As summer draws to a close, we look back on a season filled with energy, friendship, culture and community participation at Jiahemay Senior Association.

Throughout the summer, our members took part in a wide range of activities, including exercise, music, dance, traditional Chinese culture, health education and community service. These activities encouraged seniors to get out of the house, stay active, learn new skills and connect with others. Along the way, members gained not only health and knowledge, but also friendship, happiness and a stronger sense of belonging.

Staying Active and Healthy All Summer

Throughout the summer, activities such as Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, Baduanjin and yoga continued regularly. Members practiced in parks and community spaces, following instructors, improving their movements and encouraging one another.

Many members also participated in Tai Chi competitions and cultural exchange activities. Those who enjoy table tennis continued to play regularly, while chess and card-game groups provided opportunities for members to meet and socialize.

Everyone is encouraged to choose activities that suit their interests and physical abilities. In this way, exercise and social connection have become an important part of our members’ summer lives.

Music, Dance and Traditional Culture Made Summer More Vibrant

The Jiahemay music group continued its regular activities throughout the summer. Members practiced percussion, orchestral music, erhu and other traditional Chinese instruments, while also participating in community performances.

Choir, line dancing and model walking activities also continued. Through rehearsals and performances, members learned from one another, practiced teamwork and built stronger connections.

Music and dance have become an important way for our members to stay active, express themselves and connect with the community.

Chinese Waist Drum — One of the Highlights of This Summer

Chinese waist drum activities became one of the highlights of the summer.

Starting with basic rhythms and movements, members practiced carefully and made steady progress. In just over two months, more and more members joined the group. Members from Tai Chi, dance, music, choir and other activity groups also became involved.

The waist drum program gives members an opportunity to learn and experience traditional Chinese culture while also encouraging physical activity through rhythm, movement and teamwork.

This summer, the waist drum team began performing on community stages. With its energetic rhythms and lively movements, it has quickly become a new and exciting part of Jiahemay’s activities.

Connecting with the Community Through Culture and Volunteer Service

This summer, Jiahemay members actively participated in a variety of community events.

For many years, the Association has been committed to participating in community life, cultural exchange and volunteer activities. Many of these events have become annual traditions for our members.

This summer, we once again participated in the Peel multicultural summer BBQ, the Jimin Community Celebration and other multicultural events. Members had opportunities to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and share Chinese culture through waist drum, dance and other performances.

The Association also continued its volunteer performances at local seniors’ residences. Members were invited to perform at Erin Mills Lodge, bringing music, dance, choir, percussion and waist drum performances to senior residents.

In addition, the Association participates every year in Square One’s traditional Chinese food culture activities. This summer, our members again worked hard to rehearse and prepare music, dance and traditional cultural performances, helping to promote Chinese culture while encouraging community interaction.

These activities are not one-time events. They reflect Jiahemay’s ongoing commitment to participating in community life, serving the community and promoting cultural exchange.

Health Education and Lifelong Learning

In addition to exercise and cultural activities, the Association continued to organize health education sessions throughout the summer.

Topics included stretching and flexibility, healthy living, fall prevention and positive cognitive health.

Through these sessions and opportunities for discussion, members gained practical health knowledge and developed greater awareness of healthy living. Learning and social connection continue to be an important part of life at Jiahemay.

Behind Every Activity Is a Team of Members and Volunteers

Our many activities would not be possible without the time, effort and dedication of our members and volunteers.

With the coordination and support of the President, Vice-President, Board of Directors, volunteers and members, many people contribute behind the scenes. From contacting community organizations and arranging participants to rehearsals, music, costumes, sound equipment, props, transportation and on-site coordination, every activity requires teamwork.

For seniors who have difficulty travelling independently, volunteers often provide transportation and assistance. Before and after activities, volunteers help purchase food and drinks, move equipment, prepare the venue and assist other members.

At every event, volunteers also help with photography and video recording. After larger events, volunteers spend additional time organizing photos, editing videos and preserving memorable moments to share with the wider community.

Every performance requires preparation—from music and sound equipment to costumes, rehearsal schedules and on-site coordination. On the day of an event, members and volunteers work together to move equipment, set up the venue and assist seniors.

What may look like a simple activity from the outside often represents many hours of preparation and teamwork behind the scenes.

During the summer, younger volunteers also actively participated by helping with transportation, equipment, venue setup, photography and on-site support. The participation of people of different generations brings additional energy to our senior activities and creates more opportunities for younger and older generations to connect.

Building Health, Friendship and a Sense of Belonging

For seniors, participating in activities is about much more than exercise or learning new skills.

Every rehearsal, every gathering, every outing and every performance gives members opportunities to meet new friends, maintain social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. These experiences make everyday life more active, meaningful and enjoyable.

Some members enjoy Tai Chi, Baduanjin and yoga. Others enjoy music, choir and dance. Some have discovered a new passion for waist drum, while others prefer table tennis, chess or card games.

Jiahemay respects the different interests and needs of its members and provides opportunities for everyone to find activities that suit them.

Through exercise, music, cultural learning, teamwork and community participation, seniors can stay physically active while also experiencing joy, friendship and meaningful connections with others.

Summer May Be Ending, but the Journey Continues

As summer comes to an end, Jiahemay’s activities continue.

Members are already preparing for the next series of community activities, including upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Through traditional culture, music, dance and community events, the Association will continue to encourage seniors to participate actively in community life, celebrate traditional festivals and share Chinese culture with the wider community.

From Tai Chi, Baduanjin and yoga in the parks, to music, choir, dance and waist drum rehearsals; from multicultural community events to volunteer performances at seniors’ residences and traditional Chinese food culture activities—we spent this summer exercising together, learning together, rehearsing together, performing together and serving our community together.

Let seniors step out, stay active, keep traditions alive, and make every gathering meaningful.

This is the senior community Jiahemay strives to build—a warm and welcoming community filled with health, culture, friendship, participation and connection.