• 5 March 2025

    Boost your brain health: 5 evidence-based strategies for healthy aging

    It's never too late to start focusing on your brain health. This Brain Health Awareness Month, commit to making small, sustainable changes that can lead to significant benefits in your cognitive well-being.
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  • 26 February 2025

    Protecting Your Finances: How to Safeguard Against Financial Exploitation and Abuse

    Did you know financial exploitation is the most common form of abuse among older adults in Canada? Whether through scams or manipulation by trusted individuals, financial abuse can threaten not only savings but also independence and dignity—making it essential to stay informed and prepared.
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  • 26 February 2025

    Eating well for a healthier you: Nutrition tips for older adults

    Good nutrition is a key part of healthy aging. By making small but meaningful changes to your eating habits, you can improve your overall well-being, maintain energy levels, and support long-term health. This Nutrition Month, take the opportunity to reflect on your diet and make adjustments that will help you live a healthier and more vibrant life.
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  • 19 February 2025

    3 strategies to support caregivers

    Sharing is caring! Research shares strategies that can help improve the health and well-being of caregivers.
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  • 18 February 2025

    Winter wellness: Ways to stay active, safe and social all season long

    Cold temperatures, high snowfall amounts, icy sidewalks, and shorter daylight hours can make it more challenging to engage in regular activities, leading to increased isolation, decreased physical activity, and a higher risk of illness and injury. But the good news is, with a few simple adjustments, you can stay healthy, active, and connected all season long.
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  • 12 February 2025

    Bladder training for overactive bladder: Where does the evidence stand?

    Evidence demonstrates that bladder training may help folks with an overactive bladder and the need for more research.
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  • 11 February 2025

    Celebrating grandparent-grandchild bonds this Family Day

    Family Day is a perfect time to celebrate one of life’s most cherished relationships—the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. This connection goes beyond family ties; it’s a source of love, learning, and joy for all generations.
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  • 5 February 2025

    Heart Month: Healthy habits for aging hearts

    February is Heart Month in Canada, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and the small, everyday choices that can lead to a stronger heart as we age. Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns for older adults, but the good news is that many risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes. Below are a few simple things you can to contribute to a healthier heart as you age.
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  • 4 February 2025

    Reimagining Retirement

    Is retirement the end of work—or the beginning of something new? With longer life expectancies and shifting financial realities, the retirement landscape is transforming, offering older adults fresh opportunities to stay engaged, purposeful, and secure.
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  • 29 January 2025

    World Cancer Day 2025: "United by Unique"

    Every February 4th, the world comes together to shine a spotlight on cancer—its challenges, advancements, and, most importantly, the people at the heart of it all. World Cancer Day 2025 carries the powerful theme, “United by Unique,” reminding us that every individual’s journey with cancer is personal, yet collectively, we can create meaningful change.
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  • 28 January 2025

    Understanding late-life bipolar disorder

    Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition characterized by depressive and manic episodes. While it is often diagnosed in younger adults, it can also emerge later in life. Watch this 3-minute video overview with psychiatrist Dr. Fabiano Gomes, and then learn about the unique challenges and treatment options for older adults.
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  • 22 January 2025

    Blood pressure targets: Should we go higher or lower?

    Research sheds light on blood pressure targets for older adults.
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  • 22 January 2025

    Staying safe behind the wheel

    Driving as you age doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying mindful and making adjustments, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road while keeping yourself and others safe. Remember, staying safe is the ultimate goal—whether that means driving or exploring other transportation options.
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  • 14 January 2025

    Don’t get scammed: Protecting yourself from financial fraud

    Unfortunately, as we age, we can become targets for financial fraudsters. However, the good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk by being aware and taking a few precautions. This blog post will arm you with the knowledge you need to stay safe and protect your hard-earned money.
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  • 8 January 2025

    3 populations that benefit from falls prevention strategies

    Research highlights populations that benefit from falls prevention strategies and what those strategies are.
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  • 8 January 2025

    Alzheimer's Awareness Month 2025: Understanding, preventing, and supporting those affected

    January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, understanding its impact on individuals and families, and exploring ways to reduce the risk of developing the condition. This month serves as an important reminder to educate ourselves, support research, and take action to promote brain health at every stage of life.
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  • 1 January 2025

    Thriving in 2025: 5 ways to stick with your health goals

    Remember, the journey to better health is a marathon, not a sprint. By taking small, sustainable steps and staying committed to your goals, you can make significant strides towards a healthier and happier you in the New Year. Here's to a year of well-being and vitality!
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  • 26 December 2024

    Assistive Technology Made Easy: Exploring the AccessATCanada Navigation Portal

    Navigating the world of assistive technology can feel overwhelming, but the AccessATCanada navigation portal changes the game by simplifying the process of finding programs and services in Canada. With tools that let users refine searches by location, technology type, and eligibility criteria, the portal offers a personalized way to connect with life-changing resources.
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  • 24 December 2024

    Being one with nature: The effects of forest therapy

    Is nature calling us back? Research looks at the health benefits of forest therapy.
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  • 18 December 2024

    Preventing falls: Practical tips to reduce your risk

    Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, but the good news is that many falls can be prevented with simple changes to your home and lifestyle. In this webinar recording, Dr. Marla Beauchamp explores the key causes of falls and offers practical tips to improve your balance, strengthen your body, and make your environment safer.
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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).

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.