“BEYOND COVID! Seniors Health Tribune Newsletter & Serenade Project”

The outlined project provides the establishment of a monthly Health Tribune Newsletter or Magazine, showcasing Black Diaspora Seniors way of Life and their well-being, acting as a health tool “mouthpiece” showcasing the numerous common senior Black diaspora health issues and challenges and diseases, like dementia, HBP, arthritis, heart issues, change of diet from indigenous Black foods etc, and alerting Seniors on everyday steps they need to take to guard against them. The newsletter will also promote senior exercises, diet and health measures and medical tips. Seniors will showcase and tabulate their own experiences, and a Senior Volunteer Editorial Board will execute the publication with the help from BCHMC. Coupled with the Newsletter shall be a monthly Music Serenade disc jockeying, playing memorable, soft, soothing and happy folk songs, cultural songs and Canadian Songs for seniors, whilst socially-distanced, at strategic Senior Assisted Living Centers, in North, West, South and East Edmonton. Karaoke will be additionally in play, and this will be showcased monthly in the Seniors Tribune Newsletter.

The above will demonstrate the advancement of National Priorities in that not only are Black Diaspora Seniors the only ones showcased, but “All Seniors” too, because all our seniors stay at same non-discriminatory facilities disregarding of race, culture or creed. This promotes universal diversity of all seniors, thus promoting inclusion and healthy ageing. Music have scientifically, culturally and spiritually been found to play a pivotal role is helping seniors and everyone cope w loneliness, stress, anxiety and age -related pain. The inclusion of music, karaoke and showcasing a senior Magazine mitigates heavily against the pain and stress of our seniors and communities stressed and living with Covid-19. This Projects clearly demonstrates that it will work as a bulwark during Covid-19 and Beyond (post)- covid-19, in that seniors health, happiness and diaspora black senior Lives Matters Too! Additionally seniors will have a project that addresses their social isolation, thus supporting heathy aging. It also works as a bridge between the enthusiastic youths and seniors to bridge the gap by both teams creating content on their newsletter editorial as well as content on what music the seniors wants to be played. Mentorship and operating across all functions is thus established. By been mentally alert in this Project, seniors are continually mentally alert and this addresses ageism, dementia and mental health. A diaspora Seniors Health Newsletter run by a Seniors Editorial Board promotes cultural diversity and the promotion of intergenerational mentoring amongst Black (racialized), newcomer groups and low-income seniors. The Black Heritage Center wishes to thank ESDC for funding us on this Project under the New Horizons for Seniors project.