Building Community and Connections for Seniors
For older adults, opportunities for connection can fade and having unstructured free time can lead to isolation. To bring seniors together and provide a space for engaging social activities, The Salvation Army in Mississauga runs a program that helps participants stay active and involved.
The Forever Young Inside (FYI) initiative meets twice a month and offers guests a meal, fun age-appropriate activities, educational wellness content and occasional guest speakers.
“We started six years ago. We didn’t have any programming for seniors, so we thought it would be a good idea to create this,” says Ann Pugh, program and volunteer coordinator. “We make it fun so people will want to come back.”
Each session regularly welcomes 50 guests, with over 100 attending special events. While this initiative is engaging, for many participants, companionship is what matters most.
“We always host lunch so people who live alone can have someone to sit and chat with as they eat,” Ann adds.
Sometimes, conversation can get so interesting that some seniors stay past the end of the session.
While many are members of Mississauga’s Salvation Army church, others come from the broader community. However, the connection within the group is so strong that it is hard to tell that many guests are just meeting for the first time.
“Here you become part of a family that will look out for you and care for you.”
“They all blend and they are all friends,” Ann says.
Staff monitor attendance and reach out to anyone who is absent to ensure they stay connected.
“If someone is not present one week, we make a note of it and phone them, catch up and ask how they are doing,” says Joel Binner, community and family services coordinator. “This is not just a drop-in. Here you become part of a family that will look out for you and care for you.”
Some of the activities seniors take part in aim to give back to others. Most recently, participants prepared Easter baskets for children in a daycare. Whatever is planned, the program ensures guests can enjoy it fully.
“Everything is designed to be set up easily and functionally for that age group, so that we can bring the best out of them,” Joel adds.
“It’s all part of building a community.”
Ann, who has been running FYI since the beginning, regularly hears feedback from seniors who enjoy meeting each month. Many of them appreciate the opportunity to stay longer and engage in meaningful conversations. Others love the meal and snacks.
“It’s all part of building a community. This is a safe place where they come and do that while not being rushed,” Ann shares.
For some, getting involved in this has inspired them to engage more deeply with The Salvation Army. Some volunteer at the food bank, while others access services that may benefit them.
People of all ages can support FYI by volunteering or donating to help fund the program’s activities.
By Juan Romero
