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1 March 2023
Unlock the potential of food this Nutrition Month
Every year in Canada, March is Nutrition Month and aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating while promoting meaningful nutrition conversations amongst Canadians. This year’s campaign theme, "Unlock the Potential of Food, " aims to inform Canadians of the benefits of good nutrition and healthy eating.Full story -
22 February 2023
Preventative health: A proactive approach
February is Preventative Health Awareness Month, a month-long initiative that aims to help inform Canadians about things they can do to keep themselves healthy at every age and stage of life. By taking preventative measures, the risk of developing chronic diseases could be lowered. Preventative health measures include things like making healthy lifestyle choices, taking care of your mental health, getting enough sleep, identifying risk factors for disease, and more.Full story -
22 February 2023
Being the grandparent of a disabled child: Between adaptation and resilience
Expecting the arrival of a grandchild is a great source of joy and excitement. But the joy and excitement are sometimes turned upside down when their grandchild is born with a disability or if a disability is revealed during infancy. How do grandparents receive such news and how do they experience the difference of their grandchild?Full story -
15 February 2023
Getting “techy”! 3 tech-based strategies and their potential health benefits
Apps, trackers, virtual reality! Research provides the lowdown on different tech strategies that aim to improve various aspects of our health.Full story -
15 February 2023
Four benefits of music for your health
While music is a safe, simple, inexpensive strategy, it continues to be an underused tool. Over the years, music-based strategies have been investigated for everything from hospital stays to walking to sleep, yielding positive results. It has also been shown to have therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia. Consider incorporating more music into your everyday life, whether for yourself or a loved one.Full story -
8 February 2023
Coping strategies for memory loss
Older adults, whether cognitively impaired or not, use three types of strategies to cope with memory loss: external, internal and behavioural strategies.Full story -
8 February 2023
Improve your heart health with diet and exercise
February is heart month in Canada, an opportunity to increase awareness about what we can do to improve our heart health. Heart disease affects over 2.5 million Canadians annually and is Canada's second-leading cause of death. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make that can lower your risk of developing heart disease.Full story -
1 February 2023
Preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections with probiotics?
Looking to avoid an acute upper respiratory tract infection? Research provides insight on probiotics as a preventative strategy.Full story -
1 February 2023
World Cancer Day: 3 ways to reduce your risk
February 4th is World Cancer Day, an international day marked to raise cancer awareness and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. While cancer is one of Canada's leading causes of death, the good news is that up to 50% of cancers are preventable; many are treatable when detected early. You can reduce your risk by improving key lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and eliminating harmful substances.Full story -
25 January 2023
Exercise: Powerful Medicine for Health and Aging
In this webinar recording, renowned kinesiology researcher, Dr. Stuart Phillips, shares how much (or how little) people have to do to improve their odds of living longer, healthier and better lives.Full story -
25 January 2023
My memories, my digital heritage
Many seniors suffer from physical or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or loneliness. Aging can also be accompanied by a decrease in autonomy and a sense of loss of identity. Does the ability to tell one's story in a digital format improve the well-being of older adults?Full story -
25 January 2023
Six strategies to strengthen your mental well-being
The conversation about mental health and well-being is one we need to continue year-round. Strengthen your mental well-being using the above strategies and remember to check in with others.Full story -
18 January 2023
Strategies to help battle loneliness and social isolation in our golden years
Lean on me? Research brings attention to potential strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in the community and long-term care settings.Full story -
17 January 2023
Staying safe behind the wheel
When it comes to driving, it is not your age that determines your abilities; it is your health. Driving enables people to remain connected to their communities, maintain social ties, and access needed services, particularly in rural areas lacking public transit. Helping older adults stay safe on the road is just as important as ensuring they maintain their independence by driving as long as (safely) possible.Full story -
11 January 2023
What is a good death?
We sometimes hear people wishing for a “good” death. But what does it mean exactly?Full story -
11 January 2023
5 ways to stay steady on your feet this winter
Falls are the number one reason for injury-related hospitalizations amongst older adults, and 1.6 million seniors fall yearly. More than half of those falls result in serious injuries. So, what can be done to keep you steady on your feet during the winter and year-round? We have five things you can do to minimize your risk and keep yourself safe.Full story -
4 January 2023
5 health conditions that can benefit from exercise
Research highlights the positive effects of exercise for people living with different health conditions.Full story -
4 January 2023
A case of the winter blues? 3 strategies to alleviate winter gloom
Around this time of year, many people may experience a case of the winter blues. It is normal to feel off, whether this be sadness, fatigue, or loneliness. Approximately 1 in 4 Canadians experiences seasonal depression around this time of year. The good news is that there are things you can do to help alleviate the winter gloom by improving your physical and mental health.Full story -
28 December 2022
Artificial intelligence at your service!
There is a need to harness technological, scientific, medical, and digital innovations that can foster healthy aging, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Despite its potential, questions remain about the effectiveness and acceptability of AI in long-term care.Full story -
27 December 2022
Aging optimally in 2023 and beyond
As the year ends, we often reflect on our experiences, the things we learned, and the highs and lows that came with it. The start of a new year can signal a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals and intentions. As we say goodbye to 2022, we reflect on some content highlights from the past year that will help you continue to age optimally in 2023 and beyond.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.
