That included the art therapy classes she'd been taking, her volunteer work with other seniors and her regular physical activities like swimming. But it also made her realize there must be other Spanish-speaking seniors in the same situation. Last spring, Cruz-Valderrama launched New Beginnings, an organization that helps Spanish-speaking seniors in Ottawa who don't have access to technology cope with isolation through art therapy. Before the pandemic, Cruz-Valderrama, a retired public servant, kept busy volunteering, swimming, knitting and studying art therapy at Algonquin College. According to Cruz-Valderrama, colouring the designs requires attention and focus, and that can help relieve anxiety.

Source: CBC News May 01, 2021 07:52 UTC