Many older adults prefer to age at home for as long as possible and there are several advantages for doing so. As the level of autonomy and needs evolve, it may become more challenging to meet the care needs of older adults at home. The following three approaches to housing may be suitable to you or your loved ones.

Menopause typically happens as women approach middle age and can cause a range of symptoms and can also bring with it a host of complications, such as the increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Whether you’re well into your journey through menopause or are nearing the start of this next chapter of your life, there are a few evidence-based strategies available to help women deal with the most commons symptoms and complications that accompany menopause.

The term “successful aging” has been used to describe the quality of aging, which is influenced by a number of social and environmental factors as well as one’s physical health. Many older adults define successful aging differently, but there are 12 themes that emerged from a recent systematic review. We encourage you to explore them further and think about what aging successfully means to you.

There are many health benefits associated with vitamin D. It can contribute to stronger bones, help fight off respiratory infections and regulate insulin levels. However, getting a healthy, daily dose of vitamin D can be challenging.

Our peers are an important part of our daily lives, but did you know that when it comes to our health and well-being, leaning on our peers for support may help to improve health and social outcomes? By sharing advice and encouragements based on their own lived experiences, research has shown that our peer-support system can help us stay physically active, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and lowering blood sugar to manage diabetes (among other things).

With vaccination campaigns now well underway and the number of new infections declining across the country, there is a glimmer of hope for resuming an active social life once again. Research shows that physical activity can help build relationships will also providing several other benefits such as improving self-confidence, helping to maintain cognitive skill such as memory, and improve mood, to name a few.

Canadian Men’s Health Month runs throughout the month of June. The goal is to inspire Canadian men to live healthier lives by making their health and wellness a priority. What puts a man’s health at risk as he gets older? The top risk factors are common and often preventable.

Millions of people have aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in their medicine cabinets and take them to tackle inflammation and all sorts of aches and pains – such as headaches, sore muscles, achy joints, cramps, and toothaches. Conversations around using aspirin and other NSAIDs as a prevention strategy for heart attacks, dementia, and cancer have been emerging. But is their use for this purpose safe?

Before the pandemic, it was estimated that 16% of older adults over 60 were affected by some form of abuse. It's believed that elder abuse has been on the rise since the global lockdown began; those providing support have seen an increase in the number of individuals seeking help. Read more about elder abuse risk factors, signs, and interventions.

The global pandemic has, without a doubt, had an impact on our health, but through movement and activity, we can discover new ways to feel good, both body and mind. By taking advantage of the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer, we can ensure physical activity is a regular part of our routine.

Our ability to hear and speak allows us to communicate with others, which is an important part of our emotional and social well-being. Issues with our hearing or speech that prohibit us from communicating can pose significant challenges such as social isolation.

Summer is fast approaching and many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the nicer weather. While basking in the sun’s golden rays can feel great, it is important to be diligent about sun safety.

Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, can affect the body in many ways and is often referred to as the silent killer because it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious diseases without necessarily alerting you to a problem. Read more about strategies you can take to reduce your risk of high blood pressure or manage an already existing condition.

This week is Mental Health Week in Canada, and while mental health is an important topic to discuss regularly, the realities of the environment we are currently living in make it even more critical to talk about. As Canada endures a third wave of the pandemic in many areas across the country, people are dealing with feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, worry, loneliness, and isolation. Read more about how to harness the power of technology as a strategy that can help you strengthen your own mental well-being and remember to check in with others.

An important part of your mobility is your ability to walk, and how fast you walk can be an important indicator of your overall health. Like your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing, there is evidence that your walking speed may be an important new vital sign.

As we battle a third wave of the pandemic across the country, now more than ever, it is important to communicate and educate populations on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This is particularly challenging in a context where new information (and misinformation) about COVID-19 vaccines is emerging daily.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns in many regions across the country, people are limited to activities they can do safely. While physical activity is important to keeping our bodies healthy, cognitive exercises can help keep our minds sharp.

It is estimated that 80% of Canadians consume alcohol, and of those who drink, nearly six million are considered heavy drinkers. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, consider exploring an AA support group in your community or consulting with a health care provider for guidance about available recovery support programs.

April is National Oral Health Month, a good time to check-in on your teeth and gums. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health and something that should be prioritized as a part of your regular routine. Older adults are at particularly high risk for oral health problems, and poor oral health in seniors has been linked to general systemic health risks.

As the snow begins to disappear and temperatures rise, many older adults are eager to get outdoors. Whether you plan to work in the garden, go walking in your neighbourhood, local park or trails, people of all ages report experiencing relaxing or invigorating effects after enjoying the great outdoors. We have compiled a few ways to make the most of the Spring weather and reap the health benefits too.