This holiday season promises to look different than any before it for many families. But it can be refreshing and fun to shake up the routine by incorporating new ideas, especially when some of the go-to activities may not be possible this holiday season. While it is important to keep safety in mind during the holidays, there are a number of ways to bring connection, purpose and hope to seniors – even when we can’t see them in-person. These fun ideas for families focus on activities to do with seniors, including grandparents, older parents, and elderly neighbors. Some are free or affordable, o ..read more

This year, when in-person visits and holiday dinners may not be possible, it is more important than ever to keep in touch with senior loved ones in a safe, thoughtful way. Families should find meaningful ways to make sure older adults are physically and mentally healthy, and to ensure that they are feeling the joy of the holiday season. And connection isn’t just important during the big days on the calendar – it includes time throughout the season in between holiday celebrations. Feelings of senior isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, especially during quarantine and stay-at-home o ..read more

There are many benefits that come with getting older, but there are also factors to be aware of when it comes to our health and wellness. As we age our body’s natural defenses become less reliable and as a result, seniors are more susceptible to infection – including pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs and can range from mild to severe. For some, pneumonia can be fatal. Older people have a higher risk of getting pneumonia and are more likely to die from it if they do. For seniors, hospitalization for pneumonia has a greater risk of death compared to any of the o ..read more

As we enter the fall and winter season this year, things look a little different. Many seniors continue to isolate at home because of the Coronavirus pandemic and this can take a toll on their mental health. It’s important for seniors to work with their families, caregivers and health professionals to develop a plan that allows them to safely take part in activities they love and maintain positive mental health through activity and connection. At any age, our health and wellbeing are enhanced by regularly participating in the things that bring us purpose, hope and joy. For seniors, taking part ..read more

More seniors are spending time online than ever before. Technology can benefit seniors in so many ways – it can help them connect with loved ones, get essential goods and services without leaving their home, and provides opportunities to stay in contact with their communities. Anyone can be a target for cyber criminals, and there are a variety of ways that attacks can occur.  Avoiding scams and predators online is critical for anyone that spends time online, but even more for seniors. Older adults need to be aware of potential scams and know how to stay diligent while online. According to ..read more

Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without challenges. These challenges can be significantly more impactful for those caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. Changes in behaviors can occur for a variety of reasons, including over-stimulation, physical discomfort, confusion, exhaustion caused by sleep problems, medication, or changes in routine. Over 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Understanding the cause of behavioral changes is critical for caregivers, families and friends. And, it’s helpful f ..read more

Being diagnosed with cancer later in life can be scary and overwhelming. A cancer diagnosis can make a person feel like their world is out of control. People often say they feel helpless and powerless after they find out they have cancer. However, many find that making a personalized plan for dealing with a cancer diagnosis can help older adults make treatment decisions and feel in control of their lives again. And, by taking intentional action, it is possible to continue to focus on quality of life and joyful moments even in a difficult time. 60% of people who have cancer are 65 or older. H ..read more

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. This can be a challenge for some seniors because of changes that happen with age. Seniors may have a diminished ability to sense thirst, notice changes in body temperature and may be taking medications that have a dehydrating effect. Being dehydrated can cause confusion, headaches, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness and fatigue. Because the effects of dehydration are so great, seniors need to be especially vigilant about getting enough water through the day. Seniors that think they ma ..read more

A kitchen is often the central gathering place in the home. Family dinners, special occasions and time shared together all happen in the heart of the home. Making sure the kitchen a safe, happy place is important. On a daily basis, many of us spend time in our kitchens, and it is easy to forget that the kitchen can be a place where dangerous accidents are not uncommon – especially for seniors. When it comes to senior adults and kitchen safety, the numbers show where potential issues can occur:  The National Fire Protection Association reports that three (3) in ten (10) home fires start i ..read more

Being out in the sunshine is a summertime tradition. Research shows that a majority of seniors rank being outside as one of the activities that bring them the most joy. But it’s important to practice sun safety when it comes to protecting our skin and enjoying the long summer days safely. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. About one third of all new cases of cancer in Canada are skin cancers, and the rate continues to rise. It is the most preventable. For seniors, these prevention strategies are even more important than at any other age. For most people, skin cancer is a resul ..read more