• 8 May 2024

    Celebrating Mental Health Week: A time for connection and kindness

    Did you know that Canada has a whole week dedicated to mental health? Every year in May, since 1951, Canadians come together to raise awareness and celebrate the importance of mental well-being. This year's theme, running from May 6th to 12th, is all about the power of compassion.
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  • 1 May 2024

    What is sepsis?

    Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Most recent estimates indicate there are over 75,000 cases of sepsis per year in Canada, leading to 18,000 deaths. In this two-minute video, critical care physician Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud describes sepsis, who is most at risk, and how it can be prevented.
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  • 1 May 2024

    Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer: 5 Sun Safety Tips

    May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, and it's a great time to remind everyone, especially older adults, about the importance of sun safety. Did you know that over half of all skin cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 65? The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk with a few simple steps.
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  • 24 April 2024

    Fact or fiction: The impact of vitamin D on 3 common diseases

    Research tackles whether vitamin D is an effective option for the treatment or prevention of 3 common diseases.
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  • 24 April 2024

    The unsung heroes: Why caring for caregivers matters

    Caring for caregivers is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic investment in the health and well-being of our communities. By recognizing, valuing, and supporting the invaluable work of caregivers, we create a more compassionate and resilient society for all.
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  • 17 April 2024

    Staying steady: 5 tips to prevent falls

    As we age, our bodies change, and tasks that were once second nature may become more challenging. One of the most significant concerns for older adults is the risk of falling, and globally, falls are the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury.
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  • 16 April 2024

    What is stroke?

    In this 3-minute video, Dr. Ada Tang, Assistant Dean of Rehabilitation Science, explains what you need to know about stroke, including signs, prevention, and rehabilitation.
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  • 10 April 2024

    Parkinson’s and falls prevention: What works?

    Research highlights what falls prevention strategies may be beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
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  • 10 April 2024

    The health benefits of walking: A step towards healthy aging

    Incorporating walking into daily routines doesn't require expensive equipment or elaborate plans. Simply lace up comfortable shoes, step outside, and embrace the joy of movement. Start with short walks and gradually increase duration and intensity as fitness improves. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. Read our resources below to explore this topic further.
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  • 3 April 2024

    What is inflammatory bowel disease?

    Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a term for two conditions (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and impacts 1 in 140 Canadians. While commonly confused with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, it is very different. In this 2-minute video, Dr. Neeraj Narula, a gastroenterologist, explains what IBD is and what is known about what might cause it.
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  • 3 April 2024

    April is National Oral Health Month: Promoting healthy smiles

    April marks the start of National Oral Health Month, a good time to check in on your teeth and gums. Oral health is an important part of our overall well-being, and as we get older, our teeth and gums undergo more changes, which means they require more care. Common challenges include missing teeth, gum/periodontal disease, root decay, and dry mouth (caused by medications).
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  • 27 March 2024

    Caring for the psychological health of caregivers: Acceptance and commitment therapy

    Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic health condition? Acceptance and commitment therapy (aka ACT) can hold benefits for your psychological health.
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  • 27 March 2024

    Reducing alcohol consumption for older adults

    For many older adults, alcohol may have played a significant role in social gatherings, celebrations, and even relaxation. However, as Canada’s alcohol consumption guidelines have changed, it’s important to re-evaluate our relationship with alcohol, especially as we age.
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  • 20 March 2024

    Building financial stability and well-being: Making the most of tax season

    During tax season, older adults should review finances, access available resources, and plan for the future to ensure financial stability and well-being. Utilize tools like the Benefits Finder, consider future needs, and create a budget that aligns your needs and financial circumstances.
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  • 20 March 2024

    Brain Health Awareness Month: 5 things you can do to optimize your brain health

    Healthy aging involves supporting both the body and the brain. Your lifestyle can influence the cognitive changes that come with age – giving you the power to keep your mind healthy! Here are five things you can do to boost your brain health and support healthy aging
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  • 13 March 2024

    How do different breathing exercises for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compare?

    Breathe easier! Research highlights which breathing exercises can be beneficial for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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  • 13 March 2024

    Navigating the fog: World Delirium Awareness Day sheds light on a hidden challenge

    In a world buzzing with technological advancements and medical breakthroughs, silent battles are still being fought within healthcare facilities' corridors. One such often-overlooked challenge is delirium, a medical condition that affects millions around the globe. March 13th marked World Delirium Awareness Day, a day to shed light on this often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition.
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  • 6 March 2024

    Finding success with non-drug strategies: 3 common diseases and conditions that can benefit

    Research points to various diseases and conditions that can benefit from non-drug strategies.
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  • 4 March 2024

    It’s Music Therapy Month: The harmonious benefits of music

    March is Music Therapy Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the many benefits of music therapy for people of all ages and abilities, including older adults. Given the deep connection that most of us have with music, it should be no surprise that researchers worldwide continue to investigate music's therapeutic benefits. Music can unlock emotions and memories, help ease hospital stays, improve exercise and walking routines and contribute to our overall well-being.
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  • 28 February 2024

    Beyond longevity, what are the indicators of successful aging

    Discover the true essence of successful aging beyond the conventional metrics as researchers emphasize the subjective perspectives of older adults. A review including the opinions of more than 9,000 older adults highlighted psychological and physical well-being, social connections, and adaptability as key contributors, challenging the notion that longevity alone defines successful aging.
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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.