I always enjoy reading my Renaissance magazine. I think it’s a good idea to give themes to develop the articles. The photos and writing are always very inspiring! Thank you for these beautiful stories!
—Monique Marion (District 45 EstaRiO)
Why would anyone allow themselves to be controlled by the tiresome notion that financial planning is the only way to assure a fulfilling retirement? Our imaginations, attitudes and ability to play contribute so much more to enjoying life to its fullest, at any time! Thank you to all who shared how they are composing their lives in retirement in the fall issue. Renaissance is my happy magazine.
—Christine Johnson (District 27 Ottawa-Carleton)
I read “Health benefits of self-reflection” in the winter issue of Renaissance, and although my journals are not totally about gratitude, I feel I have followed the idea. Years ago, I watched an Oprah show where she spoke of being thankful every day. Having kept daily journals for over 60 years, I changed that day and started beginning each entry with “I am thankful for…” and continue to write about anything and everything, from being thankful for a warm home when it is –40˚C, to having my family around during COVID, to having the internet to connect to friends and family, to living in an area of Ontario that may get snow but never a flood or a real tornado (high winds don’t count), to having had wonderful years of teaching and still keeping in touch with some of those students, to being able to bike at 83 or swim in the community outdoor pool all summer, to being involved in the community of Nipigon. When I am doing a lay worship service in church, I am sure some members get tired of me playing the hymn/song “Count Your Blessings.”
—Glena (Barratt) Clearwater (District 2 Thunder Bay)
I thoroughly enjoyed the winter 2022 issue of Renaissance. Adele Blair, in her article “I didn’t see it coming,” writes about the many complex feelings experienced as one ages. Like her, I also dislike those humiliating birthday cards depicting women my age shrivelled up, with sagging breasts and waving their canes over their heads. Then there are the invitations one receives in the mail, advertising nursing homes, or the first time some 20-something calls you “hon” or “dear.” I, too, never saw it coming. But I do like her suggestion that more seasoned women should no longer be referred to as “little old ladies” or “old biddies.” Yes, let us be referred to as “classic” or “heritage” women, a term that celebrates our life experience. For me, the first time it happened was last spring. A 20-something male sales clerk called me “young lady,” as I was completing my transaction for a purchase of CBD gummies in our local marijuana shop. Smart alec!
—Stephanie Nielsen (District 14 Niagara)
Elder abuse resources
After reading the story on elder abuse in our winter 2022 issue, members asked us to publish resource numbers across the country.
Alberta
Family violence info line
Toll-free in Alberta: 310-1818, 24 hours
British Columbia
Seniors Abuse and Information Line
Seven days a week (excluding holidays), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST
Vancouver: 604-437-1940
Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940
Manitoba
Seniors Abuse Support Line
Toll-free: 1-888-896-7183
New Brunswick
Seniors Information Line
Toll-free: 1-855-550-0552
Newfoundland and Labrador
Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador
Toll-free: 1-800-563-5599
Northwest Territories
Seniors information line
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Toll-free: 1-800-661-0878 or 867-920-7444
Nova Scotia
Senior Abuse Information and Referral Line
Toll-free: 1-877-833-3377 or 902-424-3163
Nunavut
Elders Support Line
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or leave a message)
Toll-free: 1-866-684-5056
Ontario
Seniors Safety Line
Seven days a week
Toll-free: 1-866-299-1011
Prince Edward Island
Family Violence Prevention Services
Toll-free: 1-800-240-9894 or 902-892-0960, 24 hours
Quebec
Ligne Aide Abus Aînés/Elder Mistreatment Helpline
Toll-free: 1-888-489-ABUS (2287) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week
Montreal: 514-489-2287
Saskatchewan
Victim Services: Information and referral to local community-based programs
Toll-free: 1-888-286-6664
Yukon
Seniors Services/Adult Protection Unit
Toll-free:1-800-661-0408 (ext. 3946) or 867-456-3946
