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3 January 2024
New year, new me? Strategies to help achieve your New Year’s resolutions!
Research points to strategies that can help you quit smoking, exercise more, achieve a healthy weight, and improve your sleep.Full story -
2 January 2024
5 tips to chase away the winter blues
Many people grapple with the winter blues as winter settles in with its chilly winds and shorter days. The cold weather and lack of sunlight can contribute to feelings of isolation and lethargy. However, there are several strategies to leverage to help beat the winter blues and embrace the season with positivity.Full story -
27 December 2023
A voice assistant at your service
Personal voice assistants like Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant are promising to enhance the functional capabilities of people who choose to age in place. But what do we know about their use by older adults?Full story -
20 December 2023
Non-drug strategies to reduce frailty
Looking to reduce frailty? Learn what the evidence says about non-drug strategies.Full story -
20 December 2023
Promoting bone health: Osteoporosis, fracture and falls prevention
For older adults, a broken bone can be the start of more serious health problems and can lead to long-term changes in mobility. In this webinar recording, Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou discusses the key factors related to bone health as we age and the causes, risks, and consequences of osteoporosis, fractures, and falls.Full story -
19 December 2023
Embracing the Future: Aging Optimally in 2024
As the year ends, we often look back and reflect on the experiences we had, the things we learned, and the highs and lows that came with it. The start of a new year can signal a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals and intentions. As we say goodbye to 2023, we reflect on some content highlights from the past year that will help you continue to age optimally in the new year and beyond.Full story -
13 December 2023
Breaking bread alone or in company
What do we know about the impact of eating alone or with others on health and well-being?Full story -
12 December 2023
Thriving through the holidays: 4 strategies for a happy and healthy season
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many, it can also be a challenging period for maintaining health and well-being. With many indulgences, busy schedules, and potential stressors, it's crucial to prioritize our health during this festive time. We have compiled four strategies to help you prioritize your health while enjoying the festive time of year.Full story -
6 December 2023
Social Media: Can it help you improve your health?
Health information, advice, and programs are rampant on social media. Do they actually help?Full story -
6 December 2023
Embracing Connection: Using Technology to Stay Connected During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and togetherness. Holiday traditions bring about a sense of nostalgia and a yearning for the familiar warmth of family gatherings. But for many, being together in person during the holidays can be challenging. The good news is, in today's digital age, technology has become a powerful tool for bridging generational gaps and keeping loved ones connected, especially during the holiday season.Full story -
29 November 2023
Dementia risk reduction: A how-to guide
Currently, treatments for dementia are limited. This makes prevention that much more important. The idea that you could do something about your risk of dementia is a relatively new concept. In this webinar, Drs. Anthony Levinson and Richard Sztramko discuss dementia and how you can decrease your personal risk of developing it by addressing various modifiable risk factors. It's never too early or too late to reduce your risk.Full story -
29 November 2023
Embracing Winter: 4 Wellness Tips
As winter blankets the world in a shimmering coat of snow and the days start to feel shorter, thanks to fewer daylight hours, many people begin to find it challenging to maintain their well-being. The colder temperatures and darker days can have an impact on both our physical and mental health. However, with a few simple adjustments and mindful practices, we all can navigate the winter season with grace and vitality. Read on for a few ways to make your health a priority as the seasons shift.Full story -
29 November 2023
Seniors on the campus
Age-friendly universities must adhere to 10 guiding principles which aim, among other things, at inclusion, civic participation and the personal and professional development of older learners, as well as intergenerational learning and the sharing of expertise. Let's explore the experiences of these universities and the strategies used to adopt the age-friendly principles.Full story -
22 November 2023
Cardiovascular disease: Can digital technologies help?
Digital health technologies, like wearable tech, are becoming increasingly popular. But do they help people with cardiovascular disease? Let’s see what the research says.Full story -
15 November 2023
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, a time to bring awareness to the disease, risk factors, and prevention strategies. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with age, making it crucial for older adults to stay vigilant about their respiratory health. Factors such as a history of smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and environmental pollutants can contribute to the development of lung cancer, underscoring the need for awareness and preventive measures.Full story -
15 November 2023
Overnight care: A reassuring presence
Finding qualified and trusted staff to care for your loved ones during the day is one thing. But with staff shortages plaguing all employment sectors, finding qualified and trusted staff working night shifts is a big challenge.Full story -
8 November 2023
3 evidence-based strategies for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Research highlights three strategies that may improve symptoms and quality of life while living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Full story -
8 November 2023
Shining a Light on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canada
As November rolls around, it brings with it a significant opportunity to raise awareness and stand together against a pressing issue – domestic violence. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canada is a vital reminder that this problem affects individuals of all ages, including older adults. It is estimated that between 4% and 10% of people over 65 live in situations of abuse and neglect, and that number is expected to rise as the number of older adults increasesFull story -
1 November 2023
Technostress: The 'dark side' of technology in the workplace
Information and communication technologies (ICT) have long been used in the workplace and have recently seen a new boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers are encouraged, and under the obligation, to use technologies: computers, softwares, virtual communication platforms, mobile applications. ICT makes work easier, but it can also be stressful and even harmful to health. Are you "technostressed"?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.
