The Story: January 2, 1908 For the first 40 years of our nation’s life, Canada was a country without a coin factory. It seems strange to think about now, but every nickel, dime, and quarter in a Canadian’s pocket had to be minted in London, England, and shipped across the dangerous Atlantic Ocean. We were … Read more
The confetti has been swept up. The noise of the party is gone. Now, we face the quiet of January 1st. But in Canada, the first day of the year has its own unique set of rituals—some dignified, and some downright crazy. The “First Footing” Especially here in the Maritimes, with our deep Scottish roots, … Read more
The Party Night Long before we worried about “curated playlists” or catered appetizers, the best New Year’s Eve parties happened right in the living room. The furniture was pushed against the walls. The rug was rolled up to make a dance floor. And in the dining room, the table groaned under the weight of the … Read more
The Soundtrack of Memory For a certain generation of Canadians, New Year’s Eve didn’t sound like rock and roll or screaming crowds in Times Square. It sounded like “The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven.” For nearly 50 years, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians were the official soundtrack of December 31st. Whether you were … Read more
Eating Well on a Fixed Income Hi there! Welcome back to our Monday series, The Food & Memory Connection. Last week, we explored the complicated grief that shows up around food after losing someone. Today, we’re shifting to something many of you have asked about: how to eat nutritious, satisfying meals when your budget is … Read more
When my twin brother and I were about seven or eight, there was an outbreak of measles at our school. Measles is caused by a virus that spreads rapidly. In the early stages, when kids coughed, sneezed or talked, they would unknowingly spray droplets in the air. Anyone close enough to breathe in the droplets … Read more
From the Desk of Bill & Marilyn Gould Welcome to the last weekend of 2025! We hope you survived the turkey dinners and the wrapping paper avalanches. This is a unique week—the “quiet time” between Christmas and New Year’s when the world seems to move a little slower. It’s the perfect time to check your … Read more
Hi there. Welcome to Canadian Senior Moment. It’s December 26th—Boxing Day. And if you’re reading this instead of fighting crowds at the mall, good for you. Today, Boxing Day means sales, shopping chaos, and people lining up before dawn to save 40% on televisions. But that’s not what Boxing Day used to mean. Let’s talk … Read more
Final Reminders to Protect Your Money Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”! This is the final instalment of our series on overlooked benefits. We’ve covered everything from government pensions to provincial programs, and today we’re wrapping it all up with two of the most important lessons for your financial well-being: why you … Read more
Hi there, and Merry Christmas from Canadian Senior Moment. Christmas morning. Even saying those words brings it all back—the early wake-up, the excitement, the family gathered together, the chaos and joy all mixed up in a few precious hours. We’ve celebrated dozens of Christmas mornings in our lives. As children receiving. As parents giving. Now … Read more
Hi there. Welcome to Canadian Senior Moment. Christmas Eve. Even now, decades into adulthood, those two words carry a special kind of magic—the anticipation, the rituals, that feeling that something wonderful is about to happen. Tonight, as Christmas Eve arrives once again, let’s take a moment to remember how we celebrated this special night then, … Read more
Hi there. Welcome to Canadian Senior Moment. It’s December 23rd. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. The day after that, Christmas. The countdown is nearly over. If you’re feeling a bit frantic right now, scrambling to finish everything, you’re not alone. But here’s what I want to suggest: stop for a moment. Take a breath. Let’s talk … Read more
The Grief Plate Hi there! Welcome back to our Monday series, The Food & Memory Connection. Last week, we explored why food sometimes stops tasting right. Today, we’re addressing something even more emotionally complex: what happens when certain foods carry painful memories of people we’ve lost. Maybe it’s your late husband’s favourite pie that you … Read more
A few years ago, I had the privilege of hearing this story from a close friend who was nearing the end of her life. When I was a child in the 1930s, things were different from the way kids have it today. During the Great Depression, families with children were hit harder than most. … Read more
Good morning and happy holidays! As we head into the heart of the holiday season, this week brings both joyful celebrations and important reminders about staying safe and informed. Your CPP and OAS payments arrive early (Monday, December 22!), scammers are ramping up their holiday schemes, and most of us are settling in for a … Read more
Provincial Programs and Other Savings Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”! This is the next installment of our new series on overlooked benefits. We’ve covered federal programs and tax credits, and today we’re diving into a very important topic: the valuable benefits and savings available at the provincial and municipal level. From … Read more
Immune Health During Cold & Flu Season Hi there! Welcome back to Canadian Senior Moment. This week we’ve explored beating SAD and staying active indoors. Today, we’re wrapping up with something on everyone’s mind during Canadian winters: how to avoid getting sick—or recover faster if you do. Because let’s be honest: colds and flu hit … Read more
Staying Active Indoors (Exercises, Activities) Hi there! Welcome back to Canadian Senior Moment. Yesterday we talked about beating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Today, we’re addressing another winter challenge: staying physically active when it’s too cold, icy, or dark to safely go outside. Because here’s the reality: winter in Canada can keep you housebound for weeks at … Read more
Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Hi there! Welcome back to Canadian Senior Moment. December in Canada means short days, long nights, and for many of us—an unexplained heaviness that settles in around November and doesn’t lift until spring. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not weak. It’s Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and it’s very real. … Read more
When Food Doesn’t Taste Right Anymore Hi there! Welcome back to our Monday series, The Food & Memory Connection. Last week, we talked about cooking for one without giving up. Today, we’re addressing something many of you have mentioned but rarely gets discussed openly: what happens when food just doesn’t taste right anymore. Maybe your … Read more