You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.
Community News
Enroll and Book Appointments Now
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is up and running reasonably well. Things that will be covered later (November 2024) are anything to do with partial dentures, including repairs and tooth additions. It does not seem that implant-related services will ever be covered. In 1982, the provincial government brought in a denture plan that was soon cancelled due to overuse and related costs. That may happen to this one as well, so don’t delay in enrolling and booking appointments for covered services.
Fitness for Seniors
Participating in a balanced fitness program contributes to your well-being at every age, and regular exercise is vital for older adults. Regular exercise can help control blood pressure, body weight, and cholesterol levels. It reduces the risk of hardened arteries, heart attack, and stroke. It also strengthens muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones to help fight osteoporosis and lower your risk of falling or other injuries. Keeping your body strong and limber can help you maintain independence as you age.
Move to Keep Your Tissues Limber
The fascia is the organ that gives your body its shape. Fascia is plastic, which means it has the ability to change. It will take on the forms that you put it in the most. If you spend a large portion of the day seated in front of a computer with your head and shoulders forward, the front line of your body will likely shorten to help hold you in that position. This puts strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. To help keep your tissues limber and adaptive, try to get up from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes.
Do you Need Supplements?
The answer is maybe! If you have any deficiencies that you have seen from blood work or have been told about by a health professional, then yes, you probably need to focus on taking the supplements that would address the deficiency. For the rest of us, supplements are not necessary and probably expensive healthy fluff that might not be necessary. Meeting your micronutrient requirements should be done through a balanced diet that includes a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, quality protein sources, and healthy fats. If you eat this way, then you shouldn’t need to rely on supplements to be healthy.
The Future of Wellness in a Patch
The Super Patch Wellness line is designed to give you pain relief and better mobility, helping you live a happier, healthier, more active life. The patches have uniquely arranged ridges that look like a QR code, when these ridges touch your skin, your cells transmit unique signals that interact with your body’s nervous system to provide life-enhancing benefits. Clinically and dermatologically tested and approved, the patches are designed to be safe and easy-to-use, every single day. They’re also drug-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and certified skin-safe. Patches come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Summer Friendships for Seniors
“Spending the summer in a senior home offers a wonderful opportunity to forge new friendships. Seniors often have fascinating life stories and wisdom to share, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. Participating in group activities like bingo, gardening, and arts and crafts fosters camaraderie and shared joy. Daily walks, exercise classes, and game nights provide regular bonding moments. Holiday celebrations, cultural events, and communal meals further deepen these connections. Seniors support each other emotionally, offering encouragement and understanding. Through mutual interests and new hobbies, friendships blossom, creating a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels valued, safe, and less alone.”
Online Health and Wellness Resource
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the WellnessHub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The WellnessHub features hundreds of island business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips, articles and podcasts on a variety of health and wellness topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to enter our August monthly contest.
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August 12th: Bloedel Conservatory & Queen Elizabeth Park
Meditation Circle
A FREE weekly guided meditation circle hosted every Friday from 11:30-12:00pm. Explore your mind and incorporate mindfulness into your weekly practice.
55+ Monthly Monday Matinee Movie
Come and enjoy a FREE movie (along with light refreshments and snacks) on the second Monday of each month. In August we are watching “Along Came Polly” (with Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller & Philip Seymour Hoffman)
When: Monday, August 12th from 1:30-4:00 (movie starts at 2pm)
Location: 2425 Vine Street
55+ Hatha Yoga Class
This class has been designed this class to help improve balance, flexibility, and strength. It is accessible with different variation levels available for each pose and if getting down to the floor is a challenge for you, a chair can be used instead. Register online or via the front desk.
When: Thursdays 1:30-2:30
Where: Kits House Community Hall
Cost: $7 per class drop-in or $30 for each 5-class series
Gentle Chair Yoga
Instructor, Julie, has designed this class to incorporate breathing techniques, guided meditation and improve strength, flexibility, balance, and posture, all from the safety of a chair. Register online or via the front desk.
When: Tuesdays, 2-3 pm
Where: Kits House Community Hall (or virtually online)
Cost: $7 per class drop-in or $30 for each 5-class series
Seniors’ Cribbage Club
Play cribbage with friends! New and experienced players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own board or other games too! Come engage and play on the last Friday of every month (August 30th) from 12:00-1:30 in the Vancity Room at Kits House.
Meet the Practitioner: Debra Johnson
Debra is a Master Certified Coach and a member of the International Coach Federation. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and holds a graduate degree in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. As a certified Retirement Coach with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she works with individuals surviving loss. Debra weaves her training in emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness into her coaching practice. Debra is a certified yoga instructor and practices yoga and meditation daily. Her practice is the foundation for her life and her work. She brings the stillness and presence of yoga into her coaching practice.
HomeStretch trainers for Seniors.
HomeStretch trainers are dedicated to enhance seniors’ lives through personalized in-home exercise training. Founded by Melissa Gunstone, the Fall Prevention Coach, we provide specialized kinesiologists who deliver expert care directly to your doorstep. Our services include balance, agility, coordination training, strength training, and pre- and postoperative rehabilitation. Our senior-specific kinesiologists help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Whether you aim to improve strength, regain mobility after surgery, or prevent falls, we offer tailored and supportive training. At Homestretch Active Living, we empower you to live an active, healthy, and independent life.
