Community News
Ask The Expert

Q: I’m 75 years old and for the last year or so, I can see really well up close without my reading glasses! I suppose this is good, eh?

A: It is indeed nice to not have to wear reading glasses. But you should have your eyes checked: your far vision is likely going blurry, and a common cause of newly-developed nearsightedness in seniors is cataracts.

Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life

Every day comes with its struggles for people who are deaf and live with hearing loss. There are side effects of dealing with a hearing loss, especially if left untreated. Often, they deal with listening fatigue and an increased risk of burnout, which can be linked to mental health issues. But there are solutions available, and technology is advancing every day to improve the well-being of the deaf and hard of hearing community. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have hearing loss visit www.nexgenhearing.com to book your free hearing test.

Help Parents Stay Independent

Help Parents Stay Independent
It’s common for seniors to lose some independence due to health problems or mobility issues. Mobility scooters can help! No matter where your parents live, a mobility scooter can allow them to gain a sense of independence by enabling them to get out of the house more. Since mobility scooters are powered by an electric motor and simply need a charge after use, your parents just have to sit back and relax while getting to wherever they’d like to be. Some models are portable, making them easier to transport if taking people out and about in a car is important.

It’s Time to Quit Smoking!

Thinking about some resolutions for the New Year? Quitting smoking may be the most important change you can make to improve your health. There are numerous immediate benefits to quitting smoking including reducing your blood pressure and heart rate, improving your sense of taste and smell, and improving your circulation making it easier to exercise. With every year that you are smoke free, your risk of stroke and lung cancer decreases. After 15 years, your risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked. (source: www.quitnow.ca). Talk to your healthcare professional today about quitting. It’s never too late!

Dental New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is a great time to make positive resolutions to improve your health. Here are three dental-related resolutions you can make this year: 1) Get a new toothbrush – It’s important to replace your toothbrush every three months to ensure effective cleaning and avoid bacteria build-up. 2) Start flossing more – Flossing is an important way to keep your gums healthy and avoid cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis. 3) See your dentist – Make it a habit to book regular cleaning appointments to catch problems early.

January Brain Teasers

1. How come hyenas are so healthy? 2. What will a bee get from visiting too many flowers? 3. What game can be dangerous to your mental health? 4. What is the healthiest kind of water? 5. What ring is actually a square?

Brain Teaser Answers

1. Because laughter is the best medicine. 2. High bud-pressure. 3. Marbles, you don’t want to lose them. 4. Well water. 5. A boxing ring.

Words to Live By

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

DECEMBER LOCAL WELLNESS BOX PRIZE PACKAGE

Over $500.00 worth of prizes including; $210.00 Therapeutic Yoga-Based Movement Gift Card – BodyWell Remedial Exercise & Registered Massage Therapy www.getbodywell.com
$115.00 Initial evaluation and treatment Gift Card – Red Sage Wellness – Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine www.redsagewellness.com
2 Tickets to the Vancouver Island Symphony – Mozart’s Serenade March 19, 2022 in Nanaimo www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
Voxxlife Socks from Great Socks for Allwww.greatsocksforall.voxxlife.com
Cactus Club – Gift Card www.cactusclubcafe.com/location/victoria

Holidays with Dementia

Many older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia enjoy and want to be included in holiday festivities. However, the added activities could cause increased agitation and confusion, unpredictable behavior, or mood swings. To create a stress-free, happy holiday season, try to scale things back and modify activities so they’ll feel calm and safe. Focus on a few of the most meaningful traditions. Ask which activities they value most. That could mean trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, singing songs, or baking special holiday treats. Even if your older adult might not remember these holiday activities later, the warm feelings they’ll have is a different kind of memory their body will carry for a while.