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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.Full story -
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.Full story -
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.Full story -
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.Full story -
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.Full story -
28 February 2024
March is Nutrition Month: Nourishing your well-being with food
March is Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. As we age, our nutritional needs evolve, making it crucial to prioritize a well-balanced diet to support overall health and well-being.Full story -
21 February 2024
Genetics and dementia: What's the connection?
In this webinar recording, Drs. Tricia Woo and Anthony Levinson demystify the role that genetics and other non-modifiable risk factors play in a person's risk of developing dementia. Discover the difference between sporadic and familial Alzheimer disease and learn about the role of susceptibility genes in increasing your risk. Learn about genetic testing and who should get a test. Explore how to reduce your risk, delay the onset, or slow the progression of dementia by addressing various modifiable risk factors to reduce damage to the brain and to increase capacity.Full story -
21 February 2024
Is it time to book a medication review?
If you’ve ever wondered if you’d be better off with fewer pills, it may be time to ask your healthcare team about a medication review. These reviews are an important part of care and can help optimize health outcomes for older adults. Together, you can work on a plan that meets your health and wellness goals while safely reducing any medications you no longer need.Full story -
14 February 2024
Stretching away the pain: How do different stretching exercises compare for knee osteoarthritis?
Research provides support that stretching exercises can help improve certain symptoms among people with knee osteoarthritis.Full story -
14 February 2024
4 preventative health strategies you can embrace
As we get older, prioritizing our health becomes more crucial than ever. Preventative health measures are key in ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. February is Preventative Health Awareness Month, a month-long initiative that aims to help inform Canadians about things they can do to keep themselves healthy at every age and stage of life.Full story -
7 February 2024
Insomnia and sleep disorders: Understanding and managing these as we age
Sleep problems are common in older adults and can include difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), breathing problems, or abnormal behaviours during sleep. In this webinar recording, geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sophiya Benjamin provides an overview of both the causes and effects of poor sleep, exploring disorders and medications associated with sleep disturbances. You’ll learn about how sleep problems are assessed and diagnosed, as well as treatment and management strategies, including measures to promote good ‘sleep hygiene’, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, and helpful resources.Full story -
7 February 2024
February is Heart Month: 4 ways you can improve your heart health
Heart Month is a poignant reminder for older adults to prioritize their cardiovascular health. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, mindful nutrition, regular check-ups, and stress management, older adults can take charge of their well-being and enjoy a heart-healthy life.Full story -
31 January 2024
Cause for concern? Medications and falls in people living with cognitive impairment
Research addresses questions around side effects related to commonly prescribed cognitive enhancers.Full story -
30 January 2024
World Cancer Day 2024: A proactive approach to prevention
World Cancer Day takes place on the 4th of February each year and is an opportunity to raise worldwide awareness and improve education on the topic. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the global efforts to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, and foster a collective commitment to fighting cancer.Full story -
23 January 2024
Navigating the roads safely as you age
As we age, maintaining our independence becomes increasingly important, and one aspect of that independence is the ability to stay mobile. For many older adults, a vehicle is a way to get around and a sign of their independence, enabling them to maintain their social and community activities. However, aging may bring about changes in vision, reaction time, and overall health, making it critical to adopt safe driving practices and consider alternate forms of transportation.Full story -
17 January 2024
Living with dementia: Non-drug options for pain management
Pain reduction in people living with dementia. Non-drug options may be a good first step.Full story -
17 January 2024
Demystifying Depression in Older Adults
While not a normal part of aging, up to 20% of older adults have symptoms of depression. These rates increase to 40% for those in hospital or living in long-term care. In this webinar recording, psychiatrists Dr. Sophiya Benjamin and Dr. Anthony Levinson discuss late-life depression, its causes and symptoms, how it is assessed and diagnosed, as well as treatment and management strategies, including preventative measures and helpful resources.Full story -
15 January 2024
Preventing slips and falls this winter
As the winter season sets in, the beauty of the snow-covered landscape can bring with it a set of challenges, including an increased risk of slips and falls. Falls are responsible for many injury-related hospitalizations amongst older adults each year, many of which result in serious injuries.Full story -
10 January 2024
Thriving in 2024: 5 ways to stick with your health goals
As we usher in the New Year, many of us are inspired to embrace positive changes, especially when it comes to our health. For older adults, maintaining and improving health is a worthy and achievable goal. Whether you're aiming to boost your energy levels, enhance mobility, or feel your best, here are some tips to help you stick to your health goals in the coming year.Full story -
9 January 2024
Combining health and financial well-being
Health care insurance plans can vary across the country, and in some cases you may need to have a private insurance or pay out-of-pocket expenses to obtain certain services. Considering the financial insecurity that affects many individuals, how can financial literacy help plan, select and manage health expenses?Full story
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.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
