“Golden Age” Club – A Gift to Ottawa’s Seniors
(Interview with the Director of the “Matryoshka-Success” Children’s Center)
“We want to give Ottawa’s seniors the chance to feel needed and valued again.”
— Anna Nikolaevna Frolova
There comes a special stage in every person’s life — a time to slow down, to focus on oneself, one’s interests, and meaningful conversations with like-minded people.
It is a beautiful period when experience and wisdom blend with the desire to share and to keep learning.
Unfortunately, for many seniors in Ottawa and Gatineau, this stage is often marked by loneliness, a lack of social interaction, and the absence of cultural events in their native language.
To change that, Ottawa is welcoming a unique new initiative — the “Golden Age” Club.
Its mission is both simple and profound: 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 “Success” children’s center and the “Matryoshka” daycare — two well-known educational institutions in Ottawa with an excellent reputation.
It is here, in a bright and cozy space, that seniors will gather once or twice a week to spend time among friends and peers.
“We want to offer Ottawa and Gatineau residents aged 60+ the opportunity to feel active, engaged, and happy,” says the center’s director, Anna Frolova.
A Program That Inspires
Organizers have developed a rich and diverse program where everyone can find something they enjoy:
• Literary discussions and guest talks. A chance to read, discuss favorite works, and share memories connected to books.
• Handicrafts and cooking workshops. Participants can rediscover old skills or learn new ones: embroidery, knitting, painting, or cooking traditional dishes.
• Theatrical arts and creative evenings. Short plays, skits, poetry readings — all of which stimulate memory, imagination, and bring joy through shared creativity.
• Music and art activities. Painting, singing, playing instruments — experienced teachers will help participants uncover hidden talents they may never have suspected.
• A delicious homemade lunch. Each meeting ends with a friendly shared meal — a time when the warmest and most heartfelt conversations naturally unfold.
Special attention will be given to cultural and emotional connection.
Many of the instructors are well-known within Ottawa’s Russian-speaking community and will conduct classes in participants’ native language, fostering a sense of comfort and trust so vital to seniors.
Small Stories, Big Meanings
To understand what “Golden Age” will mean for its members, imagine a few simple life stories:
Maria Ivanovna, 72. A lifelong teacher and avid reader. At home she has a personal library, yet few people to discuss books with. At the club, she’ll lead literary conversations and perhaps even a small poetry circle.
Georgy Petrovich, 68. He’s always loved to cook but lost his inspiration after retirement. Through the club’s cooking classes, he’ll rediscover that joy and share his secret recipe for authentic borscht.
Anna Sergeyevna, 80. Once a painter and bead embroiderer, her hands have long forgotten the motions. Surrounded by peers and guided by a teacher, she’ll once again paint, create, and feel fulfilled.
Vladimir Nikolaevich, 74. In his youth, he performed in community theatre. Now, at the club’s drama gatherings, he’ll relive the magic of applause.
These stories are still imaginary — but that’s exactly how it will be.
Every member will find something meaningful and people with whom to share happiness.
Caring for Everyone
One of the key features of the “Golden Age” Club is its accessibility.
The organizers aim to make participation possible for everyone, regardless of financial situation.
The fees will be symbolic, and for those facing financial hardship, there will be substantial discounts or even free attendance sponsored by donors.
“We are deeply grateful to those who support this project. Their generosity is an investment not only in the present, but also in their own future,” emphasizes Anna Nikolaevna.
Comfort and Safety
Classes will take place twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The comfortable and accessible Success Center on Woodroffe Avenue welcomes those who arrive independently as well as those brought by children or relatives.
The club’s atmosphere is about more than just schedules and activities — it’s about belonging to a warm, friendly community.
Here, you’ll always be greeted with a smile, listened to, and supported.
A Community Project
The “Golden Age” Club is more than just a meeting place — it’s a community initiative uniting Ottawa and Gatineau’s Russian-speaking residents.
For many families, it’s an opportunity to give their parents not only care, but also the joy of companionship with peers.
When adult children know their parents are spending time with joy and purpose, it brings them peace of mind: their loved ones are in good hands.
How to Join
Joining the club is simple: just send an email to info@zolvoz.ca or oxanafrolova@hotmail.com.
The organizers will contact you and provide all the details.
The “Golden Age” Club is a true gift to Ottawa’s Russian-speaking community —
a place where wisdom and experience meet joy, creativity, and human warmth.
It’s an opportunity to live your senior years brightly, actively, and happily.
Come yourself, or invite your parents and friends — because a second, even third youth is always near.
You just need to open the door for it.
Interview conducted by
Victoria Yuniter