Celebrating Love and Friendship: A Special Saint-Valentin for Toronto Seniors

Several initiatives have been implemented to ensure that seniors in the Greater Toronto Area feel loved and well surrounded on Valentine’s Day, at a time when they are increasingly isolated.

At the Sacré-Cœur Golden Age Club in downtown Toronto, around fifty individuals participated in a dinner and dance last weekend to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Rheal Lavallée, the club’s president, stated that events like these provide an opportunity for seniors to socialize and alleviate loneliness.

Francis Boucher, an 81-year-old club member, who had often attended events with his late wife, finds solace in the companionship offered by the club since her passing. While hesitant to seek a new partner, he values the friendships forged through gatherings like the Saint-Valentin celebration.

Jules Labonté, another club member, has witnessed couples forming at the club’s events, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings, especially for seniors who find it challenging to meet new people as they age.

Lindsay Fitch, a pastor at North City Church in northern Toronto, initiated the Valentine's For Seniors program to ensure that seniors do not feel abandoned during celebrations like Valentine’s Day. This program involves sending gift bags to seniors in long-term care facilities, aiming to uplift their spirits and mental well-being.

Manon Lemonde, a nurse and associate professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University, applauds these initiatives that prioritize seniors’ inclusion in Valentine’s Day celebrations. She stresses the importance of tailoring activities to seniors’ preferences and physical abilities while invoking a sense of nostalgia to enhance their experience.