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Live long and prosper in Richmond
In the original, classic tv series "Star Trek", Leonard Nimoy’s character Spock was fond of saying, “Live long and prosper.”
In Richmond, a B.C. coastal city with a population of about 200,000, that greeting largely reflects reality.
With 60 per cent of its population being immigrants (the highest proportion in Canada), Richmondites also enjoy the greatest life expectancy in the country, according to Statistics Canada. On average, local residents live an average of 85.7 years, more than four years longer than the national average.
Staying active is clearly one of the reasons, reflected in the myriad of events scheduled for this year’s national Seniors Week celebration. The week (Monday, June 3 to Sunday, June 9) kicks off with the 55+ Activate! Health and Wellness Fair at the recently-opened Minoru Centre for Active Living.
The City of Richmond and its community partners have also planned a plethora of other activities throughout the week, including many free or low cost. The menu includes ballroom dancing, a painting social and a karaoke marathon.
“We are proud to be hosting this year’s opening ceremonies at the new Minoru Centre for Active Living,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Seniors Week is a chance for the city to acknowledge and recognize the contributions of the growing and diverse population of seniors in Richmond.”
Reflecting this year’s theme “Let’s Do More Together—Explore the Possibilities,” following is a list of some highlighted activities:
• Monday, June 3: 55+ Activate! Health and Wellness Fair
Minoru Centre for Active Living
7191 Granville Ave., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Information Fair with over 40 booths, 21 workshops, presentations and Try-It activities with a focus on transportation, mobility, health and safety.
A free wellness clinic service includes blood pressure checks, a limited number of bone density scans and prize draws.
• Tuesday, June 4: Story Walk
Richmond Public Library (Brighouse Branch)
7700 Minoru Gate, 1 to 2 p.m.
Stroll through this active, outdoor reading experience that takes place over one-kilometre of paved footpaths.
• Wednesday, June 5: Presentation by Isobel McKenzie, B.C. Seniors Advocate
Minoru Centre for Active Living, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Attend this overview presentation to learn some of the current challenges and initiatives of seniors’ programs and services across B.C. and senior servicesin Richmond.
• Wednesday, June 5: Intergenerational Drumming Circle
Steveston Community Centre
4111 Moncton St., 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Experience the joy, energy and community spirit of drumming, followed by cake and refreshments served by Steveston youth. No previous experience required.
• Thursday, June 6: Gardening with Arthritis
West Richmond Community Centre
9180 No. 1 Rd., 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Learn from guest speakers on how to make gardening manageable and enjoyable. Light refreshments provided.
• Friday, June 7: Community Creativity and Art Show
South Arm Community Centre
8880 Williams Rd., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Be inspired, build community and connect with other seniors over art. Music and light refreshments included.
• Saturday, June 8: Over 90s Tea
Minoru Centre for Active Living, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Richmond's super seniors (90 years and over) with light refreshments and great entertainment.
Pre-registrationis required for most Seniors Week activities as space is limited.