Adults over the age of 55 can take steps to overcome many of the downsides of aging by keeping their minds sharp, changing up their routines, and by exploring new ways of viewing the world.
One of the best approaches is to enrol in any number of local classes that can help expand one’s horizons. It’s always a good idea to take up a new craft or hobby, or perhaps re-visit a cherished hobby from one’s youth.
Here are a few classes available to adults over 55 in Moose Jaw:
Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizen’s Association (MJDSCA): The MJDSCA was founded in 1989 with the goal of promoting the mental, physical, and social well-being of its members and guests and improving the lives of seniors in the community. A few available classes include arts and crafts in the association’s art room and year-round technology classes where you can ask questions and learn about new devices. You can also learn to play several card games including military whist, Spades, and Kaiser. To contact the MJDSCA, call 306-694-4223.
Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG): At the MJMAG, seniors can embark on a new art project and explore their creative side through several courses. A few of the instructional art classes include intermediate watercolour painting, drawing from still life, sculpting the human form, and Indigenous beading workshops. Details can be found online at mjmag.ca/artclasses or by calling 306-692-4471.
If you’re not able to make it out, Seniors’ Centre Without Walls Saskatchewan offers free programs over the phone. To register or inquire about available classes, call 306-631-4357 or email swwsask2019@gmail.com.
Moose Jaw Public Library: One of the more popular senior-friendly classes at the library is Tech Time, where adults can learn the ins-and-outs of mobile phones, online search engines, and other electronic devices critical in today’s digital age. Several additional classes across a wide range of topics are regularly hosted at the library, and it’s best to call the library and see what’s currently being scheduled. The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-692-2787.
The library is also open to patron’s feedback including suggested programming options.
Toastmasters: Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization based around improving the speaking and communication skills of members. Moose Jaw’s local chapter is Big Country Toastmasters, which formed after an amalgamation around 62 years ago. The organization holds regular meetings at the Sask. Polytechnic campus in Moose Jaw, located at 600 Saskatchewan Street. If you would like to give public speaking a try in a low-pressure, welcoming environment that provides helpful feedback and support from others in the same situation, Lorna Arnold can be reached at 306-690-8739 or Cathy Morrell can be reached at 306-630-7015.
Western Development Museum (WDM): The WDM offers several senior-friendly classes and learning opportunities that range from a guided tour of the museum to various temporary or seasonal programs. As well, the museum’s Virtual Coffee Club explores a wide variety of topics that pertain to life in Saskatchewan from the comfort of your home. Alexis Jones can be reached at 306-693-5989 and the Virtual Coffee Club can be found at wdm.ca/CoffeeClub. There’s also an archive of past presentations.
Dance: Moose Jaw has two prominent organizations that teach senior-friendly dance instruction. These groups are The Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association and the Cosmo Senior Centre’s Line Dance Workshop.
The Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association offers instruction suitable for anyone who doesn’t consider themselves to be a strong dancer. With easy-to-follow instruction and a small list of calls to memorize, most of the routine is a simple matter of following instructions made by a caller. Local caller Valerie Wright describes the dance as “…walking to music,” and said it makes the best starting point for someone new to dance. On a side note, the outing makes a perfect date idea for the significant person in your life. For more information, call Marcia Wiman at 306-681-8648.
The Cosmo Senior Centre’s Line Dance Workshop offers a choreographed dance routine where a group of people dance together in a repeating series of steps. In the routine, participants are arranged in lines that usually face the same direction and act in unison on the dance floor. The Cosmo Senior’s Centre is located at 235 Third Avenue Northeast and assistant dance instructor Brenda Winter can be reached at 306-642-0015.
