“GOLDEN AGE” CLUB — A GIFT TO OTTAWA’S SENIORS
Interview with the Director of the “Matryoshka-Uspekh” Children’s Centre
“We want to give Ottawa’s seniors the opportunity to feel needed and valued again.”
— Anna Nikolaevna Frolova
There comes a special stage in everyone’s life — a time when we can allow ourselves to slow down, devote more attention to ourselves, our interests, and communication with people who share our values and outlook. It is a wonderful period when experience and wisdom are combined with the desire to share and to learn something new. Unfortunately, for many seniors in Ottawa and Gatineau, this stage of life is often associated with loneliness, a lack of communication, and the absence of cultural events in their native language.
To help change this situation, a unique club called “Golden Age” is opening in Ottawa. Its mission is simple and ambitious at the same time: to fill the lives of older adults with warmth, joy, and new experiences.
A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE WELCOME
The club will operate at the “Uspekh” Children’s Centre and the “Matryoshka” daycare — educational institutions that have long been known in the city and enjoy an excellent reputation. Here, in a bright and welcoming space, seniors will gather once or twice a week to spend time with friends and like-minded people.
“We want to give our dear Ottawa and Gatineau residents aged 60+ the opportunity to feel needed, active, and happy,” says the centre’s director, Anna Frolova.
AN INSPIRING PROGRAM
The organizers have developed a rich and varied program where everyone will be able to find an activity they enjoy.
• Literary discussions and meetings with interesting people. This is an opportunity not only to read and discuss favourite works, but also to share personal memories connected with books.
• Handicrafts and cooking workshops. Participants can rediscover old skills or learn new ones: embroidery, knitting, painting, and preparing traditional dishes.
• Theatre and creative evenings. Small performances, sketches, and poetry readings help develop memory and imagination while bringing the joy of social interaction.
• Music and art classes. Painting, singing, and playing musical instruments — our experienced teachers will help uncover talents, even if you never knew you had them.
• A delicious homemade lunch. The finishing touch to every gathering will be a meal shared in friendly company. After all, some of the warmest and most heartfelt conversations begin around the table.
Special attention will be given to the cultural and spiritual side of the program. The teachers, many of whom are well known in Ottawa’s Russian-speaking community, will conduct classes in the participants’ native language. This will create a warm atmosphere of closeness and trust, which is especially important for older adults.
SMALL STORIES — GREAT MEANING
To understand what “Golden Age” may become for its participants, it is enough to imagine a few everyday stories.
Maria Ivanovna, 72. She worked as a teacher all her life. Her home is filled with books, but these days she has fewer and fewer people with whom she can discuss what she has read. At the club, she will once again be able to talk about literature and even lead a small poetry group.
Georgy Petrovich, 68. He has always loved cooking, but after retirement he lost some of his inspiration. At the cooking workshops, he will rediscover the joy of preparing food and share the secret of his signature borscht with all the participants.
Anna Sergeevna, 80. She once loved drawing, painting, and bead embroidery, but over time her hands forgot the familiar movements. At the club, surrounded by peers and guided by a teacher, she will return to painting and handicrafts and once again feel needed.
Vladimir Nikolaevich, 74. In his youth, he performed in amateur theatre. Today, he may think that it is too late to return to the stage, but the club’s theatrical gatherings will give him another opportunity to experience the magic of applause.
These stories are imaginary for now. But this is exactly how it can be: every participant will find an activity they enjoy and people with whom they will want to share their happiness.
CARE FOR EVERYONE
One of the most important features of the “Golden Age” Club is its accessibility. The organizers have made it their goal to ensure that participation is possible for everyone, regardless of income.
The cost of classes will be symbolic. For those facing financial difficulties, significant discounts and even free attendance will be available thanks to sponsors.
“We are grateful to the people who support this project. Their generosity is an investment not only in today, but also in their own future,” emphasizes Anna Nikolaevna.
COMFORT AND SAFETY
Classes will be held once a week. The comfortable facilities of the “Uspekh” Centre on Woodroffe Avenue are easily accessible both for those arriving on their own and for those brought by their children or relatives.
The atmosphere of the club is about more than schedules and activities. It is also an opportunity to feel part of a large and friendly community. Here, everyone will be greeted with a smile, listened to, and supported.
THE CLUB AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY
It is important