Summer isn’t officially here for a few more days, but it’s seriously hot in Toronto this week! While some of us are loving the early summer heat, it’s important to remember that seniors are especially prone to dehydration, heatstroke and other health risks associated with extreme temperatures. We’ve shared tips for helping seniors stay healthy in summer weather in recent blog posts and today, we’d like to suggest a few places you can socialize with seniors in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. Thanks for reading—stay cool and stay safe!
The Art Gallery of Ontario
We love the AGO because there’s always something new and exciting to see, plus an exceptional permanent collection. The AGO is fully accessible and has a lovely, sunlit cafe in the galleria as well as a formal dining space and a great gift shop. They’re welcoming to guests of all ages and abilities, and you can sometimes visit for free. Parking in downtown Toronto can be challenging and there’s no on-site lot, so this attraction may not be ideal for those who cannot travel a short distance from a nearby Green P.
Toronto Public Library (various locations)
Your local library is a great place to borrow reading materials, but many branches also host free or inexpensive events throughout the week. Consider taking your aging loved one to an author talk or another interesting presentation, social hour or learning opportunity. You can also keep an eye on the Salon Series listing, which typically involves notable authors speaking in the Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library (accessible, spacious and has a cash bar on site during evening events). Here are a few highlights we found through the TPL website:
- Travel Talk: Baffin Island, Nunavut (June 22, North York branch)
- True to Self: An interactive workshop on storytelling (June 24, S. Walter Stewart branch)
- Author Talk: My Secret to a Long and Fulfilling Life (June 25, Runnymede branch)
- Meet Author Terry Fallis (July 4, Victoria Village branch)
- Author Talk: Kathy Reichs, Fire and Bones (August 14, Appel Salon in the Toronto Reference Library)
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Is your aging relative up for a short road trip? Much like the AGO, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg (just north of Toronto) is a wonderful space to view art in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. There are a number of interesting exhibitions, musical performances and events as well as their permanent art collection, and if the weather cooperates, it’s nice to stroll the grounds as well. The McMichael Gallery is proudly accessible and senior-friendly.
Looking for more ideas? Here are a few quick suggestions:
- Visit your local community centre or senior centre—most are air-conditioned and are great spaces for seniors to socialize with friends, family and neighbours
- Find an air-conditioned cafe with comfortable seating. It’s a nice change of pace that gets your aging loved ones out of the house without much fuss or expense.
- Play tourist at the aquarium or the ROM—both are climate-controlled and accessible
- Visit a nearby butterfly conservatory! There’s one in Cambridge that’s accessible and family-friendly (great if you’re looking for an activity for grandparents and kids alike).
- Visit a local pool! We recommend an indoor pool with accessibility features or an outdoor pool with a lot of shaded seating areas. Pack a lunch and plenty of water!
Thanks for reading and please contact us if you have any questions about hiring a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding areas. Remember, our caregivers would be pleased to accompany your aging loved ones to these and other attractions in the community. Getting seniors out of the house safely and with accessibility in mind is a wonderful way to help them engage, be entertained and connect with others, and our caregivers are glad to support these goals.