By Joanne Richard Earth Day is great. Earth Everyday is even better! April 22 is an opportunity to celebrate our planet and commit to making eco-friendly choices in our daily lives. Going green doesn’t have to be daunting or involve a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small changes can lead to a big impact and a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone. Curbing plastic pollution is this year’s theme – billions upon billions of plastic items are choking oceans, clogging landfills, littering landscapes and beaches, reports earthday.org, and gravely harming human health and vital ecosystems. Toxic microplastics are showing up everywhere. We’re inhaling and eating plastics and their chemicals. They’re in our air, soil, food and drinking water. A new study by Columbia University reports that one litre of bottled water (that’s two standard water bottles) contains nearly a quarter-million tiny plastic particles. Consume with a conscious We’re churning out more than a trillion pounds of plastics a year with 14 million tons ending up in our oceans – at that rate, it’s estimated that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastics than fish. Recycling isn’t working! Only 9% of total plastic is recycled, and the process pollutes the air. We need to end mass plastic production, reuse what we have and find eco-friendly alternatives. Do your part by cutting out single-use plastics. Reuse planet-friendly, refillable water bottles and fill with filtered tap water. Bring a travel mug for your daily coffee run. Use cloth bags for groceries. Refuse single-use plastics like cutlery, straws and cups when you can. The planet needs our help so lend a hand. Along with diminishing plastics consumption, there are so many ways to be kind to our planet. Some home changes may require getting someone else to lend you a hand and a home maintenance company can help with that. Together, we can make a difference. Tips For a More Energy-efficient Home on Earth Day Keep things running properly. When you replace outdated appliances, buy energy-efficient models. If a new appliance isn’t in your budget, then be sure to keep things well maintained. Check fridge door seals, empty ice accumulation and keep coils clean. Maintain your HVAC system and keep air ducts clean to keep bills down and everyone breathing easier. Seasonal maintenance also includes replacing furnace filters. Switch out to LED light bulbs. Save energy by turning your thermostat down in the winter when you’re sleeping or out, and same goes for using less AC when no one’s around. A programable thermostat helps with optimal efficiency. Getting professional help to tackle small projects like sealing leaks and adding insulation can save on energy and money. Window coverings are a boon to energy conservation. In total, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, and curtains can reduce heat loss by more than 40%. Reduce Your Foodprint Walk or cycle for short distances. Trade your gas-guzzling car for an EV or hybrid model. Having online meetings lessens the carbon footprint. About 24% of Canada’s harmful emissions come from transportation. Reduce your foodprint. Eat less meat and dairy – they contribute bigtime to global warming. Go vegetarian a few times a week. Switch out meat for plant-based proteins like lentils, tofu, chickpeas, and chia and hemp seeds. Also east more seasonal, locally-sourced food. Recycle food scraps. They’re flavourful and good for you, and the environment too. Foods that end up in landfills produce methane, a toxic greenhouse gas. You can easily upcycle food scraps like celery, carrot and radish tops, carrot peels, and asparagus, broccoli and herb trimmings into soups, fruit and veggie peels into chutneys, and pineapple cores, apple, lemon and orange peels into citrusy tea creations. Use stale bread for croutons. Don’t leave the faucet running when brushing your teeth – 42% of us do and it wastes 64 glasses of water each time you brush for two minutes. Fix leaky faucets and install water-reducing shower heads. Use cold water for washing and rinsing your laundry, and dry your clothes on an outdoor clothesline in the warmer months. Maintain Your Yard And Lawn Plant trees, make your gardens pollinator friendly, and maintain your yard and grass to promote ecological balance and healthier lives. Lawn grass helps clean the air, improves soil, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while giving back oxygen, reduces erosion, decreases noise pollution and regulates temperatures. Recycle clippings by mulching and leaving on the lawn to decompose. Declutter responsibly when you spring clean. If you’re getting rid of clothing, old decorations or furniture, don’t add to the landfills. Instead host a garage sale, sell them online or donate them to a non-profit thrift store. Choose refillable, eco-friendly cleaning products for your home on earth day. Some top cleaning sprays get the job done but their harmful chemicals can negatively impact your health and the environment.

There is no magic pill for dementia but adopting good lifestyle habits will provide a wealth of health for your brain and body, says Dr. Anthony Levinson, leading dementia researcher in Canada. Exploring various ‘ways to keep your brain sharp’ through these habits is essential for maintaining cognitive health.” We’ve all had an occasional memory lapse – you can’t find your keys or where you parked your car at the mall. Blanked out on someone’s name or a street in your neighbourhood. Occasional forgetfulness can happen at any age so relax – it’s not a warning of mental deterioration, or the onset of Alzheimer’s. We are not all destined for dementia! “While age is one of the strongest risk factors for dementia, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and most people will not develop dementia as they age,” reports Dr. Anthony Levinson, leading dementia researcher and professor of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Read more about: How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce That’s great news and there are many manageable things you can do to keep your brain healthy and substantially reduce your risk of dementia – and remain independent for as long as possible. With almost 100 per cent of older Canadians surveyed planning to live independently in their own homes, it’s prudent to make healthy lifestyle choices that promote staying sharp, active and living safely. Adopt These Healthy Lifestyle Habits Today “Try to stay physically, mentally, and socially active; follow a healthy diet, don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption; prevent head injuries and hearing loss; and look after your blood vessel health by managing high blood pressure and diabetes,” advises Dr. Levinson, co-leader of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, a trustworthy, evidence-based source of healthy aging information. It’s never too early or too late to get started: “The more healthy lifestyle behaviours you can do, the better; and what’s good for your brain is also good for your body!” Dr. Levinson recommends picking activities that you enjoy that are also good for your brain; if you choose things you enjoy doing, you’ll be more likely to stick with them. Think of your brain like a muscle of sorts – you want to challenge it, like you do with strength training your biceps or quads to maintain or grow muscle. “Conversely, social isolation and hearing loss may be associated with atrophy, or brain shrinkage. Hence the similarities to the ‘use it or lose it’ exercise/muscle training advice,” he adds. Now Hear This: Get Your Hearing Tested Don’t let your hearing loss go untreated. “There is a 90% increased chance of developing dementia if you have hearing loss compared to someone without hearing loss.” Adults with untreated hearing loss are at higher risk for social isolation and depression, less cognitive activity and head injuries through falls – other risk factors for dementia. Hearing aids can greatly help diminish cognitive decline, so too learning a new skill. Change helps build brain resiliency. Learn a language, a new game, a new hobby or learn to play an instrument. Sign up for cooking classes and feast on healthy plant-based recipes and elements of the Mediterranean diet. Take up an entirely new sport or fitness routine. Get Up And Move To Build Healthy Brain And Body What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Instead of sitting, nourish the brain with moderate movement throughout the day. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Ideally, aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly, along with strength-building and balance exercises, and seven to nine hours of sleep to stay sharp. Healthy habits can add years to life and life to years – and to your brain. Focus on healthspan versus lifespan. “Lifespan is the total number of years we live from birth until death. Healthspan is the number of years someone is healthy and without chronic or debilitating disease. “There is often a focus on longevity: living as long a life as possible or to a certain age – like 100. Whereas I think what many people are probably hoping for is living in good health, not just being alive,” says Dr. Levinson. Optimal aging requires getting smart about your cognitive, physical, psychological and social wellbeing. A positive lifestyle can make all the difference in how your brain operates today, tomorrow and years down the road. Bolster your brain health and live longer and better.

Nourishing your wellbeing is important. Our food choices have a huge impact on our bodies, and become even more important as we age. Eating well can enhance your quality of life, fuel vitality and longevity, and help you maintain your independence and connections. It boosts your immune system and can lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. “Spring is the perfect time to commit to making more informed food choices and developing great habits,” advises chef Jo Lusted, author of the cookbook Dish Do-Over – Family Favourites Reinvented. “Focus on including more nutrient-dense foods, being mindful of your body’s needs, and doing the best you can within your budget and time constraints.” Adapting and changing our diets can make a big difference in our health, how we feel and perform. “I find it’s often overlooked that a well-balanced diet is crucial for emotional well-being and cognitive ability as well,” says Chef Jo. “It’s essential as we age to make the best choices possible, and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that our unique nutritional needs are being met. Read more about: Food For Good Mood Make meals easy and balanced Enjoy a variety of foods from each food group and get enough lean protein to maintain muscle mass. You want to limit too much sodium, sugar, saturated fats and complex carbs like white flour, refined sugar and white rice. Choose good carbs like beans, and bright-coloured fruits and veggies. Boost bone health with calcium-rich sources like diary products, along with tofu, fortified orange juice, broccoli, almonds and kale. Get important nutrients like potassium, vitamin D, dietary fibre and vitamin B12. Be sure to stay hydrated – drink water often. To make healthy eating an easier task for seniors, Chef Jo recommends simplifying meal preparation: That includes batch cooking, using pre-cut vegetables, frozen fruit and vegetables, pre-washed greens, and employing tools like food processors and an instant pot to make meal prep less labour intensive. Think about smart swaps. “Go for whole grains instead of refined white bread and rice, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and honey for white sugar.” Enjoy shared meals: Batch cook and swap with friends; invite friends or family over, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion! “Sharing meals makes mealtime more enjoyable and feeds social connections, and encourages more balanced eating habits and nutritional diversity.”  How to eat nutritiously on a budget With skyrocketing food prices, eating a well-balanced diet can take a big chunk out of fixed incomes. Chef Jo offers up these tips for those on a budget: A healthy Mac and Cheese makeover Here’s a taste from Chef Jo’s Dish Do-Over – Family Favourites Reinvented with ingredients that are affordable and widely available in most grocery stores. “The recipes are designed to be easy, lower in sugar/sodium and fat, with reasonable portion sizes, which would fit very well into a senior’s meal plan.” Macaroni N’ Cheese Quite possibly the most perfect food on the planet! “The original uses full-fat cheese, cream and white pasta; the whole dish is pretty much fat and carbs. My version uses creamy sweet potato to thicken the sauce and add nutrients and flavour, non-fat evaporated milk and brown rice pasta.” Serves 8: Ingredients  2 ½ cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped (one medium) 3 tbsp olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup brown rice or whole wheat flour 2 tsp mustard powder 1 370 mL can non-fat evaporated milk 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups grated low-fat old cheddar cheese ¾ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided ¼ tsp ground nutmeg Dash hot sauce Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 cups brown rice or whole wheat macaroni (454 g pkg) 1 cup Oikos non-fat Greek yogurt 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley Preheat oven to 375F. Place sweet potato into a steamer basket over a saucepan of boiling water. Steam potato until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Mash until smooth and set aside. Heat oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until onions are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Stir in mustard powder and sweet potato. Whisk in milk and chicken stock until smooth, and bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, gradually stir in cheddar and ½ cup parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with nutmeg, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Whisk in Greek yogurt until mixture is smooth. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in sauce, and reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking pan misted with cooking spray. In a small bowl combine panko, parsley and remaining parmesan cheese. Sprinkle mixture over pasta and mist with cooking spray. Bake for about 30 minutes until sauce is bubbling and topping is golden brown and crisp.  

Spring is in the air and the birds, buds and brighter days have us feeling lighter, happier and more optimistic. After a dreary sunless winter, the season bursts with promise of fresh beginnings and renewed energy – you may just be inspired to tackle the dust bunnies that have taken up residence under the couch, and sweep away dirt and debris from the front porch and walkway. Maintaining a healthy home is good for your mental and physical wellbeing, and makes homes safer. Cluttered houses can be dangerous for seniors, leading to increased risk of falls and other injuries, and it also increases stress and anxiety levels, making it difficult to focus, relax and feel at peace. Winter buildup can take our homes from cozy to cluttered, and feeling not so clean. Doors and windows have been shut tight and furnaces running nonstop, so dust builds up and air is stagnant. And around the outside there’s likely winter wear and tear, and disrepair too. “Spring is all about renewal and fresh starts and our home is no different!” Don’t despair. Spring cleaning our living spaces – inside and out – is a rewarding annual ritual, and with a few TLC tips and help, things can be a lot tidier in no time. Start small and pace yourself. If you need some help, ask for it. While some household tasks are manageable and actually enjoyable, other chores and maintenance work may require getting help from a family member, friend or even a home management company like Custodia. There are just so many benefits to a well-maintained property. A more tidier space means a calmer mind and you’ll love the home you’re in again. “Spring is all about renewal and fresh starts and our home is no different! After a long winter, creating a sense of order and ease in our home can help everything feel new again,” says psychotherapist Carly Fleming, director of Everwell Integrated Health Professionals at everwellcounselling.ca. Our environment impacts our mood – “when our surroundings feel chaotic, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and uneasiness. So when we decide to declutter and clean our environment in the spring, it can improve our mood significantly,” says Fleming. Spirits remain brighter beyond the initial cleaning day and, if we make a small effort to keep things tidy in the days that follow, we’ll continue to reap the benefits, she adds. Having our physical space in order provides us with a sense of order and control in a world that can feel very much out of our control. “There are so many elements of life that are not in our control. This is a reality for everyone,” says Fleming, and that can impact our mental health. Spending time and energy bringing order to your physical surroundings can be an important step towards managing anxiety or depression symptoms. Fleming recommends setting realistic spring cleaning goals and be sure to include a plan for achieving them. “When our goals are too big, it can be almost impossible to make progress which only leads to hopelessness and frustration. Setting realistic goals is the #1 tip for getting our home in order.” Tackle spring-cleaning tasks Tidy homes promote independence and feelings of confidence and mental clarity. It improves safety and security, and fosters a lighter mental load. Unload the bigger tasks and repairs – Custodia is like getting help from a friend! Follow our checklist to ensure peace of mind for you and your special senior.

Window cleaning helps maintain the appearance of your home or business from the outside, and it’s good for the occupants’ mental health on the inside. Clean windows allow natural light to enter a space which makes for brighter and more inviting interiors. Custodia is a market leader in this space and does window cleaning in twelve cities across Ontario. Cleaner windows can be challenging especially if you have large or hard-to-reach glass panes. It’s important to use the right techniques and tools to get the job done safely and effectively. If you’re about to start this task, consider these helpful tips on choosing the right equipment, preparing the areas, and how to safely remove dirt and grime from your windows. Window Cleaning Starts with Choosing the Right Equipment. The first step in window cleaning is to gather the necessary tools and supplies. Here are some essential items you’ll need: Prepare both Windows and the Surrounding Area for Cleaning Before you begin cleaning your windows, it’s important to prepare the area around the job site to ensure the best possible results. Here are some steps to follow: Professional Tips for Cleaning Windows Additional Tips for Window Cleaning Window cleaning is an important task that helps to maintain the appearance and value of your home or business. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate tools and cleaning solutions, you can effectively and safely remove dirt, grime, and streaks from your windows. By taking the time to properly prepare the windows and surrounding areas and using a little elbow grease, you can enjoy crystal clear windows that allow natural light to enter your space and improve the energy efficiency of your building. If you need professional window cleaning, please contact Custodia.

Common Home Modifications that Reduce the Risk of Falls  Did you know that the most common reason for hospitalizations of seniors in Canada is a fall around the house? To help you with practical advice, this article will provide essential tips to prevent falls around your home. It covers fall prevention education, including knowledge surrounding home modifications needed to keep seniors safe in their homes.  This article will cover some of the most common risk factors around the home and the modifications that can be made to make them safer. We’ll also go through your home and ask specific questions about the home’s safety.  Entryway residential ramps  As we age, simply getting into the home becomes much harder than it used to be. There may be too many steps, steep steps, or steps without a handrail. Sometimes as our mobility changes, we might require the assistance of a scooter or wheelchair, making taking the stairs up to your home very difficult.  There are two main different types of ramps: residential modular ramps and custom ramps. No matter what kind, ramps always have a non-skid surface and heavy-duty handrails to protect you. A modular ramp comes in pieces and is assembled on-site. These come in many different sizes, and you’re sure to find one to fit your home. (photo)  A custom ramp is built with wood or other materials to match the customer’s home and their exact and unique needs. (photo)  Simple bathroom modifications to reduce fall risk  The next part of the home we will look at is the bathroom. Falls in the bathroom are common for people of any age. The slick tile, hot water, and steam inside a bathroom can make for a dangerous combination. Unfortunately, as we age, a simple slip can be much harder on our bodies than it used to be. We must do everything we can in the bathroom to avoid this happening. Fall risk reduction In the shower and bath with a zero-step walk-in shower First, let’s look at bathing. Modifications can be as simple as purchasing a shower stool so we can relax and not have to use as much lower body strength, grab bars to help us move around the shower, as well as stand and sit from the shower stool, and a handheld shower head to bring the water to us. Something else to consider for the shower is a zero-step walk-in shower. This option can get pricier as it usually requires significant modification. However, removing the need to step over a tall ledge or bath to get into the shower can greatly help many people. (photos)  Consider installing a bath bench if your shower is attached to a bathtub and you cannot change that. This particular bench is installed over the top of the tub’s edge. Using grab bars to get on and off of it, you can now sit down without making any modifications to your shower other than a handheld shower head. (photo) Toilet-side grab bars  Another place in the bathroom that may need modification is around the toilet. Sometimes our toilets are very low, and it can be challenging to rise and sit down from them. So, a beneficial fix can be installing grab bars around the toilet. It’s essential that there are bars on the sides of the toilet, however, so if there is no wall or counter space to the side of your toilet, you will need to install a vertical grab bar that mounts to the wall and juts out beside your toilet. (photo) Of course, you can also look into installing a taller toilet or a seat riser, but grab bars are the most effective.  Grab bars make a huge difference in a slippery environment like the bathroom.  Use non-slip/non-skid strips on slippery floors.  Another helpful modification in slippery areas is non-slip/non-skid strips. Older homes and older bathtubs usually don’t come with non-slip areas built in. It’s a straightforward fix. You can purchase non-slip strips at any home improvement store. Simply apply them in the bathtub or slippery areas, but check them regularly for any wear and tear. Lifted strips can create a tripping hazard. (photo) While you’re at it, consider buying some larger non-skid strips for the outdoor steps or uncarpeted stairs. These surfaces can quickly become very slick, which will solve that problem.  Use lever door handles to make it easier to open doors. Many homes have rounded doorknobs. While this may have been no problem for you in the past, it can be tough to grasp and turn a rounded knob if issues like arthritis have arisen. It’s significantly harder to grasp a door knob if you’re coming from the bathroom or kitchen and your hands are slippery. Not only is it frustrating, but it could be dangerous if there is an emergency. Luckily, a straightforward solution to this is to install lever door handles. You can either purchase a lever cover that goes over an existing knob or purchase a lever door handle and have it installed. Now you simply just have to press down with your hand, fist, or fingers to open the door. (photo)  Reduce fall risk in the kitchen  As we become less flexible, reaching things in our cupboards can get difficult, whether up high or down low. Two beneficial tools that can help with this are a reacher/grabber and a step stool.  Reacher/grabbers are sold at most pharmacies or medical equipment stores and come in handy for taking small objects off of high shelves or picking up small objects off the floor. They are not recommended for picking up heavy objects. (photo)  Step stools are often not recommended for older adults, but sometimes they are essential to utilize the spaces around your home. If a step stool is needed, it is essential that the stool has four solid legs, a handrail to hold onto for stability, a non-skid surface on the feet of the stool, and a non-skid surface where you place your…
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By Joanne Richard. Entrepreneurial Spirit Soaring In Their 70s – Spring is in sight, and with it comes new energy and opportunities, possibly even a different career path and purpose. While some of us are happy to quietly retire and leave the grind behind, other seniors are finding purpose in launching brand new careers. Studies show that what contributes to happiness midlife and beyond is essentially not the size of your bank account, but finding new challenges and opportunities to help fill your emotional bank account. March is a great month for renewal, recalibration, and joyful celebration, including the widely-feted International Women’s Day. So let’s celebrate entrepreneurial wonderwomen who are regenerating and blazing online business trails in their 70s! Forget retirement – Joan Cohen is all about rewiring. The 73-year-old launched her own jewelry company, Ever & Ivy, during the pandemic and is busy building her shiny new brand. Cohen had a series of careers prior to jewelry design, including jobs in the photography and advertising industries, as well as owning a furniture and interior design shop which she sold 20 years ago to spend more time with her family. Throughout her journey, she consistently exhibited an Entrepreneurial Spirit, exploring various avenues and seizing opportunities along the way. Making jewelry was just a hobby until she began to learn goldsmithing – she studied at Fleming College with a goldsmith who taught her the basics of creating jewelry out of sterling silver and gold. She started out by selling her handmade designs at a few specialty boutiques and the odd gallery in Canada, and more recently, scaled to increase volume for her online Ever & Ivy. Described as classically-inspired, architecturally-styled personal adornment, pieces are generally oversized but not in the extreme, she says. “Research tells us that what we wear impacts our brain and can influence mood, emotion, and performance – I offer designs that speak volumes about a person’s personality without ever saying a word.” With her entrepreneurial spirit literally paved in gold and silver, Cohen’s career speaks to the immense benefits of being vital and connected. “I have been incredibly excited to wake up and have this challenge ahead of me every day. My husband and almost all of my contemporaries are retired or winding down their careers, so at times I feel at cross purposes with some. But my husband has been incredibly supportive, which is a huge help in keeping me on track.” Her advice to get on the entrepreneurial track? Don’t let the naysayers get you down. Believe in yourself and take advantage of all of your life experiences to provide creative and practical stimulation. “An extensive study in the U.S. found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The second most productive stage of the human being is from 70-80 years of age, and the third is from 50-60 years of age. The average age of the Nobel Prize winner is 62 years. Don’t waste the most productive years of your life.” Although Cohen doesn’t feel too old in the least to start a business, she says she feels the effect of ageism and the negative societal attitudes to her age. “For that reason, I have been reticent to become the face of Ever & Ivy. I don’t want to pigeonhole the brand’s appeal to only one age group as I believe it has broad appeal.” While Cohen has designs for all ages, Joan MacDonald, 75, is sweating out a new career with a focus on other seniors and motivating them to get fit and feel fabulous just like her. “You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again,” says McDonald, who has built a following of 1.6 million on Instagram @trainwithjoan, and has launched fully-guided Train with Joan workouts in the app store. The fitness influencer lost close to 70 pounds and gained a wealth of health and energy – and fans. Her amazing transformation and training tips are featured with relentless positivity while wearing trendy body-hugging outfits, which some people have weighed in on as being shameful. McDonald posted: “I think the way a society treats its older population says a lot about that culture. Older people are not shameful.We are not a burden.We do not have to stay hidden.It is my hope that more of us older people shed some light on how to age well, give some real hope to others that it is possible to keep your vitality as you get older, and that older people have something important to contribute to society.” MacDonald is energized by helping others age a better way. Just a few years ago, she got winded walking up a flight of stairs – she was overweight and on multiple meds. The doctor suggested more meds. “My daughter Michelle, who is a transformation coach, was visiting at the time and gave me an ultimatum: change my health with her help or continue to decline. You know what option I picked!” She adds, “I was slowly dying – now I’m living,” and obviously living her best life. “Since making my health a priority, I feel like I can truly live my life versus just endure it. I have the energy to complete everything I want to do, from keeping up with my daughter to travel,” says McDonald, who divides her time between Cobourg, ON, and Tulum, Mexico. She loves sharing her story: “I love seeing others live their best life. I think others would enjoy my story because if this grandma can change, anyone can!” Her advice: Instead of focusing on everything out of your control, focus on what you can do that is beneficial for your life. It may be going for a walk daily, getting eight hours of solid sleep per night, or tracking your nutrition. “Habits propel us in a new direction each day.” And age has nothing to do with your potential,” she adds. “Age is just a number! So much of success…
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By Joanne Richard. As seasons change, so do moods. Chilly temps, shorter days, and being cooped up inside can zap our energy and have us feeling a bit blue. And that steady diet of doomscrolling – a new variant spreading, another pandemic winter – is messing with our brain. The cold, dark days of winter have the potential to add negative stress and create unpleasant moods such as sadness, worry, frustration, lethargy, and irritability,” says wellness expert Dr. Haley Perlus, of drhaleyperlus.com. Your sleep, appetite, physical movement, and overall energy levels can all be impacted, and take a toll on all aspects of your life. However, incorporating the right foods for good mood can make a significant difference. If you’re tempted to reach for bottomless bowls of chili or bag after bag of junk food, you’re not alone. “People have evolved to have subconscious urges to over-eat, and limited ability to avoid becoming obese, especially in winter,” reports a study by the University of Exeter in the U.K. Yikes. Obviously, mindful eating is tough, especially as we’re parked close to the fridge, but taking stock now – of what goes into your mouth – may help keep your spirits up in the toughest season of the year. “Eating light and often is a great way to boost your mood. It’s good practice to eat every two to three hours, never going four hours without food,” says Perlus, who specializes in sport and performance. “Just think, when is the last time you went more than four hours without eating and all you craved was kale? Never.” “Going hours without eating can have us craving unhealthy foods because our bodies crave quick glucose.“ It’ll help eliminate bouts of being hangry – being so hungry you get angry. Going hours without eating can have us craving unhealthy foods because our bodies crave quick glucose. “Although we do get a quick boost in energy, we feel worse in the long-term,” Perlus adds. “Eating light and often will steady your mood with the added benefits of consistent brain energy, decrease unhealthy cravings, maintain muscle mass, and prevent excessive fat storage.” Chef Michael Stevens-Hughes is witness to the power of food and its health-boosting benefits. Stevens-Hughes is a Chef de Cuisine at Ste. Anne’s Spa where healthy dishes are the primary ingredient in nourishing overall wellbeing. He sees firsthand how good food makes people feel good. His fresh and delicious dishes are created to deliver relaxation, healing and gastronomic joy. “A nostalgic dish can trigger fond memories of family or comfort and really help people relax, while exciting new flavours can help people forget about some of their troubles.” Times may be troubled and food can soothe the soul but not so much fats and sugars. While “our bodies crave comfort and the solace of a good show, a cozy couch and potato chips,” everything in moderation, says Stevens-Hughes. What will boost your mood, energy and immunity are nutrient-dense foods, including lots of dark leafy greens, beans and legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dark berries, and sustainably-caught fish like salmon and trout. Add in grass-fed beef, oats, bananas, and fermented foods, says Perlus. And dark chocolate, hot cocoa and coffee too – just regulate amounts. Meanwhile, delicious hot soup is especially soothing for the soul in the cold months and a great way to incorporate lots of good-for-you ingredients. Enjoy these health-boosting soup recipes from the cookbook Everyday Recipes from Ste. Anne’s Spa: Herbed Tomato Soup Ingredients: Method: • Heat oil over medium heat and sauté carrot, onion and celery for about 2 minutes. • Add garlic and spices and then add sugar; let cook for 1 minute, add vinegar and simmer for 2 more minutes. • Add tomato paste and stir until blended, then add diced tomatoes, vegetable stock and bay leaf. • Bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes. • Skim impurities from top. • Add salt and pepper to taste and remove bay leaf. Yields 6 portions. Apple & Parsnip Soup Ingredients: Method: • Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat; add shallots and cook for 1 minute. • Add parsnips and cook for 5 minutes; add apples and vegetable stock. • Cook approximately 20 minutes on medium until parsnips are tender. • Purée soup if desired; add honey and seasonings. Serves up 6 portions. Pureed Carrot, Ginger & Rosemary Soup Ingredients: Method: • Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat and add onion; cook approximately 3 minutes until transparent. • Add carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes. • Add ginger and rosemary and stock. • Bring to a boil and add potato; bring back to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes. • Purée the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Maple Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients: Method: • Heat oven to 350ºF. • Roast unpeeled sweet potato, flesh-side down, until brown and soft (about 20 minutes); this can be done a day or two ahead of time while roasting something else. • When cool, peel off the potato skin, which should now be quite loose. • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. • Add onion and softened sweet potato; sauté until onion is transparent (about 4 minutes). • Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 15 minutes. • Purée for a smooth soup; mash if you prefer a chunkier texture. Yields 6-8 servings. For a different flavour, try pumpkin instead of sweet potato and honey instead of maple syrup. *Recipes reprinted with permission from Ste. Anne’s Spa.

By Joanne Richard. How many times have you heard it? “I have everything – don’t get me anything.” Yes, many older folks don’t want or need more knickknacks or warm gloves, or gift cards, but there are still many thoughtful and Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Seniors that can make their lives simpler, safer, and just more comfortable and cozy. And that just won’t sit somewhere on a shelf. With gift-giving season rolling in, the big countdown is on and there are only so many shopping days left! We’re here to help with a sleighful of thoughtful ideas that provide self-care, fun experiences, or assist with special needs – and make life that much more merry. List of Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Seniors From sensible gifts to sentimental things to presents that make aging at home a whole lot easier, there’s something that’ll brighten Christmas morning for every special senior on your list. Explore our curated collection of the Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Seniors and spread joy and comfort this holiday season. 1. Nest Thermostat. Get them some smart technology to keep them living in their own homes with ease and confidence. A Nest Learning Thermostat has a big, sharp display and remembers what temperature your folks prefer, learns their schedule, and programs itself to save energy. Available at major retailers including Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Lowes, and Walmart. 2. Smart Garage Door Opener. Welcome your loved one home with a Smart Garage Door Opener that lets them in and out safely and effortlessly with the simple touch of their Smartphone; lots to choose from at Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and other retailers. Consider these among the Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Seniors, offering convenience and peace of mind during the festive season and beyond. 3. Smart Ring Doorbell Ring in the holidays with a Smart Ring Doorbell. Lets them see who’s coming and going, safely and conveniently, and even chat with visitors – even if they’re not home. A variety of models are available online and at major retailers and are super easy to install and user-friendly. 4. Heatable Slippers Spa Chic Warm their heart and their feet with the new and glamourous Heatable Slippers Spa Chic by Magic Bag. Give soothing relief of aches and pains with lavender aromatherapy slippers that hold heat for 30 minutes after warming them up in the microwave. Store in freezer and use them instead as a cold compress. The heatable inserts can be removed. Available at magicbag.com and pharmacies and retailers across Canada, along with other therapeutic Magic Bag Spa wellness products, including the Lavendar Extended Aromatherapy Wrap Spa Chic and the Eucalyptus or Lavender Aromatherapy Mask. 5. Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock Keep them up to date with a digital calendar alarm day clock with an extra-large screen display that’s convenient and simple to read; or consider a high-resolution calendar wall clock that spells out the time, day, and indoor/outdoor temperature in 3.25-inch digits. 6. Electronic Photo Frame No technical skills are required. Connect your folks to love and fun with videos and photos on an electronic photo frame. Share the login information with family members and everyone can share their good times – manage the frame, so many to choose from, with your phone and update using apps, email, Google photos, Facebook, Instagram, and more. 7. Flipper Big Button Remote Remotes can be a major frustration for seniors – the Flipper Big Button Remote features large color-coded tactile buttons for easy use and works for up to two devices. Only six easy-to-read and easy-to-operate buttons – On/Off, Channel Up, Channel Down, Volume Up, Volume Down, and Mute. Ideal for loved ones with Dementia or Alzheimer’s or someone with low and impaired vision. 8. Cobble Hill Easy Handling Puzzle Something entertaining like a puzzle is a great way to exercise the brain, and there are options for every activity level, including those with vision or cognitive challenges. Cobble Hill Easy Handling puzzles have 275 pieces and are not only perfect for easy assembling but large pieces make the details more visible. At walmart.ca, scholarschoice.ca, and other retailers by checking outsetmedia.com. 9. Customized Photo Gift Add a special touch to a puzzle by customizing it with a favourite family photo. Not only is it a great Christmas day activity for the entire family, but it’ll warm mom’s heart over and over again. Or put that special memory on a blanket, mug, doormat, pillowcase, calendar and more at photobookcanada.com, canvaschamp.ca, vistaprint.ca and more. 10. Personalized Drawing Jigsaw Puzzle Guaranteed to melt grandma’s heart, how about a Personalized Drawing Jigsaw Puzzle? Get a grandchild or even great-grandchild to draw a picture on this blank framed canvas jigsaw puzzle, then break it apart and place it into the included gift box. It’s from Poppys Collection, a woman-run, a Canadian business that specializes in curated items for babies, kids, and families from around the world. 11. Sound Bar TV Speakers Now they’ll hear what you hear. Soundbar TV speakers clarify the dialogue and reduce the distracting background sounds so hearing-impaired seniors don’t have to turn things up so loud. The ZVOX Dialogue Clarifying Sound Bar features patented hearing technology that separates the voices from the rest of the soundtrack – and then manipulates them much like a hearing aid does. The voices literally jump out of the soundtrack and can be heard clearly. 12. Weighted Blanket Give them a much-needed hug when you’re not there. Weighted blankets could provide your loved one with a more fitful sleep, calm nerves and diminish anxiety, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The therapeutic effects of deep pressure simulated through the use of a weighted blanket have been documented. Proudly Canadian Hush weighted blankets get rave reviews and so too many others – check out reviews. Consider these as some of the Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Seniors, offering comfort and relief during the holiday season and beyond. 13. Body Care Products Take mom out for lunch and personal service like hairstyling, a manicure or pedicure – something…
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By Joanne Richard. Aging is sparking innovation. In exploring the future of aging, business leaders and entrepreneurs are strategically adapting their products and services to match the demands of seniors and deliver on unmet needs and consumption habits. Empathy and wellness are driving designs for the ever-growing population of older adults – the 60+ global population will encompass more than one in five human beings by mid-century, climbing from 962 million to 2.1 billion by 2050! As we contemplate this demographic shift, it’s imperative to consider the future of aging and develop solutions that promote dignity, independence, and fulfillment for seniors worldwide. Adults are not only living longer, they are expecting to “live longer better” and that, according to Colin Milner, requires solutions that embrace active aging. Older people want to retain their function abilities at as high a level as they can, for as long as they can, including physical, cognitive, and social function. “The better we function in all areas of life, the better our lives,” says Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and a leading authority on the health and wellbeing of the older adult. According to ICAA research, 59% of senior living communities see themselves moving from a care-based community with wellness, to a wellness-based community with care. There is a stream of wellness trends that are empowering active aging, including innovative places and spaces, growing person-centered wellness solutions, and harnessing technologies to boost health, wellness, and quality of life, says Milner. These smart innovations and new approaches championing older adults will also fuel healthy economic growth. Older people have purchasing power! “The 50+ market now accounts for 70% of disposable income, a number that has grown from 50% twenty years ago,” says Milner, who hosts the podcast Colin Milner Rethinks Aging With… and features researchers, best-selling authors and thought leaders to help transform the conversation on aging and envision the future of aging. Here is what Milner is seeing on the new aging-driven frontier: