Medications play an important role in maintaining health and longevity for many of us as we get older. Taking multiple medications can be challenging. Here are some helpful hints to manage your medications effectively: *Follow the instructions for each medication carefully, *shake bottles of liquid medications before use, *take all medications as prescribed, *use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, *report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, *never stop taking a medications suddenly without checking with your doctor and most importantly, *conduct annual medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

For many Canadian seniors, home health care is a key part of aging safely at home. Whether seniors need medical services, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping or companionship, home care can help them live independently at home, for as long as possible. Caregivers help family members by delivering expert care that gives everyone peace-of-mind and relieves any feelings of caregiving being “burdensome.” A professional caregiver also will enjoy socializing by chatting, engaging in activities like puzzles or crafts and listening to music. Talk to your family about aging in place safely, with the supports you need.

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!

Would you like to highlight an outstanding senior in the Comox Valley? Send a brief paragraph, explaining why, to Chris at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca. We will need contact information for the senior you are recommending as we will need to attain consent from them to share their story. We will feature as many as possible in upcoming issues!

– In 2018, almost one-quarter of seniors aged 65 and older (about 1.5 million people) provided care or help to family members or friends with a long-term condition, a physical or mental disability, or problems related to aging.
– One-third (34%) of all caregivers aged 65 and older provided care for a spouse or partner. This proportion increased to 47% when focusing on seniors aged 75 and older, and to 50% for those aged 85 and older.
– Almost one-third (31%) of senior caregivers who were caring for a spouse spent 30 hours or more a week providing care or help. Senior women caring for a spouse spent more hours doing so than senior men (20 hours compared with 14 hours). – One-third (33%) of senior caregivers reported that their caregiving responsibilities were stressful or very stressful. Stress related to caregiving varied significantly depending on the number of hours spent on caregiving and had a stronger effect on senior women.

Winter months bring on more then cold temperatures; they often bring on winter blues. Many seniors experience depression due to lack of sunshine, activities, and socializing.
Come in out of the cold into the warmth of the Comox Seniors’ Centre at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox. Enjoy a coffee and meal at Dei’s Cafe with friends or meet new acquaintances. Pick up Dei’s hot meals to go; ask what’s on the menu. Check out our library for a good book, DVD or puzzle. Looking for a handmade gift for someone special; our best kept secret Gift Shop is waiting for you. Become a member and participate in the many activities available. Chase those winter blues away at the Comox Seniors’ Centre.

March 2022 will mark two years since Public Health Orders to support our communities came into force in BC. Two years in and a ways to go yet; people are feeling the stress and are getting worn. Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://camh.ca/ has suggestions to help. The website provides greater detail, but here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with pandemic stress and worry. – Accept that some anxiety and fear is normal. – Bring an intentional mindset to unplugging. – Deal with problems in a structured way. – Remember that you are resilient and be careful with the “What ifs”. – Challenge worries and anxious thoughts. – Decrease other stress. – Practice relaxation and meditation. – Seek support. – Be kind to yourself. – Eat healthily. – Avoid substance use – including smoking, vaping and alcohol. – Moderate caffeine intake. – Get proper rest and sleep. – Stay active.

The vital component of most of our programs at Comox Valley Senior Support Society are volunteers! While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors to fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. As our volunteers retire, we need to replace them! If you have an interest in supporting seniors in your community, please contact the office at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupprt.ca or 250-871-5940 to find out more.

Is it time to consider Independent/Assisted Living? Ask yourself these questions – Do I find that I am often alone? Do I feel less safe in my home than I used to? Are housekeeping chores not as easy as they use to be? Am I caring for a spouse and having difficulties? Am I eating poorly? Have my eating habits changed? Do I worry about who will respond in case of an emergency? Have I mixed up medications? Would I be more comfortable if I had some supportive services available? If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, you may be ready. Consider your present quality of life…maybe now really is the right time for you.

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is caused by the erosion of the small disc that separates your jaw bones. This can occur with overuse (often from teeth grinding) or shifting resulting from conditions like arthritis or injury. Symptoms of TMD can be quite painful and may include: clicking/popping sound or grating sensation when opening and closing your mouth or chewing; headaches and neck pain; and tenderness and pain around the jaw joint, ears, face, and temples. Your dentist can help diagnose and treat TMD, and may recommend a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, relaxation techniques, or a physiotherapist referral.