The temperature has finally risen to an acceptable summer level, but as the hot, humid weather persists, the need to pay attention to seniors and their well-being increases. It is absolutely imperative to remain properly hydrated during this type of weather, and this is often a struggle for the elderly and their caregivers. Two-thirds of the human body is made …
Senior Scene July 31, 2017
It’s a fact; more and more people are living alone than at any time in recent history. More than fifty percent of those over age 75 live by themselves. For adults over age 50, millions are affected by isolation. 26 percent of those over 75 will be at an increased risk of death by living alone. Social isolation in seniors …
Senior Scene July 24, 2017
I am certain that almost all of my readers have experienced the phenomenon I am writing about this week – it is around the dinner hour and you are just sitting down to eat and the telephone rings. You push aside your meal and rush to answer it, but when you do, there is no one on the other end. …
Senior Scene July 17, 2017
This week’s column is a huge departure from the fun and frivolity of the subject matter last week, but the topic of death came up with a friend so I thought it was prudent to share some information on this subject matter. Our conversation was centred on the topic of funeral arrangements and the difficult decisions that loved ones were …
Senior Scene July 10, 2017
Here we are, through the first week of July already. This week I thought I would again share some material from emails that my 84 year old Mom sent to me. There are some great truths and words of wisdom to be found amongst the humour. Lying around, pondering the problems of the world, I realized that, at my age, …
Senior Scene July 3, 2017
I hope everyone took the opportunity on Saturday, July 1st to join Canada’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. I am not sure about everyone else, but I was concerned I might not “be available” to celebrate such a momentous milestone in the future, so I went “flag wild” with my exterior display of patriotism. I did invite everyone in a 5 kilometre stretch …
Senior Scene June 26,2017
June is national Stroke Awareness Month in Canada. Nine of every ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke. Stroke is a major life event for you and those close to you. The common goal for everyone — you, your care partner, your family, your friends and your healthcare team — is your recovery. Recovery means regaining as …
Senior Scene June 19,2017
Last Thursday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), and while I shared some information about the “It’s Not Right” campaign and the booklet produced by the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, I wanted to provide some additional information this week. The booklet is called “How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults …
Senior Scene June 12,2017
Thursday June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This year there has been a great deal of focus on “It’s Not Right” which is an initiative spearheaded by the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. Of particular interest is the component aimed at “Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults”. The objective is …
Senior Scene May 29, 2017
For the next couple of weeks I will be providing some helpful information about a dreaded subject – downsizing and moving. I have spent the last month staying with my sister half the time while we assisted my 80+ year old Mom pack up a 2 bedroom duplex with a full basement and move into an accessible 825 square foot …
Senior Scene May 8,2017
Did you know almost nine per cent of Canada is covered by freshwater? According to Environment Canada, this accounts for more than 890,000 square kilometers. Such a significant water presence in the country makes it absolutely critical that Canadians everywhere take measures to prevent drowning and avoid putting themselves and others in danger. National Summer Safety Week was May 1 …
Senior Scene May 1, 2017
As promised last week, I am going to provide some more information to help you assess your current driving skills and some suggestions to help you ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of those with whom you are sharing the road. Here are some things to think about when evaluating your driving expertise: Do you …