Driving can be more of a challenge for seniors due to numerous factors such as slow motor functions, vision or hearing impairments, and decreased reaction times. However, over the last 2 decades, the number of senior drivers with licenses has increased by 60%. Driving allows seniors to remain mobile and independent. Seniors recover less quickly and less fully than others after an accident, so it is important to implement safety tips when on the road. […]
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The benefits of pets for seniors
Research has shown that people with pets tend to have lower stress and increased levels of fitness. Along with providing companionship and unconditional love to their owner, some benefits of having a pet include decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation, more opportunities to engage in social activities, and lower blood pressure. An estimated 35% of Canadians own a dog, while 38% own a cat. Nearly half of all seniors own a pet. A study of […]
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How to improve the brain health of seniors
Many seniors have probably heard of the adage “use it or lose it.” This is referring to the need to continually engage in and practice a certain ability or you will risk losing it. As we age, both our mental and physical abilities can decrease. The brain is one of, if not the most important organ in the body. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of it as we age. According to a study […]
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Healthy eating for seniors
Healthy eating is an integral part of aging well. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet can provide essential energy and nutrients to maintain health, lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and prevent bone and muscle loss which can reduce the risk of falling or breaking bones. Decreased appetite in seniors is common and due to the many changes that occur as people age. Sedentary males over the age of 70 […]
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The effects of loneliness in seniors
Loneliness presents a major health risk for seniors. Data from Statistics Canada found that nearly 25% of seniors live alone. Loneliness has been associated with negative health consequences including heart problems, decreased memory, depression, and higher stress. It can also lead to an increased risk of premature death, decreased quality of sleep, and decreased immune function. Although many seniors want to age at home, they can become lonely without a spouse or family members. A […]
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How seniors can stay active and healthy
Exercise is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. Reduced physical activity is typically one component of aging and this can result in a loss of strength, agility, and mobility. Although there are concerns regarding seniors exercising, the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle outweigh the risks. Exercise can increase your mental health because it boosts neurotransmitters in your brain called endorphins, which are chemicals that relieve stress and pain. Other benefits include helping […]
Canada’s population is aging. Over the next 10 years, 5.1 million Canadians will reach the age of 65 and the proportion of seniors in the Canadian population will rise 4.1%, from 16.9% to 21.0%. The population in every province and territory is getting older, ranging from a percentage change of the over-65 population of 3.0% in Manitoba to 8.7% in Newfoundland and Labrador. The number of seniors in Canada has now surpassed that of children […]
According to a study done by the Federal Housing Administration, just under 90% of people approaching retirement want to stay in their homes as they age. However, as we age, daily tasks that were once performed without any thought can become difficult to accomplish and even dangerous. The risk of tripping increases while mobility decreases as we get older. Falling is the leading cause of death from injury among people aged 65 and older. It […]
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Smartphone tips for seniors
For most of us, using a smartphone is second nature. Over 87% of Canadians currently own a smartphone and a recent poll found that nearly two-thirds of seniors in Canada now own one, up 7% from last year. This is in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where seniors have increased their use of video calls and chats as a way of staying connected and communicating with family and friends. Just under a quarter […]
There are thousands of acronyms in the healthcare industry. You may have heard of some of the more common ones such as PSW, RPNs, and RNs when in a healthcare setting or helping to care for a loved one. But what do they stand for, what is the role of each, and what are the differences between the three? In this article, we break down the various roles and differences between a PSW, RPNs, and […]
