A wellness program supported by Government of Ontario and TD for Mississauga seniors through fitness, health education, and community connection.
From October to December, V Serve Canada was proud to lead Mental Health for Older Adults, a 12-week program with, 16 in-person workshop series designed to support the mental, physical, and social well-being of seniors in Mississauga.
Hosted at the Meadowvale Community Centre, this program brought seniors together in a safe, welcoming space where movement, learning, creativity, and connection became part of everyday life.
The goal of this initiative was simple but meaningful:
to create accessible, engaging wellness opportunities that help older adults stay active, socially connected, informed, and confident in their daily lives.
Guided by community research and local focus group insights, the workshops were intentionally designed to:
Rather than focusing on age alone, the program emphasized ability, choice, and participation, recognizing that seniors have diverse interests, strengths, and experiences.
This program would not have been possible without the collaboration and trust of our community partners.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sahara Senior Services, whose leadership and ongoing dedication to serving seniors played a vital role in the success of this series. Their senior clubs provided not just participants, but a strong sense of belonging, continuity, and community.
Learn more about their mission and impact at:
https://saharaseniorservices.ca/about/
The Meadowvale Community Centre served as a central hub for connection, learning, and movement. Its accessible space allowed seniors from across Mississauga to gather comfortably, participate fully, and feel at home throughout the program.
This strong turnout reflects the growing need and enthusiasm for inclusive, community-based wellness programs for older adults.
The fitness and movement component of the program was led by Dhruv Naik, a Toronto-based Bollywood fusion dancer, choreographer, and educator with over 15 years of professional dance experience.
Dhruv is the Co-Owner and Artistic Director of Jadoo Entertainment, the GTA’s premier Bollywood fusion dance company. Founded in 2009, Jadoo Entertainment has grown from performing at cultural festivals to offering dance classes across the Greater Toronto Area and producing critically acclaimed Bollywood dance musical productions, many of which have sold out multiple times in the past year. Dhruv has served as one of the company’s principal choreographers and creative directors, shaping performances that blend storytelling, culture, and movement.
Alongside his work with Jadoo Entertainment, Dhruv is an ongoing guest teacher with the Dufferin-Peel District School Board, a faculty member at studios such as City Centre Dance and Underground Dance Centre, and a recurring workshop instructor at national platforms like the Desi Dance Convention. His training spans Bollywood, hip hop, jazz, and Indian classical dance, with a philosophy rooted in inclusivity and adaptability.
Throughout the Mental Health for Older Adults program, Dhruv tailored movement to meet seniors where they were — focusing on rhythm, coordination, balance, and enjoyment rather than performance alone. Over the course of four fitness workshops, seniors built confidence, stamina, and consistency in movement. Many participants reported feeling more physically active, more mentally engaged, and more motivated to stay active in their daily lives.
Across four fitness workshops, seniors participated in:
As the weeks progressed, many seniors reported feeling more confident, more active, and more motivated to move regularly. The series culminated in a group performance on December 18, choreographed and practiced together by the seniors themselves — a proud and joyful moment celebrated by all.
Feedback highlights showed strong agreement that the program helped participants become more physically and mentally active, reinforcing the value of consistent, guided movement in later life.
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The health and mental wellness workshops were led by Amrit Kenth, a medical student deeply committed to advancing community health and healthy aging through education and service.
Amrit brings a strong background in public health initiatives, having supported vaccination efforts and worked with organizations focused on improving access to care. With a passion for community engagement, Amrit approaches health education through a lens that is practical, compassionate, and easy to apply in everyday life.
Across four evidence-based workshops, seniors explored key topics including:
Rather than focusing solely on clinical information, these sessions emphasized small, realistic changes seniors could incorporate into their daily routines. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how mental health, nutrition, and physical activity are deeply connected — and how caring for one supports the others.
Feedback reflected that many seniors felt more informed, more confident in managing their health, and better equipped to make healthy choices after attending these sessions.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the program was the intergenerational workshops, where seniors participated alongside children and families through creative art-based activities.
These sessions encouraged:
For many seniors, these workshops created moments of joy, curiosity, and connection — reminding everyone involved that learning and creativity do not belong to one age group alone.
The feedback survey offered a clear and encouraging picture of impact:
Participation spanned a wide range of age groups, with the strongest representation from seniors aged 65–84, highlighting the program’s relevance across different stages of aging.
At V Serve Canada, we are proud to have facilitated a program that placed seniors at the center — listening to their voices, respecting their experiences, and creating opportunities that support dignity, wellness, and connection.
We are grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario, whose funding made this initiative possible, and for the continued collaboration with Trillium Health Partners, whose commitment to community health strengthens programs like this across the region. In addition to our community partners, we are grateful for the support of TD, whose partnership helped strengthen the delivery and reach of this program.
Together with our partners, we look forward to continuing this work — building healthier, more connected communities where older adults feel valued, supported, and empowered at every stage of life.
To learn more about our programs and upcoming initiatives, visit:
https://www.vservecanada.com/about
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