Did you know that retirement, changes in living environments, and fear of becoming a burden are among the top causes of loneliness in seniors?  While many dream of a peaceful retirement filled with joyful moments—like spending time with family, traveling, or achieving personal goals—life doesn’t always go as planned.  Moments of isolation can creep in, especially when loved ones get caught up in their daily routines. This can leave seniors feeling left out or disconnected. In Ontario, Canada, loneliness among the elderly is a growing concern. Research reveals that up to 32% of people over the age of 55 report feeling lonely.  Even more alarming, studies show that severe loneliness affects 2-16% of seniors, putting them at risk for serious health issues. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, depression, and even reduced life expectancy.  This isn’t just about emotional well-being—loneliness directly impacts physical health and quality of life. At Custodia, we understand how to stop an elderly person from feeling lonely and its impact on their emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to help seniors combat loneliness.  From fostering intergenerational connections to encouraging hobbies and utilizing technology, small changes can make a big difference.  We’ve compiled a list of practical and proven tips to help you support the seniors in your life, ensuring they feel loved, connected, and valued. In this article, we’ll explore: Let’s dive in and discover how we can work together to create a happier, healthier future for our elderly loved ones! 7 Reasons Why Elderly People Feel Lonely in Canada? Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling for many seniors—it can become a daily struggle. Understanding the root causes of senior loneliness is the first step toward creating meaningful solutions.  Let’s explore the common reasons why aging often leads to feelings of isolation and disconnection. 1. Bereavement: Loss of a Spouse or Close Friends One of the most profound causes of senior loneliness is bereavement. Losing a spouse, lifelong friends, or social connections leaves an emotional void that can be hard to fill.  After decades of shared routines, shared memories, and mutual support, adapting to life without a partner or close-knit circle can feel overwhelming. Bereavement often results in seniors withdrawing socially, as they struggle with the emotional pain of grief.  Over time, this withdrawal can create a vicious cycle where loneliness grows, but reaching out feels harder than ever.  The challenge is compounded by the fact that, as seniors age, the likelihood of losing more loved ones increases, leaving many feeling like their world is shrinking. 2. Limited Mobility or Health Issues Aging often comes with physical limitations, such as difficulty walking, poor vision, or chronic pain.  These conditions can restrict movement and make leaving the house difficult. For example, arthritis can make driving uncomfortable, while hearing loss can discourage attending noisy gatherings. Without the ability to move freely, seniors may find it harder to attend social events, visit loved ones, or participate in community activities, leading to a gradual sense of isolation.  The mental toll of being housebound or reliant on others for transportation can further deepen feelings of loneliness and dependency. 3. Lack of Regular Social Interaction Without consistent opportunities to connect with others, loneliness can creep in.  Regular social interaction—whether it’s a daily chat with friends or joining a group activity—is essential for emotional health. Unfortunately, as seniors age, their chances to engage socially often decline. This decline might stem from shrinking social circles, reduced mobility, or the closure of community spaces that once fostered connection.  Many seniors express missing the casual, day-to-day interactions they used to enjoy, like chatting with coworkers, neighbors, or local shopkeepers.  These small exchanges often go unnoticed until they are no longer there, leaving a noticeable void. 4. Geographic Separation From Family In today’s fast-paced world, families are often spread across cities, states, or even countries. Seniors with adult children who live far away may experience fewer visits or face long gaps between family gatherings.  Technology, like video calls, can help bridge this gap, but it’s not always a substitute for in-person interactions. Seniors may feel especially lonely during holidays, birthdays, or significant life events when physical distance prevents them from sharing special moments with loved ones.  For those who rely on family for emotional support, this separation can be particularly challenging. Discover how our services can help seniors stay connected. 5. Retirement: Loss of Routine And Purpose Retirement is often viewed as a time to relax and enjoy life. Yet, for many seniors, stepping away from their careers creates a void.  Work often provides more than just a paycheck; it offers structure, social connections, and a sense of accomplishment. Without the daily routine and purpose work provides, days can feel long and empty. The loss of colleagues and workplace social interaction further exacerbates the sense of isolation.  For retirees who did not plan activities or hobbies to replace work, this transition can feel jarring and lead to loneliness. 6. Poor Physical Health Chronic illnesses, fatigue, or recovery from surgeries can make it harder for seniors to stay active. Poor physical health not only limits mobility but also impacts confidence, as seniors may worry about being seen as frail or dependent.  For instance, those who once loved attending community events may avoid them due to fear of falling or needing assistance. Additionally, frequent medical appointments and health concerns can dominate a senior’s time, leaving little room for social interaction.  This combination of physical and emotional barriers can create a sense of isolation that feels hard to overcome. 7. Fear of Being a Burden Many seniors hesitate to ask for help or reach out to loved ones because they fear becoming a burden.  They may feel guilt over disrupting their family’s busy schedules or worry about being perceived as needy. Instead of seeking connection, they may choose to isolate themselves, even when they deeply crave interaction. This self-imposed isolation often stems from a desire to protect loved ones from additional responsibilities.  Unfortunately, this fear can…
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We’re living longer and better. Centenarians remain among the fastest-growing segments of Canada’s population. United Nations calls it a longevity revolution – by 2050, the number of us reaching 100 is projected to increase eightfold to 3.7 million people. While genetics play a key role in healthy aging, where you live, what you eat, how often you exercise and your social support system also influence your chances for living a very long life. And add to that a good health system. Helping centenarians age healthy and live their best lives is Dr. Samir Sinha, director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital, which is a global key leader in the fields of geriatrics and healthy aging. “We’ve made geriatric care a top priority,” says Dr. Sinha in a Sinai Health report. “We’re committed to supporting older people in ensuring they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”  Among Dr. Sinha’s patients are four centenarians: William, Phyllis Pringle, Elizabeth Samson and Sam Meister. “With high-quality care from primary care providers and specialists including the support of a geriatrician, they’ve been able to navigate complex health-care issues and the supports they need to remain healthy and independent.” With reprint permission from the Sinai Health Foundation, Meet four centenarians redefining the limits of aging. These super seniors share their thoughts on healthy aging and the ways they continue to stay active, engaged and curious. William, 101 Born: 1922 William lifts weights every day. Not just small five-pound weights, but hefty 15-pound dumbbells – one in each hand. “Beware of inactivity,” he advises while demonstrating his weight-lifting ability. “I don’t allow myself to become immobile.” A big proponent of physical activity, William walks daily and swam four or five times a week for more than 20 years. He proudly shows off a badge he received from a local health centre for swimming over 50 miles. “Not all at once,” he says with a laugh. William moved to Toronto in 1957 from the U.K., and today lives independently in his own home. A retired physician, he’s had a varied career, first as a GP before moving into public health and workers’ compensation. In the years before retirement at age 85, William was a practising psychotherapist. “I always change,” he says. “Change in careers is good for anybody.” As for what he attributes to his longevity, William has one word: “Sardines.” He tells a story of when he was six years old at a restaurant with his parents. Asked what he’d like to eat, he told them all he wanted was sardines. “I’ve been eating them ever since,” he says. “And this was before they discovered omega threes!”  William does indeed believe good nutrition has contributed to a long and healthy life. “I still prepare all my own food,” he says. What’s more, he says he’s always remained curious, pointing to his long career for helping keep him sharp and attentive. “You can’t sleep through life,” he says. “You have to stay interested.” Read more about How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce. Phyllis Pringle, 101 Born: 1923 Fresh from an exercise class at the seniors’ residence where she lives, Phyllis Pringle speaks clearly and expressively about having lived in Toronto her whole life. Although she uses a walker and has macular degeneration, her indomitable spirit shines through.  As a student at the University of Toronto, Phyllis studied sociology. Her father thought she might become a teacher but after hearing a social worker speak at a Careers Day, Phyllis knew she wanted to pursue social work. She became a case aide worker at the Protestant Children’s Homes where she worked for three years. “I really liked it,” she says. “I’d visit kids in foster homes, talk to the parent who was still responsible for the child, and help that parent get re-established.” After she married in 1949 and had the first of four sons the following year, Phyllis planned to keep doing the job she loved, but her father-in-law disapproved. “That was the old idea — that married women didn’t work.” Not to be deterred, Phyllis simply continued her social work on a volunteer basis by joining the Junior League. “I found a way to keep doing the work I loved.”  Today, Phyllis is still finding ways to keep doing the things she loves. Although her failing eyesight has made reading a challenge, she uses audio technology to listen to newspaper articles and books. In addition to daily exercises, she participates in current events programs and weekly quiz sessions at the retirement home. She credits her longevity to keeping her mind and body active. “You have to find ways to enjoy life — and I do.” Sam Meister, 101 Born: 1923 At 101, Sam still lives in the home he bought with his wife in the 1980s in North York. She died 17 years ago, and today Sam now lives with his caregiver, Marizel. Born in Romania, Sam is a Holocaust survivor. “The day my parents and I were rounded up to be taken away, I refused to go,” he says. “I don’t know why they just let me go. My parents died at Auschwitz. My brother was also killed during the war. At the end of the war, only my sister, older brother and I were left.” The woman Sam calls “the love of my life” was also sent to Auschwitz. When the war ended, Sam didn’t know if she was still alive. “The Russians sent word she was sick with typhus and taken to Russia for treatment,” he says. “When she came home after the war, we got married right away.” Sam and his new bride arrived in Halifax in 1948. He says they were assigned to settle in Winnipeg, but when they got off the train in Toronto, they decided to stay. Sam went on to run several successful businesses, while he and Olga raised two children. “We had a wonderful life,” Sam says. “My wife…
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In Canada, understanding who qualifies for home care is essential for individuals facing various health challenges that impact daily living. Whether due to age-related concerns, a severe injury, or a chronic illness, many people struggle with basic tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, bathing, dressing, and mobility. Home care services provide vital assistance to those who qualify, offering support to maintain independence and quality of life. So, for individuals like these, special home care services are designed so they can receive assistance in their daily tasks at their homes. These services aim to make living more manageable and more comfortable for people who are already struggling with their medical conditions or who are recovering from hospitalization. However, when looking for home care services, individuals have to choose between public or private home care services. Both options come with their pros and cons, but the purpose is to offer personal assistance to individuals who need it the most. When considering these options, you should have proper knowledge and understanding of how these home care services work and how you can access them to receive the care.  In the article below, we will walk you through how home care in Ontario works, what the eligibility criteria are for publicly funded home care, and how you can access these services. We will also discuss private home care services and why people are exploring this option as well. So, let’s dive into the article. Overview of Home Care in Ontario? As people age, the simplest of the home tasks become difficult for them to complete. This is primarily due to a number of factors, including age, complex health needs, chronic conditions, and physical disabilities. Therefore, individuals with these issues often need personal or medical assistance at home to meet their daily living needs. In this regard, Ontario Health at Home offers home care and personal support to people of all ages. Whether you are recovering after hospitalization or have an injury, these services are designed to make your life easier so you can live comfortably in your home. Home care refers to a wide range of services that provide personal assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility. Additionally, if an individual needs help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, home care services take care of that as well.  However, when exploring home care options available for residents in Ontario, individuals can choose between publicly funded and private home care services. The most preferred way is to access publicly funded home care in Ontario. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive personal support with services such as nursing, homemaking, physiotherapy, or personal support. However, this type of home care is usually reserved for individuals facing medical, physical, or cognitive challenges that limit their ability to live a comfortable life at home.  The second option is private home care services that are usually paid for by the individuals themselves or their families. One of the biggest benefits of accessing private home care in Ontario is the flexibility to customize the services based on your specific needs and preferences. Sure, they can be expensive compared to public home care services, but there is a wide range of services offered in private home care.  Companies like Custodia in Ontario are one of the go-to choices for individuals who want to access a range of services that provide personal support with handyman tasks and other daily activities.  Eligibility Criteria for Publicly Funded Home Care in Ontario It is important to know that municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and private organizations operate long-term publicly funded home care support. These organizations offer much-needed healthcare and support to individuals with little to no income. In order to access publicly-funded home care support in Ontario, you have to meet specific eligibility criteria set out by the government.  However, to maintain the quality of service and equity in the system, Ontario has a set of rules and regulations that must be met for admission to long-term care homes. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regulates long-term home care organizations to ensure they comply with all the regulations and specific standards set out by the government. These laws protect the well-being and rights of individuals that are deserving to receive the personal care and support they need to live warmly and happily in their homes. So, seniors and people who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive publicly funded home care based on their health status, income, and level of need: How to Start the Process of Applying for Home Care The process of selecting a long-term care home involves a multi-part assessment to determine your eligibility. To access publicly-funded home care in Ontario, you must first contact Ontario Health atHome via contact number or their official website.  After contacting them, Ontario Health at Home will connect you with their care coordinator. The coordinator will start the assessment process through the initial consultation on the phone to determine your eligibility to access home care. He may also visit your home to assess further your health status and the level of personal or medical care services you need.  The care coordinator usually conducts a comprehensive assessment that includes functional assessment, capacity assessment, and behavioral assessment, depending on health status, medical history, and living situation.  Based on this assessment and if you are eligible, the care coordinator will discuss all the options with you and provide you with the list of care homes to choose from. It is important to know that you can choose from up to five care homes. However, you cannot access the home care services immediately as there is a wait time that can vary. Once you have secured the spot in your chosen long-term care home, Ontario Health at Home will reach out to you, and you will have only 24 hours to give them your consent for admission.  Finally, a personalized care plan will be created based on your needs. This plan…
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According to one report, seniors will make up to 25% of the total population of Canada by 2030. This means the rapidly growing senior population in Canada needs essential support services to meet their needs. While the younger population has access to a number of facilities and resources to manage day-to-day tasks, seniors need a little extra support to live comfortably. The main focus of these most requested support services for the elderly is to assist seniors and give them resources to maintain their status and quality of life. These services allow senior citizens to stay as healthy and independent as possible.  When it comes to available support services in Canada for seniors, there are quite a few services that cover various aspects of life. The primary support services include personal support, household maintenance, transportation assistance, and accessibility modification. However, the most requested service that reflects particular challenges seniors face on a daily out is housekeeping and property maintenance.  Therefore, in the article below, we will briefly discuss the primary support services and how they help seniors maintain their independence. We will also walk you through what makes household and property maintenance services the most requested one in Canada. To learn about them in detail, keep on reading.  The Most Requested Service for the Elderly: Housekeeping & Property Maintenance As people age, they prefer to “age in place,” meaning they want to live the rest of their lives in their own homes instead of moving to an old age home. However, one of the biggest challenges they face is carrying out the simplest of daily tasks, such as cleaning the gutter, cutting grass, painting the walls, or repairing the fence. In this regard, housekeeping and property maintenance is the most requested support service in Canada. According to one report, about 26.8% of seniors in Canada need assistance with their daily tasks, yet they still need to receive essential support. Fortunately, seniors can access household maintenance services that can help them carry out and complete these daily tasks with compassion and ease. In Canada, popular household and property maintenance services like Custodia go above and beyond just basic dusting and cleaning. With their compassionate and highly dedicated team, they completely understand the care seniors require and offer their support to complete their everyday tasks for them with professionalism.  While there are hundreds of other housekeeping services available across Canada, choosing the one that focuses on caring for seniors is extremely important as they are well versed in understanding their needs to provide the support they deserve. Services like Custodia will not only mow your lawn but also create a thorough senior support home management plan for seniors to live longer and happier lives at home.  Overall, these housekeeping and property maintenance services will take care of all the household predictable tasks that you find challenging to carry out and complete. They will make sure to provide support to people or seniors with physical disabilities, medical conditions, and limited mobility to ensure you feel comfortable and safe in your home.  Benefits of Housekeeping and Property Maintenance for Seniors The demand for housekeeping and property maintenance services reflects how important it is for seniors to maintain safety, independence, and quality of life so they can “age in place.” This demand has made both private and government institutes come up with programs that address this specific challenge in seniors’ lives. With their effort, this particular support service has started to be widely available across Canada, offering these benefits: Overview of Other Essential Senior Support Services in Canada With the rapidly growing senior population in Canada, both government and non-government institutes have introduced a number of other support services for seniors. These services address certain challenges they face on a day-to-day basis to encourage them to live a healthy and happy life.  With these services available, seniors have the support they deserve to live a happy and safe life. Let’s discuss these services briefly: Transportation Assistance Growing older doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors and stop driving altogether. Staying mobile and getting around for seniors is extremely important to maintain independence and an outgoing lifestyle. However, as you age, limited mobility, physical disabilities, and health conditions tend to change your driving habits, and inevitable challenges come with accessing traditional public transportation.  Therefore, there are quite a few transportation assistance options available to assist seniors in getting around Canada. For instance, for seniors who are unable to access public or private transportation, organizations like the Canadian Red Cross or CHATS provide transportation. Using these free or volunteer driver services, seniors can attend their medical appointments, go out shopping, or attend social gatherings. These transportation assistance services make it possible for seniors to get around easily and go about their daily tasks. Social and Recreational Support Living alone all by yourself can feel isolated and sad, but the good news is that you do not have to feel that way at all. There is no age limit for having a vibrant social life and recreational support. In fact, being socially connected with your community is extremely important for staying active and keeping your overall well-being in check. As they say, the key to a long life is a happy life. So, seeking social and recreational support offers you a life you may be missing by just sitting alone at your home by yourself.  To address this concern, there are quite a few municipalities across Canada that offer several programs specifically designed for seniors. Programs like Ontario Parks and Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) usually consist of community outings, social gatherings, fitness classes, art sessions, and more. These programs not only promote better health but also help foster new friendships that combat isolation.  Health and Personal Care Services Health and personal care services are just as important as housekeeping services to provide necessary support to the senior population. In Canada, the healthcare system ensures seniors receive medical support, rehabilitation, and caregiver assistance to improve their quality…
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Home care should be the cornerstone of eldercare – growing old in the comfort of our own home brings us joy, dignity and supports good health. “At the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), we have conducted surveys showing that nearly 100% of older Canadians want to age in their own homes for as long as possible. Given that this is what people want, I think trying to achieve this becomes quite integral to people’s happiness and wellbeing,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, leading geriatrician in Canada and director of Health Policy Research at NIA. To live safe, healthy and socially-connected lives as we age, support is needed – unfortunately, insufficient home care and community services make aging at home an overwhelming challenge for many. It’s costly and complicated. “For too many of my patients, their ability to age in place is often undermined by a system that is not adequately resourced to support them to adapt their homes and receive the care they need or further support their family and friends serving as caregivers,” said Dr. Sinha, director of geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network. Home Care is Cost Effective People end up becoming prematurely institutionalized in long-term care (LTC) homes, or living in overburdened hospitals waiting to go to a long-term care home, which are both more costly than providing more care in people’s homes, he said. The National Institute on Aging reports it costs an average of $103 per day for an LTC-eligible person in their own home compared to $201 in long-term care. It’s $703 a day for older adults admitted to hospital while awaiting a permanent place. Enabling more people to receive additional care in their own homes would greatly benefit seniors and society, said Dr. Sinha. “Other countries that have developed more robust home and community care systems are benefiting significantly from this approach.” There’s growing recognition of the increased health and happiness outcomes. The future for our rapidly aging population isn’t pretty, said Dr. Sinha. We’re not prepared and have so much catching up to do. There are record numbers on Ontario’s LTC home waitlists and the majority of the people waiting in hospitals as ALC (alternate level of care) patients are there because of the insufficient home care to allow them to return to their own homes. “While 15% of hospital patients are ALC patients in Ontario, in Denmark this rate is around 1%  as they are providing much more home care to their citizens.” Home Modifications Needed Adding to the problem of limited, underfunded care access is a shortage of underpaid care providers to deliver home care. Also additional private care beyond what the government and their families and friends can provide them can be unaffordable. And healthy aging in place needs to enable social connection rather than inhibit it.  The home also needs supports, including age-friendly modifications. There are some grants and support to help people make home adaptions or buy equipment to enhance home accessibility, said Dr. Sinha, “but these are rather piecemeal supports and need to be more comprehensively considered to ensure that we can really enable aging in place whenever possible.”  Sadly, as things stand and with lack of sufficient supports, people relent and put their name on a LTC home waitlist and enter a home. Currently there are more than 40,000 people in Ontario alone who are on LTC home waitlists, he said. “Some jurisdictions have simply offered to provide clients the home care they need up to the cost of having to care for them in a LTC home. After this, a person is invited to purchase additional care to stay in their own homes or go to a LTC home. This is one method that creates a greater level of transparency and accountability and doesn’t cast anyone as a failure when aging in place is no longer possible.” Read more about Rethink Aging With Colin Milner Far too many people blame themselves for the failure to be able to age in their own homes, he said, for example, not having saved up enough privately to fill in unanticipated care gaps. Families can also feel like failures for not being able to do more to keep their loved ones at home. “This as a result likely affects the personal happiness and wellbeing of older persons and their caregivers.” Home is Our Happy Place Home sweet home is our happy place so plan for it. “I always say that the best defense is a good offence,” said Dr. Sinha, adding that practically working through what might need to be done in advance to make aging in place happen can help better ensure you can better age with dignity and respect. Read also, How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce And with health and happiness too. Plan ahead for you and your elderly loved ones to be able to grow old in the place of your choosing: Take into account location, accessibility, available support and services, medical conditions, isolation, finances, and family in order to make the best informed decision. Don’t assume publicly-funded programs will keep you at home in the future. Don’t let a health emergency catch you unprepared and leave you scrambling for living options. Develop a contingency plan that considers other options in case aging in place is no longer possible. Being able to access home maintenance, modifications and repairs make aging in place easier and safer. Custodia can help take the hassles and headaches out of home maintenance and tasks, and greatly reduce the barriers to aging in place.   

When it comes to aging in place, there’s a quote that comes to mind: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” It may sound negative, but there is simply nothing negative about being proactive and making solid plans to remain happily in your home through the aging journey. Research shows that nearly all older Canadians want to remain in their homes and communities as long as they can, and that means having the health, and social supports and services in place to live safely and independently. That just doesn’t happen unless you make it happen. To survive and thrive at home, being functionally fit is critical – physical strength is very often neglected. Frailty can derail dreams to remain at home! “Our best option is maintaining our fitness and functionality in order to avoid frailty, hospitalization and the need for institutionalization,” says Dr. Karen Humphreys, a physician, educator and frailty coach in B.C. Dr. Humphreys helps people fulfill their wishes to age in place and her new book,  The Mission of Maya and Methuselah, offers clear instruction and practical advice to get ready physically, mentally and financially. For example, adequate financial health often takes years of planning – “there’s the cost of medications as we age; cost of repairs and making a safer home depending on our functionality, and insight into what we might need.” Assess Home For Risks For those lacking fitness and/or financial resources, family connections are often needed to assist in staying in our own home or moving into a suite in a family member’s home, adds the clinical instructor from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine who lives on Vancouver Island. “The challenges of aging in place currently are being reactive rather than proactive. For example, purchasing new furniture should focus on long-term use – a high bed that looks great when you are 50 is a fall risk at 75,” she says. Home environments with things like treacherous stairs, lots of area rugs, cupboards that need a ladder to access pose obvious challenges but there are many other aspects of the home that need to be reviewed for planning future safety. When it comes to aging bodies, the major challenges she sees is lack of overall fitness from a cardiovascular perspective; resistance training perspective; balance and flexibility perspective; social connectedness and cognition – brain exercises are just as important as physical exercises. Shortage of Long-term Beds Unfortunately, some people believe that they will not age and not need services (which are actually hard to procure and expensive too), says Dr. Humphreys. “I found that many folks that ended up in hospital had no idea that the Canada Health Act would not care for them as they aged. The cost of care has crushed many individuals so awareness and planning are the keys going forward as our population ages.” We have a glut of aging baby boomers that will soon require more access to long-term care beds than are available. Right now there are just under 200,000 care home beds and we’re going to need more than 455,000 by the year 2035! That’s just a decade away! Optimal planning should start after age 45 and the scenarios in her book guide folks through different decades in how to make lifestyle changes, do financial planning and have some foresight into what may be required as one ages in Canada. “We are unable to predict exactly which direction our life will go but we can prepare for many scenarios if we start planning early enough.” Dr. Humphreys helps Victoria seniors and families strategize – encouraging, promoting and assisting in keeping them in their home. She does frailty coaching to prevent a decline in physical and functional status. “Frailty is a precursor to the loss of independence. Frailty can lead to fall, fractures, hospitalization, nursing home placement and death.” Tips to Age in Place Safely Take Dr. Humphrey’s tips to successfully age in place as long as possible: Meanwhile, aging in place makes people happy and healthy, and Custodia offers the support to age at home joyfully, safely and worry free. From installing grab bars to regular property upkeep, our home management plans ensure the home environment, inside and outside, remains safe, secure and well-maintained. Related read Rethink Aging With Colin Milner

The tables turn and the person who cared for you will likely need care. As parents grow older, you want to be there for them but it can be a challenge especially if you don’t live close by. The distance can make it tough but you can still provide support and assistance to aging parents even if you’re living in a different city or even province. Rick Lauber, an Edmonton author and former co-caregiver, knows firsthand the challenges: “Caregiving was new territory for me… much like many others, I did not have related background experience or knowledge to draw from. I was also not prepared for my new role.” He shares what he learned caring for his aging parents in his two books Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide, and offers practical tips, great guidance and encouragement to help prepare prospective and current family caregivers. “Caregiving can be a major time commitment and can easily impact a family member physically, mentally, emotionally and financially,” says Rick. Increased Costs And Stressors Initially he helped co-caregive from a distance for 10 years for both his senior parents, and then they moved closer to him and his sisters, which increased their responsibilities and contributions. “I remember being constantly on the go. If I was not planning the parental schedule for the next day or running another parental errand, I was worried about how Mom and Dad were doing or if my telephone would ring with an emergency.” Working alongside his sisters, he assumed many unexpected caregiving duties, like moving his parents repeatedly, driving them to appointments, managing their banking and paying bills and, in due course, serving as Joint Guardian and Alternate Trustee. For those caring from afar, there’s increased travel that results in added costs including accommodation, meals out and vehicle maintenance, and the stress of being less able to quickly react and respond to an aging parent’s needs, says Rick, who was a 15-hour drive away so he preferred the two-hour flight. When seniors retire to smaller towns, they will not have as many services available to help them. Take on New Roles Prepare to take on new roles, learn more about complex medical conditions, try to work harmoniously with aging parents and siblings, and balance caregiving with busy lives, families, and careers, he says. Family caregivers may also face increased stress over wondering if they are making the best decisions, he adds, which is a natural worry. “It’s important to note that caregiving is not all bad however: From my own experience, I built better relationships with my parents and sisters, became better organized, learned more about my own capabilities, and became more self-confident,” he adds.  Read more about The Future Of Aging. Video Chat Regularly With the right approach and resources – and Rick’s tips – you can ensure elderly parents are supported and connected, no matter the miles. Communicate regularly. If adult children cannot easily travel to see their aging parents, they could still call them. A video chat (through Zoom or some other platform) is better than a phone call as it is more personal and can provide family members a much better opportunity to observe and assess the senior’s appearance as well as gauge how the senior is doing. Enlist outside help. Hire a caregiver from a trusted professional caregiving company. Coordinate with a friendly neighbour to drop in to visit with aging parents and then report back to distant family members. Outside help could also run errands for seniors while family caregivers are visiting – thus allowing them more quality time together. Get creative with outside help. Perhaps the neighbour is a dog walker and an aging parent could join on these outings for company, fresh air and exercise. A neighbour’s teen could be hired to mow a senior’s lawn or shovel snowy sidewalks. Reliability is critical so hiring a reputable company to do routine outdoor and indoor maintenance work can help greatly – research well. When speaking with these prospective providers, ask for references to check, if they have done similar work for other seniors, and how long they have been in business. Check with the Better Business Bureau as part of your research. Local seniors’ associations could possibly provide recommendations of vetted senior service providers. Technology Can be Your Eyes And Ears Utilize technology. Wearable health devices (e.g. wristbands) can measure and collect health data. Mobile device apps can remind aging parents to take their medication. Home monitoring systems can report on an aging senior’s movements within the home. Stove fire prevention devices automatically shut off the appliance if it has been left on for too long. On-line social media platforms (e.g. Facebook) provide an aging parent the chance to communicate with distant family members, join message boards for social interaction, research areas of interest, be entertained, and view photographs of the grandchildren. Technology can be a family caregiver’s eyes and ears from afar. Assign a primary family caregiver. When numerous siblings are available, a senior’s care can be shared; however, it may be beneficial to delegate one person to oversee the entire process. It may be tempting to choose the family caregiver living closest geographically to aging parents but consider what other siblings could bring to the table. “When Mom and Dad began to need more help, my sisters and I each took a turn to fly out, stay with them, and tend to what needed to be done. We each had our different skill sets and sharing the workload while still communicating with each other back home reduced the stress,” says Rick.   Reduce Home Clutter Downsize. Aging parents often accumulate a great deal of stuff over the course of their lifetimes, but how much of this remains necessary? Reducing the amount of clutter in a parent’s home makes it safer. Large, bulky furniture can block a senior’s mobility and deep couch cushions which can trap a senior who may not have the strength or flexibility to stand.…
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Social wellness is critical as we age. While there may not be a single magic pill for healthy aging, strong social connections deliver bigtime health benefits. It’s good for the soul, our happiness and our brain health. An active social life keeps us on the go and moving physically, boosts our mood and promotes cognitive health which helps fight off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Read more about Boost your brain health with 5 exercises Being social can lead to a better healthspan and longer lifespan too. Older adults with strong social networks had a 50% higher likelihood of survival compared to those with limited social connections, reports a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Another study reports that 60-year-olds that visited with friends almost daily were 12% less likely to develop dementia than those who saw one or two friends every few months. And it appears that interacting with friends, more so than family, promotes positive returns for brain health because you’re generally doing activities outside of your home, according to research. Getting out and into the world helps ward off loneliness and isolation. You meet new people, learn new things, build new memories and workout your brain by exercising many different areas of cognition. Health and safety perks Neighbours and best friends Rita Lalonde, 80, and Martine Fournier, 68, are reaping the benefits of social wellness. “Getting together most every day makes us happy and healthy. We’re like sisters, like family – we garden together, go on day trips, line dance and support one another through thick and thin. We keep each other young and laughing,” says Martine. There’s also a security benefit, she adds. “By being in touch daily we know if something is wrong. For example, if one of us should have a health issue and cannot reach a phone, the other would know so there’s not much chance of someone lying on the floor for hours, alone and afraid.” According to therapist Joshua Peters, large social networks help to provide additional support for older folks by ensuring they have others to ‘check-on’ their wellbeing “For example, we know that many isolated seniors don’t seek medical attention until it’s too late (or at least longer than necessary) because they simply don’t have anyone available to notice health changes or an emergency.” Moreover, seniors who fall at home alone and have no one to check-on them are much more likely to experience severe health outcomes than their more social peers, adds Peters, a psychotherapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships. Isolation is bad for health Peters highly recommends getting social for the good of your health because the truth is “use it or lose it.” This is in reference to the fact that seniors are especially vulnerable to losing some of the skills they’ve gained over their lifetime when in isolation, and not actively social. “This can range from simple physical tasks like walking to more complex ones like holding a conversation. Moreover, if seniors attempt to regain these skills it can mean a longer relearning process – and for physical tasks added danger.” Connections create a fulfilling and enriching life but connecting and maintaining connections isn’t always easy – it can be challenging and intimidating. The thing about getting older is that friends and family may move away or pass away. They can’t be replaced and hearts ache but it’s important to get out of the house and foster new relationships while staying connected to the relationships you do have.   Social isolation is a serious threat to health and affects us mentally and physically. The National Institute on Aging links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline and more. Related read: Ways To Keep Your Brain Sharp Socialize with all ages Peters offers up these six tips for seniors to cultivate a healthy social life: Visit the seniors in your life Meanwhile, it’s also important for family and friends to encourage the seniors in their life to socialize more and include them often. “Visit the senior members of your family. These individuals provide a wealth of experience to learn from – even if it’s quite different from yours,” says Peters. Encourage those seniors close to you to “story” their life and tell you about moments that changed them as people – good and bad, he adds. Seniors Active Living Services in Toronto Create cross-generational activities that all demographics of your family/friend group can partake in. “Time and again I hear amazing stories from clients who strike out and create friends outside of their general age demographics – this diversity benefits all those involved.”

Aging is inevitable – so how do we age better and feel better about it? Face it, society doesn’t generally make us feel very good about getting older – all we hear about is that younger is always better, and that the act of growing older is somehow shameful, grim, ugly and scary, says author and ageism disruptor Carl Honoré. That’s so not the truth. “No age is perfect but the truth is that many things stay the same and some things even get better as we get older,” says the author of Bolder: Making the Most of our Longer Lives. “Every age can be wonderful but only if we embrace it: We need to embrace the present without pining for the past or shrinking from the future – only if we embrace aging as an adventure.” As a privilege. The author wants to help you get bolder as you get older and enjoy the luminous journey. “David Bowie once described aging as ‘an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been.’ I love that idea. That as we grow older we become more – not less – ourselves.” Seniors are doing amazing things He admits his own thinking about aging has shifted since researching and writing Bolder. Research shows that people are generally more contented in later life. “As we age, we become more comfortable in our own skin and less worried about what others think of us. We tend to form stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Aging can also make us more altruistic,” says Carl. There’s never been a better time to age! Thanks to better nutrition, technology, medicine and exercise, the physical decline brought on be aging can be slowed down which means we can go on doing amazing things with our bodies as we navigate the aging journey, he says. “Today, the average over-65-year-old is in better shape than ever before.” And furthermore “the conventional wisdom that romance and bedroom fireworks belong to the young is flat-out wrong. Hurray!” You are what you think There’s fireworks on the business front too. Studies show you’re more likely to create a successful start up in middle age or beyond. That it improves collaboration in diverse work groups. Productivity, creativity and social smarts rise with age – “I also feel more entrepreneurial, more able to turn risk into reward.” Don’t let age define or limit you. “Just look at the burgeoning army of people running marathons in their seventies, climbing mountains in their eighties and cycling cross-country in their nineties. Welcome to the age of the centenarian sky-diver.” Thinking more positive about aging gives us a boost: We live longer, walk faster, stand a better chance of recovering from disability and even perform better on memory and motor control tests, according to research. The real challenge facing us is not aging, he stresses, but it’s ageism. We need to adopt more optimistic and realistic views, and ditch prevailing toxic ageist attitudes and diminishing language. “We need to rewrite the rules of everything, from the workplace and education to design and social services.” Tips to age boldly Make time to learn, work, rest, care for others, volunteer, create and have fun all the way through our lives. “Aging can be a bonus rather than a burden,” says Carl. He offers these 12 rules to age boldly: 1. Keep on learning and experimenting. The adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks isn’t even true of dogs. Novelty keeps you energised and engaged. 2. Cultivate strong relationships. 3. Draw inspiration from role models. Think Helen Mirren, David Attenborough or even Michelangelo, who rebuilt St Peter’s Basilica in his 80s. 4. Keep brain and body fit by exercising and eating right. 5. Channel Marie Kondo. If something – a job, a friendship, etc – no longer sparks joy, drop it. Streamline to make every moment count. 6. Find a purpose that puts meaning in your life and fire in your belly. 7. Be honest about your age. Lying gives the number a power it does not deserve – and reinforces the myth that younger is always better. Owning your age is the first step to making the most of it. 8. Remain flexible and open to change, growth and evolution. As Lao Tzu put it: “Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail.” 9. Ignore the doom-mongers who say sex, love and romance belong to the young: they do not. Make room for all three however you old you are, if that’s what you fancy.  10. If you think growing older will be bad, it will be bad. Be positive and focus on the upsides of ageing: feeling more at ease in your own skin; deeper relationships; more happiness, altruism, creativity, knowledge, experience. 11. Cultivate a sense of humour. Laughing boosts health and longevity.  As George Bernard Shaw put it: ‘You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.’ 12. Think about death. Don’t dwell morbidly on it, but don’t shy away from it, either. An awareness that time is finite gives life shape and meaning – and spurs you to make the most of here and now.  Read about Rethink Aging With Colin Milner

Summer has settled in and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher! Extreme heat waves keep rolling in so it’s important to pay attention to your health and beat the heat when it’s sizzling outside. High temperatures are not just uncomfortable, they are dangerous. Staying safe and cool can save your life. As we age, our ability to cope with rising temperatures diminish. On top of that, common chronic conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease can further reduce our coping abilities. Prepare for one hot summer! Records for the highest average temperatures on earth were shattered last year – and it’s looking like 2024 will rival 2023’s temps. We’ve already experienced heat warnings and scorching summer temperatures across the country – more than two dozen daily heat records were broken last weekend in British Columbia alone. Heat waves put older adults in danger Relentless hot spells put older adults in danger including severe dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They don’t sweat or cool down as efficiently as younger adults, and the accompanying air pollution makes it harder to breathe, especially among people who already have breathing difficulties. “Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, and people with limited mobility,” Environment Canada said in one of its recent warnings. According to Erin Gallagher, an assistant professor with McMaster University’s Department of Family Medicine, “when we develop neurological signs and symptoms like feeling more confused or having behavioural changes, we begin to worry about things like heat stroke, which can have serious consequences if untreated.” Get ahead of the swelter by hydrating well and staying inside on unbearably hot days, said Gallagher on healthscie.mcmaster.ca. “If you don’t start the day with a good baseline hydration and you find yourself in a heat situation, you will become tired. You will have an elevated heart rate. Your blood pressure will drop. You will get what is commonly referred to as heat exhaustion.” Keep cool during heat waves Take these general tips for beating the heat and staying healthy: Don’t wait until your thirsty to drink water, especially if you’re outdoors. It’s extremely easy to overheat and to become dehydrated, especially people in their 60s and older. Always take along a refillable water bottle. Watch out for signs of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth and fatigue. Late-stage signs of dehydration are thirst and dark urine. Stay out of the sun. Seek air-conditioned cool spaces during the day. Use fans too in your home to create a cooling breeze. Keep curtains and blinds closed to keep things cooler indoors. Avoid using the oven and clothes dryer. Read also, Boost your brain health with 5 exercises Eat food with high water content Limit physical activity to the coolest part of the day, which is early in the morning or later in the evening. If you venture out into nature during the day, seek shade. Wear light-coloured, light-weight, sun-protective clothing and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen more often if you are sweating or swimming. Choose the right sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum coverage for both UVA and UVB, with an SPF of at least 30 for adults, and ideally water resistant too. Remember to reapply every two hours for optimum protection. Eat light, regular meals and include foods with high water content like strawberries, cucumbers, watermelon and fresh greens. Salads and smoothies are a great choice. Avoid consuming too much salt, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Sun and alcohol is not a good combination. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you. Check up on the elderly Keep in mind prescription medication can make seniors more sensitive to heat, including anticholinergics (used to treat COD) which reduce the capacity to sweat. A side effect of beta blockers and diuretics, which control blood pressure, is dehydration. Always store medications at room temperatures so they don’t lose their effectiveness. Be sure to check in on elderly family, friends and neighbours. Being forced to stay indoors out of the heat can bring on depression and isolation. Those with cognitive issues or dementia may not understand the health risks or take the necessary precautions to stay safe in extreme heat. Environment Canada sums it up: “Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station or air-conditioned spot like a public building.”