Andrée found that time was passing slowly at home with her husband. “Apart from watching TV or calling a friend on the phone, we didn’t do much,” she says. “We wanted to go out, but where could we go? To the mall? It’s boring! We sat around all day, but I wanted to move!”
Recognizing the desire for more activity, the 75-year-old woman started going to the SCAMA Centre in Laval. For 40 years, this community agency has been serving seniors with reduced independence, providing services and activities that let them stay active and connected to their community while continuing to live in their homes.
We’re still mobile, so why stay at home?” – Andrée
“I see in the media that many seniors are abused or isolated,” Andrée says. “That’s why I wanted to come because here, seniors are well looked after and can get help. You make friends and there are lots of interesting activities. And the staff are warm and wonderful.”
Magda, 69, also finds that every visit gives her a burst of energy. Magda takes three buses to get to the Centre. “If I lived closer, I would come every day,” she says.
“On Mondays there’s yoga, on Tuesdays dancing, on Thursdays chair or standing exercises. I come home full of energy and very happy.” – Magda
Beyond the physical activity, Andrée highlights the sense of community, which makes all the difference. “We gather around a table, catch up on each other’s news and play cards,” she says. “We feel comfortable here.”
Services designed to stay active and connected
There is no shortage of things to do at the SCAMA Centre: yoga, creative workshops, French classes, coffee klatches, outings. Seniors can also get home-delivered meals, friendly phone calls and visits, or respite for their caregivers. It’s all designed to help members remain independent, active and part of the community.
Bingo is one of the most popular activities. “I just wish they would increase the value of the cards a bit!” jokes Hani, 63. He is also a fan of the dance parties. He never misses one, especially when they play disco music from the ’70s and ’80s. “Disco reminds us of our youth!” he says with a smile.
“After 50 years, you want to pass on what you’ve experienced and share your stories.” – Hani
To foster relationships across generations, SCAMA has set up an intergenerational committee with Saint-Maxime School. The seniors have met high school students, gone on an outing to a sugar shack together, attended a party at the school and enjoyed a meal prepared by the students. “We’re not left out,” they explain.
In addition to its regular activities, the SCAMA center is also investing in innovative projects to make its services even more inclusive. Through the Philia Project, carried out in collaboration with UQAM, the agency is developing a toolkit and training sessions to help volunteers and professionals better welcome seniors from cultural communities. The goal? To break their isolation, foster intercultural connections, and prevent mistreatment.
“Coming here brings me a lot of positivity. It brings me joy. I feel comfortable here. I come and stay as long as I like, depending on my schedule for the day.” – Andrée
A centre that radiates life
“Here, we form lasting friendships and share memories,” says Magda. These connections extend beyond the centre: “We get together with the friends we’ve made here outside the centre as well,” she adds. “We meet at a restaurant, we arrange to meet up.”
Magda is proud of her involvement in the SCAMA Centre: “My children are very happy about it. They tell everyone they know who doesn’t have a community to come and see me at the centre,” she says with a laugh. “They want me to set an example and encourage others to break out of their isolation.”
Andrée ended up bringing her husband. “At first, he categorically refused to come to SCAMA,” she recalls. “Too many women, it’s not for men! But I convinced him. He finally agreed—and he loves it!” Now they both come every day. Through the card games, shared laughs with new friends and fitness activities, her husband has rediscovered the joy of getting out and being active.
Andrée sums it up this way: “Here, we’re not grey, we’re alive! We’re still mobile, so why stay at home?” For these seniors, SCAMA is more than just a place to take part in activities: it’s a space for living, joy and sharing.
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