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Seven ways Waterloo Region seniors are staying active, healthy and connected

Jun 12, 2025

Seven ways Waterloo Region seniors are staying active, healthy and connected

Let’s celebrate Seniors Month! June is an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the role seniors play in Waterloo Region. In so many ways, they give back and are a vital part of the community.

This year’s Seniors Month theme is Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors. In Waterloo Region, there are many ways seniors can live fit, active and healthy lives. The Region of Waterloo has a variety of programs to support seniors, including:

  • Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA) – This program supports persons living with a dementia who are under the age of 65 and not living in an assisted living home. Watch this video for more information:

  • Community Alzheimer Programs (CAP) – Provides meaningful social and recreational opportunities for people living with dementia. For care partners, it is an opportunity for a regular break, so they can continue providing care safely in the home.
  • The Butterfly Approach® – This is an innovative model of person-centred, emotion-focused dementia care. Sunnyside Home in Kitchener is the first in Waterloo Region to be certified with this program. It has achieved a Level 1 “Outstanding” recognition from the group Meaningful Care Matters. Learn more about The Butterfly Approach at Sunnyside.
A woman plays guitar for a group of older folks in a care facility.
The Butterfly Approach in action at Sunnyside Home.
A younger woman wearing a medical mask sits with older woman at a table.
The Butterfly Approach in action at Sunnyside Home.
A younger woman wearing a medical mask sits with older woman in a care facility.
The Butterfly Approach in action at Sunnyside Home.
A younger woman wearing a medical mask stands with a laughing older woman.
The Butterfly Approach in action at Sunnyside Home.
  • Sunnyside Wellness Centre – This is a space at the Sunnyside Campus where older adults can exercise and interact. Services include physiotherapy, massage therapy, and foot care.
  • Canadian Dental Care Plan – This program is supported by the Government of Canada to help seniors aged 65 and over get the oral health care services they need. See the federal website for more details on what services are covered.
  • Walk and Roll – Everyone is welcome to participate in this fun annual event to support Sunnyside Foundation and the residents at Sunnyside Home. This fundraiser includes a fun walk or wheelchair roll activity, live entertainment, craft show, games, prizes, barbeque, and more. It’s free for people of all ages. The 2025 Walk and Roll took place on June 14 and raised $40,000! All money goes towards enhancing the well being and quality of life for the residents, tenants, clients, and community served by Sunnyside. Find out more on the website.
  • Living Classrooms – The Region of Waterloo has partnered with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board through the St. Louis Adult Learning program to create a unique learning opportunity. Adult students will learn practical skills in the Region’s Sunnyside long-term care home and work with staff there. Students will be paired up with a resident and assist with meal support across the home. This program gives students real experience working in their field that they can take with them as they grow their career.

These are just a few ways that Waterloo Region’s seniors are keeping fit, active and healthy. During Seniors Month or after, take the time to recognize the older adults who make a difference in your life!