What is Active Aging Week? Active Aging Week celebrates older adults’ contributions and promotes healthy lifestyles through engaging in wellness activities and, was first introduced in 2003. This course of action is meant to stand against harmful discrimination toward older adult’s capabilities and demonstrate that aging populations can be successful in activities geared for mental or physical wellness.
A deserving spotlight would be that of ‘Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf’ which is currently the only long-term care home for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This long-term care facility home to Toronto has specialized facilities and offers services in American Sign Language (ASL), cultural activities to promote deaf culture, programs focusing on physical and mental health that cater to the specific barrier’s seniors experience and activities outside of the facility for those that can travel longer distances. For example, Bob Rumball will be hosting a Silent ASL adult weekend retreat from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th 2024. For more information, you can visit www.bobrumball.org


The Simeon team will also highlight ‘Lost River Vacations’ known for eco-friendly retreats for non-hearing and hearing guests based in West Virginia. The venture was launched by Jane Jonas and Shawn Harrington who are both graduates of Gallaudet University. Their motivation to enter the tourism sector stemmed from the love of exploring less dense areas in the country centered in the outdoors and creating accessible travel for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Lost River Vacations is managed almost exclusively by members of the deaf community. They also do not take phone calls making emails their primary source of contact. Please let us know if you get a chance to visit and how it went!


We would love to spotlight more wellness activities that are accessible to aging populations and community members who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. If you have any suggestions, please email info@simeoncanada.com
Source Credit
- https://www.activeagingweek.com/index.php
- https://www2.bobrumball.org/2022/06/07/fall-weekend-retreat/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/deaf-entrepreneurs-eco-friendly-retreat-small-business-a8902896.html
- https://lostrivervacations.com/our-why/