Maintaining muscle as you age is vitally important in preventing frailty, keeping weight in check and sustaining good health in general. But women over 50 tend to consume less protein than they should to prevent sarcopenia, also known as age-related muscle loss. Currently, Health Canada doesn’t have recommendations specific to older women, but research suggests consuming 25g of protein per meal or snack for a 150 pound woman is beneficial. That’s a lot more than many of us are used to, so talk to your doctor or dietician first. When you get the all-clear, try eating protein throughout the day to help the body digest and utilize it better, as opposed to all at once or in very large doses.

Prelude Studios Saskatoon is a group of trained Music Therapists who help people use the power of music to address a variety of goal areas, including communication, engagement, academic skills, motor skills, and mental health. Prelude Studios Saskatoon works with people of all ages and abilities. The studio also offers private music lessons and Kindermusik classes for children, and has been awarded the Kindermusik Top Program award. The studio’s Kindermusik classes provide research-based activities that stimulate children’s growing minds and bodies and help their brain cells make the connections needed for every kind of intelligence.

I like to advocate for the 80/20 rule – eating healthy 80% of the time and adding in those delicious treats only 20%. Focus on trying to increase the healthy foods initially rather than focusing on what you shouldn’t be eating and that feeling of deprivation. Most people need to increase their vegetable and fruit intake so focusing on that and getting the colour of the rainbow each day. This will increase nutrients in diet, improve satiety, and decrease intake of unhealthy foods. Try adding more veggies into sauces, more salads, veggie frittata, berries in oatmeal, etc.

Clean fruits and veggies naturally with Fresh Produce Wash by Norwex®. This product removes unwanted residue, dirt, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and microbes, all at once. Fresh Produce Wash is USDA certified 97% bio-based content from plants and other renewable sources, with no phosphates, sulphates, or parabens. It also helps extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables and leaves no after taste, odor, or film on your food. Pair this with our 2-sided Veggie and Fruit Scrub Cloth – rough on one side to scrub away dirt, wax, and debris, and smooth on the other for polishing.

Thinking of selling your home to downsize or move to a senior-supportive environment? Not sure where to start? Decluttering and preparing your home for sale can feel overwhelming, though its often less complicated than we think. To get your home ready for sale: 1) Sort items into piles to help you determine what to keep/sell/donate/toss. 2) Make any minor repairs and consider repainting with neutral colours, if necessary. 3) Give the home a good, thorough cleaning. 4) Remove most of your personal items, like photos and art objects. 5) Remove anything you plan to keep, such as window coverings.

Over 50 and looking for a personal trainer? Make sure they ask you the following questions: What are your fitness/health goals? What’s your exercise history? Do you have any injuries, physical limitations, or medical conditions? Have you ever had a joint replacement? Have you discussed fitness with your physician? Be sure to ask them about their qualifications, certifications, and experience. Do they have expertise training people who have health issues like your own? And – this is really important – do you like this person? Can you see yourself enjoying time with them, or interacting via computer for virtual training?