Unfortunately, older adults often experience feelings of sadness due to various factors like the loss of companionship, loneliness, isolation, changes in their living situation, and deterioration in their physical and mental health. Cultivating happiness and contentment can significantly improve their overall well-being.
Happiness in Older Adults Read More »
I was contacted by a concerned child that their parent was having an extremely difficult weekend at their care facility. Fortunately, I was scheduled to see them Monday morning. When I arrived, although extremely happy to see me, I could tell that she was “off.” After a brief discussion, we scrapped our previously scheduled plans, and I tried something new for both of us…music and a hand massage.
Agitation & Dementia Read More »
AirTags are a small, disc-shaped device that helps you locate and track items such as keys or wallets using the Find My app on your Apple devices. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to see the item’s location on a map and play a sound to help you find it. People with dementia may misplace or forget the location of important belongings, and AirTags can assist in finding these items. Attaching an AirTag to commonly misplaced items can help caregivers or family members track the item’s last known location.
It may not always be evident that a loved one struggles to get dressed. However, with reduced mobility, arthritis or cognitive issues, daily dressing in traditional clothing can become a source of frustration. There may be problems with buttons, shoelaces or the inability to get a good grip on a tiny pants zipper.
Apple AirTags & Dementia Read More »
Adaptive clothing is designed around the needs and abilities of people with varying degrees of disability. It could be due to age, a temporary issue or a permanent physical disability.
It may not always be evident that a loved one struggles to get dressed. However, with reduced mobility, arthritis or cognitive issues, daily dressing in traditional clothing can become a source of frustration. There may be problems with buttons, shoelaces or the inability to get a good grip on a tiny pants zipper.
Winter Safety Tips Read More »
While increasing our lifespan is a significant achievement, it is equally important to focus on improving our healthspan, which enables us to enjoy a higher quality of life in our later years. To enhance our healthspan, we can take proactive steps such as maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, staying physically active, managing stress, getting regular check-ups, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, incorporating mental and social well-being into our lives, fostering strong social connections, and engaging in lifelong learning can contribute to a fulfilling and healthy later life.
Life Span vs. Healthspan Read More »
When we think of Aging in Place, the ability to live independently, we often consider the physical barriers preventing people from remaining in their homes: ramps, grab bars, and lift chairs, to name a few. While the 2016 Canadian Consensus found that 85% of seniors wanted to remain in their homes instead of a care facility, only a small percentage of people do the planning needed to attain this goal. The barrier may be people simply don’t know what support they would need and worry whether they can achieve this goal financially, so it is easier to ignore the problem.
Aging in Place: 4 Things Commonly Overlooked Read More »
In Canada, wildfire season occurs between April and October
each year and can coincide with periods of extreme heat.
It is important to know how to protect your health when
experiencing wildfire smoke and extreme heat together. We have included a link to the Health Canada Guide to dealing with wildfire smoke.
Wildfire Smoke 101 Read More »
Even the thought of getting active can be daunting, but staying active does not need to be strenuous! Studies show that only 30 minutes of moderate exercise can benefit a person’s physical and mental health. Regular exercise improves flexibility and balance as well as sleep. It can reduce pain or stress and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
As we age, we lose muscle and bone mass, leading to issues with our muscles, joints and bones. Regular exercise slows the loss of muscle mass, strengthens bones and reduces joint and muscle pain.
It is important for aging seniors to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
Mobility and Seniors Read More »
