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Richmond’s Seniors Week goes virtual amid COVID-19

Seniors Week will kick off next week – but the annual Richmond event will look a little different this year due to COVID-19.
richmond seniors week 2020
Seniors and their families are invited to try the more than 13 virtual activities that are part of this year’s Seniors Week Monday, June 1 through Sunday, June 7.

Seniors Week will kick off next week – but the annual Richmond event will look a little different this year due to COVID-19.

From Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, seniors aged 55 and up can participate in over 13 virtual activities at home, such as a steel drum performance on Instagram, a relaxation retreat session on Zoom, and a greeting from Mayor Malcolm Brodie on YouTube.

“Seniors Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions that are made by seniors throughout the city every day of the year,” said Brodie in a release.

“While Seniors Week will look a little different this year because of COVID-19, staff have been working closely alongside community partners to offer a variety of recreational and educational opportunities to keep seniors in Richmond active and connected during this unprecedented time.”

And as a virtual Seniors Week may be a new concept to some, there will be a number of supports to help those who might not be as familiar with the technology, including one-on-one assistance appointments by phone, provided by the Richmond Public Library (RPL).

For a full list of activities, details and links to all classes and social media channels for this year’s Seniors Week, visit www.richmond.ca/seniorsweek

Some of the scheduled activities include:

Monday, June 1

Mayor’s Greeting – 10 a.m.

Watch Mayor Malcolm Brodie will officially open this year’s Seniors Week virtually, on YouTube. A link to the pre-recorded video will be posted at www.richmond.ca/seniorsweek

Steel Drum Performance – 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Kick off Seniors Week with a live steel drum performance on Instagram. A member of the Tropitonics Steel Drum Band will play the sounds of the Caribbean, with a variety of songs from popular oldies to current hits. All ages are encouraged to watch.

Thursday, June 4

Keeping Your Brain Active with Music – 11 a.m. to noon

Learn how to promote relaxation, ease stress, improve memory and increase energy in this Zoom class, led by Richmond Addiction Services Society. Pre-registration is required.

Friday, June 5

Brain Health and Wellness in Times of Change – 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Connect by phone or video through Zoom for this live, fun and interactive session hosted by the Alzheimer Society of BC. Learn ways to stay active and healthy in times of change and uncertainty. A Q&A follows for participants with dementia-related questions. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, June 6

Over 90s Fancy Hat Challenge and Virtual Tea Party – 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

For those aged 90 and up, get creative and decorate a hat with items found at home. Show off your creations in the online Zoom party, along with Minoru Centre for Active Living staff and board members. Email a photo of you in your hat to seniors@richmond.ca to be entered in a prize draw. Pre-registration is required.

Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Using random photos taken around the city, discover how well you know Richmond’s parks, trails and paths from the comfort of your own home. Each day, a different photo will be posted to Facebook and Instagram of an object, place, location or landmark in Richmond. Email answers to seniors@richmond.ca and be entered into a prize draw. Winners will be contacted June 10.