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21 December 2022
“Sweet dreams are made of these?” 3 strategies that aim to improve sleep
Sleep and sleep quality play an important role in keeping us healthy. There are multiple strategies that aim to help us sleep longer or better; research sheds light on which ones are effective and which ones we may want to pass on.Full story -
21 December 2022
Staying connected to loved ones during the holidays
The holidays are often a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the season. But for some, celebrating in person is not a possibility. If you cannot physically be with friends and family to celebrate, that doesn’t mean we can’t feel connected to one another. By harnessing the power of technology, we can connect with loved ones from home using virtual tools like video chat or the phone.Full story -
14 December 2022
Putting an end to food waste: for your wallet and our planet
About one third of the food produced in the world is wasted each year. What can explain food waste and what can we do to prevent it?Full story -
13 December 2022
Rehabilitation strategies post-stroke
Those who suffer and survive a stroke can face a variety of temporary or permanent disabilities that differ in severity and impact their ability to complete activities of daily living. However, research has identified several strategies that can help address these issues and aid with rehabilitation efforts.Full story -
7 December 2022
E-cigarettes for smoking cessation: What do we know?
Is it all smoke and mirrors, or are e-cigarettes safe and effective tools for smoking cessation? Research weighs in.Full story -
5 December 2022
‘Tis the season! Four strategies for a healthier holiday
The holidays are a busy time of year, often filled with indulgences. While it is important to enjoy this time of year, there are a few ways to keep your health a top priority while still enjoying the festive season.Full story -
30 November 2022
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults experiencing hearing loss
It is estimated that one in four people could have hearing problems by 2050. What is known about the link between hearing loss and social isolation/loneliness among older adults?Full story -
30 November 2022
Keep your body and brain healthy with exercise
Did you know that declining cognitive function—like memory, attention, awareness, reasoning, and judgment—is the leading cause of disability and death in older adults? The good news is that there are ways to improve it by taking advantage of the brain’s neuroplasticity, which is simply the brain’s ability to change and make new connections.Full story -
23 November 2022
Digestive health: 3 strategies to either do or not
Research highlights effective strategies and points of caution around treating specific digestive health issues.Full story -
23 November 2022
Do you suffer from anxiety? How CBT can help
Mental health issues, such as anxiety, can affect physical health, emotional and social well-being, and overall quality of life. Supporting mental health is a critical consideration to the healthy aging process. If you missed our recent webinar, want to rewatch it, or know someone who may benefit from it, you can watch the recording and access helpful resources here.Full story -
16 November 2022
Age-friendly communities: Designing accessible, inclusive and safe communities
As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.Full story -
16 November 2022
Lung cancer awareness month: Reducing your risk
November is lung cancer awareness month, when people come together to recognize and raise awareness of the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis. It is also a time to educate on risk factors and what can be done to lower them.Full story -
9 November 2022
Caring for the skin you are in: What works?
Get your “skin in the game,” literally! Research shows that different non-drug topical treatments are available and may be beneficial for improving the health of your skin.Full story -
9 November 2022
What you need to know about elder abuse
it is estimated that between 4% and 10% of people over 65 live in situations of abuse and neglect, and that number is expected to rise as the number of older adults increases. Whether you are an older adult or a caregiver for an older adult, our resources are an essential first step to educating yourself about what constitutes abuse and what to do if you suspect you or someone you love is a victim of it. Read through them to learn more and share with others who may benefit from them.Full story -
5 November 2022
Cannabis use for common conditions: Research, fact and fiction
The use of medical cannabis has dramatically increased in the last few years, and with the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018, there has been an increased interest in therapeutic uses for cannabis. In this video, Drs. Jason Busse and James MacKillop discuss what the latest research says about the potential for cannabis to help with common medical conditions.Full story -
2 November 2022
Maximizing the impact of your donations
Some of us give spontaneously to organizations that are important to us. Others take a more analytical approach to identify organizations that are using effective interventions (based on the best available evidence) to maximize the impact of their donations. This analytical approach is called "effective altruism".Full story -
2 November 2022
Fall Prevention Month: 3 ways to reduce your risk of falling
Preventing falls involves looking at many aspects, both physically and environmentally. We have compiled some of our top resources to help educate, inform, and keep you safe on your feet!Full story -
26 October 2022
4 evidence-based benefits of health-related mobile apps
Is there an app for that? It is highly likely when it comes to health-related matters. Research suggests the following may be positively impacted by mobile health apps: weight management, blood sugar control, mental well-being, and physical activity.Full story -
26 October 2022
4 ways you can stay active as the seasons change
Staying physically active is essential for our mental, cognitive, and physical health at home. Whether trying something new, exercising with a friend, or sticking with a routine you know and love, you’ll reap the many benefits of being active.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.
