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. By taking preventative measures, the risk of developing chronic diseases could be lowered. Preventative health measures include things like making healthy lifestyle choices, taking care of your mental health, getting enough sleep, identifying risk factors for disease, and more.

While music is a safe, simple, inexpensive strategy, it continues to be an underused tool. Over the years, music-based strategies have been investigated for everything from hospital stays to walking to sleep, yielding positive results. It has also been shown to have therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia. Consider incorporating more music into your everyday life, whether for yourself or a loved one.

February is heart month in Canada, an opportunity to increase awareness about what we can do to improve our heart health. Heart disease affects over 2.5 million Canadians annually and is Canada's second-leading cause of death. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make that can lower your risk of developing heart disease.

February 4th is World Cancer Day, an international day marked to raise cancer awareness and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. While cancer is one of Canada's leading causes of death, the good news is that up to 50% of cancers are preventable; many are treatable when detected early. You can reduce your risk by improving key lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and eliminating harmful substances.

The conversation about mental health and well-being is one we need to continue year-round. Strengthen your mental well-being using the above strategies and remember to check in with others.

When it comes to driving, it is not your age that determines your abilities; it is your health. Driving enables people to remain connected to their communities, maintain social ties, and access needed services, particularly in rural areas lacking public transit. Helping older adults stay safe on the road is just as important as ensuring they maintain their independence by driving as long as (safely) possible.

Falls are the number one reason for injury-related hospitalizations amongst older adults, and 1.6 million seniors fall yearly. More than half of those falls result in serious injuries. So, what can be done to keep you steady on your feet during the winter and year-round? We have five things you can do to minimize your risk and keep yourself safe.

Around this time of year, many people may experience a case of the winter blues. It is normal to feel off, whether this be sadness, fatigue, or loneliness. Approximately 1 in 4 Canadians experiences seasonal depression around this time of year. The good news is that there are things you can do to help alleviate the winter gloom by improving your physical and mental health.

As the year ends, we often reflect on our experiences, 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 2022, we reflect on some content highlights from the past year that will help you continue to age optimally in 2023 and beyond.

The holidays are often a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the season. But for some, celebrating in person is not a possibility. If you cannot physically be with friends and family to celebrate, that doesn’t mean we can’t feel connected to one another. By harnessing the power of technology, we can connect with loved ones from home using virtual tools like video chat or the phone.

Those who suffer and survive a stroke can face a variety of temporary or permanent disabilities that differ in severity and impact their ability to complete activities of daily living. However, research has identified several strategies that can help address these issues and aid with rehabilitation efforts.

The holidays are a busy time of year, often filled with indulgences. While it is important to enjoy this time of year, there are a few ways to keep your health a top priority while still enjoying the festive season.

Did you know that declining cognitive function—like memory, attention, awareness, reasoning, and judgment—is the leading cause of disability and death in older adults? The good news is that there are ways to improve it by taking advantage of the brain’s neuroplasticity, which is simply the brain’s ability to change and make new connections.

Mental health issues, such as anxiety, can affect physical health, emotional and social well-being, and overall quality of life. Supporting mental health is a critical consideration to the healthy aging process. If you missed our recent webinar, want to rewatch it, or know someone who may benefit from it, you can watch the recording and access helpful resources here.

November is lung cancer awareness month, when people come together to recognize and raise awareness of the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis. It is also a time to educate on risk factors and what can be done to lower them.

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 increases. Whether you are an older adult or a caregiver for an older adult, our resources are an essential first step to educating yourself about what constitutes abuse and what to do if you suspect you or someone you love is a victim of it. Read through them to learn more and share with others who may benefit from them.

Preventing falls involves looking at many aspects, both physically and environmentally. We have compiled some of our top resources to help educate, inform, and keep you safe on your feet!

Staying physically active is essential for our mental, cognitive, and physical health at home. Whether trying something new, exercising with a friend, or sticking with a routine you know and love, you’ll reap the many benefits of being active.

Each year, on October 12, we recognize World Arthritis Day, a global event to raise awareness around the existence and impact of arthritis, its many forms, and symptoms that can help with early diagnosis. While World Arthritis Day is only one day out of the year, understanding the condition and associated prevention and management options can help manage it and reduce symptoms.