ABOUT USSenior Living is a monthly magazine published by Stratis Publishing Ltd., on Vancouver Island and throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Senior Living is an inspirational magazine profiling the lives and achievements of active seniors and people over the age of 50. Along with articles about individuals, the magazine contains a selection of articles related to gardening, travel, health, finances, food, and a variety of other topics. It is the mission of the publishers to help pave the way to an enlightened society where the word “senior” is spoken with pride, and citizens of senior age are treated with respect and dignity. Through its inspirational content, Senior Living celebrates seniors in our communities and invites readers to applaud the lives and achievements of this mature generation of people. Senior Living acknowledges the transition people make as they move from their 50s into their 60s and beyond. Therefore, articles reflecting this lifestyle change are an integral part of the Senior Living content. Begun in Victoria, BC in June 2004, the Vancouver Island magazine grew from an initial distribution of 10,000 magazines to an island wide readership of over 60,000 in less than 3 years. Over 60% of readers say they read Senior Living from cover to cover, testament to its popularity and reputation for quality content page after page. Senior Living magazines are distributed in locations with high senior traffic, such as senior and recreation activity centres, libraries, larger independent and assisted living residences, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. Second Magazine Launched in 2006In November 2006, Senior Living launched a second magazine in Vancouver. This magazine is distributed throughout the municipalities of the Lower Mainland and has a readership of over 50,000 and growing. Pharmasave Stores Begin Distribution of Senior LivingPharmasave joined as a major distributor of Senior Living magazine in all its stores throughout BC in 2008.
Special Editions
SENIOR HOUSING SPECIAL EDITIONS - These semi-annual Senior Housing special editions publish in February and August. These editions contain articles of particular interest to readers looking at their future housing options. The Vancouver Island magazine is unique in that it contains a comprehensive guide listing all independent, assisted living and residential facilities on Vancouver Island, their amenities and costs. This guide is used by seniors, their families, professionals, social workers, physiotherapists, hospitals, etc., to find appropriate placements for seniors choosing or needing to relocate to a congregate care residence. These Senior Housing Special Editions are of particular advertising interest to senior residences, relocation specialists, realtors, moving companies, legal and financial services are some of the regular advertisers in this special edition. PLANNED GIVING SPECIAL EDITIONS - Both magazines publish semi-annual Planned Giving special editions in May and November. These issues contain articles about legacy planning, investing, financial planning and donating to charities. Charitable organizations, financial planners, investment brokers, attorneys and notary publics are some of the regular advertisers in this special edition. HEALTH & FITNESS SPECIAL EDITIONS - these editions publish in January and September. They contain articles pertaining to health and wellness, fitness and activities. Recreation Centres, fitness centres, sports retail stores, nutrition and vitamin shops, health professionals, sports clubs, leisure centres and activity programs etc are some of the businesses that are a fit for this particular edition. ANNUAL FEATURES: March - Silver Collar Workforce & Senior Entrepreneurs April - Food June - Travel & Adventure July - Arts & Entertainment October - Fashion & Beauty December - New Product & Gift Catalogue
50+ Active Living CelebrationIn 2005, the Senior Living launched the Senior Celebration Festival in Victoria. This annual event evolved into the 50+ Active Living Celebration in 2009. It serves to promote the talents, abilities, hobbies and interests of active people over the age of 50. Approximately 65 exhibits are hosted by individuals 50+ who demonstrate their ongoing involvement in the community through activities, clubs and associations. About 45 businesses that provide products or services to the 50+ demographic are selected to participate as well. A full day of lively entertainment by over a dozen performers attracts about 2500 visitors to this unique event which is held in March during Embrace Aging month.
Book PublishersIn 2007, Stratis Publishing began publishing select books. The first was a compilation of writings by Senior Living’s popular columnist Gipp Forster, called “Reflections, Rejections and Other Breakfast Foods.” It is available for individual purchase from Senior Living’s online bookstore. The second book called “To Move or Not to Move? ” was an informative guide for seniors on Vancouver Island considering whether they should age in place or move to a different housing situation. This book was expanded and reprinted in January 2009 as a BC edition. It is available for individual purchase from the Senior Living online bookstore, or from select distribution locations. It is also available for purchase in bulk amounts by businesses, organizations and agencies who wish to provide their customers with this very comprehensive guide to senior relocation options. Senior Living published a third book on behalf of author Valerie Green, called “Embrace the Journey.” This is a poignant story about a daughter caring for her aging parents and the challenges and blessings it presented. It is available for individual purchase from Senior Living’s online bookstore.
WebsiteSenior Living is continually developing and expanding its website. Our latest addition, the Senior Living Housing Directory, was launched in February 2010.
Senior Living Senior Housing Directory of BCThis directory contains listings of all types of housing options for seniors. Housing types include Independent and Supportive, Assisted Living, Complex Care, Respite, Rental Properties and Purchasable Properties like condos, townhouses that are senior-oriented. Listings contain comprehensive information including services, types of care, amenities, staff on site, security, and more.
NewslettersSenior Living publishes monthly newsletters for both our readers and our advertisers (or potential advertisers). Subscribe to these newsletters by visiting the Home Page of our website and filling in the appropriate information. For an idea of what is published in each newsletter, please visit our Newsletter Archives on our website.
AwardsSenior Living has won 2 major awards for its community involvement and quality publication. In 2006, it won second place in the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Small Business category. In 2007, it won the Award of Merit from the Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors.
  Publishers
Barbara and Barry Risto are the publishers of Senior Living magazine and all its subsidiary events and products. Barbara has over 18 years experience in the publishing industry and a variety of experience garnered through working with non-profit boards and advocating on behalf of people with disabilities. Barry had a number of senior-related jobs prior to publishing the magazine, including maintenance management at an assisted living facility and lift system technician and salesman for a medical supply company. He is now involved as ad sales manager of Senior Living.
Editor Bobbie Jo Reid has been involved with Senior Living from its inception, first as a volunteer reporter, then as a part time assistant editor, and finally taking on the role of managing editor in January 2005 Her dedication and skill ensures a quality publication month after month. She is now editor of both the Vancouver Island and the Vancouver editions and manages a large group of freelance contributors, both editorial and photographic. You can reach Bobbie Jo at editor@seniorlivingmag.com
Sales TeamSenior Living is proud of their team of marketing professionals.  Mathieu Powell has represented Senior Living since its founding in 2004. His years of experience in marketing to businesses who want to attract the rapidly expanding senior consumer demographic have earned him the respect of numerous businesses and organizations in the Victoria and Vancouver areas.
You can reach Mathieu at mpowell@seniorlivingmag.com  Ann Lester has been a Marketing Representative with Senior Living almost as long as Mathieu. She joined Senior Living in 2005 and has had the pleasure of working in the Nanaimo and Vancouver areas. Ann has a strong community presence and her networking abilities have made her a great resource for businesses wanting to market their products or services to the senior consumer.
You can reach Ann at ann@seniorlivingmag.com Barry Risto, co-publisher of Senior Living, rounds out the sales team as the Advertising Sales Manager. Barry enthusiastically promotes Senior Living magazine to businesses, sharing the understanding gained through years of experience working with seniors in a number of employment situations. Publishing a seniors magazine has strengthened his understanding of how businesses can serve their senior clients.
Support Staff Shayna Horne began working for Senior Living part time while she was still in high school. Soon after entering the workforce full time, she was hired by Senior Living as Receptionist. It soon became evident that Shayna had a lot more skills to bring to the table than were first evident. She is now the Office Manager and is in charge of bookkeeping, accounts receivable, classifieds, book sales, subscriptions, computer data entry, distribution, web content management and a host of other tasks that make up the operational core of Senior Living.
Holly Bowen is the newest addition to the Senior Living team. She began working with Senior Living in January 2010. Her role as Publishers Assistant is to relieve Barbara of the many day to day tasks that interfere with the management of the business as a whole. A well developed set of design skills give her the ability to assist with the creation of ads, promotional materials, newsletters and also web content management. She has strong organizational and communication skills that lend themselves well to the job at hand. | 
