Golden Designs Tabloid

Caption: Valrie James (seated) receives guidance from Art Educator Dr. Verona Barnes in the crochet/layered textile class hosted by Golden Designs. Colliecia Wright/ Media Intern "I needed something to do; sitting at home was very horrible," reflected Valrie James when asked about her decision to learn the art of crocheting. The spirited 73-year-old from Seaview Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, discovered the transformative power of crocheting in her pursuit of a purposeful life. Just four months into her crocheting adventure, she has blossomed into a skilled artisan, crafting beautiful decorative pieces and fashion-forward creations that have captivated shoppers. Retiring in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after many years of working as a janitor, James found herself without a source of income. Struggling financially and with a desire for independence, she sought a meaningful way to fill her days. Little did she know that her journey to self-discovery was just around...

Radiance personified: Meet Winnifred 'Ms. Pearl' Stern, 106 years young, the heartbeat of St. Andrew Parish Church in Jamaica. With grace in her steps and wisdom in her smile, she's not just the oldest member—she's the living testament to a lifetime of faith and the cherished soul of our church family. In this post, we'll explore why elders feel this connection and how it positively impacts their lives, especially during the Yuletide Season. For numerous elders, attending church is more than just a weekly tradition; it's an integral part of their spiritual journey. An article published by the Vancouver Home Health Care Agency in 2021, reports that “regular church attendance can instill a deep sense of happiness” in seniors, impacting various aspects of their lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From fostering a sense of community to providing opportunities for growth and service, there are numerous reasons why older adults find a profound connection...

Golden Designs, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting active ageing through the arts, is excited to announce the Golden Designs Seniors Art Fair. This event provides an incredible opportunity for senior citizens to display and sell their artworks, designs, and creations. We invite seniors to register as vendors and share their talents with potential buyers. The Golden Designs Seniors Art Fair will take place on Saturday, December 9, at Regardless (The Manley Centre), St. Andrew. This art and cultural gathering promises to be an unforgettable occasion, celebrating the creativity and talent of our cherished senior citizens. Vendors will have the opportunity to secure a booth for $6,000, which includes essential amenities such as a table and chair. The fair aims to showcase a diverse range of talents, from painting and sculpture to crafts, textiles, books, and more. Seniors are encouraged to register by Friday, November 10 to secure their booth for the event. "Ou...

Senior Citizens' Week 2023, spearheaded by the National Council for Senior Citizens, is just around the corner, promising a two-week-long celebration of wisdom, unity, and intergenerational bonds. With the theme "Embracing Wisdom, Uniting Generations," this year's event is set to bring together people of all ages to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our senior citizens. From September 24 to October 8, 2023, a diverse range of activities and events will take place across Jamaica, dedicated to recognising and cherishing the elderly in our society. Schedule of Events: National Church Service (September 17, 2023 @ 7:00 a.m.) Venue: Power of Faith Ministries, Portmore, St. Catherine SCW Press Launch (September 19, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m.) Venue: AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston Virtual: MLSS YouTube and Facebook World Alzheimer's Day (September 21, 2023) Theme: "Never too early, never too late" Event: Runaway Bay Memory Club Launch Venue: Ru...

Image courtesy of Freepik SUMMER COMES to an official close on September 22, and with babysitting duties concluding as the grandchildren return to school, seniors can relish in some well-deserved 'Me Time' or 'Friend Time'. The summer sun continues to shine (in all its glory), even as the days gradually become shorter, there is still ample time for seniors to make the most of the season. The warm weather and longer daylight hours provide an excellent opportunity for seniors to engage in a range of activities that cater to their interests and physical abilities. Whether it's staying active, exploring the outdoors, or simply relaxing, there is something for everyone in the final weeks of summer. 1. Take a Walk or Bicycle Ride One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to embrace the summer season is by taking leisurely walks or bicycle rides. Just as seniors encouraged the children to reduce screen time and ‘get outside’, they should do the same. Walking or Bi...

Enjoy your fruits to keep hydrated.  It’s that time of year again when the temperatures start to rise, and the summer heat becomes more intense. With the summer season already underway, it's crucial to consider the impact of high temperatures on senior citizens. The combination of an impending heatwave and the effects of ageing make it essential for older adults to take extra precautions to stay cool and healthy during the sweltering summer weeks. Recent reports from the Jamaica Public Service Company indicate that Jamaica experienced its highest-ever demand for electricity on June 14, suggesting that the country is already feeling the effects of rising temperatures. Additionally, meteorologists have forecasted up to 15 heatwave days for Jamaica through the end of August, signaling a period of abnormally hot weather. Scientists attribute these extreme temperature spikes to the warming oceans and the arrival of El Niño weather conditions in the Pacific, making 2023 potentially the...

                 At Golden Designs, we believe that senior citizens deserve the utmost respect, recognition, and support. As an organization dedicated to catering to individuals aged 60 years and older, we are thrilled to introduce our new blog, Golden Tabloid, where we aim to provide a wealth of valuable information and engaging content tailored specifically to the needs and interests of senior citizens . Golden Tabloid serves as a platform to bring together the vibrant community of seniors, celebrating their achievements, sharing their stories, and addressing the issues that matter most to them. We understand that seniors have a wealth of wisdom, experiences, and perspectives that deserve to be heard, which is why this blog is dedicated to highlighting outstanding senior citizens who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. Through Golden Tabloid, we strive to empower seniors by offering insigh...