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14 June 2023
Grey nomads: Aging optimally on the road
For more than two decades, Australia has seen a growing community of "grey nomads" who travel independently and for extended periods in their caravan or motor home. A nomadic lifestyle can reveal some challenges when it comes to chronic disease management. What lessons can we learn from Australia's grey nomads with type 1 and 2 diabetes?Full story -
14 June 2023
Shedding light on elder abuse to protect our most vulnerable
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day. It is an official United Nations International Day that acknowledges the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue and aims to raise awareness. As a society, we are responsible for caring for and protecting the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, elder abuse often goes unnoticed or unaddressed. We explore what constitutes abuse, the various forms it can take, and the crucial steps we must take to prevent and address it.Full story -
7 June 2023
Let the music play: The role of music in cancer care
Research shows that music-based strategies may have the potential to improve many physical and psychological outcomes in adults with cancer.Full story -
7 June 2023
Vegetarian diets as we age
In this 2-minute video, Dr. Megha Poddar discusses important considerations for older adults on plant-based diets or for those considering adopting a vegetarian diet.Full story -
7 June 2023
Canadian Men’s Health Month: 6 Ways to Nurture Wellness at Every Age
As men age, it becomes increasingly vital to prioritize their health and well-being. Aging is a natural part of life, but it doesn't mean our bodies must suffer. With the right lifestyle choices and proactive measures, men can enhance their quality of life, maintain vitality, and reduce the risk of age-related health concerns.Full story -
31 May 2023
Prediabetes: A touch of sugar?
Once called 'a touch of sugar', Diana Sherifali, PhD, describes prediabetes and its symptoms in this 2-minute video.Full story -
31 May 2023
Are you a fan of medical TV series?
People of all ages devour medical tv series, which have been part of the television landscape for decades. These programs can have an effect on the knowledge, perceptions and health behaviours of viewers, but these findings must be taken with a grain of salt.Full story -
31 May 2023
4 Key Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults
Incorporating regular exercise into the daily routine of older adults yields a wide array of benefits that enhance both physical and mental well-being. By embracing an active lifestyle, seniors can improve their quality of life, maintain independence, and truly enjoy the golden years. So, dust off your sneakers, stretch your muscles, and embark on a journey toward better health, happiness, and longevity.Full story -
24 May 2023
Living with coronary heart disease? Quitting smoking is key!
Helping your heart! Research shows that quitting smoking can have cardiovascular benefits for people with coronary heart disease.Full story -
24 May 2023
Speech and Hearing Month: Our communication gateway
Our ability to hear and speak allows us to communicate with others, which is integral to our emotional and social well-being. Issues with our hearing or speech that prohibit us from communicating can pose significant challenges, such as social isolation.Full story -
24 May 2023
Acupuncture: Potential uses, risks and side effects
In this 4-minute video, Enoch Ho discusses what conditions acupuncture is thought to work for, the potential risks, and other considerations when undergoing acupuncture treatment.Full story -
17 May 2023
Insomnia: Non-medication treatment strategies
In this 2-minute video, Dr. Tricia Woo talks about non-medication strategies to treat insomnia.Full story -
17 May 2023
5 ways technology can help you age optimally
The degree to which technology has embedded itself into our lives is becoming increasingly apparent, and the health space is no exception. We’ve rounded up a few tech-based strategies that may offer benefits and help you age optimally.Full story -
17 May 2023
Cryptocurrencies and addiction: be cautious
It is estimated that 425 million people around the world owns cryptocurrencies (also known as digital or virtual currencies). There appears to be a relationship between trading in high-risk cryptocurrencies or stocks and compulsive gambling. Learn more about cryptocurrencies and their associated health risks.Full story -
10 May 2023
3 evidence-based benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables
Research makes the case for not skipping out on fruits and vegetables.Full story -
10 May 2023
Supplementing with vitamin D? What you should know
In this 2-minute video, Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou discusses how to safely supplement with vitamin D and the risks associated with excess amounts.Full story -
10 May 2023
May is skin cancer awareness month: Protect the skin you're in
While basking in the sun’s golden rays can feel great, it is crucial to be diligent about sun safety. In the past 25 years, there has been a significant increase in melanoma diagnoses. The good news is that taking precautions can minimize your chances of developing skin cancer.Full story -
3 May 2023
Building a better world for all
As part of the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are part of a global plan to create a better world for all. What lessons can we draw of the first five years of existence of the SDGs with regard to older adults?Full story -
3 May 2023
It’s Mental Health Week: 6 ways to support your mental health and well-being
Mental health and emotional well-being are critical considerations for our aging population. May 1-7 is Mental Health Week in Canada, intended to raise awareness about mental health and well-being and reduce stigma. Read on for a few evidence-based strategies that can help you strengthen your mental well-being.Full story -
2 May 2023
Potential surgical complications from alcohol use
In this 3-minute video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical complications for those who drink alcohol in the days or weeks before surgery.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.
