It appears that the Spring weather has definitely arrived and many folks out there are dusting off their vehicles and preparing for another season of driving. Often older adults really curtail their winter driving for safety reasons. Being aware of our own abilities is integral to road safety (our own as well as the safety of passengers and other drivers), …
Senior Scene April 10, 2017
It is the time of year for my annual column on National Advance Care Planning (ACP) Day which will be April 16, 2017. This year’s “Speak Up” ACP Day 2017 campaign’s theme is “My Community.” The material and resources in this year’s campaign tool kit will remind individuals to think about the people in their community and suggest ways to …
Senior Scene April 3, 2017
As you may have heard, the very first Family Caregiver Day in Ontario will be celebrated on April 4th. There are over 3 million unpaid caregivers in the province, providing support to loved ones facing illness, disability or challenges associated with aging. Family Caregiver Day is a chance to recognize, celebrate and bring awareness to the value of caregivers to …
Senior Scene March 27,2017
Genealogy is a curiosity for most, a hobby for many, and an obsession for some. In this article I am going to take a brief look at the practical and philosophical reasons that motivate people to spend time researching their ancestors. Some people have very specific reasons for tracing their family tree, while others leap into family history research without …
Senior Scene March20,2017
Each year, Meals on Wheels® providers across Ontario participate in March for Meals®, an annual event to increase awareness and community engagement with local Meals on Wheels® providers across North America. The 2017 Community Champions Week will be celebrated between March 20th and March 24th. During this time, local Community Support agencies will invite local celebrities and other prominent community figures to …
Senior Scene March 13, 2017
It is almost the middle of March, and I am certain most of us have “had enough of winter”. Some folks tend to suffer from the winter “blues” but unfortunately some of you are trying to care for someone who is not just “down”, but is seriously ill and clinically depressed. Because the very nature of depression interferes with a …
Senior Scene March 6, 2017
This week I would like to address the issue of chronic diseases and chronic disease management. Health concerns are generally classified as either acute or chronic. Acute illnesses usually begin abruptly and last only for a short period of time. There is every expectation that a person with an acute illness will return to normal health. A chronic disease on …
Senior Scene February 27, 2017
Canadian senior citizens are eligible to receive a wide range of tax benefits, including a few not available to younger taxpayers. Combined with other tax credits, such as the basic personal amount, that all Canadian taxpayers are eligible to receive, these credits mean senior citizens can save more on their taxes. Age Amount: You are allowed to claim a credit …
Senior Scene February 6, 2017
The month of February is national Heart and Stroke month. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. In fact, up to 80 percent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through your life choices and habits, such as eating a healthy diet and being physically active. …
Senior Scene January 23, 2017
Last week I provided some tips on how to communicate with an individual with a dementia. This week we are going to delve a little deeper into the subject and consider how you can successfully interact with a person with a dementia in a positive, meaningful manner. Being a caregiver for a loved one with a dementia is difficult enough, …
Senior Scene January 16,2017
As always, January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. There are 564,000 Canadians living with dementia, so the odds are unfortunately good that someone in your life has memory issues. With that in mind, I am going to dedicate this column to the subject of communication. Communication is a critical component of our life; it allows us to express who we are …
Senior Scene January 9,2016
I hope all the seniors out there have taken my advice from last week and resolved to examine their home environment for any “trip and fall” hazards, and addressed them accordingly. Safety within the home is only a partial solution to the prevention of falls. This week I wanted to share some tips from “The Safe Living Guide” produced by …