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  • Keeping yourself safe from the 2026 summer wildfires

    Drivers and passengers stop to look at the wildfires near La Ronge, Sask. Undated photo. (c) Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency

    Wildfires have become more common across Ontario in recent years. Large wildfires, like the ones we have seen in 2026, can release smoke hundreds to even thousands of kilometers away. For older adults, taking simple precautions can help protect your lungs, heart, and overall health while allowing you to stay active and connected.

    Why are seniors more vulnerable?
    Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and hazardous gasses that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of breathing problems and cardiovascular complications.

    As we age, our lungs and immune systems become less efficient, and many older adults live with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, or diabetes. As such, seniors are at more risk of complications from inhaling wildfire smoke.

    How to protect yourself:

    Step 1: Check the air quality before going outside.
    Before heading outdoors, check Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). When air quality is poor, AQHI is either rated as 7 or higher. During these times, limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.

    Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (https://weather.gc.ca/)

    Step 2: Keep your indoor air clean.
    Keep windows and doors closed when smoke levels are high. If you have air conditioning, set it to recirculate. A portable HEPA air purifier can also help reduce smoke particles indoors.

    Step 3: Stay active with indoor activities.
    You can still stay healthy while avoiding smoky air. Try the following activities:

    • Yoga or gentle stretching.
    • Light strength or balance exercises.
    • Reading, puzzles, or crafts.
    • Video calls with family and friends to stay socially connected.

    Step 4: Listen to your body.
    Watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath,
    chest discomfort, or unusual fatigue.     Drink plenty of water and
    seek medical attention right away if you experience severe
    breathing difficulties or chest pain.

    These four steps can help seniors stay safe and healthy until the air quality gradually improves. If you have to go out and expose yourself to smoke, a N95 mask will help filter out the microscopic particles in the air, although it will not block the toxic gasses.

    A N95 mask made by 3M.

  • Thank you for coming out!

    We had such a blast celebrating our 40th anniversary with everyone on Sunday! It was so lovely to gather with everyone over music and sweets, and to hear the reflections shared in the various speeches. We’re so appreciative of MP Peter Fragiskatos and Mayor Josh Morgan for coming out and addressing our community.  

    The London Brewing Co-op took such good care of our community, and we deeply appreciate their letting us use the space for our celebration. They were the perfect venue to hear Denise Pelley and her band (a treat in and of itself!) and we’re overjoyed that we got to share that with you all. 

    We’re still in awe of Denise Pelley’s performance! Her voice and her band were incredible, and we’re so grateful they made the time to attend our event and perform for us. 

    We’ve preserved the afternoon in this digital photo album. We can’t wait to make more memories with you all in our future programming!

  • Cheers to 40 Years Agenda

    Our 40th anniversary is fast approaching! We’ll be at the London Brewing Co-op from 12pm to 6pm.

    Here’s what you can expect for the day:

    We’ll also have sweet treats from Lynn’s Bakery & Deli, some games to partake in, a raffle, and a photobooth.

    We’re so excited to celebrate 40 years of serving the London community. See you there!

  • Healthy Ageing

    Healthy Ageing

    When people think about healthy ageing, they often focus on physical factors such as exercise, nutrition, and medical care.

    While these are important, psychological well-being plays an equally significant role in maintaining seniors’ health, independence, and quality of life. Research consistently shows that mental and emotional health can influence everything from immune function to recovery from illness and overall longevity.

    The power of intention

    One of the most important psychological factors in keeping seniors healthy is maintaining a sense of purpose. Seniors who feel their lives have meaning tend to experience lower rates of depression, improved physical health, and greater life satisfaction.

    Purpose can come from many sources, including volunteering, hobbies, caring for family members, participating in community activities, or pursuing lifelong learning opportunities.

    Positive thinking and resilience also contribute to healthy ageing. While ageing naturally brings challenges, including health issues, and life transitions, seniors who develop coping skills and maintain an optimistic outlook often adapt more successfully.

    Stress management deserves special attention as well. Chronic stress can negatively affect both physical and mental health. Seniors may experience stress related to health concerns, financial issues, caregiving responsibilities, or the loss of loved ones. \

    Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle physical activities and yoga can help reduce stress levels and improve emotional well-being.

    Engage your brain and body

    Mental stimulation is equally important. Just as muscles need exercise, the brain benefits from regular challenges.

    Reading, puzzles, learning new skills, playing musical instruments, and engaging in discussions can help maintain cognitive function. Lifelong learning not only supports brain health but also enhances self-confidence and personal fulfilment.

    Physical exercise is just as important. Regular movement releases chemicals in the brain that improves mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function. Walking groups, fitness classes, and recreational sports can provide both physical and social benefits.

    Benefits of socialisation

    Humans are social beings, and loneliness has serious consequences. Studies have linked chronic loneliness to increased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, depression, and even premature death.

    Regular interaction with family, friends, neighbours, and community groups helps seniors feel valued and supported. Even small social interactions can improve mood and contribute to a stronger sense of belonging.

    Technology has also become an important tool in seniors’ ability to stay social. Video calls, social media, online classes, and dignity communities can help seniors stay connected and engaged, particularly when mobility limitations make in-person interactions difficult.

    As technology becomes increasingly important and integrated into daily life, many seniors face barriers to accessing technology, staying connected, managing finances, obtaining health information, and participating in community activities.

    Over 55’s TechSavvy Program supports older adults in expanding their digital literacy skills. If you are interested in attending our TechSavvy Program or learning about the other services we provide, please give us a call at (519) 438-1111 or email us at info@o55.ca.

  • Need housekeeping services? Over 55 has associates available.

    Need housekeeping services this spring or summer?

    Over 55 has many associates available for the job! Here is a poster (WIP) featuring our fantastic associates:

    Call today and get a free quote.

  • Come see Denise Pelley perform at the Over55 40th Anniversary event!

    Denise Pelley performing at the KW Jazz Room (March 7, 2025).

    For Over55’s 40th Anniversary on July 12, 2026, Denise Pelley will be performing at the London Brewing Co-op from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM!

    In addition to her singing, the event will feature complimentary food & beverage, a speech by London’s MP Peter Fragiskatos, and a raffle featuring $200 cash and $100 oil change vouchers sponsored by Tony Clark Car Care!

    $200 cash voucher sponsored by Tony Clark Car Care.

  • Welcome to our new associates: Andrew, Arley, and Dina!

    We are glad to have Andrew, Arley, and Dina join our group of associates!

    Dina is a talented hairdresser with many years of experience cutting both women’s and men’s hair. Andrew has painted for school boards and residential projects in Ontario for decades. Arley is an experienced handyman and general contractor who can do everything from concrete work, foundation repair, carpentry, and landscaping.

    We are glad to have their skillset and are thankful they chose to sign on with us!

  • June 2026 blog – A beginner’s journey into gardening

    Hello everyone. I am the summer marketing student at Over 55. As we approach the end of spring, I thought it would be a good idea to share my journey of starting a garden for the first time. During my first month of gardening, I learned some interesting lessons:

    Lesson 1: Animals are not so cute when they eat your food.

    You will quickly learn that the furry friends in your backyard also find the lettuce and tomatoes in your garden delicious. Here is an image of the skunk that keeps coming into our garden:

    Rabbits and squirrels were also a problem. Rabbits will munch on your lettuce all day and squirrels will eat anything. The only solution we found was installing a barrier like garden netting or plant protection tents to keep them out.

    Lesson 2: Start small, research your plants, and maintain regularly.

    I learned the hard way growing garden plants is not as easy as leaving a potato in the ground to grow. Animals will eat your plants, grubs will destroy your roots, inadequate watering will kill your plants, and weeds will grow back unless you pull out the entire root.

    Some notes I made:

    1. Pull weeds by their roots.
    2. Loosen the dirt to allow roots to expand.
    3. Install barriers to prevent animals from entering your garden.
    4. Different plants need different fertilizer content (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassum (K)), water amounts, and sunlight duration to grow properly.

    I hope to grow some successful plants using the lessons I learned in June. Thank you for reading this blog and I hope to have more success growing plants next month.

  • Over 55 is celebrating its 40th anniversary on July 12, 2026 (1986 – 2026)!

    Join us for our 40th Anniversary event on July 12, 2026 at the London Brewing Co-op from 12PM – 6PM!

    Planned events include a special performance by singer Denise Pelley, a local favorite, and a speech from London’s MP Peter Fragiskatos. In addition, the event will feature complimentary food & beverage and other fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

  • Over 55 launches “Tech Savvy 55+” program – Learn to use the phone and computer through weekly classes

    Sponsored by Libro Credit Union, Over 55 Skills At Work is running a free tech support and teaching program to help seniors (age 55+) with their devices (Android/iPad).

    We have 3 iPads and 2 Lenovo Android tablets in our office. You are also welcome to bring your own. Starting every Friday from May 15, 2026, our 6 weekly classes (an hour long each) will teach everything from:

    • Specific tech issues you may have
    • Device setup
    • Using email, text messages, and social media apps
    • Banking, e-transfers, etc.
    • Using a browser and staying safe online
    • … and more!

    Contact us for more questions:

    Phone: 519-438-1111

    Email: info@o55.ca