Gratitude is a powerful tool with transformative effects on mental health and overall well-being, especially for seniors. In later years, aging can be a time of fulfillment and joy, and practicing gratitude may be key to unlocking these enriching experiences. Beyond boosting emotional well-being, gratitude also supports physical health by improving sleep quality and reducing stress and depression. Taking a moment each day to appreciate even the smallest joys can lower the risk of heart attack, angina, and stroke, help manage arthritic pain, and reduce frailty in older adults.
Community News
Moving to a New Home?
Here are some tips to make the move as easy as possible. *Create personalized floor plans so you can envision how and where your possessions fit in your new space. *Start the decision process as early as possible as to which belongings are going to make the move with you and which ones to repurpose to a charity or consignment service. *Don’t do everything alone; enlist help from a family member, loved one, or a professional moving company. Genie Senior Services can help you with every step of your move, including downsizing, decluttering, moving, transporting, and setting up your new home.
Live Theatre – Perfect Arrangement
It’s 1950, and new colours are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. Tickets are on sale now for October 6–26, 2024.
It’s Not the “Things” that Matter
“The secret to having everything in life, is believing that you already have it.” Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. It’s not the ‘things’ that matter. It’s the people, the experiences, the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to continue to make new friends, have new experiences and make more wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!
Easing Change of Season Stress
We are now into October, which is the beginning of the fall season; children are back in school, and many of us are back to a regular work or activity schedule. This can be a very stressful time for several reasons, including mourning the warm and carefree days of summer. The lack of a routine and the lower amount of sunlight can trigger depression, mood swings, and insomnia. To make the transition to fall as easy as possible: *Establish consistent daily routines for everyone in the house; *Get enough sleep; *Eat healthy meals; *Engage in physical activities indoors and outdoors; and *Practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Regular Denture Maintenance
I made a set of fangs for my daughter when she was in grade school—a long time ago. They were a huge hit because they looked so real. Dentures with fangs might be just up your alley! The fall is the eating season. Long weekends, relatives, garden harvest, canning… so much to eat. Regular relines are part of denture maintenance. They should be done every 2-3 years. Neglecting denture maintenance has serious consequences, including jaw protrusion, misaligned bite, sore spots, and difficulty chewing. Contact us today to book a complimentary evaluation. We are part of the Canadian Dental Care Program.
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Changes of the Season
The leaves are turning, the wind is brisk and autumn has come. With it comes the sense of quiet that settles in like leaves on the forest floor. However, it is important that we do not settle back into old habits. Keeping pace with new hobbies and social activities which are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and osteoporosis, is important for long-term health goals. Don’t let the change in season stop you from being your best!
Are Your Vaccines Up to Date?
Fall boosters for COVID-19 will be available in October. This is also a great time to update vaccination schedules for travel, pneumonia, shingles, and more. Your pharmacist can help provide information and answer many of the questions that you may have regarding vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent disease and save lives. Individuals most at risk are: * people over 65 or under 5; * pregnant women; * residents of long-term care facilities; and * people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Please book online to choose the day and time that will work for you to come in for your COVID-19 and additional important vaccines.
Dangers of Social Isolation
Social isolation in seniors is a very serious problem affecting thousands of people across Canada. Health changes that prevent people from visiting others, such as the loss of a driver’s license or the death of loved ones, can contribute to the loss of social opportunities and contacts. These challenges can lead to depression and premature moves to assisted living facilities. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to keep seniors connected. Contact Nanaimo Lifeline, and we will be happy to connect you with organizations and services in our community that can do everything from daily phone calls to driving you to appointments.
Gratitude is Very Powerful
Thanksgiving is a great time to practice gratitude, a high vibrational frequency. When you are grateful, you attract higher positive energies. Try writing in a gratitude journal every day to attract these energies. List all the things that happened during the day that you are grateful for. Gratitude is connected with greater happiness; it helps people feel positive emotions and improves health. As a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner, Permelia can help you release unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions that will assist you in being grateful and will help you attract even more positive energy. Contact her for an appointment today.
