Seniors Wellness
- Exercise & Massage
- Japanese lunch program
- Homebound & Outreach adventures
- Osteofit exercise program
Educational
- Japanese conversation classes
- English conversation classes
- Family Drop-in program for toddlers and parents
Arts and Culture
- Craft Club
- Japanese calligraphy
- Minyo Dance
- Karaoke
- Mahjong & Poker
Recreational
- Table Tennis
- Various walking programs
- Gateball
- Japanese cooking and sing-a-long activities
Workshops
- Covering legal, employment, housing, pension, various health and other topics of interest
Fitness Programs and Massage:
Beginning with a ‘Radio Workout’ warm up, we carry out full-body exercises focusing on the joints, stretching, coordination drills and massage. Since our participants are primarily seniors, we cater exercise to your condition and physical abilities.
Lunch Program:
Every Monday and Friday, volunteers make delicious lunches, usually in Japanese style but sometimes with a Japanese-Western blend, which include main dishes, side dishes, rice, miso soup and dessert. Numbers are limited, so please call ahead if you would like a lunch.
Minyo Odori (folk dancing):
We offer a folk dancing program taught by an instructor of the Otowa style and dance with uchiwa fans and hanagasa hats in hand. Kimonos and happi coats are worn and we perform at the Powell Street Festival and at nursing homes. Participants are mostly senior citizens so this is ideal for people who would like to have fun but not strenuous activity.
Japanese Language:
Classes are offered at the beginner and intermediate levels and are led by experienced instructors who teach reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Participants vary widely in nationality and age making for a very international setting. The beginner’s class is for first time students of Japanese who cannot yet read hiragana or katakana, or for students who are not yet able to have basic conversations. The intermediate class is meant for students who have learned how to read hiragana, katakana and simple kanji and who are able to carry on basic conversations in Japanese.
Osteofit:
‘Osteofit’ is a BC Women’s Hospital program devised to help prevent falling and bone fractures. For people with osteoporosis, those who have never exercised until now, or people who have felt uneasy about joining in exercise, this program is just right. Participants are mostly senior citizens. Classes consist of exercises and games to improve muscle tone, balance, reflexes and posture all of which helps in preventing falls. In addition, there is information provided on how to maintain bone density through nutrition, fall prevention and how to lead an active and full life.
Poker:
There is no betting of money, but this program is just as serious and fun as if we were playing with real money. Cards are not only fun to play, they are a good mental exercise and are useful for keeping the mind sharp. Participants are mainly seniors.
Family Drop-in:
This is a program where Japanese-speaking parents come with their children. It is a not only a friendly place for parents who have children of similar age to socialize and exchange parenting information, but also a place that allows children to play while being exposed to the Japanese language. We also provide useful information and various activities for parents and children such as picture-story shows by senior volunteers, parenting consultation with community nurses, and other guest speakers. This is a program which also welcomes non-members to come on a drop-in basis. The cost is $4.00 per family.
Gateball:
Gateball is a game invented in Japan which is similar to croquet, and is a tactical sport that is played between teams of five people. Although it has an image of being a sport for seniors, nowadays there is an increase in popularity among elementary students, university students and even younger adults. Our Tonari Gumi members team up with Vancouver Buddhist Temple members and practice at the Temple as well as regularly participate in regional and international matches. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you are inexperienced and don’t have equipment.
Bowling:
Every month, on the afternoon of the third Wednesday, we play 5-pin bowling at Grandview Lanes near Broadway Station. Most of our participants are seniors. Although the ball is smaller and lighter compared to 10-pin bowling, it requires better control of the ball.
Calligraphy:
Calligraphy is a creative art in which you use a brush and ink to express kanji and kana. In calligraphy, the beauty of expressing in script is pursued by every move you make with your writing—the brush you use, the color of the ink, the shape and meaning of the word is expressed. We have participants of all ages who enjoy a tranquil moment of calligraphy in their busy days.
Mahjong:
Of course Tonari Gumi offers the version of mahjong where no gambling is involved. In order to win, mahjong requires much brainwork to come up with different combinations for your tiles and to effectively calculate leftover tiles. This is the perfect game for keeping an active brain. If you are a beginner, we will teach you the rules so please join us.
English conversation:
Beginner – Survival English for life in Canada: Participants learn everyday English and useful phrases to help them navigate daily life. Intermediate: Vocabulary, idioms, grammar study using West Coast Reader, a monthly publication for ESL learners.
Karaoke:
This is a friendly and fun karaoke program. You not only get to enjoy singing the songs you love, but you get a chance to listen to others and learn a few new songs to add to your repertoire.
Crafts:
This is a crafts club for seniors. It is a volunteer project, so you do not pay a monthly fee like the other programs but since participants are volunteers, we only accept people who can continue on an extended period. Please contact us if you enjoy crafts and knitting and will be able to help on a long-term basis.
Piano Sing-a-long:
Participants sing nostalgic songs such as nursery rhymes and popular songs with the piano or guitar. This program is free of charge for members.
Table Tennis:
There are two ping pong tables suited for singles matches. Players take turns to play on a first-come-first-serve basis. It’s free to play for all TG members and volunteers, $5 for non-member seniors and $6 for non-member non-seniors. No sign-up necessary – just bring your racket and come play.
Walking:
From April to September, once a month, we visit different parks and trails for walks. Because most of our participants are seniors, we carefully pick places with shade and less slopes. For those who are interested, we gather after the walk for lunch.
Senior Outreach:
Once a month we take the seniors out by car to various places such as tourist spots, orchards, the zoo, gardens, afternoon tea or dinner. Seniors have priorities, but if there are spaces available, anyone else may join us.
Kuishinbo-kai:
This program is held once a month and gathers people to enjoy cooking together. We make different kinds of food from scratch such as pizza, udon, steamed meat buns, sausages, monjayaki, takoyaki and so on. Of course, after the hard work we enjoy the food together. Whether you succeed or fail, it is always fun to cook together! *This program provides socializing around cooking and is not a cooking class.
Movie and Tea:
Once a month, we enjoy a Japanese movie on a big screen TV while sipping tea and enjoying snacks. Classic movies, new movies, and even controversial movies, we always have something different. Please feel free to let us know if you have a suggestion for our next screening. Free for TG members and volunteers, $5 for non-member seniors and $6 for non-member non-seniors.
