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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
Headaches affect about half of adults globally and preventive non-drug strategies can be effective in helping to relieve headache pain and improve quality of life. Low-impact exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can prevent or ease headaches by reducing stress and unwinding tight muscles. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding headache triggers can also help to prevent or reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to prevent skin cancer, the most common of all cancer types. To enjoy outdoor sun safely, wear a wide-brimmed hat and tightly woven clothing, seek shade at peak times and use SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen. Check your skin regularly to detect and treat skin cancer early, avoid indoor tanning, and be aware of medications that can increase sun sensitivity.
A healthy human gut environment, which contains many different types of good bacteria, contributes to better overall health and longer life. Regular exercise, an active social life, and a nutritious diet rich in fibre, probiotics and prebiotics can improve and restore gut health. Better gut health can help to lift mood, sharpen your mind, and boost immunity.
For older adults, a pet can have numerous benefits. Seniors with a pet report they enjoy feeling needed and love the companionship that a dog, cat, bird, fish, or reptile brings. Their pet also makes them feel valued, and even safe. *
Eating in an environmentally sustainable way is good for the health of the planet and your health too. Eating less red meat and plenty of legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and other vegetables reduces green gas emissions substantially and lowers risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Eating locally and seasonally, while limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods, also lowers your carbon footprint and promotes your overall health.
Older adults show greater resilience in coping with pandemic isolation than young people, but are still experiencing increased levels of depression. Spring offers fresh opportunities to tap into that resilience and prevent or ease depression by getting a healthy dose of nature and doing group outdoor activities in your community. You can also brighten your mood by planting a spring garden and practicing tai chi in the fresh air.
Although Canadian women live longer than Canadian men, older women are more likely to develop chronic illnesses and disability. Moving to a retirement community can help women, including those whose spouses are in poor health or have passed away, reduce chronic illness risks through stimulating social and physical activities. They can also improve their health and quality of life with easy access to artistic pursuits and nutritious meals with friends.
You heard it here first: white and grey hair is trending, and many women are proudly going silver. But why do we even go grey? Will grey hair make you look older? How do you take care of it properly? Luc Vincent, an expert hairstylist, gives us all the details about white hair and how to care for it.
Excerpt: Research shows that while depression, high stress, anger, and loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, promoting and supporting psychological and emotional health is good for your heart. Thinking positively, practicing self-compassion, and recognizing and treating depression help to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Meditating to reduce stress, strengthening social ties, and finding purpose also protect your heart and improve quality of life.
Did you know that 45% of Canadians over the age of 20 have at least one risk factor for heart disease? These factors include stress, a sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use and a poor diet. Therefore, what kind of food should we eat to help prevent heart conditions?
January is the perfect time to transform the winter blues into a warm kaleidoscope of brighter thoughts, feelings, and activities. Here are seven ways to greet the new year with positivity and a lighthearted attitude.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, affecting to 20% to 30% of seniors each year and causing 85% of injury-related hospitalizations. You can help prevent falls and fractures by building bone and muscle strength, improving balance, and being physically active each day. Wearing proper footwear, reviewing medications for side effects affecting balance, and checking vision and hearing regularly can also reduce the risk of falls.