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You’ll find endless articles, books, videos and blogs devoted to the art of living with less—not just in terms of material goods, but in treasuring only the people, the pursuits, and the parts of our lives that bring us happiness and freedom to live the way we want to live. But there is also another way to discover a simplified life: it comes in the form of a retirement residence, where simplicity—and freedom—are built right in.
Maintaining, expanding, or deepening social connections in your daily life can help to prevent or ease depression and anxiety, protect your heart, and strengthen your immune system. Studies show that strong social ties and support also boost brain health and may reduce the risk of dementia, lower the risk of physical disability, and are associated with greater longevity.
Retirement living is an option that addresses all of those concerns. There is a home-like environment that is safe, provides meals and housekeeping, as well as the opportunity to socialize and have friends right where you live. Easy socialization is one of the best aspects of retirement living. No one should spend their later years isolated and lonely.
It’s a common question: why would I consider retirement living unless I need nursing support or 24-hour care? While personal support is conveniently available in retirement residences, and can be customized to your specific needs—including a spectrum of light services, such as medication management, to the more substantial, like assistance with your daily routine, an escort to meals and activities, and other assisted living services—senior living communities are also designed for active, independent older adults.
Health and Wellness
What if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health condition? You would expect your doctor to discuss the best treatments, and more often than not, you would receive a written prescription for medication. But what if, along with your pills, you also received an Rx to join a community gardening project, or meet up with a seniors’ choir group, or connect with a particular social support tailored to your unique situation? “Social prescribing” recognizes that our health—and healing—can’t be treated just by doctors or medicine alone.
Studies show older adults can maintain and improve brain health through a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, cognitive and social stimulation, and good nutrition. Retirement communities gives residents easy access to group exercise and mind-body activities, mind-fitness workshops, games and discussion groups in a social environment that promotes brain health. Residents can find meaning and purpose through volunteer programs and enjoy tasty, nutritious meals dining with friends.
Canadian women live about 4 years longer than men, but women over 65 are more likely to develop dementia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression, stroke, and migraines. Greater awareness of these elevated risks enables older women to prevent or manage conditions such as dementia with personalized lifestyle prescriptions, and arthritis with range-of-motion exercises. Strengthening social connections can prevent or ease depression, and brisk daily walks can help keep bones strong.
Despite February being the shortest month of the year, it can sometimes feel like a very long stretch for seniors when spring is still far away. Here are five ways to enjoy this month even if the weather is colder and drearier than we’d like!
Enjoying certain Valentine’s Day treats in moderation confers surprising health benefits for seniors. Studies suggest that eating flavanol-rich, dark chocolate may boost heart and brain health, and lift your mood. Drinking a glass of red wine with dinner may lower diabetes and heart disease risk, while savouring chocolate-dipped strawberries can reduce inflammation.
Were you able to get together with friends and family this holiday season? For many seniors, this was the first time in a couple of years they were able to enjoy holiday gatherings—although sometimes with health precautions still in place.
Maintaining a healthy, stable weight can be challenging for older adults due to factors such as a slowing metabolism, reduced calorie needs and changes in sense of smell and taste. Eating frequent smaller meals, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and dining with others can increase the appetite of seniors trying to gain weight. Exercising regularly, shifting to healthier food choices, and reducing portion sizes can be helpful in reducing excess weight.
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in older adults, especially as the days get darker in winter. Getting enough vitamin D daily through supplements and dietary sources is important for bone health, muscle function and brain activity. Adequate daily vitamin D intake also bolsters immunity and may reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease, cancer, and other conditions associated with low vitamin D blood levels.
The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it can be stressful too. Self-care is especially important for older adults to help manage disruptions in eating, exercise and sleeping schedules, and pressure to overdo social activities. By keeping physically active, practicing relaxation techniques, eating rich foods in moderation, and getting enough sleep, you can reduce stress, recharge, and stay healthy to fully enjoy your time with family and friends.
You’re not just imagining it: along with feeling drier in the winter, your skin may also be distractingly itchy too. It’s a recognized dermatological condition known as “winter itch” or “winter skin syndrome,” and according to a research study for a major skin cream brand, six in 10 Americans suffer from it.
Looking for a way to boost your walking power that’s also joint friendly, gives you an upper-body and core workout, and helps your balance too? Welcome to Nordic pole walking, a fun—and senior friendly activity—that all people, including those with arthritis, shoulder problems, and Parkinson’s, may find enjoyable and helpful in managing their health.
Have you noticed that November is the hairiest month? For the past 15 years, Canadian men have grown November moustaches in support of prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.