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1 November 2023
Fall Prevention Month: How to lower your risk of falling
Falls are a significant health concern for older adults, as they can lead to injuries, loss of independence, and a decline in overall quality of life. Falls Prevention Month, which takes place each November, is a crucial initiative to raise awareness about the importance of fall prevention strategies. It's an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential consequences of a fall.Full story -
25 October 2023
Managing high blood pressure: Can nurse-led care help?
Addressing high blood pressure typically involves working closely with your doctor to manage it. But can nurse-led care be an effective alternative?Full story -
25 October 2023
Navigating cold and flu season: 3 tips to help keep you healthy
As the leaves change colour and the air becomes crisper, autumn brings with it a reminder that cold and flu season is on the horizon. For older adults, staying healthy during this time is especially important. With a few evidence-based strategies, you can bolster your defences and minimize the risk of getting sick.Full story -
18 October 2023
Embrace the chill: Staying active as winter approaches
As the winter months approach, staying active doesn't have to be a daunting task. It's an opportunity to try new things, bond with others, and maintain your health and well-being. Embrace the chill, stay motivated, and keep moving through the winter – your body and mind will thank you.Full story -
18 October 2023
Social isolation and loneliness among immigrant and refugee seniors
Immigrant and refugee seniors are at greater risk of suffering from social isolation and loneliness than their Canadian born peers because they face unique challenges: linguistic differences, cultural barriers, racism and discrimination, limited social networks, and obstacles to social participation. Learn more about how support the social engagement of immigrant and refugee seniors.Full story -
11 October 2023
Getting a head start! Are there benefits to implementing early-stage strategies for caregivers of people with cognitive impairments?
Learn about early-stage strategies that may help you as a caregiver for a person with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.Full story -
11 October 2023
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Raising awareness to promote early detection
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the world comes together to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women globally, and within Canada, it is the third most diagnosed cancer, accounting for 25% of all cancer diagnoses in females.Full story -
4 October 2023
World Mental Health Day: Nurturing your well-being as you age
Our mental well-being is as vital as our physical health, especially as we age. Evidence-based strategies, such as staying physically active, connecting with others, and managing stress, can help us maintain a positive outlook and lead to a happier and more fulfilling life as we age.Full story -
4 October 2023
Joy, an emotion that transcends the age barrier
Joy among older adults has received little attention in the scientific literature, even though it is highlighted as being important to older adults themselves in terms of health and well-being.Full story -
27 September 2023
3 evidence-based strategies for people living with coronary heart disease
Living with coronary heart disease? Learn about three evidence-based strategies to improve your health and quality of life.Full story -
26 September 2023
World Alzheimer’s Month: Reduce your risk with these 6 tips
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time when globally, campaigns aim to increase awareness of dementia and educate people about the associated risk factors. Dementia is a growing public health concern worldwide, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form. This year’s global theme, “Never too early, never too late,” is centred around key risk factors and risk reduction, emphasizing their crucial role in delaying and potentially preventing the onset of dementia.Full story -
20 September 2023
Five fall activities that will boost your mood and well-being
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisper, fall offers a unique and beautiful backdrop for outdoor and indoor activities. For older adults, this season provides an excellent opportunity to stay active, engage with nature, and embrace the spirit of autumn. We’ve compiled five fall activities that can help boost your well-being while enjoying the change of the seasons.Full story -
20 September 2023
Aging and HIV: A challenge for geriatricians
HIV-geriatric medicine is intended to be collaborative work between HIV specialists and geriatricians. It is a fairly young discipline which aims to ensure a global and specific approach to elderly patients with HIV, focused on function and the continuum of care. How geriatricians envisage care older people living with HIV?Full story -
13 September 2023
Embracing the benefits of technology
Embracing technology can greatly enrich our lives by keeping us connected, mentally engaged, and informed. With a willingness to learn, patience, and support from family and community resources, older adults can confidently navigate the digital world.Full story -
13 September 2023
Smoking while living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Learn about strategies to help you quit!
Quitting smoking is one beneficial step that people living with COPD can take. Learn what strategies may help you quit.Full story -
6 September 2023
Shedding light on prostate cancer: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Every year, September is designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time when individuals, communities, and organizations come together to raise awareness about this prevalent yet often misunderstood disease. In Canada, it is estimated that 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.We'll delve into the significance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and why it's crucial to spread awareness.Full story -
6 September 2023
Judo for older adults: Learning to fall (safely)
Almost a third of Canadians aged 60 and over are at risk of at least one fall each year. Falls are always unpredictable and can leave serious consequences for older adults. Can the practice of judo help prevent fall-related injuries among older adults?Full story -
30 August 2023
Cataracts: Which surgery is best?
Deciding on which type of cataract surgery to get? Take a look at what the evidence shows to help you make an informed decision.Full story -
30 August 2023
Managing arthritis and reducing symptoms
There are many ways to manage arthritis, reduce symptoms, and improve mobility. Self-management strategies often involve weight management, heat and cold therapies, and therapeutic exercises. Assistive devices, medication and surgery may also be used depending on the type and severity of arthritis.Full story -
23 August 2023
Bullying between residents in nursing homes: Be part of the solution, not the problem
As society pays increasing attention to addressing bullying in schools and workplaces, bullying among seniors remains a taboo and neglected issue. Did you know that recent studies show that about 1 in 5 seniors are bullied?Full story
DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
