• 9 June 2021

    4 Evidence-based benefits of seeking peer support

    Can turning to our peers hold benefits for our health? You’ll be happy to know that research lends support to the use of this strategy.
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  • 8 June 2021

    How to identify elder abuse and take action to stop it

    Before the pandemic, it was estimated that 16% of older adults over 60 were affected by some form of abuse. It's believed that elder abuse has been on the rise since the global lockdown began; those providing support have seen an increase in the number of individuals seeking help. Read more about elder abuse risk factors, signs, and interventions.
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  • 2 June 2021

    Older adults using, understanding and creating media content

    Digital media exert an incredible influence on our culture and society. The development of new information and communication technologies leads us to play new roles. We are no longer just "passive receivers" of information. We are becoming creators of media content.
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  • 1 June 2021

    National Health and Fitness Day: Get outside and get active!

    The global pandemic has, without a doubt, had an impact on our health, but through movement and activity, we can discover new ways to feel good, both body and mind. By taking advantage of the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer, we can ensure physical activity is a regular part of our routine.
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  • 26 May 2021

    Medicine cabinet check! Can we use aspirin to combat cancer?

    From fever reduction to pain relief, many of us use aspirin as a way to treat common conditions or illnesses that occur in our daily lives. But does the research support its use for cancer prevention?
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  • 26 May 2021

    Speech and hearing: Our communication gateway

    Our ability to hear and speak allows us to communicate with others, which is an important part of 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.
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  • 19 May 2021

    Supporting greater mobility through autonomous vehicles

    Age-related changes can affect our physical and mental health. They can also affect our ability to walk, cycle, or drive a vehicle. Could autonomous vehicles improve mobility for older adults?
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  • 19 May 2021

    Skin Cancer Awareness Month: 4 sun safety tips to put into practice

    Summer is fast approaching and many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the nicer weather. While basking in the sun’s golden rays can feel great, it is important to be diligent about sun safety.
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  • 12 May 2021

    “Dancing” our way to fewer falls and better physical function?

    Are you looking for fall prevention strategies that can help keep you on your feet? Research shows that dance-based mind-motor activities may help you with these efforts.
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  • 11 May 2021

    Hypertension Awareness Month: 4 strategies for reducing your risk

    Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, can affect the body in many ways and is often referred to as the silent killer because it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious diseases without necessarily alerting you to a problem. Read more about strategies you can take to reduce your risk of high blood pressure or manage an already existing condition.
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  • 5 May 2021

    Sharing your home to remain there as you grow older

    Home sharing is an innovative approach to housing, which allows older adults to continue living in their homes, while obtaining additional income, companionship and support. But what can research tell us about the experiences of older adults and what do they get from sharing their home?
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  • 4 May 2021

    How Technology Can Help Our Mental Well-Being

    This week is Mental Health Week in Canada, and while mental health is an important topic to discuss regularly, the realities of the environment we are currently living in make it even more critical to talk about. As Canada endures a third wave of the pandemic in many areas across the country, people are dealing with feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, worry, loneliness, and isolation. Read more about how to harness the power of technology as a strategy that can help you strengthen your own mental well-being and remember to check in with others.
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  • 28 April 2021

    Can pelvic floor muscle training be a solution for leaky bladder woes in women?

    Don’t let the battle with your bladder take hold of your life and your ability to live it to the fullest. Research provides promise through the support of pelvic floor muscle training.
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  • 26 April 2021

    Walking Speed – Is It a New Vital Sign?

    An important part of your mobility is your ability to walk, and how fast you walk can be an important indicator of your overall health. Like your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing, there is evidence that your walking speed may be an important new vital sign.
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  • 21 April 2021

    Case management to help end homelessness

    Supporting people who are homeless or who are precariously housed remains a complex issue, even more so in the context of a pandemic. Various support strategies could be put in place, including the use of case managers.
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  • 19 April 2021

    Overcoming vaccine hesitancy to reach herd immunity

    As we battle a third wave of the pandemic across the country, now more than ever, it is important to communicate and educate populations on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This is particularly challenging in a context where new information (and misinformation) about COVID-19 vaccines is emerging daily.
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  • 14 April 2021

    Social isolation: Leaning on technology for our mental well-being

    Can telemedicine-based strategies help improve your mental well-being? Research shows some promise for improving depressive symptoms.
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  • 13 April 2021

    Train your brain: How to keep your mind sharp as you age

    Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns in many regions across the country, people are limited to activities they can do safely. While physical activity is important to keeping our bodies healthy, cognitive exercises can help keep our minds sharp.
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  • 7 April 2021

    End-of-life doulas: Providing care and comfort to the dying and their loved ones

    We have been witnessing the emergence of a new profession related to end-of-life care: the end-of-life doulas (sometimes referred as "death doulas"). End-of-life doulas offer continuous support and comfort to people at the end of life and their families.
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  • 6 April 2021

    Is it time to give up drinking? How alcohol affects your health

    It is estimated that 80% of Canadians consume alcohol, and of those who drink, nearly six million are considered heavy drinkers. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, consider exploring an AA support group in your community or consulting with a health care provider for guidance about available recovery support programs.
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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).