WHEN SUMMER draws to a close, you will want to be prepared with some cooler- weather fashions like this Navajo-inspired jacket or double-breasted charcoal blazer and pleated pant, both from Kimart’s Jaclyn Smith Col- lection. The jacket is worn over a silky grey shirt with soutache-embroidered coliar and tops black suede walking shorts while the sophisticated masculine look is completed by a crisp white shirt and paisley tie. Photo submitted HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shore Community Services (NSCS), ‘is a forum for discussing government policies and _ pro- grams, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services. Answers are intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: I am approaching 65 years of age and will be retiring from my job. I have always been an active person and want to lead 8 full retired life. A friend told me thaf there are seniors’ groups that I can join. Do you have information on these groups, and can you tell me about group setivities offered to people who are my age? Right now I'm not really look- ing forward to retiring. Answer: It is wise of you to plan for your retirement as it ap- proaches. For many people, retir- ing after several years of work can come as an unpleasant experience, especially if they have not thought about their new lifestyle. An increase in leisure time, the loss of regular contact with work associates and the change in status from being an employed person to a retiree —- often involving a drop in income — can create a major impact on a person’s life. You will probably experience mixed feelings, at least for the first while, about your new situa- tion. Retiring from work is like any major change, in that it is a type of loss. You may find that you experience symptoms of grieving. This can include feelings of anger, depression and some changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Of course, if these feelings per- sist, you should consult your doc- tor. You may discover that talking to other people in similar situa- tions can be helpful. It can be very comforting to realize that you are not the only one with mixed feelings about retirement. Your friend was right about there being seniors’ groups that you can join. On the North Shore there are two seniors’ activity cen- tres, which provide recreation and support programs. The West Vancouver Senior Citizens’ Activity Centre is located at 695 21st St. in West Vancouver (926-4375) and the Silver Harbour Centre is at 144 East 22nd St. in North Vancouver (980-2474). Each centre offers a wide varie- ty of activities from crafts and fitness to educational programs. The North Shore Neighbour- hood House at 225 East 2nd St., North Vancouver (987-8138) also has a seniors’ program, which of- fers recreational activities, bus tours and special events. KELLY KIRBY COURSE FOR PIANO TEACHERS to be held in VANCOUVER, BC. AUGUST 26, 27, & 28 Complete instruction for new and experienced teachers in this intemationally famous way of teaching young beginners 4 to 8 of age - as taught in the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. Particulars g ladly given. TELEPHONE 322-7373 Brochures available at Ward Music (Lonsdale) and Calder Music (Capilano Rd.} All of the mentioned facilities also host a weekly Keep Well Program for seniors, which focuses on relaxation, diet and health. Cali the centre nearest you for more information. For senior citizens who wish to take part in educational programs, Jocal residents 55 years and over can take advantage of Eldercollege courses offered through Capilano College. Programs are planned by and for adults who pay a membership rate allowing them to take a number of courses. For further information about Eldercollege, vall 984-4906. For general information about seniors’ issues, programs or special interest groups not listed in this column, call the new One Stop Senior’s Information Line at 983-3303. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation, For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. August 7-31 only! EESECOND TIME AROUND d ANTIQUES § ‘ 4428 Main St. Vancouver | tacross from McDonalds Restaurant at 29th St? Call 879-2313 SPINE <7. PINE 2. Yes, Coriander has moved. Our new location is bigger and better than ever. We have added ANGELA BUCCARO a glamorous line of washable [| separates, both comfortable and elegant. Ca BASc. MSc. NORM ASHCROFT Dipl. Urban Land § Service With integrity Be sure & call me for J your Real Estate needs. 926-0805 Joy Realty Inc. 926-7701 FINAL DAYS Y P On all seasonal Ladies’ and Men’s S Bastions by ICE