Shared family experiences become memories – of fun times, delicious meals, belonging and healthy belly laughs.  A collection of memories are a wonderful thing to have, especially revisiting them as we age. It’s not the fancy car or the big house that warm our hearts when we look back. It’s times together, like at Christmas, a birthday or a trip, that provoke happy thoughts, spark interesting conversations and foster closeness.  Memories matter – happy ones especially nourish our mental health. Family travel is a wonderful way to create those lasting memories. You walk, you gawk, you eat, you talk, you laugh – all things that contribute to a balanced healthy life and positive mindset.  On holidays, there are no doctor appointments to get to, no dishes to do, no drop-offs. No leaves to rake, no snow to shovel or house repairs to take care of – you’ve got custodia.com to take care of all home maintenance needs when away and at home. No stress; just relax and recharge, and break from boring routines of everyday life. Travel Boosts Wellbeing Right now, winter travel plans are top of mind for many Canadians as the chilly temps descend and we dream of sunshine and sandy beaches. Anticipation of good times ahead is a bona fide mood booster, sure to incite our happy hormones, lifting our spirits, energy and well-being.  Studies show that travel has benefits, especially for seniors: Taking a trip is an investment in your longevity. A new study published in the Journal of Travel Research suggests that positive travel experiences can help slow biological aging as travel offers a valuable opportunity to reduce stress, and nurture both physical and mental health.  Participating in social activities helps maintain your wellbeing and independence as you age. Being socially isolated damages overall health so it’s important to seek out activities that are meaningful for you and benefit your mind, body and spirit.  Take The Kids – And Grandkids Too While traveling with potentially less-mobility needs to be kept in mind, getting away encourages us to be more active and forget about physical capabilities. It’s easy for older adults to define themselves by their inabilities and disabilities, but a family holiday is the perfect opportunity to remember and celebrate how much you can do. Multigenerational vacations – complete with kids and grandparents – are the trend, far more than previous generations. According to one survey, 54% of the grandparents surveyed say they plan and organize multigenerational travel experiences, and half having taken a multigenerational trip in the past three years. And 57% of seniors travel to spend time with family and friends, according to an AARP survey. Seniors Exploring Solo No need to stay home if you don’t have family free to go or a travel buddy. Solo travel is growing – and seniors are on board. Actually, 84% of solo travelers are women of all ages. They want to explore new places on their own, meet people of similar interests, get some education and culture, and still have the comfort of their own room.  My recent solo trip to Iceland via Play Airlines has made me feel bolder, better and more confident at age 65. Traveling minus my family was a first. With a focus on exploration, relaxation and cuisine, the island is the perfect destination to recharge batteries, escape tedious routines and experience new places, people, cultures and foods. And make great memories too. It provided rest, recuperation and rejuvenation. Close encounters with glaciers, waterfalls and nature definitely re-energized my mind, body and soul. There was an awesome hike on a 700-year-old glacier tongue and incredible close-ups of amazing waterfalls along the South Coast with Arctic Adventures. The thermal baths at Sky Lagoon soothed away stress for the ultimate in relaxation. An exhilarating day via super jeep for some Glacier Snowmobiling & Golden Circle Adventure was simply exhilarating.  And dining was fine and simply divine: There was Monkeys with its awesome tasting menu; OTO which fuses Japanese and Italian cuisine; and Kol with its delicious fusion menu and innovative cocktails – all restaurants in downtown Reykjavik. Stay awhile Meanwhile, wandering from home can elicit “travel fever” – fraught with anxiety and worry, says cultural psychologist Dr. Andrew Stevenson. It’s a common travel companion likely because of nervous anticipation and experiencing unfamiliar surroundings and cultural differences.  No worries, there are lots of more conservative travel options to experience new places, including cruise ships, luxury coaches, international hotels and backpacker hostels – all less adventurous and immersive but minus the risks, says Stevenson, whose blog The Psychology of Travel, appears on Psychology Today. He believes the best travel is about immersion and longer stays: “A two-week trip trumps weekend breaks, to reduce carbon emissions and help you unwind. There is also evidence that eudemonic travel (involving self-improvement, such as learning a language or cooking or yoga retreats) can be more beneficial long-term than hedonistic travel (thrill seeking).” Stevenson adds: “Always remember that leisure travel is a privilege that most of the world’s population does not have access to, and that the places we visit are also inhabited by hosts. Take the time to find out about the cultural diversity of the many beautiful places we can visit.” 

Christmas is fast approaching, and the festive spirit is in the air. The streets of Ontario will soon glow with twinkling lights, front yards adorned with cheerful decorations, and skies lit up with fireworks. How do you make an elderly Christmas special? It’s important to think of ways to include your elderly loved ones in the holiday cheer, ensuring they feel valued and cherished during this joyful season. Families and friends are eagerly planning holiday meals, gift exchanges, and countless joyous moments.  While the excitement builds, it’s essential to pause and remember an often-overlooked group during this season—the elderly in our lives. Many seniors may not have the energy or opportunities to participate in the holiday buzz. Physical limitations or living alone can make them feel left out, especially when they see others enjoying the festivities.  Simple activities like decorating a tree, baking cookies, or even writing a Christmas card might feel daunting for them now. This can lead to feelings of sadness or isolation during a season meant to bring joy. At Custodia, we understand how these little things can affect their emotional well-being.  The good news?  You have the power to make their Christmas special and meaningful.  With a bit of creativity and planning, you can ensure your elderly loved ones—be it parents, grandparents, or even a senior neighbor—feel included, cherished, and celebrated. 7 Tips And Ideas to Create a Special Christmas For Seniors Here are practical, heartfelt ways to bring the magic of Christmas into their lives: 1. Embrace Nostalgia: Rekindle Cherished Christmas Memories For many seniors, Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a time capsule of cherished memories from their past.  Rekindling those memories can spark joy and create meaningful moments, making them feel valued and loved.  Nostalgia is a powerful tool that connects the present to the past, and during the festive season, it can evoke a sense of belonging and happiness. To make their Christmas special, focus on creating an environment that feels familiar and comforting.  Here are a few practical ways to embrace nostalgia and bring the magic of their past Christmases into the present: 1. Use Decorations That Tell a Story Dust off those old family ornaments or find vintage-inspired decorations at local stores. These pieces not only beautify the space but also serve as conversation starters, helping seniors reminisce about past Christmases spent with loved ones. Encourage them to share stories while crafting paper snowflakes or garlands like they did in their youth. The act of creating something together can be both therapeutic and joyful. Decorate with classic red and green colors or timeless patterns, such as plaid, that align with their fondest memories of Christmas. 2. Play Classic Holiday Tunes Music has a unique way of transporting us to another time. Play iconic holiday songs by Anne Murray, Michael Bublé, or Sarah McLachlan to evoke warm memories and spark conversations about their favorite Christmas moments.  Create a playlist tailored to their preferences, ensuring they feel connected to the ambiance. 3. Recreate Their Favorite Holiday Recipes Nothing brings back memories like the taste and aroma of favorite Christmas dishes. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous apple pie or a special Christmas pudding, these recipes hold sentimental value.  Spend time cooking together or surprise them with a homemade dish they loved from years past.  The effort will show them how much they mean to you while creating new shared memories. Explore our senior support home management services to make the holidays more meaningful. 2. Decorating Together: Make The Season Bright Decorating for Christmas can be a joyful experience, but it’s even more meaningful when shared. Imagine sitting together with your loved ones, unboxing cherished ornaments that have graced your tree for decades.  Each piece carries a memory—a story worth sharing.  For seniors, this process can be incredibly uplifting, connecting them to the past while creating new memories. Handing over a treasured ornament for them to place on the tree can spark conversations about its history. Choose decorations that are lightweight and easy to handle so they can join in without feeling strained. Think back to the excitement of crafting as a child. You can recreate that joy by making paper snowflakes or cinnamon stick candle holders together.  These activities are not only fun but also practical, as they allow seniors to participate without needing to stand for long periods. Play holiday music and share stories as you decorate. This isn’t just about the decorations themselves—it’s about creating a warm atmosphere where everyone feels connected. Decorating together isn’t a task; it’s an opportunity to spend quality time, share laughter, and build a festive space full of love and meaning. 3. Simple Activities That Bring Joy And Connection The beauty of the holiday season lies in the small moments of connection. It’s not about doing grand things; it’s about the little activities that make everyone feel included.  For seniors, these moments can be incredibly fulfilling. Imagine cozying up with a blanket, sipping hot cocoa, and watching timeless films like It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street.  These movies evoke nostalgia and often prompt heartfelt discussions about the holidays. You don’t need expensive supplies to create meaningful crafts.  Simple projects like making holiday cards or stringing together garlands from recycled materials can be therapeutic and enjoyable. Plus, the final results add a personal touch to holiday décor. Ask about their favorite Christmas memories or traditions. Sharing stories brings a sense of belonging and provides younger family members with a glimpse into their family’s history. These activities go beyond entertainment—they’re a chance to bond and create shared memories that everyone will treasure. 4. Thoughtful And Personalized Gift Ideas For Seniors When thinking about gifts for seniors, consider their practical needs and emotional well-being. A thoughtfully chosen gift can brighten their day and show that you truly care. How do you make an elderly Christmas special? By selecting meaningful gifts that cater to their needs and bring them joy, you can make this holiday season unforgettable…
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By Joanne Richard. Canadians of all ages are feeling the impacts of the pandemic outbreak but older workers have been particularly hit hard in the accompanying economic downturn. “Older workers are likely to be more experienced, more costly, and therefore at greater risk…” According to AARP research, since the onset of COVID-19, workers 55 and older lost jobs sooner and were rehired slower. It typically takes them twice as long to find work again compared to their younger counterparts ages 35 to 54. This segment of the workforce is talented, committed, and flexible, with a litany of valuable transferable skills, yet the still-flourishing ageism trend acts against them in the workplace and, apparently, so too the seniority that had protected them in earlier downturns, particularly as they navigate the challenges associated with the aging brain. “Older workers are likely to be more experienced, more costly, and therefore at greater risk, when there is an economic contraction and employers want to cut payroll costs,” says Dr. Michael Merzenich, renowned neuroscientist at the University of California and a world authority on brain plasticity. “They may also be perceived as less tech-savvy and less able to adapt to working remotely – though that is often inaccurate, since these are workers with decades of good work habits.” As vaccinations roll out and the economy bounces back, there’ll be new opportunities rolling out. Don’t let unemployment be career-ending. As vaccinations roll out and the economy bounces back, there’ll be new opportunities rolling out. And while starting a new career may be daunting, neuroscience tells us that change and challenge are good for the aging brain. According to Merzenich, rejoining the workforce will require uncovering hidden skills and abilities by trying out new careers or retirement work, and getting proactively creative. No matter your age, never underestimate your ability to meet challenges and evolve in changing times. “We are constructed to change. Brain plasticity – the ability of the brain to change chemically, structurally, and functionally throughout life – is our greatest human asset,” says Merzenich, who developed the new field of brain training exercises and is a regular on PBS as the subject of Brain Secrets and The Brain Revolution. At any age, every brain is capable of very substantial change, in an improving and strengthening direction. Progressively challenging forms of brain usage grow brain power, he says. Your brain is enlivened by challenges that require new skill acquisition and new learning. “At any age, every brain is capable of very substantial change, in an improving and strengthening direction.” Incredibly, the negative changes in the brain that contribute to functional and neurological decline are very substantially reversible – at any age. “The likelihood that you will progress to ‘lose your marbles’ is substantially within your hands because the great majority of people have the capability to ‘turn back the clock’ vis-a-vis their organic brain health and its functional powers.” Merzenich offers these tips to help older job seekers rejoin the workforce: