Dementia: What is it and what can we do about it?
Dementia is a general term used to describe impaired functioning due to a loss of memory, language, and decision-making ability. There are 7 stages of dementia, ranging from no impairment to very severe decline, that depend on the area of the brain that is affected. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Although […]
Malnutrition in seniors
Malnutrition is a serious condition that develops due to a deficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It can be caused by not consuming enough food or eating foods that do not provide adequate nutrition. Malnutrition contributes to a progressive decline in health, increased mortality, and reduced cognitive and physical functional status. According to […]
Seasonal eating
Summer is the largest growing season of the year, meaning you will find the freshest and most varied produce. Seasonal eating refers to consuming fruits and vegetables that are in-season. Eating seasonally will provide you with important vitamins and minerals that coincide with the change in climate, thus ensuring you get the nourishment required, and […]
What are “brain vitamins” and what are their benefits?
Approximately 25% of adults aged 50 and older take a vitamin or supplement to try and improve the health of their brain. Brain vitamins are said to improve focus and memory. However, many studies have found conflicting results regarding their effectiveness. B vitamins such as B6, B9, and B12 are reported to play a role […]
Safe and fun summer activities for seniors
As summer reaches its peak, so do the warm (often hot!) temperatures, and the opportunity for seniors to get outside more often. With the pandemic, it has been difficult for seniors to enjoy the last few summers. As restrictions lift, there are several safe and fun activities that seniors can enjoy this summer. 1. Swimming. […]
The benefits of gardening for seniors
Gardening is a great way for seniors to get outside, boost mental and physical health, and connect with nature. Since gardening engages all the senses, it encourages mindfulness. It is also a great way to exercise both the body and the brain. Below is a list of 5 benefits of gardening for seniors. 1. Vitamin […]
How seniors are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
The Omicron variant has more than 60 mutations, which are changes in the structure of a gene, on the spike protein that increase the binding strength of the virus, making it more infectious. During the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors have reported significantly fewer social in-person interactions and decreased social life, which has been associated with increased […]
Malnutrition in seniors
Malnutrition is a serious condition that develops due to a deficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It can be caused by not consuming enough food or eating foods that do not provide adequate nutrition. Malnutrition contributes to a progressive decline in health, increased mortality, and reduced cognitive and physical functional status. According to […]
What is metabolism and why does it slow as you age?
Metabolism is the sum of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms. It is divided into catabolism, which involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones, and anabolism, which involves combining small molecules into larger ones. Catabolic pathways provide energy while anabolic pathways consume energy. Not all metabolic pathways occurring in an organism occur in […]
What seniors should know about the COVID-19 vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people, especially, seniors, get COVID-19 vaccines. They are safe, effective, and reduce your risk of severe illness. A vaccine is a substance that stimulates an immune response resulting in acquired immunity to a particular disease. Nearly 80% of the Canadian population is fully vaccinated against […]
