Seniors

Feliz Natal for Seniors

Let’s come together to express gratitude and celebrate the wonderful moments shared with the seniors community throughout the year. This special evening is a moment of appreciation for the joy and connection we’ve cultivated together.

Event Features:

  • Photos with Santa & Christmas tree
  • Potluck
  • Secret Santa
  • Live music
  • Raffles and more!

Date and Time: December 15, 2023, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: #406-68 Water Street, Vancouver
​Cost: Tickets are free

Moves for Mind and Mood

Moves for Mind and Mood offers seniors a gentle program using the following static and dynamic mindfulness practices:
  • Interoceptive meditation
  • Mindful movement drawn from Buddhism and Yoga
  • Mindful execution of Tai Chi-like manoeuvres adapted from a martial art called Wing Chun that is well suited to seniors
Details:
  • Weekly classes for 8 weeks
  • Held via Zoom for roughly 90 minutes 
  • Participation is voluntary.
  • Lead by Dr. Daniel McBain, is a former family physician with a focused practice in primary care psychiatry, medical psychotherapy, and counselling
  • Free - covered by MSP
Eligibility:
  • Age 60 years or older
  • Mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety and/or mild cognitive decline
  • Do not have any physical conditions incompatible with mild physical activity
  • Capable of managing basic computer functions
  • Able to interact effectively in a group context
  • Requires a doctor's referral

Circle of Friends for Women Over 55+ 

Join the upcoming in-person Circle of Friends meetings at the J! The meetings start with time for introducing each other and getting to know more about each other. Then the group will have coffee time, a thought-provoking discussion, and a viewing of the TED talk by Susan Pinker "The secret to living longer may be your social life."

Details:
  • Tuesdays at 1:00 pm, starting October 17, 2023
  • Name tags will be used to help everyone get re-acquainted and also to meet some of the new ladies who have joined the group! 
  • They are currently hard at work planning some exciting interactive programs for our upcoming meetings.
  • Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver
​
For more information, contact Alina Stadnyk (Interim Program Coordinator) by email: alina@jccgv.bc.ca or phone: 604-638-7283. Please confirm your attendance in advance. 

Circle of Friends Brunch

Check back for dates.

Please contact Sandra Collet at s.collet@shaw.ca for more information. 

Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver

Elder Care Ambulatory Services

Geriatric Mental Health Care Services:
  • Offers outpatient geriatric mental health care to seniors 65 and older who have dementia as well as psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, delusional disorders, and psychotic disorders
  • Offers treatment choices for problems with complicated medical conditions, memory and cognition, balance and mobility, depression, future planning, nutrition, and continence
  • Dementia Caregiver Resilience Clinic provides evidence-based group therapies and/or one-on-one consultations with interdisciplinary specialists to provide skill development, education, and self-care techniques
  • Require a doctor's reference for every service
Locations:
St. Paul's Hospital - 604-806-9827
Mount St. Joseph Hospital - 604-877-8371

Seniors Transportation Shuttle

Shuttle Service for South Vancouver Seniors:
  • Provides shuttle service for Southeast Vancouver elders 65 and over, with or without mobility difficulties (41st Avenue to Marine Drive, and Boundary to Ontario Street)
  • Priority given to individuals with mobility challenges that affect their day-to-day activities 
  • Can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers
  • Registration in advance is required
  • Costs are sliding scale, subsidies are available, and some services may be free
  • Interpretation service may be available
Office hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday
​Office location: 6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Contact Information:
Jeannie Furmanek by phone: 604-324-6212 Ext. 141 or
email: jeannie.furmanek@southvan.org

​Seniors Outreach Strategy (SOS)

Volunteer-based organization for Seniors 55+, services include:
  • Better at Home Program: housekeeping, meal delivery, friendly visits, yard work, and medical transportation
  • Walking groups and fitness programs
  • Caregiver Connect
  • Art and activity programs
  • English classes
  • Digital support
Details:
  • Services extend from 41st Avenue to False Creek and from Granville Street to Commercial Drive​
​Contact Information:
Carolyn Wong - Seniors Program Lead Judy Venable - Caregiver Connect Coordinator Omnia El-Shayeb - Seniors Program Coordinator and Settlement Worker Isaac Tang - Seniors Programmer (Chinese Speaking) Tina Pan - Better at Home Coordinator

​SUCCESS Multi-Level Care Society

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society offers five programs in Vancouver and Richmond as well as partners with community organizations to offer Chinese Meals on Wheels services in Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby. 
​
The program offers culturally competent services for elderly Chinese speakers. Available service languages are English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Adult day programs:
  • Chieng's Adult Day Centre
    • Phone: 604-608-8813
    • Email: mlcinfo@success.bc.ca
  • Jackson Lam Adult Day Centre
    • Phone: 604-242-0704
    • Email: mlcinfo@success.bc.ca
Assisted living facilities:
  • Austin Harris Residence ​
    • Phone: 604-277-9819
    • Email: mlcinfo@success.bc.ca
  • Harmony House​
    • Phone: 604-648-0012
    • Email: mlcinfo@success.bc.ca
Long-term care facility:
  • Simon K.Y. Lee Seniors Care Home​​
    • Phone: 604-608-8800
    • Email: mlcinfo@success.bc.ca
Chinese Meals on Wheels (in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby)

​QMUNITY Seniors and Older Adults Services

Services for LGBTQ2SAI+ Adults age 55 and over:
  • Offers health, wellness, social, and educational events, as well as support groups, for adults age 55 and over who identify as LGBTQ2SAI+ 
  • Provides elders the opportunity to suggest and oversee recreational programming
  • Friendly Visitor Program:
    • Pairs LGBTQ2S volunteers with LGBTQ2S seniors for visits at senior citizens' residences, nursing institutions, and public places
    • Seniors are accompanied by volunteers to their doctor's visits and QMUNITY events
  • Hosts special events
Location: 1170 Bute St., Vancouver 
Email: seniors@Qmunity.ca 
Phone: 604-684-5307 Ext. 110

Frog Hollow - Kin Hon Seniors Group

Cantonese and Mandarin Senior Group Activities:

A lively group of seniors who speak Cantonese and Mandarin meets every Monday. Group activities include tea/coffee and conversation, bingo, arts & crafts, dancing, and other activities. Drop-ins are always welcome.

Phone: 604-251-1225
Location: 2131 Renfrew St., Vancouver

South Van ​Seniors Hub

The South Vancouver Seniors Hub provides programs and services that are accessible, inclusive, and senior-driven. Its aim is to support active participation in the community, promote independence, and reduce senior isolation. 
Programs and Services include:
  • Information and referral services
  • Social and recreational opportunities
  • Exercise and fitness programs
  • Meal services and access to food
  • Physical and mental health supports
Details:
  • South Vancouver Seniors Council explores issues affecting seniors in South Vancouver, and holds monthly information sessions
  • Website has an up-to-date list of programs and services.
  • Annual membership fee of $4.
Location: 6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Contact Information:
Michelle: 604-324-6212 Ext. 158 michelle.luong@southvan.org
Frank: 604-324-6212 Ext. 112
frank.lin@southvan.org

​Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver (JSA)

Support for Jewish and non-Jewish Seniors:
  • Jewish and non-Jewish seniors ages 55 and up are supported by a volunteer-driven organization
  • Offers:
    • Information
    • Peer support
    • Advocacy
    • Research
    • Social programming
    • Networking
  • Support is provided regardless of the individual's gender, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, socioeconomic status, or political belief system
  • JSA Senior Peer Assistance's carefully trained volunteers offer one-on-one emotional support
  • Additional Services:
    • Cordial phone calls
    • Visits
    • Medical appointment companionship
  • Hosts events like:
    • Spring symposium
    • Fall symposium
    • Four empowerment series every year
    • Events focus on current problems
  • Publishes the Senior Line magazine.
Office hours are 9:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday.
 Physical address:
949 West 49th Avenue
604-732-1555
Peer Counselling
604-267-1555

Mount Pleasant ​Seniors and Older Adults

Provides seniors and older adults aged 55 and up with a variety of services:
  • Scheduled activities that promote health and wellness
  • Aid in the development of supportive social relationships
  • Foster cross-cultural understanding.
  • Meal Program: Free meals provided to elderly citizens' homes
  • Caregiver Program:
    • One-on-one emotional support and coaching to caregivers of older family members or friends
    • Social and self-care opportunities with staff and other caregivers
  • Choose to Move Program:
    • Assists seniors through one-on-one coaching and group sessions
    • Helps to create a personal action plan to achieve their health goals
  • Other programs available
Physical address:
800 East Broadway
604-879-8208

​South Granville Seniors Information and Referral Program

  • Offers free peer help in both Spanish and English.
  • Services provided by volunteers with information and referral skills.
  • Offers information and help with filling out applications for various federal and state benefits:
    • Old Age Security (OAS)
    • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
    • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
    • Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
    • PharmaCare
    • Disability Pension
    • Bus Pass Programmes (including HandyDART)
    • Meal Programmes.
  • English service available on Thursdays from 10:30 am to noon
  • Spanish service available on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to noon
Service Location
1420 West 12th Avenue
604-732-0812

411 Seniors ​Information and Referral Services

Services offered to seniors aged 55 and over include assistance with filling out paperwork and information about senior income and other benefits (OAP, GIS, bus passes, SAFER) provided by trained volunteers.
  • Income Tax Clinic for low-income seniors and people on disabilities is available from the beginning of March until the end of April. Eligibility is based on an income less than $35,000 per individual or $45,000 per couple
  • Annual income tax clinics during tax season
  • Seniors are welcome to drop-in and access 411 programming and services: pensions, housing, health care, responsible tax completion etc.
  • 411 also runs workshops and activities throughout the week, including community meals, physical activities, social celebrations, and more
  • Additional resources are available online, in-person at drop-in hours, and by contacting the office
​
Location: 3502 Fraser St., Vancouver 
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00pm
Phone: 604-684-8171
Email: info@411seniors.org

Community Centre Activities

Community Centres around Vancouver offer a variety of free drop-in, pre-registration, and low-cost activities for seniors. Below is a non-exhaustive list of activities available. 
  • Friday Art Group at Killarney Community Centre
    • Fridays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
    • Free drop-in, but space is limited
  • Weaving Our Way at Dunbar Community Centre
    • Novice weavers are welcome and will be coupled with the camaraderie of your fellow seasoned weavers
    • Free and Open to all ages and abilities
  • Knitting Club at Champlain Community Centre 
    • ​Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
    • Everyone is welcome, free registration
  • Creative Adventures at False Creek Community Centre
    • ​Drop-in Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
    • Some materials are available 
  • Table Tennis at Renfrew Community Centre
    • ​Free registration for group sessions

​West End Seniors' Network

Kay’s Place offers a safe space where all older adults are welcome. Services include:
  • Assistance with housing
  • Peer support
  • Funds for seniors in need
  • Information and links to community resources 

WESN and Gordon Neighbourhood House also provide virtual programming for older adults, which are hosted on Zoom.
Programs include:
  • Cooking Class
  • Grace's Gathering Peer Support
  • Photo Club
  • Seniors' Chair Yoga and Yoga
  • Seniors' Social Club
  • Tech Support Cafe
  • Qigong
  • Participants should be either a WESN or Gordon Neighbourhood House member. The WESN Membership Application [$10/year].

Drop-in hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Location: 118 - 1030 Denman Street, Vancouver
Contact for more information:
Email: kaysplaceinfo@wesn.ca
Phone: 604-669-7339

​Neighbourhood Helpers Project - Downtown Eastside

Provides outreach programs for persons living with disabilities who are 50 years of age or older and reside in the Downtown Eastside:
  • Coffee shops
  • Peer-to-peer counselling one-on-one
  • Community kitchens
  • Social visits
  • Hospital visits
  • Appointment assistance
  • Minor task support

Carries out community development initiatives with the goal of enhancing the standard of living for people staying in hotels in the Downtown Eastside or renting single rooms, with a focus on creating social networks for elderly adults:
  • Community development
  • Community-focused events
  • Trains volunteers
  • Works in conjunction with other organizations to promote older citizens' well-being.

​Location: 509 East Hastings Street, Vancouver 
To get involved, contact Oyindamola at oyinf@vsmv.ca
General phone number: 604-254-2194 

​Seniors First BC

Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, assistance, support, and referrals to seniors across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being, as well as those who care for them. Funded by the British Columbian government, the Law Foundation of BC, and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

Programs include:
  • Senior abuse and information helpline
  • Elder law clinic
  • Victim services
  • Legal advocacy program
  • Advice planning services
  • Public education and outreach
Seniors Abuse and Information Line: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940

Location: 502-1281 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Email: info@seniorsfirstbc.ca

Arthritis and Wellness Workshops

Various Vancouver Public Library branches offer workshops centered around arthritis and physical wellness. These free workshops are designed for seniors dealing with arthritic pain.

Arthritis and Exercise:
Arthritis and Nutrition:
Arthritis and Nutritional Supplements:

Community Dance Activities
Vancouver's network of community centres provide weekly opportunities for seniors to participate in various dance classes. Individuals can explore, create, and perform dance with other members of their community.

Benefits of Dance:
  • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the roots and richness of dance
  • Be creative with dance choreography and performance
  • Connect with people from diverse backgrounds and boost your community spirit
  • Boost physical and mental health

Current Dance Groups:​
1. Collaborative Creative Dance for Older Adults:
  • Dancer and choreographer Desirée Dunbar coordinates weekly dance projects
  • Held at the Trout Lake and West Point Grey community centre associations
  •  No experience necessary
  • All abilities are welcome
  • For activity details, email Desiree at dunbar.desiree@gmail.com 

2. The Moberly Cultural Senior Dancers:
  • Held at the Moberly Arts and Culture Centre
  • Creative expression through sound, movement, and facial expression 
  • Weaves connections across cultures, with representation from the South Asian, Chinese, and Philippine communities
  • Diversity is integral to their practice and provides many opportunities for learning
  • Focus on skill, attention, cooperation, and working towards a common creative goal
  • Email caroline.liffmann@vancouver.ca for details

3. Vancouver Downtown Eastside Elder Dancers:
  • A community dance project for seniors living in the Downtown Eastside
  • Held at Carnegie Community Centre
  • Provides a space to discover expressive movement through improvisation and sharing
  • Focus on playfulness, fun, motivation, and focus
  • Email caroline.liffmann@vancouver.ca for details

Everyone Legal Clinic - Low-Cost Legal Services

  • Provides low-cost legal services to seniors and those who are terminally ill
  • In some cases, the clinic provides access to free legal aid​
  • Referrals to supervised articling students who assist with family, tenancy/strata, employment, wills/estates, civil, corporate, consumer, or criminal law issues
  • Individuals must have the ability to pay the clinician's lowered fixed-fee for representation
  • Options for telephone or videoconference
  • Currently only English services are available​
Contact Information:
Email: intake@everyonelegal.ca
Phone: 778-200-4478

Alzheimer Society of B.C. - Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is a fitness and social program for people experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia and a friend, family member or care partner.
  • In-person sessions consist of a 45-minute fitness program led by a certified fitness instructor, followed by an hour of socializing, refreshments, and activities such as board games, trivia games, word games, bingo, or other activities.
  • Online sessions consist of a 30-minute fitness video followed by 45 minutes of social activity and opportunities to connect with others living with dementia.
  • Care partners must attend
For more information and to register, please call:
English: 1-800-936-6033 
Cantonese: 1-833-674-5007

Safe Seniors, Strong Communities

Safe Seniors, Strong Communities is a partnership between United Way’s Better at Home program, bc211, and the BC Government through the Ministry of Health. It is a program that provides information and referrals regarding community, government, and social services in BC.
​
  • bc211 will monitor calls and online applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up.
  • The program matches local volunteers with seniors who need help
  • Seniors 65 and older can request volunteer help with activities such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, prescription pick-up, and friendly check-in calls.
To access the program,
  • Call 2-1-1 or visit the website

Board Game Events for Seniors

Community Centres around Vancouver offer drop-in board game events for all interested seniors in the community. Some events feature a set game each week, while others have a rotating game schedule. 

Free games events include:
  • Bridge at Roundhouse Community Centre
    • Drop-in: Tuesdays 1:00 - 4:45 pm
    • 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
  • Drop-in at Kerrisdale Community Centre 
    • Bridge: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30 - 3:00 pm
    • Cribbage: Wednesdays 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
    • Scrabble: Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
    • 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver 
  • Cribbage at West End Community Centre 
    • Fridays 1:30 - 4:00 pm
    • 870 Denman St., Vancouver
  • Bridge at Champlain Heights Community Centre
    • Wednesdays 12:00 - 3:00 pm
    • Please register in advance
    • 3350 Maquinna Dr., Vancouver 
  • Killarney Community Centre
    • Billiards on Mondays and Fridays 9:00 - 11:30 am
    • Registration and a partner are required
    • 6260 Killarney St., Vancouver 
Note: Other board game events are available for a fee. 

Social Tuesdays at Trout Lake

Are you looking to get out of the house and socialize with others? Join us on Tuesdays at the Trout Lake Community Centre for activities, snacks, and conversation.  Enjoy a new topic/theme each week. 

Details:
  • Tuesdays from 12:15 - 1:45 pm
  • Coffee and tea will be served
  • Upcoming activities include: bingo, chair yoga, potlucks, holiday crafts, etc.
  • ​Please register

Crisis Lines and Other Care Resources

Fraser Health Senior Services

Fraser Home Health Service Line:
Phone: 1-855-421-2121
Open 7 days a week, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Services include:
  • Home health care
  • Post-surgery assistance
  • At-home physiotherapy and occupational therapy
  • Respite services for caregivers
  • Life button emergency services
  • Palliative care assistance
  • And more

Fraser Health Crisis Line:
  • Emotional support for anything causing personal concern, worry or distress
Phone: 1-877-820-7444

Peer Support Beyond Vancouver

Seniors Peer Counselling of BC

COVID-19: BC Expands 211 Hotline to Pair Seniors with Volunteers
 
You can now call 2-1-1 or visit www.bc211.ca if you are a senior in need, or if you would like to volunteer with a senior in your community to check in on them or help pick-up groceries/prescriptions. The helpline takes calls 7 days/week, 24 hours/day, to help keep seniors safe.
​
To read more on what extra measures the BC Government is doing to help seniors and bolster seniors’ supports at community service agencies in the province click here.

Seniors Distress Line 24/7 - Crisis Centre

Professionally trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, non-judgmental, emotional support if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
​
Phone: (604) 872-1234, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Older Adult Mental Health Program

Phone: (604) 709-6785, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Offers specialized services for older adults including mental health outreach, assessment and consultation, treatment, case management, and education.
  • Also provides a rehabilitation program offering individual occupational therapy assessments, psychosocial day program, peer support, and group programs.

Kitsilano: Better at Home

Better at Home is a program that helps seniors with simple non-medical, day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes, and remain connected to their communities.  The Government of British Columbia funds the program, while the United Way of the Lower Mainland manages it.
Services include:
  • Transportation to medical appointments by screened and trained volunteer drivers
  • Assistance with Grocery Shopping
  • Light Housekeeping by Kits House staff
  • Volunteer Visiting – The visits are based on interests and activities shared by senior and volunteer such as walking, reading, light gardening, computer skills assistance (Over the phone during Covid restrictions)
Contact Info
Margarita, Better at Home Coordinator:
Margaritac@kitshouse.org , 604-736-3588 ext. 131
Sandra, Better at Home Seniors Program Assistant:
sandras@kitshouse.org , 604-736-3588 ext. 132
Information & Referral Volunteers:
seniorsinfo@kitshouse.org, 604.736.3588 ext. 604

Other Resources for Seniors:

South Vancouver - Basic Computer Training
  • Basic computer skills for adults and seniors:
    • MS Word
    • Excel
    • Internet
    • Email usage
    • Job search skills
  • Classes are led by volunteer trainers
  • Classes typically last 3 sessions
  • Additional services available:
    • Free child minding
    • Bus tickets for permanent residents
 
When
Wednesdays at 9:30am to 11:30am
Wednesdays at 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Fridays at 9:30am to 11:30am
Fridays at 5:00pm to 7:00pm
 
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House - Meeting Room
 
Cost
$10.00/course, SVNH membership required [which costs $4 for. a year]
 
Contact
Kwangyoung, email kwangyoung@southvan.org

Computer and Technology Training - Vancouver Public Library
Various Vancouver Public Library branches offer free computer and technology workshops and one-on-one assistance for seniors around Vancouver. Visit the website for more details and dates.

Available services include:
  • Drop-in Tech Help: Simply bring in your device and library staff can assist you with any questions you might have. Get assistance on how to use your Apple and Android devices. Registration is not required. 
 
  • Introduction to the Internet and Internet Safety workshops: Get a comprehensive introduction to the various aspects of internet safety and how to improve your online experience. VPL offers Zoom and in-person sessions.
 
  • Computer Practice Drop-in: Bring your own device and get help from library staff. Simply drop-in during the scheduled time and learn how to use your device in a supportive environment. Registration is not required. 
 
  • Mobile Device Essentials: Hands-on workshops that teach you how to use apps, digital safety tools, and more. These workshops are available in various languages, including Cantonese and Vietnamese.
 
  • One-on-One Computer Technology Help: 50 minute sessions with a library staff member to work through any technology related issues and questions. Registration is required.