Hello, Reader!

We hope this newsletter finds you well. Take some time to read through the content and implement some of these tricks into your daily life. If you have feedback or suggestions on content you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know at write@alz.to. We would love to hear from you.

During this time, our phone lines remain open. If you need to reach our counselling staff, or have questions about programs and services, please call 416-322-6560.

We also invite you to keep checking the AST online portal here to learn about upcoming online events and programs. You will also be able to catch up on any newsletters you may have missed.

Happy reading!

In this edition:

1. Tips for Caregivers
2. How to Find Happiness During Isolation
3. Apply for a Personalized Music Player
4. Free Online Concert: April 6
5. Fun Online Activities
6. News Worth Celebrating

Tips for Caregivers During Coronavirus

Are you caring for someone at home, supporting someone in long-term care, or looking for overall health tips? The Alzheimer’s Association in the U.S has provided a list, from the Centers for Disease Control, full of meaningful tips to help support someone living with dementia. The list can be found here.

How to Find Happiness During Isolation

Finding joy in your day can make a meaningful difference in your outlook. Try these simple tips to bring happiness into your day:

1. Get Cozy! Make sure you’re dressing yourself in a way that allows movement, comfort and stretch.
2. Write a Gratitude List! Focus on the positive elements in your day and in your life. It will help bring positive thoughts into your mind.
3. Do One Thing at a Time! Don’t overwhelm or over schedule yourself. Focus on the task at hand.

For more simple tips, visit Psychology Today Online here for 51 ways to manage happiness.

Apply for a Personalized Music Player

Listening to your favourite music is a powerful activity for those with dementia. It has the potential to increase physical and social activity, reignite older memories, and improve sleep, mood, cognition, communication, and overall quality of life.

Apply to the Alzheimer Society Music Project on www.musicproject.ca/apply and we will mail your personalized music player directly to you, anywhere in Ontario.

Join us on April 6 for a Live Online Concert!

Join us on Monday, April 6 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a special live concert featuring the internationally renowned accordion wizard, Michael Bridge! More than a classical musician, Michael simply describes his repertoire as ‘concert music’ encompassing baroque, classical, and contemporary works, along with a vast array of his own concert arrangements of folk and jazz music.

Thanks to our special partnership with Xenia Concerts and the generous support of the Hunt Family Foundation, this concert will be free. Please register here to reserve your spot and to receive the link for the live event.

Fun Online Activities

Take a Stroll Through the British Museum

The British Museum has more than 60 online galleries waiting to be explored! Click here to see some collections around the world!

Try an Online Workout Today!

1. Eldergym Senior Fitness’s motto is ‘Helping Seniors Become Strong and Stable.’ This YouTube channel is filled with short videos for at-home gentle exercises and stretches that are sure to get your endorphins fired up.

Click here and try a workout today!

2. Curtis Adams makes senior's exercise fun! Check out his channel here for a series of videos on strength training, cardio, core, flexibility and mobility exercises.

News Worth Celebrating

AST’s First Online Sing-along!

We are working on modifying programming so that it is easily available to you during this time of isolation. This week, we held our first online sing-along facilitated by Miya Music Therapy. More events and programs are in the works, so please continue to check the online portal here for updates!

Your Smile of the Day

People living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are especially vulnerable at this time, if you are able to, please consider supporting the essential services and programs that benefit this community.