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23 August 2023
Exploring your creative passions
As we age, it's easy to assume that our adventurous days of exploring new passions and hobbies are behind us. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, embracing creative passions in your older years can be a gateway to newfound fulfillment. Here are three benefits associated with exploring the activities, new and old.Full story -
16 August 2023
Non-drug options for dementia-related sleep problems
Take a look at what the evidence says about non-drug options for dementia-related sleep problems.Full story -
16 August 2023
Embracing aging: Six ways to thrive
As the years gracefully unfold, so do the opportunities for older adults to lead fulfilling lives. The golden years are a time to savour the joys of life, indulge in passions, and make new memories. Read on for six ways older adults can embrace getting older and thrive.Full story -
9 August 2023
Violence against family caregivers: Symptom of the disease or abuse?
We often hear about cases of older adults being victims of poor care, being neglected or being financially abused by their family caregivers. But sometimes, it is the family caregiver who is a victim. How can we determine if this is the symptoms of a disease or an act of abuse?Full story -
9 August 2023
Navigating your finances: 3 tips for older adults
As you get older, maintaining a stable and secure financial outlook becomes increasingly important. On average, Canadians are living longer, which means more financial resources and more careful management of those resources is necessary to ensure they last for as long as you need them to. Proper financial management can help you enjoy your retirement and ensure a comfortable future.Full story -
2 August 2023
4 populations that can benefit from home-based exercise
Research highlights how four populations can benefit from leveraging their homes for physical activity.Full story -
2 August 2023
Green therapy: The health benefits of gardening
As we age, engaging in meaningful activities that promote our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being is crucial. Gardening has emerged as a strategy we can lean on. Beyond just a hobby, gardening can offer numerous health benefits for older adults.Full story -
26 July 2023
Challenging ageism in the workplace: Embracing experience and diversity
As our society evolves, so do our workplaces. Companies strive to create environments that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. However, one form of discrimination that still lurks in the shadows is ageism. It is estimated that 6 in 10 Canadians over the age of 66 have experienced an episode of ageism in their lifetime. In this blog post, we will explore the negative impacts of ageism, shed light on its prevalence, and discuss ways to combat it to create a more inclusive and thriving work environment.Full story -
26 July 2023
Interventions to address grief symptoms
The majority of bereaved people come to terms with the loss and move on. However, some people (up to 1 in 5) experience great distress that does not go away despite the passage of time. Learn more about what is known about interventions to address grief symptoms.Full story -
19 July 2023
What exercise types are effective for Parkinson’s disease?
The more the merrier! Research shows many types of exercise can be beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s disease.Full story -
19 July 2023
The importance of self-care: Nurturing our well-being as we age
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize self-care to maintain optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care isn't just a luxury but a necessity that allows older adults to lead happy and fulfilling lives. In this blog post, we explore its significance for older adults and four ways to incorporate more self-care into your daily routine.Full story -
12 July 2023
From homelessness to stability: The types of accommodation that make a difference
Access to safe, stable and adequate housing is recognized as a fundamental human right and is essential to create the conditions for people to live healthy, safe and happy lives. However, a growing number of people are experiencing homelessness.Full story -
12 July 2023
Acupuncture for older adults: The healing touch?
Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body to stimulate the flow of energy or “qi” and is most commonly used to treat pain. We explore more about acupuncture and its benefits in this post.Full story -
5 July 2023
Is vitamin D effective for mild to moderate asthma? It appears not!
Stay up to date! New research reverses initial finding of the positive impact of vitamin D use in people with mild to moderate asthma on severe asthma attacks.Full story -
5 July 2023
Fall prevention for older adults: Safeguarding independence and well-being
July 5 was National Injury Prevention Day, focused on raising awareness of injuries that are predictable and preventable. Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations, emergency department visits and disabilities in Canada? In this blog post, we explore four essential strategies for fall prevention.Full story -
28 June 2023
The challenges of a connected society: Combating digital ageism
Leading figures have recently called for a halt to the development of certain advanced artificial intelligence systems, in order to better manage innovation and prevent potential harms. Among potential harms, is it possible that age-related biases present in our society be encoded and amplified in artificial intelligence systems?Full story -
28 June 2023
The Importance of Vitamin D for Older Adults: A Key to Healthy Aging
Vitamin D plays a vital role in promoting healthy aging for older adults. From supporting bone health to strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of various diseases, this sunshine vitamin is a true asset.Full story -
21 June 2023
3 evidence-based strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation
You do not have to go it alone! From exercise to reminiscence therapy, research illustrates there are various strategies that help to reduce loneliness and social isolation.Full story -
19 June 2023
Embrace the Summer: 5 Ways to Stay Active and Thrive
Summer is a season of vibrancy and vitality, and older adults have many opportunities to stay active and thrive during this time. By taking daily walks, engaging in water activities, exploring gardening, attending senior-friendly fitness classes, and organizing outdoor group activities, older adults can embrace the season while reaping the physical, mental, and social benefits of an active lifestyle.Full story -
14 June 2023
Treating hypertension: How low should blood pressure be with medication?
In this 2-minute video, Dr. Richard Sztramko discusses what blood pressure targets should be for those being treated with medications for hypertension and some of the considerations that impact those targets, such as orthostatic hypotension.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.
