More and more people are embracing the digital age. Those with chronic diseases have the option of turning to the plentiful supply of dietary mobile apps to better manage their health. While these apps hold promise, more work is needed to determine if they are safe and effective.

The harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately three million deaths worldwide in 2016. Managed alcohol programs are a promising harm-reduction approach for people living with severe alcohol dependence who often experience homelessness or housing instability.

The holidays can be a time of indulgence. Celebrating the season is often an occasion to socialize and gather with friends and family. While it is important to enjoy yourself, there are a few things you can do to make sure you maintain your health throughout the month.

Did you know that it is your health, not age, that affects your sexuality? While certain health conditions can affect the libido and sexual capacity, many people still want and need intimacy, or have sexual desires as they grow older.

In recent years, we have seen an increase in extreme weather events. Are there mobile apps combining information about the health status of older adults with information about the environment outside their home (for example, extreme temperatures, icy conditions, or poor air quality)?

Chronic diseases like diabetes are often ‘self-managed’ – a model of care that empowers patients to be in control of their own treatments. But managing diabetes involves a lot of responsibility and work and can leave some patients feeling overwhelmed.

Combing exercise for both your brain and your body could be just what you need to keep your mind sharp as you age.

Whether it is helping older adults stay connected to combat issues such as social isolation or motivating us to set and achieve new goals, there’s no doubt that there are many positive ways technology can help us as we age.

Going home from the hospital can be both an exciting and stressful time for patients and their caregivers. Make sure that you play an active role in planning your transition back home.

Falls can be a life-changing event, with one in five resulting in a broken bone or a head injury. The good news is that not all falls are inevitable, and there are many things that can be done to prevent them.

Ready to quit smoking? Find out which forms of nicotine replacement therapy give you the best shot at 'butting' out for good.

While it is possible to get a cold or flu at any time throughout the year, these viruses are most common in the fall and winter months. Research suggests the flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself against the flu.

Many of people with dementia live in residential and long-term care facilities, but others are living at home with support from their caregivers. Despite the burden and distress of these caregivers, many do not use existing respite services.

Doing some of the activities you love can help to improve social engagement and well-being among older adults, and can reduce certain health problems such as hypertension, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Aspirin is one of the world’s most widely used drugs. Although for some time it was believed that aspirin helped prevent heart attacks, emerging research suggests that in adults without a history of heart disease, aspirin may do more harm than good.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. As you get older, your risk of developing breast cancer increases, and women between the ages of 50 and 69 years of age are more likely to develop it.

A greater number of older adults are now living with HIV. Yet, knowledge of HIV and uptake of testing among Canadians over 50 is is still low.

Mental health issues 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.

Dementia is a major concern as we age. If you're hoping to fend off this devastating condition, based on current evidence, vitamin and mineral supplements may not be the answer.

The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is committed to helping our community age well by providing trustworthy information about the health and social aspects of aging. By taking a proactive approach to your health and wellbeing, older adults can continue to participate in their communities and do the things they love.