Thrill seeker Caroline Paul wants you to keep your foot on the gas and follow her roadmap for aging well. Adventuring outside is a glorious health booster sure to greatly improve our lives and wellbeing well into our golden years. The 60-year-old adventurer is into surfing, mountain biking and piloting experimental gyrocopters (see her fly on her Instagram) but you don’t have to skydive or bungee jump to soar to better health. It turns out, birdwatching or walking in a park offers all the benefits of adventure and can positively affect a person’s spirit, body, brain, and heart. Caroline is the author of Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking – How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age, and the tough broads she writes about jump off cliffs, out of planes, and swim, birdwatch, bike, scuba dive and more. They are “super fun, kind of badass women” playing outdoors well into their 70s and 80s and beyond. There’s 80-year-old scuba diver Louise Wholey, 74-year-old BMX racer Miss Kittle, 71-year-old wing walker Cynthia Hicks, and 54-year-old base jumper Shawn Brokemond. Feel joy, awe and vitality Caroline admits to being utterly “gobsmacked” by the outsized joy and vitality of everyone she interviewed, many of whom had no outdoor experience before finding the adventure in later life that changed them so profoundly, and which they now love and shared with her. Caroline wants every woman to feel that joy, to be inspired to adventure, not shrink from it. Society tells aging women to retreat and wither away but the secret to a good life is to venture out in nature, set goals and try something new. “The biggest misconception about aging is that it sucks. The messaging to women is especially disheartening – the culture, the media, and our own deeply lodged beliefs insist that our future will be a white-knuckle ride through breaking bones, cognitive decline, and irrelevance. Supposedly, we’re boring!” We’re led to believe that it’s dangerous for women to engage at a later age in the uncertainty and physical risk of an adventure. Nonsense! “It’s actually a really powerful time, and perfect for exploration and exhilaration,” she says. “Being brave and curious and energetic aren’t just reserved for 20- or 30-year olds. We’ve assigned them those attributes but they belong to all of us.” Negative views impact aging Get rid of that limiting mindset because we are what we think. Research shows that the way we look at our own aging predicts how well we will age. “So if we have a negative view, seeing ourselves as unattractive, frail, forgetful and insignificant, then we are more likely to suffer cardiac events early and experience cognitive decline sooner.” More important, the opposite is true: if we believe that aging is a time of vitality and happiness and connection, we are significantly healthier physically and cognitively, and we live on average seven years longer, adds Caroline. So just how to believe in a dazzling future in the face of such toxic messaging about aging? Turns out outdoor adventuring is not just fun and healthy, it’s a direct rebuke to all that toxic messaging, says Caroline, who combines scientific research, cultural studies, medicine, psychology, and memoir in her book, sharing women’s narratives alongside her own incredible experiences. Learn something new now Caroline suggests bringing a friend along, and also don’t get stuck on somebody else’s concept of an adventurous activity. Adventure is defined by you. At one time she had a very high-octane definition of adventure – she regularly paraglided off cliffs, rafted down unexplored rivers and bike-packed through foreign countries. “But through the writing of Tough Broad, I realized that adventure doesn’t have to feature high risk and intense fear!” Now for Caroline, it’s about feeling excitement, exploration and physical vitality, maybe pushing comfort zones, sometimes experiencing awe, and often learning something new. Fortunately, these traits can be triggered by the mere act of walking outside, swimming in a lake, or birdwatching. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot: A pair of sneakers allows you to train for a 5K run or amble on a day hike. Outdoor equipment can be had on the cheap these days by perusing second-hand internet sites. Read more about Boost your brain health with 5 exercises. Better than medication “Maybe downhill skiing is still expensive, but snowshoeing is not. Sailing a boat costs, but a used sea kayak or stand-up paddle board is a one-time expense, and then all the lakes are open to you for free,” she says. Research has established that the crucial foundations for a fulfilling aging journey are community, novelty, health, purpose and, finally, a positive mindset about our own aging. “An outdoor activity offers this to all of us organically in one fell swoop, in ways that, say, joining a book club or going to the gym do not.” Need more convincing? “It’s worth pointing out that outdoor activities are often cheaper than pharmaceuticals, are better for you, more effective and have less side effects.”  Don’t wait – get gutsy and find your inner tough broad. Stepping out of your comfort zone will feel amazing. Your body, mind and spirit will fly with awe and good health.

Who doesn’t like the summer holidays? This season is a time of the year beloved by everyone, young and old, and of course including seniors.  After all, there’s no better reward after months of being shut inside in cold weather than the warm sun on your skin, and no excitement like the endless adventures you can have in this season.  But still, for seniors, summer can be a bit tricky: planning a trip, looking out for delicious food or things to do that are both interesting and relaxing… There’s just too many things that come into play when preparing for your holidays.  But fear not! This post is for all the senior vacation goers who’d like to spend their summer vacation in the most exciting and interesting ways. Pick up your favorite drink, and let’s look at a few fun things you can do as a senior during this exciting season! Planning Your Travel In order to have a great time during the holidays, one of your first priorities should be making sure you successfully plan the way you travel and the activities you want to engage in. That way, you’ll be able to minimize any stress and maximize your enjoyment. The very first step is to select a place where you really want to go. At the end of the day, there is no school or work schedule that you have to work around, which is a luxury that only you will have. So, we want to make the most out of it!  This means that this is your chance to pick up a place that was always on your bucket list. Here are some ideas for those of you in Canada: Of course, you can always explore further away destinations, but Canada truly has a million things you could spend your time doing this summer. Stay Safe & Healthy During Your Trip When planning your senior summer vacation, you should always focus on your health and safety to have a wonderful time. This is critical, especially in areas with a lot of sun or that are not close to big cities. Luckily, you can prepare for many health concerns by researching the area before you go, talking to your doctor about any necessary vaccinations or medications, and packing a first aid kit just in case. Here are some tips that might help you stay safe during your summer vacations: Staying Connected With Your Family Another great idea when planning your senior summer vacation is to use social media and messaging apps to follow up with your loved ones and tell them about all the things that you are doing while you are away.  So, how do you actually do this? There are a couple ways you can stay connected even while not at home. Step one would be simply writing on Facebook or simply posting photos on Instagram, which ensures that your family and friends remain with you in spirit as you document your adventure.  If you want to take this a bit further, you can always video call your loved ones to have conversations where they get to enjoy the sights and sounds of your trip instantly over apps like Skype or Zoom. And WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram are best for quick updates and sending pictures. And of course, if you’re a bit more old-fashioned, you can simply call them every once in a while to let them know you’re okay. While not everyone will choose to tap in, it is a nice idea that will help make your vacation even more enjoyable and will bring peace of mind to your family back home. Stay connected, and have a great summer vacation! Read also. 7 Rules To Keep You Healthy In Your Home Packing Essentials For Your Summer Vacation When going away, it’s important to pack smartly if you want your summer vacation to be successful! Pick lightweight, versatile clothes that can withstand some unpredictable summer temps. Of course, depending on where you’re going, you’ll probably want to have different types of outfits. Okay, let’s talk layers — a light jacket or sweater can save your life on a cooler evening or in case of a quick weather change.  And assuming you want to be active during your holidays, you will be walking around a lot to explore, so make sure your shoes do not bring you any discomfort. Ditch the fancy shoes at home and bring a good walking or hiking shoe or a good pair of sandals.  Where Should You Stay? Now that you have packed a bag of summer essentials, it is time to consider what is the best place to choose for your summer vacation. There are a few tricks & tips you might want to keep in mind here. Keep Your House in Order With Custodia And to secure peace of mind during your vacation, you’ll want to know that your home is safe while you’re traveling. Nothing can ruin a summer holiday more than coming back home and finding everything dirty, messy or even broken. That’s what we’re here for! Custodia can mind everything in your home while you are away. We are experts in senior-focused home management services, which is why we are the ideal option to help ensure your home stays in great shape while you’re enjoying your well – deserved holiday.  No more worrying about lawns left uncut, windows left dirty and houses filled with dust after a few days on vacation. Our professional team will take care of everything – you only need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.  Travel, and leave your home maintenance worries to us. With Custodia, you can ensure that your house stays pristine, so you can truly take a break and recharge as you escape for the summer. Rest in the peace of knowing your home is being taken care of.

Listen to your mother. Flowers are thoughtful and so are chocolates but what she would really like for Mother’s Day is a gift-wrapped box of relaxation along with some quality family time, minus the planning, cooking and clean up. A day with no demands, distractions or having to organize a thing – or having to fight everyone’s phones for attention. Just take her along for the ride and make wonderful memories together. But first let her sleep in. Most of us won’t listen as mom swears she doesn’t need a thing but truly this special woman deserves the world – and to be celebrated on Mother’s Day and every day of the year. She’s your best friend, your biggest fan, and greatest supporter. Moms Are A Busy Bunch Moms go hard all year nurturing, nudging, listening, loving and cheering us on, While it’s the greatest job in the world, evidently it’s the toughest too with long hours and a never-ending to-do list. According to one study, moms work the equivalent of 2 ½ full time jobs! Basically, 98 hours a week! What other job requires a 14-hour working day, seven days a week? So it’s not surprise that topping their wish list, according to research, is restorative family time and throw in a few hours of blissful, uninterrupted selfcare to reset and recharge her batteries, aka reading, napping, some Netflix binging, a peaceful walk. Moms are a busy bunch and it’s not only moms with young kids that go hard – moms with children of all ages, including adult children, are busier than ever, working, volunteering, running households and helping with grandkids so parents can work. Check out Happy Father’s Day! Applause For Bonus Moms Too Let’s make noise for wonderful bonus moms too. A special mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, teacher, friend, neighbour – anyone who has had a hand (and heart) in bringing you up, and being part or your ongoing story. Mothering requires love, not DNA. So show her extra love for all she does on May 12. A phone call for sure. More calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. It’s also the third busiest flower-giving day and the top dining-out day for restaurants. Mom-osa, mom-tini or mom-garita anyone? Along with food, gift favourites include gift cards, jewelry and activities, including manicures and pedicures, reports retailcouncil.org. Half of Canadians will make a purchase at least a week before the big day, with 3% leaving it to the day of. A third of Canadians take their gift inspiration from family and friends, along with flyers and social media. Spoil Mom With Some R&R We want to inspire you on what to get mom – while she’ll graciously welcome more candles, the best gifts are the simple ones that promote R&R and together time. Send her to the spa and go with her for some serious unwinding and bonding. Treat her to a renewal day or overnight stay in an oasis of wellness complete with therapeutic treatments and healthy food at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON. Wrap up a gift card and boost her wellbeing with a massage, a soak in healing hydrotherapy pools and the comfiest beds ever. You’ll definitely be her favourite child! Make plans for high tea. Whether you create the brews and treats yourself and serve them on fancy china, or dress up and visit an official tea house, make memories sipping tea and eating fancy sandwiches. Or how about tee time with a golf lesson or a round of mini golf? Gift Help For Outdoor Chores Many hands make light work. Dig in the dirt together and plant a flower or veggie garden – feast on your labour of love later in the summer. Or take a load off her mind and achy back by doing her outdoor chores. Better yet, gift her a subscription to Custodia’s Home Management Plan that takes regular care of her grass, gutters and windows and more. Hire others for her to-dos so all you have to do is relax with mom. Make her a memory book packed with favourite photos, craft the perfect playlist, get theatre tickets, pack a picnic, buy a family photo shoot. How about a game night with snacks or getting crafty with some Lego? Build the rose bouquet together – no watering required! Most of all, give the present of your presence. That means putting down your phones and making mom the centre of attention, and not letting her lift a finger.

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.

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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Summer’s here! Time to get active and Toronto has programs to get you moving. Taking part in social and recreational activities can dramatically improve your overall well-being. The City of Toronto recently announced its partnership with Toronto Community Housing to attain funding towards the development of seniors active living centres in the city. Seniors Active Living Centres, previously known as Elderly Persons Centres to most, provides age-friendly social environments. They offer outstanding recreational, educational and social programs, including activities like card games, crafts, day trips, fitness programs and guest speakers for you to enjoy. 5 indoor activities for seniors What’s in Seniors Active Living Centres for you? Each day you’ll enjoy a variety of social, recreational and physical activities on offer, as well as special events and wellness education. You will also receive nutritious meals and snacks and assistance with daily living activities. The services they provide are promised to be respectful of your culture, ethnicity, family traditions, community, language, sexual orientation, and spiritual beliefs. Benefits of the expansion The new funding will be used to contribute to improving the program and service facilities offered by the living centres. This means the programs they offer will be more flexible to better meet everyone’s diverse needs such as culture, age, interests, abilities and geographic locations. Key outcomes it aims to achieve include: – Reduce social isolation by promoting social inclusion – Address challenges related to technology – Access to programs Available options There are a variety of options to choose from in Toronto and the GTA, and the list is growing. Click here to find a comprehensive list of all the relevant contact details.

We all know healthy food is best, but not everyone can easily access it. So, in partnership with Toronto Community Housing and FoodShare, the City of Toronto has a plan in place to offer healthy food for seniors access initiatives that are accessible to seniors living in social housing. Community Gardens Toronto Community gardens include fruit and vegetable gardens, established with partners from the local community. An additional component of the community gardens is their connection with gleaning programs which involve collecting leftover crops from farmers, processors or retailers. Additional recommendations of the project include establishing partnerships with local agencies to support community gardens and to increase the rate of garden development across the city. Healthy Food For Seniors – The Good Food Box Run byFoodShare, this program provides nutritious food to communities including seniors in social housing. Twice monthly, volunteers pack the boxes, and deliver them to neighbourhoods in Toronto with 10 or more participants. Volunteer coordinators collect funding beforehand, place the orders directly from farmers and ensure everyone receives their boxes. Healthy Food For Seniors – Good Food MarketsFoodShare works with community organizations to set up special, inexpensive farmers market alternatives by setting up one initial stall, attracting farmers to join the affair.  Targeting traditionally under-served Toronto communities, conventional food stores increase their opportunities to purchase fresh and affordable food. Food For Good Mood. These healthy food for seniors initiatives have several goals; including improving access to affordable healthy food for seniors in social housing, promoting healthy eating, encouraging sustainable agriculture, promoting community development and community building through social interaction, networking, volunteerism, education and celebration. Toronto Community Housing promises to continue their work with the City of Toronto to identify opportunities and develop community food initiatives.  To find out more, contact FoodShare at 416-363-6441 or email info@foodshare.net

Exercising is extremely beneficial to your health but having access to appropriate equipment can sometimes be a challenge. For this reason, The City of Toronto is promising it will consider senior-friendly outdoor fitness facilities and equipment when designing and refurbishing outdoor parks.  Appropriate seating is another very important aspect for seniors who tire more easily and need places to rest. Modern benches come in all shapes and sizes but sometimes a traditional bench, that’s not too low and provides both back support and armrests, is truly what’s needed. As a result, one of the actions of the 2013 strategy was installing 500 benches, with a focus on parks in areas frequented by seniors. Seniors are at a greater risk of dehydration, and sensitivity to light increases with age so the glare of sunlight on shiny surfaces is often uncomfortable when spending time outside. The shelter and shade of trees address both issues, which is why an increase of tree cover is also part of the development plan for urban parks. Toronto seniors’ access to healthy food Outdoor Fitness Facilities – What are the benefits? Parks aren’t simply a place with trees, grass and equipment; they offer us many other advantages. Social isolation is another well-known issue for seniors, but these parks represent us with an opportunity to connect with neighbours by supporting and facilitating social interaction. Toronto offers outdoor exercise stations in five locations and will continue to implement the new considerations in future, to make it easier for us to enjoy facilities like the outdoor elliptical machines and other exercise apparatus. The City Council adopted the strategy to facilitate development in 2013 and by 2016, 99 percent of the recommendations have already been implemented. If you’d like more information on the locations of outdoor exercise parks, you can find them by clicking here.

Sometimes we depend so heavily on our senior caregivers, we forget you have needs of their own. To combat the issue, Toronto plans to partner with the Province of Ontario to emphasise your fast-growing needs. Policies supporting reduced stays in hospitals and increased premature home care can have negative impacts on caregivers, as patients are moving home “sicker and quicker” than before.                              Home care is promoted as a cost-effective alternative to long hospital stays and facility placement. These programs are only cost-effective because it’s assumed family and friends are available and willing to assist in this provision of care, which isn’t always the case. Toronto’s senior-friendly outdoor fitness facilities Senior Caregiver support includes: Policies, usually in the form of education and counselling services for senior caregivers, are known to be limited and are often provided through voluntary agencies. There is an employment leave policy, entitled “Compassionate Care Benefit” which allows you up to 55 percent of your salary for six weeks to care for a terminally ill spouse, child, or parent. Suggested changes to this includes making caregiver assessment part of the policy and increasing available services for you by expanding the “caregiver” definition. Suggested changes include broadening eligibility criteria and extending the length of leave; adding family leave days; and providing incentives to private workplaces to expand their policies on family leave to include eldercare responsibilities. Suggested changes include financially supporting you through a non-taxable allowance; implementing a refundable tax credit for caregivers so that all caregivers will benefit from the tax credit. Respite care can offer you a brief period of relief or rest (usually more than twenty-four hours), if you are a regular caregiver and is a great way to get some much-earned support and rest. For additional information on caregiver support, you can also visit CaregiverExchange.ca.

As a senior living in Ontario, you are likely to seldom grow bored. Ontario is now supporting programs at more than 300 Seniors Active Living Centres across the province. The Ministry of Seniors Affairs has promised us they are committed to promoting age-friendly community-hub development, with programs acknowledging the contribution seniors make, helping keep you healthy and engaged by providing you with a range of social, recreational and wellness programs, as well as educational and support services. Read more about Seniors Active Living services in Toronto. What does this mean for you? Centres offer you a range of activities customized to the unique interests and needs of the community you are from, such as fitness classes, healthy lifestyle and wellness classes, social engagement, as well as learning opportunities like financial-management. Fun Facts These programs aim at ultimately providing you with opportunities for active and healthy living, social engagement and the chance to learn new things which may interest you. Impressive housing benefits for Toronto seniors