See our Programs Guide
At Strathcona Place Society, we believe that every senior should have access to tools to lead a healthy, independent, and connected life. With this in mind, we have created several programs to appeal to older adults.
Registration open January 5, 2021!
Session Start Dates: January 14, February 18, and March 25
The class video link is available Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to Fridays 11:00 a.m. weekly. You will not be able to access the video if you missed the video access period.
Instructor: Lara Reynolds
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: None
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
This is a sixty-minute low-impact workout that can be done in the comfort of your home and is perfect for wheelchair-bound and immunocompromised seniors. The instructor utilizes everyday articles in your home to incorporate in the exercises and provides modifications to fit every fitness level.
Session Start Dates: January 11, February 22, and March 29
The class video link is available Mondays 10:00 a.m. to Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. weekly. You will not be able to access the video if you missed the video access period.
Instructor: Dr Elaine Soong
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: None
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
This online class is perfect for the busy senior who works part-time, are caring for loved ones, or who simply cannot fit a scheduled class into their schedule for one reason or another. These are pre-recorded classes, accessed by a link that is valid for up to twenty-four hours from the start of the class.
Zumba is more than learning a new dance move or two, it is a fitness routine that is heart-healthy, builds and tones muscles, improves cardio, promotes flexibility, and decreases stress.
Session Start Dates: January 15, February 19, and March 26
The class video link is available Fridays 2:30 p.m. to Saturdays 2:30 p.m. weekly. You will not be able to access the video if you missed the video access period. (45-Minute Class)
Instructor: Lara Reynolds
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: None
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
Do you enjoy a physical challenge? Do you want to improve your body’s awareness and mechanics? This intense (no chairs allowed) yoga class will help you to achieve greater mobility and improve joint range of motion. Challenging but accessible poses will be done to build strength.
These classes are pre-recorded and accessed by a link that is valid for up to twenty-four hours from the start of the class.
Session Start Dates: January 13, February 17, and March 24
The class video link is available Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. to Thursdays 2:30 p.m. weekly. You will not be able to access the video if you missed the video access period.
Instructor: Dr Elaine Soong
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: None
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
Calling all young at heart and fit seniors. This new exercise program focuses on abdominal and back muscles to improve balance, stability, and reclaim the chiselled physique of your youth. This class is intense and flexible enough to fit into your busy schedule as the pre-recorded classes can be accessed by a link for up to twenty-four hours from the start of the class.
Session Start Dates: January 12, February 16, and March 23
The class video link is available Tuesdays 2:30 p.m. to Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. weekly. You will not be able to access the video if you missed the video access period.
Instructor: Lara Reynolds
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: None
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
Barre is a fusion of ballet, yoga, pilates and dance. The movements are highly repetitious, requires very small isolated movements for a low impact workout.
These classes are pre-recorded and accessed by a link that is valid for up to twenty-four hours from the start of the class.
Session Start Dates: January 15 (Online), February 19 (Blended), and March 26 (Blended)
Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Dr Elaine Soong
Mode: Blended (Online and In-Person)
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 9 persons per class for in-person, None for Online
Cost per Session:
$20 for members, $30 for non-members In-Person
$15 for members, $25 for non-members Online
The four-week in-person and online Gentle Strength Training Class is focused on building and preserving independence through exercises that improve balance and strength. The training may involve light weights, resistance bands, and body awareness training. Participants will receive coaching modified to their abilities and may progress at their own pace. This class is useful for persons who wish to prevent muscle loss.
Session Start Dates: January 15 (Online), February 19 (Blended), and March 26 (Blended)
Fridays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Instructor: Ken Chui
Mode: Blended (Online and In-Person)
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 9 persons per class for in-person, Unlimited for Online
Cost per Session:
$20 for members, $30 for non-members In-Person
$15 for members, $25 for non-members Online
Seated Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that improves balance, reduces fall risks, and improves posture which leads to an overall improvement in health and wellness. It consists of making slow, graceful movements while breathing deeply.
Session Start Dates: January 25, March 8, and April 12
Mondays 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Lynne Fahlman
Mode: In-person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 8 persons per class
Cost per Session: $20 for members, $30 for non-members
This class is done with the use of a chair for seated yoga poses and support while standing. Build strength, improve flexibility, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity with calming poses that are gentle on the muscles. This class is highly recommended for persons with limited mobility and individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Session Start Dates: January 25, March 8, and April 12
Mondays and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Instructor: None
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (8 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 8 persons per class
Cost per Session: $20 for members, $30 for non-members
This is a two-player high calorie burning sporting activity (doubles suspended for the duration of the pandemic). Players have varying skill levels, and beginners are accepted. This activity is known to improve hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and balance.
Meet-up Days: April 7 (5K Challenge), April 14, April 21, and April 28
Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Instructor: None
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (8 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 10 persons
Cost: Free
Organised walking groups are a senior’s ticket to the great outdoors on a budget. Enjoy the beautiful topography of the Queen Alexandra, Pleasantview, and Allendale communities. Walking groups are a great way to meet new people, get fit, and find balance. Let us welcome the Spring in fine walking (and jogging, for those are able to) style.
Session Start Dates: January 25, March 8, and April 12
Mondays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Boyer
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 7 Persons
Cost per Session: $30 for members, $40 for non-members
Open to all oil and acrylic painters! You will enjoy the company of other painters as you work on your own art. Exchange ideas, tips, and tricks with others while you benefit from Joyce Boyer’s expertise. Joyce will help you with your composition, colour choices, and style, answer your questions, and encourage your art practice. Be sure to bring your art supplies!
Start Date: February 16, March 21, and April 20
Third Tuesday of the Month 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mode: In-Person
Duration: Ongoing
Registration Limit: 8 Persons
Cost: Free
Strathcona Place Society in partnership with the Edmonton Public Library hosts a monthly Book Club where seniors can have access to thousands of titles to read, enjoy, and discuss. A new book is discussed every month.
Share your love of reading, keep in touch with your peers, or open up yourself to new people and ideas.
Start Date: January 27
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Instructor: SPS Staff and Volunteers
Mode: In-Person, Telephone, and Online (Google Classroom short course)
Duration: Ongoing
Registration Limit: 4 Persons (2 Persons Per Half Hour)
Cost: Free
Today's society relies so much on one's ability to navigate technology. We need computers for work, school, keeping in touch, day-to-day task management, remote education, and online shopping. Research that used to be done in a library can now be done online. You also need an email address to sign-up for new services, make online purchases, and communicate with friends and family. This class is for adults who lack familiarity with computers and will focus on basic computer hardware and building an understanding of how different software works.
Session Start Dates: March 16 (Only offered in Session 2)
Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Rusti Lehay
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 11 persons per class
Cost per Session: $30 for members, $40 for non-members
This program focuses on two creative writing genres; poetry and prose. Participants will get the gentle push needed to finally put ‘pen to paper’ and create their own masterpiece. They will also develop their editorial skills by giving and receiving respectful feedback. Learn how to make your writing appeal to your target audience, brainstorm ideas, and learn how to borrow the techniques of seasoned writers to sharpen your own skills.
Session Start Dates: February 4, March 11, and April 8
Thursdays 9:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Phyllis Shuell
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 5 persons per class
Cost per Session: $20 for members, $30 for non-members
Do you love to write and would appreciate constructive criticism to improve your craft? This class is the perfect informal space to receive thoughtful in-depth feedback on your latest writing project.
Session Start Dates: Postponed
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Thery Van Kuppeveld
Mode: In-Person
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: 5 persons per class
Cost per Session: $20 for members, $30 for non-members
Want to get in touch with your creative side or learn a new skill? Then sign up for our all things needle class (crocheting, sewing and knitting).
Session Start Dates: January 22, February 26, and April 9
Fridays 11:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Boyer
Mode: Online
Session Duration: 4 weeks (4 Classes per Session)
Registration Limit: Nones
Cost per Session: $15 for members, $25 for non-members
Learn the basics of drawing, mixing colours (oil and acrylic), techniques to take your talent to the next level, and so much more!
New talent can emerge at any point in life.
Start Date: January 6
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Jojomon Anthony, RSW
Mode: Online
Duration: Ongoing
Registration Limit: None
Cost: Free
Learn More: Click Here
Do you enjoy group discussions about everyday issues? Are you feeling isolated and in need of a non-judgemental support group? Then this popular men’s group is the non-prescriptive cure you are seeking!
Start Date: January 13
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Laura Rexhepi, RSW
Mode: Online
Duration: Ongoing
Registration Limit: None
Cost: Free
Learn More: Click Here
“Behind a successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back”_Unknown.
This very popular support group allows women to connect with their peers, laugh, share ideas, and chat about anything that ‘tickles their fancy’.
Start Date: January 14
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Jojomon Anthony, RSW
Mode: Online
Duration: Ongoing
Registration Limit: None
Cost: Free
No auditions and prior experience required. The choir provides an enjoyable opportunity to expand your musical knowledge with a supportive group. Learn about other cultures through music and hone your musical talent.
The choir will take part in concerts and events hosted throughout the year.
Who are Phone Pal volunteers?
Phone Pal volunteers are members of the community who enjoy interacting with seniors and who have undergone training to identify issues that may be negatively affecting seniors. This training is a crucial component of the established referral pathways for additional social support.
How does the Phone Pal programme work?
Volunteers are screened (police check), trained, and surveyed to identify interests. Seniors in the programme are also surveyed to determine their interests.
Volunteers and seniors are matched based on shared interests, cultural background, and language. Matches have also been accommodated based on other preferences, such as age. Strathcona Place Society tries its best to accommodate the unique needs of each client. We have found that commonalities improve the flow, depth, and frequency of conversations.
What is it like to talk to a Phone Pal volunteer?
The first conversation is scripted. The volunteers tell the seniors who they are and their affiliation with Strathcona Place Society. The volunteer will then proceed to ask the senior about their recreational pursuits, at which time, commonalities will be established, thereby forming the basis for ongoing contact.
As the relationship progresses, seniors become more open to sharing issues negatively affecting them such as the inability to cope with the loss of a loved one, food insecurity, housing needs, family disagreements, injuries sustained, etc. Should something stand out in a conversation with a senior, the volunteer notes this in their weekly report, and the case referred to the Strathcona Place Outreach Team (SPOT) for follow-up.