It is important to stay on top of your health and wellness as you age, as various health risks become more prevalent. Taking preventive measures is key to staying healthy and avoiding major health issues. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure seniors have access to additional help with everyday tasks. This can help them avoid feeling overwhelmed and isolated and can also make it much easier for them to maintain healthy routines. Age should not be a barrier to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. With the right help and support, seniors can still enjoy life to its fullest potential.
Community News
Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide
The 2023 Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide is now out! This free guide is being dropped at locations around the Valley, but if you want one, or more, set aside for you, please contact the office and we will either hold one for you or arrange for delivery! 20,000 copies of this spiral bound guide were created in partnership between Comox Valley Senior Support and Denman and Hornby Community Health Care Services and will be available free of charge.
Healthy Weight Loss Through Diet
Low carb, high protein, keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, vegan, flexitarian … there are so many options. If you are trying to lose weight, any of the fad diets will help you achieve short-term results. But for long-lasting results and overall health and wellness, you’ll want to create a personalized diet plan. Be realistic about how many calories you need based on your age and activity level. Plan for a balanced intake of nutrients. Consider whether additional supplements may be needed and whether they may interact with your medications or medical conditions. If opting to take a weight loss medication, it will work better when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
Work/Life Balance
After years of working for one employer, my job ended quite abruptly. I needed work that could provide income and allow me to continue with my adventures. I wanted flexibility, work/life balance and independence. After years of the 9 to 5 grind, I craved freedom and a desire to do whatever I wanted during the day. I discovered an online global business that promoted setting my own hours and flexibility and also offered full training and mentorship with no selling involved. I love my work and now share it with others. Join my free workshop to find out more.
Freedom at Any Age
These days the mobility market is full of possibilities. Rather than being confined to the inside of your home or relying on friends and family to take you out, consider the freedom of a mobility scooter. Battery powered scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable and reliable than ever before. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go. Along with the freedom, mobility scooters offer an element of safety.
The Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Floatation therapy has numerous benefits that can help improve physical and mental wellness. Research has shown that floating in sensory deprivation tanks can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, relieve muscle and joint pain, boost creativity and enhance mindfulness. The peaceful, meditative environment in a super saturated bath of Epsom salts that has been heated to body temperature can help individuals become more self-aware, increase self-reflection and promote spiritual growth. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying floatation therapy, especially if you have any medical conditions. Float therapy is a simple, effective way to invest in your own health and happiness.
The Sandwich Generation
Are you a caregiver to your children and your aging parents? If so, you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” a group of adults who are “sandwiched” between caregiving responsibilities for their young and elderly loved ones. This generation of caregivers has its own unique stresses and challenges, spending on average about three hours per day on unpaid care while also working full-time. These challenges can take a toll on this group’s health, finances, and emotions. Thankfully, home care agencies can help relieve some of the stress by providing quality care for senior loved ones in their own homes.
What Defines Addiction?
Addiction is known to be a primary, chronic issue that occurs in the brain. It is a condition that causes a person to engage in behaviours or the use of a substance for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental resulting consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some studies show that there are possible genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
5 Tips for Being Socially Active
1. Make the most of your daily opportunities to socialize.
2. Practice a random act of kindness. It could be as small as smiling at someone else passing by – paying your happiness forward will not only brighten someone else’s day, but yours as well!
3. Find time to volunteer. Whether it’s participating in service clubs or joining a hobby group, you’ll find that there are many health benefits to volunteering. It can build self-esteem and confidence and expand your network of social support.
4. Combine social interaction with an activity. It could be a physical activity like walking together or a fitness class, or it could be something like a book club or a play. Ask someone to try a brain-challenging game together. Enjoy yourself while you positively impact your brain health.
5. Maintain old friendships and make new ones. Stay social through work, volunteer activities, travel, hobbies, family and friends. Be open to new experiences – accept invitations and extend a few of your own.
5 Tips for Being Physically Active
1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off.
3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-health benefits of social interaction.
Family Caregivers of BC
Caregiving can be hard! Don’t do it alone! Provincial Toll-Free Caregiver Support Line – Unpaid family and friends’ caregivers can call this toll free number for one-to-one telephone support. 8-4 Monday- Friday. 1-877-520-3267. Caregiver Coaching assists caregivers in developing their own action plan that will support them in the very important role they fulfill as caregiver. Referral to this program id through the Caregiver Support Line. The Caregiver Learning Centre is available free of charge for anyone who needs it. It’s on the website at www.familycaregiversbc.ca.
