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Peterborough Council on Aging
Discussion paper series – #6, 2015
Social Participation
“Participating in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities in the community,
as well as with the family, allows older people to continue to exercise their
competence, to enjoy respect and esteem, and to maintain or establish
supportive and caring relationships” (1).
Having opportunities for social interaction and community involvement is important at any age. Older adults
are often at greater risk for social isolation, particularly if they have mobility challenges or have suffered the
loss of their spouse, friends, or other loved ones. Those individuals who participate in community activities
and have positive social connections have been shown to have better health outcomes than those who are
isolated from their community (2). An age-friendly community provides diverse opportunities for older
individuals of varying capacities to participate in their community.
Recreation Facilities
There are three seniors’ activity centres in the City of Peterborough:
Activity Haven
Senior Centre
Mapleridge
Recreation Centre
McDonnel Street
Activity Centre
Located in the Queen
Alexandra Community Centre,
Activity Haven offers a variety
of games, fitness, and art
programs that are open to the
community.
A non-profit recreation facility
for adults 50+ from the
Peterborough area,
Mapleridge runs programs to
promote the health and
wellbeing of their members.
Home to the Whitlaw
Mariners Seniors Club and the
Peterborough Lawn Bowling
Club, McDonnel street activity
centre provides activities to
exercise the mind and body.
Programming for older adults is also available at the three major recreation facilities in the City: The Wellness
Centre, The YMCA, and the Trent Athletic Centre. All three of these facilities offer discounted rates for older
members. In 2013, individual members over the age of 55 accounted for 30% of the Wellness Centre’s total
membership (3). At the local Balsillie branch of the YMCA in 2013, members over 55 years of age accounted
for 15% of total membership (4).
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Social Participation
There are 17 community centres in the County of
Peterborough, many of which offer programs for older
adults (5). For example, the Buckhorn Community
Centre offers art classes, card games, and athletic
programs designed for older adults.
Social Clubs and Activities
There are many active social clubs for older adults in
the Peterborough region. These include the Douro
Did You Know?
The City of Peterborough is
home to a vibrant arts, culture,
and heritage community, with
levels of activity far above
those typically found in other
communities of its size (6).
Senior Citizens Club, who meet monthly to enjoy an
evening of dinner and entertainment, and the Havelock seniors club who meet every week to play cards.
Religious institutions (e.g. churches) also play an important role in providing social activities for older adults.
Community Care Peterborough also runs a number of diner’s clubs throughout Peterborough County. These
events provide an opportunity for older adults to share a meal in a social setting and often feature guest
speakers or live entertainment.
Community Care Diner’s Club Events
Peterborough County (2013)
Location
Bridgenorth
Buckhorn (& area)
Havelock
Lakefield
Millbrook
Norwood
# of Events
44
10
10
10
11
9
Total Participants (approximately)
685
614
483
650
305
300
SOURCE: COMMUNITY CARE PETERBOROUGH , 2015. PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE
References:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
World Health Organization, 2007. Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide.
City of Edmonton. 2010. [Edmonton Seniors: A portrait]
Wellness Centre, 2014. Personal Correspondence.
YMCA Balsillie Branch, 2014. Personal Correspondence.
County of Peterborough, 2014. Personal Correspondence.
The City of Peterborough Municipal Cultural Plan, 2012. [City of Peterborough Municipal Cultural Plan]
Contact:
Sarah Cullingham
Age-friendly Coordinator
scullingham@peterborough.ca
www.peterboroughcouncilonaging.ca