At Sorrento, every month is a surprise, and April is no exception.

We might recognize April Fools, Easter, and Earth Day, but we also host events for special days that you may not have heard of. Like World Scrabble Day or Haiku Poetry Day. Here’s our breakdown of Sorrento events for the rest of April.

All events are free for residents and are just $5 for guests, unless noted otherwise.

World Scrabble Day Tournament | April 13 | 3:30 pm

If you already knew that World Scrabble Day was on the 13^th of April, then you’ll probably be a top competitor at our Scrabble tournament. It’s at 3:30 pm and will feature a Scrabble bracket for a competitive afternoon to show off your extensive vocabulary and enjoy some refreshments.

World Art Day & Earth Day: Mini-Flower Pot Painting | April 15 & April 22 | 3:30 pm

Participate in parts one and two of our Mini Flower-Pot Painting workshop to celebrate both World Art Day and Earth Day. You’ll begin your art piece on World Art Day on April 15 and complete it on Earth Day on April 22. It’s the perfect activity to flex your art skills while supporting the environment.

Haiku Poetry Day Writing Workshop | April 17 | 3:30 pm

On World Haiku Day
We’ll write poems together
With Sorrento friends

A Haiku is a traditional Japanese poem usually written with 17 syllables in three lines of five, seven, then five. On April 17, we’ll celebrate Haiku Day by hosting a workshop, where we’ll learn about what makes a great Haiku and how to write our own.

Sorrento Spring Gala, Live Entertainment | April 24 | 6 pm

The Sorrento Spring Gala will feature a delicious dinner with live entertainment from Italian musical performer Fortunato, who will be accompanied by a saxophone player.

Port of Call Chile: Food Demo & Live Entertainment | April 27 | 1:30 pm

Every month, Sorrento features Port of Call: An event inspired by the food and culture of one country from around the world. This month, we’ll be celebrating Chile with a food demo hosted by Chef Alfonzo and Chilean live entertainment at 2:30 pm.

International Dance Day: Dance Lessons | April 29 | 3:30 pm

To wrap up our April festivities, we’ll be hosting dance lessons for International Dance Day. This time of active fun and music will take place in Sorrento’s Grand Theatre, led by our recreation team.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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Scams have always been around. It used to be mail and telephone fraud, but now, with new AI applications, online scams have become more sophisticated and harder to spot. Because seniors are often the target of these scams, here are a few common tactics and warning signs to watch out for.

Phishing Emails & Text Messages

Many scams will come in the form of emails or text messages. A scammer will pose as a bank, corporation, or cellphone provider. These messages will usually include a link or attached file for you to click or download, which contain viruses that give the scammer access to your passwords, banking, or personal information.

What You Can Do:

Be skeptical of any links that are sent to you in emails or text messages. Make sure not to click these links or open attachments from people you do not know, and even if it seems like it is from someone you know, check the email address — or call that person directly — to confirm. A bank, credit union, or government organization will not send you anything by e-mail or text message unless you ask them to.

Online Friendships

Many online scams won’t just be a single text message or email. Online fraudsters will often aim to develop a friendship with you over time and create a sense of trust. After that, they will begin asking for money, in small amounts at first. They will often frame these requests as investment opportunities or urgent cases where they need your help.

What You Can Do:

Be cautious when messaging people that you haven’t met in person — never give them money or personal information. Keep trusted relatives in the loop and always walk through the scenario with them before making a big decision.

Posing as an Institution or Corporation

Many of us were raised to respect the government, institutions, and authorities. Scammers will often take advantage of this by posing as the CRA, banks, or service providers, and may contact you in the form of a phone call, text, or email. The scammer will often claim that you owe money to the institution and that you must pay back. They may also scare you by claiming that there will be financial or legal consequences if you don’t take action.

What You Can Do:

Scammers are able to change their caller ID so that they appear as the CRA or other institutions or businesses. The same goes for email names. For phone calls, we suggest you end the call by asking if you can call back the official number. For emails, check that the email address corresponds to the contact name.

Be wary of websites that you access through calls, texts, or emails. Scammers will create websites that impersonate banking or government websites. They’ll have official logos and similar colours and designs. Access a site through a browser or search engine like Google, and not just an email or message.

A scammer may also ask to access your computer remotely from another location. Only allow a tech support company to do this if you have reached out to them first and have verified their identity.

Impersonating a Loved One

Scammers may also impersonate a loved one so they can ask you for money. A common version of this is called the grandparent scam. It involves someone calling you, saying they’re your grandchild and that they’re in trouble with the police and in need of money. They will ask you not to tell their parents and will often have another person on the phone, pretending to be a police officer. These scams have now gotten more sophisticated with AI voice technology.

Scammers may also send you emails or messages under the name of a loved one. On Facebook, this may mean that their account was hacked, and it is a different person contacting you.

What You Can Do:

Confirm their identity through another contact method. If it’s a call, you should call the person through the number that is in your phone’s contact list. If they’re reaching out to you through a text or social media message, get hold of them in a different way or contact someone you both know to confirm their identity.

Urgent Asks

One of the tell-tale signs of a scam is urgency. Scammers want to make a situation seem high-priority and immediate, so that you don’t have the time to verify who they are or whether their request is legitimate.

What You Can Do:

Always be skeptical of calls, text messages, or emails that ask you to do something quickly, or ask you not to tell anyone else.

Requests to Send Money in Unusual Ways

Since many methods of transferring money are closely monitored by financial institutions, fraudsters will often get people to send them money in unorthodox ways. This may include things like investing in crypto, wiring them money, buying and mailing gift cards, or depositing envelopes of cash at specific locations.

What You Can Do:

Always make sure to walk through the scenario with a trusted relative. This will help you think it through and reconsider the situation.

Avoiding online scams is always easier when you live in a retirement home with trusted security and a helpful community. If you or a loved one is interested in moving to Sorrento Residences in Bolton, contact us today.

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We know that  social interaction can help seniors live fuller, longer lives, but there is one type of social connection that is similarly beneficial: pets. At Sorrento, a pet-friendly retirement home, we think that these furry friends are a wonderful addition to the lives of many retirees. Here are a few reasons why:

Routine, Routine, Routine

For much of our lives, our work, children, and other routines keep us active and focused from day to day. When these routines disappear, pets can be a wonderful way to establish new ones. Walks, feedings, and training done at regular intervals can help seniors stay alert and active, as can regular care like baths, food purchases, vet visits, and grooming.

Because They’re Cute

Seeing your furry friends walking down the hall brightens the day of both our staff and our residents. It’s a great way to lift the mood of the entire retirement home. But don’t listen to us, science also agrees that cute pets are very important. According to the NIH, interacting with animals decreases stress-related hormones and lowers blood pressure. So that fuzzy feeling you get when you pet an animal isn’t just nice, it’s also good for you.

A More Active Lifestyle

According to Mayo Clinic, just 30 minutes of dog walking a day reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, and even gives us more restful sleep. Of course, you could just go for a walk on your own, but having a pet helps you stick to it.

Keep Your Lifestyle

For pet owners moving to a retirement residence, having to rehome your pet is a hassle. But by moving to a pet-friendly retirement home, you’ll cut out the extra work of finding them a new place, and you can instead focus on enjoying your new lifestyle.

Lower Maintenance Pets

For some seniors, the burden of taking care of the pet may be too great if they already need extra support for day-to-day tasks. In these cases, it may be wise to opt for a lower-maintenance pet, like a cat or a fish tank. This offers many of the benefits without more intensive care requirements.

Pet or no pet, Sorrento Retirement Residence offers a living experience that fits your ideal lifestyle. If you or your loved one is interested in visiting, contact us.

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A good diet, regular exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking; we have known for a while that these are a few of the keys to a long and healthy life. Now, researchers in the science of longevity have added one more critical factor to that list: meaningful social connections.

Studies have found that those with stronger, long-term social connections aged at a biologically slower pace. They had fewer health markers commonly associated with diabetes, heart disease, and mental decline. This effect was more obvious when the connections were held over many years.

"Think of social connections like a retirement account," says Dr. Anthony Ong, a psychologist and professor at Cornell. “The earlier you start investing and the more consistently you contribute, the greater your returns…those returns aren't just emotional; they're biological. People with richer, more sustained social connections literally age more slowly at the cellular level.

“Aging well means both staying healthy and staying connected — they're inseparable.”

Social Connection Keeps Your Mind Sharp

A robust social life can improve your brain health. A 2021 study by Society & Ageing found that out of 66,000 people, those who were most socially connected had the best mental cognition.

Social interactions engage the brain in a unique way.  Dr. Andrew Budson, a Boston-based neurologist, explained that social activities cause us to use our brains — all of our brains. All of our senses, including vision, hearing, and smell, are engaged during social activities. Putting the brain to work like that strengthens the connections between brain cells and creates new ones, too.

Social activity tends to be even more beneficial than other forms of independent mental exercise for seniors, including things like crossword puzzles.

Other Benefits of Social Connection

Social connection also delays dementia risk and reduces incidences of depression and anxiety, which are increasingly common among seniors. These social connections can also offer seniors a sense of purpose and self-worth, increasing happiness.

The American Centers for Disease Control also points out several physical health benefits. It can reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness, including heart disease and stroke. There is even evidence that it can help improve immune function, reduce stress, and improve mobility, all of which are important not just for longevity but for improving our quality of life as we age.

How You Can Stay Connected in Retirement

• Join an activity-based group like a book club, a community garden, or a walking group. Community centres will often host various social clubs for seniors.
• Set scheduled times to meet with or call family or friends. Maintaining these existing relationships is just as important as making new ones.
• Give back by volunteering with local community events or engaging in mentorship programs.

If your loved one moves to a more social setting, they’ll have better opportunities for close and meaningful connections.

At Sorrento, we create those opportunities. Check out our monthly newsletter for our calendar of events, and if you or your loved one is interested in visiting, contact us.

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For many residents, a retirement home can seem unfamiliar and new, especially for those who’ve moved from a house they’ve lived in for decades. At Sorrento, we aim to create a comfortable and welcoming environment all year long, especially during the winter months. With the holidays just around the corner, here are a few gift ideas to help ease your loved one’s transition into their new suite and make the cooler months just a little warmer.

Warm Winter Lighting

A daylight lamp, like the Hatch Restore 2, comes at a pretty penny but will mimic the rise and fall of the sun, which is a nice touch during the darker winter months. You can also opt for something like the Adesso Oslo Floor Lamp, which is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

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A Very Soft Throw Blanket

This extra-large throw blanket from L.L. Bean will be a comfortable addition to the winter season. And for a little extra warmth, heated blankets like the Brookstone Heated Luxe Faux Fur Throw are safe and easy to use.

Seasonal Scents

If your loved one has always been a candle person, you could opt for a vintage candle warmer. Candle warmers are a great way to get the scent of a candle without the risk of an open flame. For other scent options, you could purchase an Essential Oils Diffuser for therapeutic scents.

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Personal Memories Made Easier

An Aura “Carver 10’” digital picture frame is a great way to put your family photos and memories on display. Plus, it can be updated remotely.

Simple Festive Decor

If you’re going to be gifting ahead or your loved one likes to enjoy the holiday decor into the new year, we suggest a table-top tree, like this 24-inch Majestic Fir, or a four-foot faux spruce tree for larger suites. Get it as an early gift and help them set it up.

Practical, Everyday Gifts

A durable and textured shower mat can prevent slips. You could also get an Ezpik Grabber Reacher Tool to make it a little easier to grab things off the floor or their shelves.

And if your loved one hasn’t moved here yet, a suite at Sorrento could be the perfect gift for the holidays. Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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November has arrived, and with it the late autumn and (very early) beginnings of the holiday season. We at Sorrento are thrilled to have some exciting activities lined up for residents and their guests, see below for the details.

Celebrating Cappuccino Day | November 7 |$5 for Guests | 2:00 – 4:00 pm

As a residence with close ties to our Italian heritage, we think everyone should celebrate Cappuccino Day. We’ll be hosting a sing-along at 2:00 pm, and at 3:30 pm residents will learn how to make homemade cappuccinos, served with freshly baked biscotti.

Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11 | 10:45 am

On November 11^th, Sorrento is proud to hold a Remembrance Day Ceremony and observe a moment of silence for those who have made the greatest sacrifice to protect our freedom. Residents and loved ones are welcome to join us to honour this important tradition.

Sorrento’s Fashion Show | November 14 | $5 for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

We’re hosting a fashion show where residents will have an opportunity to show off their best outfits, accompanied — if they choose — by their furry friends.

Sorrento’s Talent Show | November 21 | $5 for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

The residents at Sorrento aren’t just fashionable, they’re also talented. This event is a great chance to support our residents as they showcase their skills.

Celebrating Special Days of November | November 27 | $5 for Guests | 6:45 pm

This event will feature live music by Josie and Nick at 6:45 pm. Stop by to enjoy the performance.

Sorrento's Hoe Down Event | November 28 | $5 for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

To wrap up the month, we’ll be hosting a delightful western-inspired afternoon. At 2:30 pm, join us to enjoy music, snacks, and refreshments, and at 3:00 pm show off your moves with line dancing lead by Diana.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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Fall is such a wonderful time of year—the crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks make it a season to enjoy. As we welcome autumn, it’s also a good time to think about a few simple ways to stay safe and comfortable. With just a little preparation, residents and families can enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Dress in Layers

Autumn weather likes to keep us guessing! A chilly morning can turn into a warm afternoon, and then cool off again by evening. Dressing in layers makes it easy to stay comfortable all day long. Soft sweaters, light jackets, and cozy scarves are great options, and don’t forget warm socks and safe, non-slip shoes for those crisp walks outside.

Stay Healthy with a Flu Shot

Fall also means flu season. One of the best ways to stay well is by getting a flu shot. It’s quick, easy, and helps protect not only you, but also friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Many retirement communities and pharmacies offer convenient clinics to make it simple, and it’s a good time to ask about any other recommended vaccines too.

Make Home Safe and Cozy

As the days get shorter, we naturally spend more time indoors. That makes it important to keep our living spaces safe and inviting. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use space heaters safely and keep them clear of blankets or curtains.
• Keep hallways and walkways free of clutter to avoid trips or falls.
• Make sure lighting is bright, especially near stairs or entrances.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms for peace of mind.

Embrace the Season

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy all the little moments that make autumn special—whether it’s a walk among the colorful leaves, sharing a cup of tea with a friend, or joining in a fun seasonal activity. With a few small steps to stay safe and healthy, this season can be as cozy and joyful as it should be.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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Every Friday in September, we'll be hosting special events packed with flavour, fun, and community spirit here at Sorrento. From Tuscan-inspired wine and cheeses to live honeybee demonstrations, here's a full breakdown of what's in store for Sorrento residents and guests.

National Chianti Day | September 5 | $5 for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

We're starting the first Friday of September right with our Grape and Wine Festival. Enjoy a delightful wine and cheese tasting event with your friends and family.

Honey Fest with Live Bees | September 12 | $5 for Guests | 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Join our friend Andrew for a fascinating presentation on how bees make honey, including a live bee and honeycomb display (don't worry, you won't get stung). That's followed by a sweet sample of natural honey and handmade goodies — a great way to bring a little sweetness to your day.

High Tea Event | September 19 | $5 for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

In honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, we're inviting friends and family to high tea. Enjoy sipping on traditional teas, along with English treats in a regal setting.

Savour September with Applefest |September 26 | Free for Guests | 2:30 – 3:30 pm

September is the beginning of fall baking season, and that means freshly picked apples. Join us to sample a few dishes featuring our signature ingredient.

End of Summer Sizzle BBQ | September 27 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm

We are closing out the summer with one last taste of the season. Join us for Sorrento's End of Summer Sizzle BBQ.

$15 Green Ticket

Includes: Hamburger, sausages, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, green salad, and grilled veggies

Drink: Fruit punch or lemonade

Dolce: Chef's dessert of the day

$25 Blue Ticket

Includes: Ribs, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, green salad, and grilled veggies

Drink: Fruit punch and lemonade

Dolce: Chef's dessert of the day

$5 Red Ticket

Includes: Featured Happy Hour drink at the bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

RSVP Deadline: Please confirm with the concierge by September 20th at noon.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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Ferragosto, literally the “festival of Augustus,” is a public holiday and summer vacation season in Italy, and here at Sorrento we’re celebrating with events every Friday of the month. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s in store for Sorrento residents and guests.

National Beer Day | August 1st | $5 for Guests + Drinks* | 2:00 – 4:00pm

At Sorrento, August 1st isn’t just a long weekend, it’s also a chance for beer-lovers to enjoy food and drinks. At 2:00pm, attendees will learn to make “beer and pretzel” cocktail meatballs, and at 3:30 pm, they’ll enjoy a happy hour while learning fun facts about beer.

Afternoon Delight | August 8th | $5 for Guests + Drinks* | 2:00 – 4:00pm

Sorrento’s Afternoon Delight features two cosmetic workshops followed by a cocktail happy hour. The first workshop is a manicure where attendees will receive tuxedo-style nail art. After that, a pampering session with Mary Kay Cosmetics will be followed by a cocktail happy hour.

Salsa for Seniors | August 15th | $5 for Guests | 2:30 - 4:00pm

Salsa for Seniors will give residents and guests a chance to show off their best dance moves while enjoying a plethora of snacks and refreshments.

Ferragosto Celebration | August 22nd | $5 for Guests | 2:00 - 4:00pm

Sorrento will celebrate Ferragosto by hosting a food demo at 2:00pm, teaching attendees how to bake homemade pizzelle, an Italian cookie. At 3:00pm, Coro Italia will perform traditional Italian music.

Sorrento Celebrates | August 29th | $5 for Guests | 2:30PM

For this month’s Sorrento Celebrates, Sorrento will host a Tarantella-themed party with music from Italian artist, DJ Saverio. Attendees will learn new dance moves and enjoy great snacks and refreshments.

Weekly Specials at Ristorante Vittioro | Weekly

All year round, Sorrento’s in-house restaurant, Ristorante Vittioro, offers delicious weekly specials including oven-baked pizza on Thursdays and beer-battered fish and chips on Fridays. View the weekly dinner specials here.

*The $5 entry fee does not include drinks from the bar. Select drink prices are reduced during happy hours.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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At Sorrento, we’re proud to offer an exciting environment that’s filled with chances to enjoy the sweetest parts of life, and this month is no exception. Along with events like bingo, fitness classes, and community outings, we’re hosting three “sweet” events that are free for all residents to enjoy at Sorrento this July.

Strawberry Social Afternoon | July 11^th | 2-4pm | $5 for Guests

At the height of strawberry season, we’re hosting our Strawberry Social Afternoon on July 11^th. Residents will learn how to make strawberry ice cream in our craft kitchen and enjoy a generous, Italian-sized helping of this delicious homemade dessert. The afternoon will also be accompanied by a strawberry-themed art workshop and tall glasses of strawberry juice.

Port of Call: Brazil | July 18^th | 2-4pm | $5 for Guests

Every month, Sorrento hosts Port of Call, a themed community event with activities and snacks from countries around the world. This month, we’ll be enjoying Brazilian desserts, entertainment, and drinks.

At our Brazilian food demonstration, residents will learn the process behind making Docinho, a chocolate-covered treat with a coconut or toffee core. The food will be followed by Brazilian-themed entertainment and served alongside Caipirinha; a Brazilian cocktail made of Cachaça, sugar, lime, and ice. The cocktails will come in alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Sorrento Celebrates: Limoncello | July 25^th | Free for Everyone

This month we’ll be hosting “Sorrento Celebrates” during our open house. The event will be Limoncello-themed, which means you’ll have the chance to discover Sorrento and enjoy a sweet taste of the Amalfi from our in-house bar, and great company on our main floor.

Are you or a loved one thinking of moving to Sorrento? Contact us to begin the conversation or start with a virtual tour.

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