• 19 February 2019

    Six ways to stay socially active this winter

    Humans are social animals by nature, no matter our age. While social needs vary from person to person and may change with age, it is important to maintain relationships with family or friends. We have compiled a few helpful resources and ideas to keep you engaged this winter, and throughout the year.
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  • 18 February 2019

    Mirror therapy for stroke rehabilitation: Tricking the brain into believing what it sees

    Mirror therapy shows promise in helping stroke survivors recover limb movement and resume activities of daily living.
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  • 13 February 2019

    Aging behind bars

    Aging behind bars poses challenges. Since the vast majority of inmates end up being released into the community, it is important to look into how prison conditions affect older inmates and the support provided to them in order to ensure the success of their rehabilitation and social reintegration.
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  • 12 February 2019

    How diet, exercise and medication play a role in your heart health

    February is Heart Month, a time to increase awareness of heart-related conditions and further educate Canadians on ways to improve their overall heart health. Read through the latest materials on how to improve your heart health and make it a priority this month, and all year round.
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  • 6 February 2019

    Tackling a silent beast: Strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation

    Older adults are especially at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The characteristics of strategies tackling these issues are important factors in determining whether or not they work.
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  • 5 February 2019

    World Cancer Day: the latest on prevention, detection and treatment options

    World Cancer Day is an international day to raise awareness about cancer, encourage prevention, educate on detection, and inform people of treatment options. We have rounded up the latest evidence-based resources in three key areas to keep you up-to-date.
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  • 30 January 2019

    How online learning can support optimal aging

    Many people have the desire to learn throughout their lives. No wonder so many older adults go back to school, while others turn to online learning!
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  • 29 January 2019

    Five self-care strategies to support your mental wellbeing

    Mental illness can affect individuals of any age, including older adults. Common mental illnesses include depression and anxiety. Supporting mental health is a critical consideration to the healthy aging process. The good news is, in addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor, these five self-care strategies may help.
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  • 22 January 2019

    January is Alzheimer’s month: we’ve rounded up the latest research to keep you informed

    January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, an opportunity to raise awareness of the most common type of dementia. Whether you want to learn more about dementia and what causes it or how to better care for a loved one diagnosed with this condition, our trustworthy, evidence-informed resources can help you.
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  • 21 January 2019

    Just a fad? Do popular diets actually work?

    Losing weight and keeping it off is no easy task. While there are many popular diets out there, many are not backed by research to show that they work. However, a few do show promise.
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  • 15 January 2019

    Four ways to stay active this winter

    Older adults in Canada are more likely than any other age group to live a sedentary lifestyle, and winter weather can make it even harder to stay active. The good news is, there are many activities that can be done in the home or at a recreation centre or gym.
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  • 15 January 2019

    Sexual assaults against older adults in nursing homes: recognizing the signs and asking for help

    Sexual assault is one of the most heinous forms of abuse, and some older adults living in long-term care facilities, assisted-living centres and nursing homes may become victims. Stay on the lookout for signs of physical and sexual abuse. If you see something, say something.
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  • 8 January 2019

    New year, new goals. How the Portal can be part of your healthy aging routine.

    With the new year, comes new intentions, some of which you’ve likely already set. If making your health a priority was on your list, the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is the perfect tool to help you. Learn more about the many helpful tools and article available on the Portal that will help to inform decisions about your health
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  • 7 January 2019

    Cataract surgery: Seeing the world through a different lens

    If you are facing cataract surgery, your thoughts about which artificial lens to choose might be as cloudy as the lens in your eye. Multifocal and monofocal lenses are both good options, but each comes with pros and cons. Find out which lens choice is best for you.
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  • 2 January 2019

    Social media: Can they be used by older citizens to make their voices heard?

    Public debates, as well as public consultations led by governments, are increasingly being conducted online, including social media. Unlike young people who grew up with new information and communication technologies, many older citizens feel excluded from online public debates and consultations on social media.
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  • 1 January 2019

    Resolutions for a healthy 2019

    With the new year comes resolutions and promises to oneself to make the year ahead the best one yet. It is often a time for prioritizing important aspects of your life such as your health and making a vow to kick old habits. Whether your resolutions are to finally quit smoking, curb your alcohol consumption, or exercise more, we’ve compiled a few tips and resources to help get you started.
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  • 26 December 2018

    Beat those winter blues! Four ways to stay active, both body and mind

    Winter months mean shorter days and more inclement weather. This can make going outside less appealing and can lead to ‘cabin fever’. Here are four things you can do this winter to stay active. Your mind and body will thank you!
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  • 26 December 2018

    Intergenerational programs: It takes a village to age optimally

    Intergenerational programs seem to benefit young people, older adults, and society as a whole. Let's learn how to build strong communities with strong intergenerational bonds!
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  • 18 December 2018

    Thinking outside the (pill) box

    As people get older and suffer more age-related health problems, they’re likely to continue adding to the collection of pill bottles on their night stand or pill shelf. A doctor or pharmacist can help assess the benefits and risks of each one and “deprescribe” any that are no longer appropriate.
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  • 18 December 2018

    Dementia caregiving: Take care of yourself while caring for others

    Support for family caregivers of people with dementia cannot be overlooked – it is a necessity. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on a caregiver’s mental, physical and social health. Multicomponent strategies may be a good way to keep a caregiver grounded and healthy.
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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).