MOOSE JAW — With Valentine’s Day soon approaching, older adults are invited to bring a friend and attend the Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association’s (MJDSCA) open house to socialize, meet new people, and see what The Eaton Centre has to offer.
The free upcoming event, “Let No One Be Alone,” is open to everyone over the age of 50 and will take place at the Eaton Centre from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Working in conjunction with Age Friendly Moose Jaw, the Centre is inviting members to help combat the effects of social isolation — a shared mandate for both organizations.
“That’s why we decided Valentine’s Day might be the best day to have our members bring in a friend who might not be a member and introduce them to the Centre, because the solution to social isolation is… friends, a place to go that’s affordable…, and exercise in whatever form you like,” said Candace Thorne, vice president of the board of directors for the Timothy Eaton Gardens Centre.
Throughout the day everyone can take a free tour, sample a few regular activities, and enjoy a free slice of cake and coffee.
“We’re going to be really well staffed that day,” Thorne said, noting that it will be “all hands on deck.”
Any prospective members can stop by throughout the year and freely try any activities up to three times “to find a niche that’s right for you” before purchasing a membership. Activities range from card games and an art room to pickleball matches and an exclusive fitness centre in the basement.
Guests will have the exclusive chance to try these out for free — and without limit — on Feb. 13.
Memberships cost $50 per year, and an enhanced membership rate of $75 includes free access to the fitness centre with activities discounted at $2 per play. Membership is open to adults over 50 and the oldest active member just celebrated her 100th birthday.
A common misconception is that the building is an exclusive senior living home, but the main floor and basement host the MJDSCA and Age Friendly Moose Jaw as tenants.
The push to combat social isolation in seniors, Thorne clarified, was initially suggested by Age Friendly, which relocated to the building in 2024.
“What’s happening is, seniors are going to their doctors and they’re saying (that they) generally feel unwell…,” she explained. “(Doctors) are finding that those (patients) aren’t medically unwell, but they’re lonely. And, because social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking, they’re now doing something called ‘social prescribing.’
“In other words, what they’re prescribing is a more social environment for these seniors.”
Thorne addressed this mission by inviting Moose Jaw’s older adults to “Come to Eaton’s and see what we have to offer” this Valentine’s Day. As an added bonus, she said the first 26 guests through the door will receive a surprise Valentine’s gift.
The Eaton Centre is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
The onsite café is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with lunch running from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you miss the café’s opening hours, coffee and snacks are available until 4 p.m. on weekdays. On Feb. 13, the special will include an ever-popular tater tot casserole.
For more information call 306-694-4223 or visit MooseJawSeniors.ca.
The Eaton Centre is located at 510 Main Street North.
