As we age, we are often at a higher risk for vision problems. While some age-related vision changes can be inevitable, others may be prevented or delayed by eating a nutritious diet. Foods that may help protect eye health as we age include: 1) Berries, currants and grapes – contain anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant. 2) Orange and red fruits and veggies – contain beta-carotene. 3) Fatty fish, nuts/seeds and plant oils – contain omega-3 fatty acids. 4) Citrus fruits, strawberries and red peppers – contain vitamin C. 5) Leafy greens, squash, eggs, kiwi and grapes – contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

Nutrition plays a major role in dental health, helping to ensure gums, teeth and tissue are healthy and free from tooth decay, gum disease and other issues. It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet for dental health, which includes enough protein, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, folate, and omega-3 fats. Vitamins A, B, C, and D are also important, as are antioxidants. Some great things to include in your dental diet are probiotics from fermented foods, cranberries, soy products, CoQ10, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginseng, arginine, and green tea. It’s best to avoid heavily processed foods, especially ones high in sugar.

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.

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 [email protected] or 250-871-5940 to find out more.

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 [email protected]. 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.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Testing your blood pressure at the pharmacy and training you on proper use of an at-home BP monitor. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight and a diet that’s low in sodium. and 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step quit-smoking plan. Learn more about how to maintain your best heart health by speaking with your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist.

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.