and flexible
- Balance – Reduce chances of falls
Resident Led
Health and Wellness Program
Women’s Health and Wellness is a program provides a social space for women to gather together and freely share their thoughts on array of topics.
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Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a combined movement of yoga and meditation. Our seniors engage in this slowly performed martial art with softness and grace.
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Zumba
Enjoy Music and Dance? Well, then this class is for you! This class is a Latin inspired cardio dance class for older adults and seniors.
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York Region- Neighbourhood Development Collaborative (2019-2022)
This collaborative was initiated for the purposes of a funding opportunity put forward by United Way Greater Toronto, more specifically the York Region- Neighbourhood Development Grant stream.
The purpose of this initiative is to engage local residents/stakeholders and build local leadership in order to enhance the capacity of neighborhoods to tackle critical issues. The focus of the work will take place in the Milliken neighborhood which is on the southern edge of Markham, and the aim of the initiative is to engage the diversity of community, including both stakeholders and residents.
Testimonial
“Women’s Health and Wellness program, has helped me regain my self-esteem, self-confidence and ultimately, my independence. The ladies loved me and accepted me with their open hearts, minds, and souls. They are not only my friends, but I had found a group of sisters. I knew that this was where I truly belonged.”