• 11 February 2026

    February is Heart Health Month: Small steps that make a big difference

    February is Heart Health Month — a time to focus on one of the most important muscles in your body: your heart. As we age, taking care of our heart becomes even more essential. The good news? It’s never too late to make changes that can lower your risk of heart disease and help you feel your best.
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  • 11 February 2026

    Dietitian-delivered nutrition therapy for prediabetes

    Research investigates the role dietitians play in helping people living with prediabetes.
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  • 4 February 2026

    Transitions in Later Life – Part 2: Driving cessation

    Losing the ability or choosing to stop driving can feel like losing independence and cause distress. By initiating early planning and developing new transit habits, older adults can stay mobile and connected.
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  • 4 February 2026

    World Cancer Day 2026: United by Unique, Informed by Evidence

    As the United by Unique campaign continues, World Cancer Day highlights the importance of care that reflects individual needs and values. By staying informed and using evidence-based resources, older adults and caregivers can take an active role in supporting health, well-being, and quality of life at every stage of the cancer journey.
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  • 28 January 2026

    Transitions in Later Life – Part 1: Navigating grandparenthood

    Grandparenting can bring joy, purpose, as well as challenges and change. Find tips and insights on balancing involvement, independence, and wellbeing as you navigate the grandparenting journey.
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  • 28 January 2026

    Staying active indoors when the weather keeps you inside

    Cold temperatures, snow, and icy sidewalks can make getting outdoors challenging during the winter months. But staying active doesn’t have to stop just because the weather changes. Moving your body regularly is important for maintaining strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being — and there are plenty of ways to do that indoors.
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  • 21 January 2026

    A better sleep without pills: Safer strategies for older adults

    Nearly one‑third of older adults use sleeping pills, but for most people, the benefits are small, and the risks are real. Learn why pills may not be the best answer for insomnia and discover safer, proven ways to get better sleep if you or someone you care about struggles with sleep.
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  • 21 January 2026

    5 tips for safe winter driving

    For many older adults, driving is an important part of maintaining independence, especially during the winter months, when walking or taking public transit can be more challenging. However, snow, ice, shorter daylight hours, and colder temperatures can all make winter driving more demanding. With a few extra precautions and thoughtful planning, you can continue to drive safely and confidently all season long.
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  • 14 January 2026

    Starting the year with brain health in mind

    January is a time when many people reflect on their health and consider steps they can take to support well-being as they age. Brain health is an important part of healthy aging, and everyday habits can play a meaningful role in maintaining cognitive function over time.
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  • 7 January 2026

    Alzheimer’s Month 2026: What older adults need to know

    January is Alzheimer’s Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, support those affected, and share reliable, evidence-based information about brain health and aging.
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  • 6 January 2026

    When sadness won't go away: What to know and what you can do

    Feeling down from time to time is normal, but what if those feelings linger for years? Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic form of low mood lasting for at least two years, accompanied by other depressive symptoms. Learn what to look for and how to get help in this short video with clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Rice.
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  • 31 December 2025

    Water flossing vs. traditional flossing: What’s better for your teeth?

    Research shows people have multiple effective options when it comes to flossing their teeth.
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  • 31 December 2025

    How to set Intentions for 2026 without the pressure of resolutions

    The start of a new year often comes with a familiar message: set goals, make resolutions, change everything. But for many, this kind of pressure can feel more exhausting than motivating. The good news? There’s another way to approach the year ahead—one that’s gentler, more flexible, and often more meaningful.
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  • 24 December 2025

    Fact or fiction: Vision health

    Learn what eye health strategies work, don’t work, or compare.
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  • 23 December 2025

    Is dementia a vaccine-preventable condition?

    What if protecting your brain were as simple as rolling up your sleeve? New research shows that common vaccines, such as those for shingles, flu, and pneumonia, may lower your risk of dementia by 20%.
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  • 17 December 2025

    Food insecurity in later life: Uncovering and addressing a hidden struggle

    Food insecurity among older adults is more than just hunger, it’s about maintaining dignity and health in later life. Learn practical steps to help fight food insecurity in your community!
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  • 17 December 2025

    Feeling lonely during the holidays? You’re not alone

    The holidays can be a lonely time for many people. This short blog post explores why feelings of isolation are common during the holiday season and offers gentle, practical ways to cope—such as staying connected in small ways, creating meaningful routines, and reaching out for support. A reminder that loneliness is a shared human experience, and even small steps can help foster connection and comfort during this time.
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  • 17 December 2025

    3 evidence-based benefits of tai chi

    “Meditation in motion!” Research investigates the effectiveness of tai chi on various areas of health and well-being.
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  • 10 December 2025

    The power of routine during the winter months

    As winter settles in and daylight hours grow shorter, it’s common to feel a shift in energy, motivation, or mood. Colder temperatures and longer nights often mean we spend more time indoors—and that change in rhythm can quietly affect our well-being. One simple but powerful tool for navigating the season? A consistent daily routine.
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  • 8 December 2025

    Coping with grief during the holidays

    Grief can feel especially difficult during the holidays. In this short video, Dr. Erin Gallagher shares practical strategies to help you cope. Learn the difference between normal grief and prolonged grief disorder and discover when it might be time to seek extra support.
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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).