Blog

Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible.

One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve social isolation/loneliness and depression.

Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities?

Depression is a serious chronic disorder common among older adults. Exercise is recommended as part of a depression treatment plan.

People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms

If you’re undergoing surgery or other hospital treatments you’re probably not thinking of boogying to the beat. But research shows music therapy can reduce anxiety and pain and help ease depression and fatigue.

Depression is a common – but potentially serious – mood disorder that affects how you feel, think and behave. There are choices for treatment, including antidepressants and psychological therapy. Read the latest research about these options.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help prevent relapse among people with depression.

Families of older adults continue to provide the vast majority of care for their members when necessary. Changes in modern society necessitate support for them from the formal healthcare system.

Tai chi is a form of exercise that offers low risk of injury. It promotes general health and well-being, and may help improve cognitive performance in older adults.

Retirement can impact both physical and emotional health. Engaging in meaningful social relationships and roles contributes to optimal health and well being.

In this final blog from a 4-part series, we examine the benefits and harms of interventions to help those experiencing elder abuse.

Walking can contribute to improved health, and walking in groups offers additional benefits.

In part 3 of this 4 part series we examine public opinion about elder abuse. This is compared to known rates of abuse in Canada and internationally.

Many are concerned about how much sleep is 'normal' and how much we need for successful aging. Although there is no simple answer, the scientific evidence shows that sleep duration has important links to health.

In Part 2 of this 4-part series, we expand upon the different types of elder abuse. Important risk factors associated with vulnerable seniors, as well as the perpetrators of the abuse are discussed.

We often fail to recognize the signs of elder abuse. In Part 1 of this 4 part series we focus on defining elder abuse. Our understanding of elder abuse has changed over time. Culture and geography are also important.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s will develop behaviour problems over time and this causes much suffering and stress for patients and caregivers. There are solutions to manage this.

Many older adults are lonely and this could affect their overall health. Changing negative or wrong perceptions about oneself and others is a solution to loneliness.

If you have 3 or more health conditions, ask your family doctor about better ways to coordinate your care with other health professionals, and how you might decrease important health risks or improve key functional activities.