Seniors

We provide a range of free counselling, programs and services specifically designed for older adults 55+.

Staying active and engaged. Improving the quality of daily life.

We provide a range of free counselling, programs and services specifically designed for older adults 55+.

Services and Counselling

Daily Life Assistance

If you’re 55 or older, we’re here to help you:

  • Understand the services and supports available to make your life easier
  • Navigate the application process for Old Age Security and other income supports
  • Prepare Toronto Community Housing Annual Rent Renewals
  • Obtain government documents, including Ontario Health Card, Social Insurance Number, Driver’s License, Marriage and Birth Certificates
  • Access other needed services
  • File your Income Tax
  • Complete forms

We provide:

  • Translation of documents
  • Information and referrals to other services, e.g., health, legal, financial

To speak with a Senior Services Worker, please contact:

Simon Young, Senior Services Worker
(English / Cantonese)
seniors@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 598-3444 ext. 240 or (647) 395-7294

Tax Clinics

We offer one-on-one income tax filing services, by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact:

Simon Young, Senior Services Worker
(English / Cantonese)
seniors@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 598-3444 ext. 240 or (647) 395-7294

Exercise and Physical Activities

Tai Chi Class (English, Chinese)

A gentle form of martial arts known for its health benefits and meditative properties. Our classes are designed for seniors of all different fitness levels. Whether you’re seeking a new form of physical exercise or a way to meet new friends.

  • Date: Mondays to Fridays
  • Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
  • Location: Gymnasium at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Cost: Free!*

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan and Tai Chi Sword Classes (English, Chinese)

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan and Tai Chi Sword are unique martial arts based on traditional Tai Chi forms that combine elements of dance and other styles of martial arts. It is a great way to exercise your mind and body while learning about this beautiful and elegant Chinese martial art practice.

Note: Basic knowledge and previous experience in Tai Chi are necessary for this class.

  • Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (10:00 am to 11:00 am)
  • Tai Chi Sword: Tuesdays (8:00 am to 9:00 am)
  • Location: Gymnasium at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Cost: FREE!

Qigong (English, Chinese)

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to balance the body’s energy. Join us in this new class and improve your overall well-being in a low-impact, relaxing way. No prior experience needed!

  • Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 am
  • Location: Gymnasium at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Cost: Free!*

Line Dancing (English, Chinese)

Step into the world of Line Dancing, a fun way to get moving and meet new friends! Our line dancing classes welcome dancers of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Come join us on Thursdays!

  • Date: Thursdays
  • Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Location: Gymnasium (University Settlement at 23 Grange Road)
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Cost: Free!*

Music, Arts, and Crafts Programs

Senior Choir (Chinese)

Explore diverse musical repertoires in our weekly choir group designed for music enthusiasts. Led by a skilled instructor, members delve into classics and contemporary tunes, honing their vocal talents and fostering a vibrant community of music lovers. Join us for an enriching musical journey!

The program is offered in Mandarin.

  • Date: Wednesdays
  • Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Location: Basement Room 1 at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: Chinese
  • Cost: FREE

Traditional Chinese Dance (Chinese)

Immerse yourself in the grace and elegance of traditional Chinese dance! This class offers a wonderful opportunity to learn the fundamentals of traditional Chinese dance. Join us to celebrate Chinese culture, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of dance!

  • Date: Mondays
  • Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
  • Location: Auditorium (University Settlement, 23 Grange Road, Toronto)
  • Language: Chinese
  • Cost: FREE

Chinese Calligraphy (Chinese, English)

Discover the beauty and tradition of Chinese calligraphy in our immersive class. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our calligraphy sessions offer a peaceful and enriching space for you to learn and practice this beautiful art of writing.

This program is currently paused. Please stay tuned for future updates.

Let’s Paint Together: Seniors Painting Social (Chinese, English)

Join us for a fun and relaxing painting session. We provide free space, basic painting supplies, photo references, light refreshments as well as some nice cozy music. We encourage you to bring your photo reference and painting supplies. No experience needed at all. Just bring your creativity and enjoy everyone’s company.

This program is currently paused for the summer. The program will resume in September 2025.

Chinese Music Appreciation Workshop (Chinese)

Want to learn how to appreciate Chinese music? Our monthly workshop series will help you analyze music with examples from a piece of chosen music or song.

This workshop occurs once per month. The date changes each month – register online to be notified of upcoming workshop dates.

  • Date: Last Tuesday of every month (June 24)
  • Time: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Language: Chinese
  • Online: by Zoom
  • Free!

New! Open Air Crafting Studio for Older Adults (English, Chinese)

Join us this summer for a relaxed, creative, and community-focused outdoor arts program designed especially for older adults, their families and friends. The Open Air Crafting Studio offers weekly hands-on sessions featuring projects using accessible and often upcycled materials.

No prior experience is needed. Material, instruction, along with some light snacks & refreshments will be provided for participants.

Here are the projects we’ll be doing this summer! Come enjoy fresh air and the joy of making art!

  • Making flowers using crepe paper
  • Japanese origami (the art of paper folding)
  • Chinese paper cutting
  • Paper painting (upcycling flyers, magazine, poster, and scrap paper)
  • Painting your own birdhouse
  • Making your mini hanging wind chimes
  • Decorating your ceramic coasters

Registration is encouraged as the program is highly dependent on the weather and the space limited – please register to receive program-specific updates.

  • Dates: Wednesdays (weekly, starting on June 18)
  • Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Location: Outdoor front entrance at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Free!

Calling for donations! We are also collecting unused or lightly used crafting material and art supplies. For details, please see Creative Upcycle Program, or email sss.volunteer1@universitysettlement.ca

Technology Programs

Technology for Beginners (English, Chinese)

Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to technology. Learn the basics, meet friends. This class comprehends one hour session for individual questions and another hour for learning along with a small group.

  • Dates: Wednesdays
  • Time: 10:00 am to 11:15 am (one-on-one questions & answer); 11:15 am to 12:00 pm (small group class)
  • Location: Computer Lab (University Settlement, 23 Grange Road, Toronto)
  • Language: English and Chinese

Seniors’ Digital Connect – Intermediate Level (Chinese)

Seniors’ Digital Connect is a program dedicated to fostering seniors’ autonomy and enhancing their connectivity by empowering with the skills needed to navigate their daily electronic devices. Tailored for adults aged 55 and above, the program delivers a range of intermediate to advanced technology classes. Past topics include online shopping, simple photo-editing on smartphone, etc.

  • Dates: Fridays
  • Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
  • Language: Chinese
  • Location: Online by Zoom
  • Cost: Free for everyone 55 years and older

Food, Social, and Entertainment

New! Grange Picnic (English, Chinese)

Come spend a summer afternoon with us at Grange Picnic – a simple, welcoming gathering where community members can connect, relax, and enjoy the outdoors together. Feel free to bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, any small arts & crafts project you’re working on, or just any music playlist you are want to share. We’ll have light snacks, board games, and a space to just sit and enjoy the laid-back activities with our dearest neighbours at Grange.

  • Date: Fridays (weekly, starting in June)
  • Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Location: Grange Park
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Cost: Free!

Board Game Club (English, Chinese)

Whether you are a seasoned player or just curious to try something new, our Board Game club is all about having a good time and friendly faces!

As we are slowly adding new games to offer everyone the best experience, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our staff and tell them about your favourite games! It’s the perfect chance to laugh, connect, and enjoy some light-hearted competition.

  • Date: Mondays
  • Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Location: Basement Room 1 at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Cost: Free!

Movie Day (English, Chinese)

Join us for an afternoon of classic and contemporary films from around the world.

Feel free to bring snacks, sit back and let the movie begin! No alcoholic beverages allowed.

  • Date: Monday, June 23 (Movie: Nezha 2)
  • Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Location: In-person (Gymnasium)
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Cost: Free!

Special Programs

Introduction to Urban Sketching (Chinese, English)

Curious about drawing the world around you? This series of beginner-friendly workshops introduces you the basics of urban sketching – the art of capturing buildings, streets, parks, and everyday scenes through quick, observational drawing. No experience is needed.

We’ll cover simple techniques for seeing shapes, using perspectives, and sketching using ink, pencil, or watercolour. All materials will be provided.

This series of workshops will also prepare participants for our summer outdoor sketching sessions.

  • Dates: Every Thursday in June
  • Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
  • Location: Auditorium at University Settlement (23 Grange Road)
  • Language: Chinese and English
  • Cost: Free!

Creative Upcycle Program

This summer, we are launching Creative Upcycle Program – a donation-based recycling and upcycling program that gives new life to old materials through art!

We’re collecting gently used or leftover art supplies and crafting materials for use in our community programs – including Open Air Crafting Studio (a series crafting sessions), outdoor sketching classes, as well as future creative and art workshops.

By donating, you help reduce waste and support free creative experiences for older adults and our community. Please see below for a list of items we are collecting:

  • Old magazines, flyers, posters, newspapers, stock paper, etc.
  • Unused or lightly used art supplies (i.e. sketch paper, canvas, paints, brushes, etc.)
  • Unused or lightly used crafting materials and supplies (i.e. crafting tools, scissors, tape, crepe paper, coloured paper, etc.)

Unsure if we are accepting the item? Feel free to send us an email at sss.volunteer1@universitysettlement.ca

  • Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
  • Time: Drop off anytime between 9:30 am to 3:00 pm; email us to book a time
  • Location: Drop off at University Settlement (23 Grange Rd) – Room 201 to Esther
  • Book a time: Email sss.volunteer1@universitysettlement.ca to book at time

Seniors’ Summer Outing: City Walks (Chinese, English)

Enjoy the summer season with two gentle-paced, guided city walks designed for older adults. These outings offer a great opportunity to explore the city, get light exercise, and connect with others in relaxed setting. The first walk will take place in the union station PATH system. The second walk will follow a different route to be announced soon. Both walks will include rest stops.

Open to all individuals 55+. Registration is required.

  • Date: Thursdays (June 12 and June 26)
  • Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Location: Meetup details will be provided to registered participants via email and/or phone calls closer to the date
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Cost: Free!

Senior Month Event: Picnic in the Park (Chinese, English)

Celebrate Senior Month with a relaxing picnic in the park! This special event offers older adults a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair if you’d like.

Open to all individuals 55+. Registration is required.

  • Date: Thursday, June 19
  • Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Location: Grange Park
  • Language: English and Chinese
  • Cost: Free!

Links2Wellbeing Project:
Social Prescribing for Older Adults

Calling all primary care providers!

Links2Wellbeing is a pathway for primary care providers to link older adults to social and recreational opportunities to promote their health and wellbeing. Learn how Links2Wellbeing works in your community and how your healthcare team and your patients can benefit from this project.