When visiting aging loved ones, it’s important to look out for signs that they may need extra assistance to continue living safely and independently at home. Changes in behavior, a cluttered house, missed medication, unpaid bills, decline in personal appearance, mysterious car dents, decreased mobility, and misplaced vital items can all indicate the need for more help. These signs shouldn’t be ignored and should trigger a discussion about the support your loved one needs. Although these conversations can be tough, they are essential for ensuring their safety and well-being. Use communication tips to approach these discussions in a non-confrontational manner and develop a care plan that works for everyone.
Presbyopia and Aging Eyes
Presbyopia is when your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close. It’s a normal part of aging, usually noticeable around age 40. Your clear lens sits inside the eye behind your coloured iris and changes shape to focus light onto the retina so you can see. When you’re young, the lens is soft and flexible, easily changing shape. This lets you focus on objects both close up and far away. Although there’s no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes presbyopia, the condition can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Summer Safety for Seniors
Seniors with limited mobility face unique challenges when dealing with hot weather. Limited mobility can restrict their ability to seek shade or cool environments, putting them at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Aging bodies may have difficulty regulating body temperature, making seniors more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydration is another concern, as older individuals may have decreased thirst sensations or be on medications that increase water loss. It is crucial to ensure seniors have access to well-ventilated spaces, proper hydration, and appropriate clothing to minimize heat-related risks. Regular check-ins and assistance from caregivers or family members can help seniors navigate the heat safely.
Product Review:
Introducing the NEW pureAir 3000 with ODOGard®, the only purifier to combine both active and passive air purification technologies with the odor-eliminating power of ODOGard®. The advanced active technology includes ionization and a proprietary form of photocatalytic oxidation, active radiant catalysis (ARC®). In addition to reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the pureAir 3000 reduces allergens such as pollen, pet dander, smoke from wildfires, and odors caused by mold, bacteria, and other pollutants. Visit GTECANADA.CA to learn more and use the coupon code WN3K for a free pureAir 50 when you purchase a pureAir 3000 + ODOGard®.
Ask The Expert
Q: At my last eye exam I was told to clean my eyelids more often. I was rather shocked because I’m proud of my hygiene. Is this for real?
A: Yes – but don’t think of it as a hygiene problem. The edges of the eyelids and eyelashes have their own complexion and biochemistry, as well as their own unique set of microorganisms. For some people, keeping these areas extra clean is a good way to reduce symptoms of chronic irritation of the eyes. There are numerous products to help you with this. Try to stick with it! If you’re experiencing this common issue, or are overdue for your regular eye exam, Mosaic Optometry is here to help.
The Mood & Mind Club
It’s time to do mental healthcare differently and The Mood & Mind Club is where we start! Let’s empower ourselves to take back control of our health and throw away the band-aid approaches that don’t offer the lasting results we need. In this private membership we’re creating a community of women that are supporting their mental health in a more natural, holistic way. They don’t want to be on meds, they see the power in nutrition, mindset work, self discovery and self responsibility. Want to know more? Visit https://www.shinetruewellnessco.com/moodandmindclub
Safe at Home by MOTION™
MOTION™ Courtenay offers a variety of products that help you stay mobile and safe in your home. Some of the products offered include: STAIRLIFTS – choose from a variety of stairlifts to suit any type of stairway – straight, curved, split-level, or intermediate landing, and enjoy our fast in-home or virtual consultations. POWER LIFT RECLINERS – available in a wide range of styles, colours and materials, they help the user lower into and raise up from a seated position with ease. GO-GO SCOOTER® & GO CHAIR® – exceptional portability and provide a whole new level of comfort and performance with feather-touch disassembly.
Hear to Help
Clients often ask me, why do their ears seem to produce more earwax since wearing hearing aids? Hearing aids can stimulate the ear canal gland and cause it to produce more earwax than normal. This is why so many people report an increase of earwax when they begin using hearing aids: it’s how the body naturally reacts to something foreign in the ear. Up to 50% of hearing aid repairs are due to ear wax. Ear cleaning should also be a part of your hearing aid maintenance routine.
Why Does my Tooth Hurt?
Tooth pain can arise from various reasons, causing discomfort and affecting daily activities. The most common cause is tooth decay, where bacteria erode the enamel and reach the sensitive inner layers. Gum disease, characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, can also lead to tooth pain. Dental abscesses, which are pus-filled infections, often result from untreated decay or severe gum disease. Tooth fractures or cracks can expose the nerves, causing sharp pain. Additionally, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli may indicate enamel erosion or gum recession. It is essential to seek professional dental care to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of tooth pain. It is essential to seek professional dental care to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of tooth pain. The sooner the pain is addressed, the better chance there is of saving the tooth.
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a Seniors Community Connector. Seniors Community Connectors give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community resources and services for practical and emotional support. Your Community Connector will work with you to develop wellness goals and will provide ongoing support that meets your individual needs and enables you to achieve your goals. Your Community Connector can support you to gain information, advice, guidance, support, as well as assisting you to access a range of services that meet your needs. For more information, contact our Seniors Community Connector, Janice, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 204.
Seniors Center Without Walls
If you are someone who is experiencing difficulties getting out of their home for activities or would like to stay socially connected with other people, look no further. SCWW is a free interactive telephone based program that connects seniors 55+ in a variety of recreational activities, health and wellness talks and friendly conversations. With activities like Mindfulness Meditation to Brain Teasers, SCWW focuses to improve cognition and keep the brain healthy. To receive a program schedule, please contact Edwin Chau at 604-531-9400 ext. 205


