Hi ,

Not sure if it has been discussed before but this thread was with the intent of finding out what senior desis look for when in Canada and what can be done to help them adapt comfortably ...

I have my parents coming up on PRs but suspect they may not wish to stay on ... since as with all seniors they have a set environment over there which they may not went to leave for good ..

However I wish to provide to them Canada as an option . In this regard what things are the ones that I can do before they come and during their stay which can kind of make them comfortable and start thinking of the prospects ...

Some things which come to my mind are :

a. Living in a predominant Indian neighborhood ( a white neighborhood may make them feel alien)

b. Getting Indian TV channels hooked up.

c. Are there any community activities for seniors ?

d. Letting them live here for 6 months and then let them visit India for the next 6 months till they start liking it here .

Like wise from those CD s who have had seniors visiting them from India , what do they recommend are things that can help make them feel comfortable , please share .... The objective is to show them the brighter things which can help them adapt and not be a put off to them ...

Please share your suggestions on things which can help in the above .

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Fido.

They are here since last 11 months. My dad has interest in reading, playing online chess, painting, light excercising etc and also i live in brampton so he manages to find a walk buddy and talk buddy at hindu temple. Still sometime I find him bored.

My mon mostly spends time in kitchen and taking care of my little one. She also get bored with restrictions on going out.

If you live in brampton they can travel / explore the cities by themselves (once they are used to with directions) at cost of $1.00 in Brampton transits and at $2.00 in TTC transit.

There are community centre programs at discount rate.

They can watch movies / serials.

There are seniors meetings at Hindu temple once a month, gujarati samaj's meeting once a month, our community meeting once a month, In-school senior meeting once a month. So they are occupied 1 day every week.

I bought him excercise bike which eat up 1-2 hours a day.

You can involve him in gettting groceries from your credit card using 1.00 dollar Brampton transit fare.

They can work around home if they want to lawn /snow / light cleaning.

I play cards carrom, chess checkers in weekends and also takes them where ever I go like shopping malls etc.

My dad tried to look for a light job but no body wants to give him job becas he is senior.

I bought them unlimited india calling plan, so that can take 10-15 mins a day by just talking.

if anybody else has some other ideas, post it here

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એક જ ટીપામાં હો જાણે સાત સમંદર,
એવા ઝંઝાવાત હજુ હૈયાની અંદર

Quote:

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Originally posted by Fido

Hi ,

Not sure if it has been discussed before but this thread was with the intent of finding out what senior desis look for when in Canada and what can be done to help them adapt comfortably ...

I have my parents coming up on PRs but suspect they may not wish to stay on ... since as with all seniors they have a set environment over there which they may not went to leave for good ..

However I wish to provide to them Canada as an option . In this regard what things are the ones that I can do before they come and during their stay which can kind of make them comfortable and start thinking of the prospects ...

Some things which come to my mind are :

a. Living in a predominant Indian neighborhood ( a white neighborhood may make them feel alien)

b. Getting Indian TV channels hooked up.

c. Are there any community activities for seniors ?

d. Letting them live here for 6 months and then let them visit India for the next 6 months till they start liking it here .

Like wise from those CD s who have had seniors visiting them from India , what do they recommend are things that can help make them feel comfortable , please share .... The objective is to show them the brighter things which can help them adapt and not be a put off to them ...

Please share your suggestions on things which can help in the above .

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Fido,
They should know English. If they don't they should learn (atleast the dad). This will help them to interact while being outside.

Also you should start giving them an option to earn. They will take pride in that. Canada offers a lot of oppertunities for one to earn, irrespective of their age.
It was once said that a retired IAS officer from India , worked as a security guard in Canada, so that he can give some money to his son for letting them come to Canada. Some parents take pride in that.

As you know them better and also you know Canada better. So you can decide the best situation.

Peace by Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Fido

Hi ,

Not sure if it has been discussed before but this thread was with the intent of finding out what senior desis look for when in Canada and what can be done to help them adapt comfortably ...

I have my parents coming up on PRs but suspect they may not wish to stay on ... since as with all seniors they have a set environment over there which they may not went to leave for good ..

However I wish to provide to them Canada as an option . In this regard what things are the ones that I can do before they come and during their stay which can kind of make them comfortable and start thinking of the prospects ...

Some things which come to my mind are :

a. Living in a predominant Indian neighborhood ( a white neighborhood may make them feel alien)

b. Getting Indian TV channels hooked up.

c. Are there any community activities for seniors ?

d. Letting them live here for 6 months and then let them visit India for the next 6 months till they start liking it here .

Like wise from those CD s who have had seniors visiting them from India , what do they recommend are things that can help make them feel comfortable , please share .... The objective is to show them the brighter things which can help them adapt and not be a put off to them ...

Please share your suggestions on things which can help in the above .

---

Wonderful !!

Thank You so much for your responses and ideas ..

I shall take these into accounts and try to give them as much conducive environment Canada can offer to them ... I want them to make their own decision after that - even if they decide to return I will be satisfied that I did my bit ...

Both my parents are very well English conversant so that should not be an issue ... Temples & community centers are a good advice ... Internet & TV also should come in handy ... Plus unlimited Indian calling as well ..

Please continue sharing ... you know you learn from others experience and advice .

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Fido.

If you afford and are planning than there is no better gift than a " newly Born " . This will keep them occupied and happy for a long time ..

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional