“I’d just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I was in very bad shape – my mobility was compromised,” said Thelma Martin.
A volunteer and member of the Oshawa Senior Community Centre (OSCC) for the past 15 years, Martin credits the centre with playing a crucial role in improving her quality of life after her diagnosis.
“I joined the senior centre and participated in the fitness programs to help my mobility and it was tremendous,” she said.
For more than 55 years, OSCC has served as a vital hub for older adults in the Oshawa community, providing opportunities for social connection, activities and overall well-being.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found, just 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical exercise per week can lower dementia risk by 41 per cent over four years.
As a leader in senior services across Ontario with over 6,000 members and growing, the organization offers a diverse range of inclusive leisure programs and community support services tailored for those aged 55 and above.
The organization’s impact is evident in their 2023 statistics.
Notably, 142 of these programs were also available online, leading to a total attendance of 42,913 – a remarkable 39 per cent increase from 2022.
“We are a non-profit organization and we work collaboratively with community partners to provide a wide range of inclusive leisure programs and community support services that support the older adult 55-plus community,” said Lisa Ackerblade, OSCC’s manager of volunteer and community relations.
With a strong focus on active living, OSCC offers over 30 types of yoga – including specialized programs like yoga for arthritis – along with recreational activities such as badminton, table tennis, pickleball and golf lessons.
“Our programs and services are highly customized to support older adults,” Ackerblade said, emphasizing the variety of activities available, which also include history, politics and art workshops.
She highlighted the importance of maintaining connections, especially as people age.
“As life shifts, people retire and things change – how do you still maintain those connections and make new ones?” she asked. “That’s where we come in – that’s the magic of our organization.”
Many members, like Joan Hannah, have found new purpose and companionship through OSCC’s programs. A member for the past three years, Hannah initially joined to stay active and engaged after retirement.
“I was retired and I wanted something to do other than just be at home. When I found out about the activities, I realized there were many I could participate in and I knew it was the right decision,” she said.
At first, Hannah was unsure of what to expect. “I hadn’t belonged to a seniors’ club before, so I didn’t know what it would be like. But within the next few weeks, I made a couple of new friends and felt accepted right away,” she said.
She credits OSCC with helping her form lasting friendships. “In my writing group, there are two other ladies and we go out for dinner or to a show,” she said.
Martin shared similar sentiment, sharing how OSCC has helped her build strong social connections. “I’ve met a lot of other volunteers who have become really good friends. Outside of here, we’ll meet for coffee and we support each other if there’s something going on,” she said.
Having moved to Oshawa with her husband, Martin believes OSCC has helped them integrate into their new community. “We both feel that it’s connected us to the city in so many ways,” she said.
Linda Doran, a longtime member and volunteer for over 20 years, has witnessed the centre’s growth and evolution. “Now they’ve got more evening programs than before,” she noted.
Ackerblade highlighted OSCC’s comprehensive support services, including their adult daycare program, which has become invaluable for families.
The Adult Day Program (ADP) has shown remarkable growth, serving 266 individuals across four locations, with 14,435 on-site attendances – a 41 per cent increase from 2022. The program also facilitated 3,631 virtual social calls and provided 56 student placements from six schools and programs.
The program’s impact is evident in testimonials like this one from the 2023 annual report:
“My greatest gratitude is for the Day Program offered through the Conant Branch. My husband Ken attends this program and I find the staff very supportive and kind. There are so many benefits from this program for someone like my husband who is in an advanced stage of dementia.” – Hazel Conant ADP
The organization also provides essential transportation and meal programs to support members in need, with meal services offering both nutrition and companionship, especially for those who have lost their spouses.
Hannah has found multiple ways to stay engaged at OSCC, both through committee participation and support services.
“The committees I belong to are important because I get to participate and give my input. It makes me feel like I’ve contributed something valuable,” she said.
She also takes advantage of the centre’s practical support offerings. “I attended a hearing loss workshop when I was having trouble with my hearing and it really helped me,” she said, noting her use of the foot care program as well.
The positive impact of OSCC is evident in the experiences of all three women – Hannah, Martin and Doran – who praise the centre’s welcoming atmosphere and its role in encouraging senior engagement. However, they also recognize the challenges ahead.
Funding remains a primary concern for the organization’s growth. As Doran explained, “Of course, they always need more funding because we need more programs,” she said.
“If you’re going to have the qualified people to assist the seniors, then you’re going to have to be able to cover the cost of that.”
The organization received one-time funding in 2023 for foot care clinic equipment, Northview Branch renovations, a replacement Sprinter van, and Community Support Services (2023-24). A sponsorship also provided 250 meals to seniors in need, per their 2023 annual report.
Beyond financial considerations, OSCC faces the unique challenge of serving a diverse membership base. As Ackerblade noted, the organization must accommodate members spanning multiple generations.
“One of our challenges is that we serve five generations of people with all sorts of different interests,” she said.
Still, OSCC remains committed to keeping its programs accessible. Many recreation programs are low-cost or free and the membership fee is affordable –$25 for Oshawa residents and $30 for non-residents.
Ackerblade also highlighted OSCC’s dedication to inclusivity.
“We are focused on providing accessible, welcoming spaces for all,” she said, noting the organization’s fair play charter, which emphasizes respect for everyone.
Looking toward the future, OSCC is preparing for further expansion, including a new recreation facility in northwest Oshawa that will offer even more opportunities for older adults.
Ackerblade expressed her excitement about upcoming initiatives, including partnerships with Ontario Tech University and a seniors’ month fundraiser featuring a pickleball tournament.
With passion in her voice, she emphasized OSCC’s mission to redefine aging.
“We’re interested in changing the face and rewriting the rules on aging (and) what it is to be 55 plus,” she said.