Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible. While it’s difficult to predict symptoms, the order in which they will appear or the speed of their progression, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something is not right. These changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression.
Community News
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
A Balanced Outlook on Life
Many circumstances in life are beyond our control. Experts claim that our stresses most often have to do with how we interact with ourselves, our world, and others. Many people even take medications to help them cope with problematic situations. Luckily there is a drug free and effective treatment. It is called cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT explores and addresses what lies beneath the surface and equips you with skills to take control of what you have control over – your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Being in control helps you manage life’s challenging situations in ways that are realistic, balanced and healthy for mind and body.
Time for a Denture Reline?
Has it been some time since your last visit to the denture clinic? Most individuals will experience measurable change every two years with how dentures fit due to bone loss. Bone loss allows dentures to shift more when chewing which dramatically increases pressure and accelerates bone deterioration. Left unchecked, this loss can lead to fit issues and bone mass damage. Some indications that more significant bone loss has occurred are: *food entrapment under plates, *looser feel, *frequent sore spots or *less ability to chew. A reline procedure can be used to restore your denture back to proper function. Call us for more information.
What is a Green Burial?
Green burials, also sometimes called eco-funerals or natural burials, provide a simple, green option for saying goodbye to a loved one. Green burials typically don’t involve embalming – instead, family and friends may choose to wrap their loved one in a shroud made of eco-friendly, biodegradable material and choose an eco-friendly casket. Using land sustainably for burial purposes, such as choosing communal memorialization and planting with native plants, is also often part of a green burial. Your local funeral director can provide advice about and help you plan a suitable green burial for your loved one.
Senior Moving Tips
You’ve decided that you are going to move to a smaller space. Start by making decisions about things that will be moved to your new home, including the essentials and the sentimental or special things that bring joy to your home. Dependent upon space, maintaining, at least in part, the sentimental pieces is the key to this puzzle. The process of downsizing is not to rob people of loved items, rather, to honour those items in a way that matches the physical space you have. Packing, moving, unpacking, and setting up the new home are the remaining Phase 1 steps. Stay tuned to next month’s article for Phase 2!
World Alzheimer’s Month
Worldwide, an astounding 50 million are diagnosed with dementia and over 23,000 of them live in Manitoba. Having a globally coordinated World Alzheimer’s Month sends a strong message to governments and policy makers, alerting them to the fact that dementia is a serious health issue that will have overwhelming implications on services and health systems around the world as the population grows older. We’ll be wearing blue on World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st to show our support. Will you? Make sure to post your photos to social media, tag us and use the hashtag #goblueforalz.
Time to Reconnect
Reconnect with old friends and make new friends. Our monthly lunch programs are coming back. We are finalizing our menu after we compile member feedback. We will bring members back together for coffee and socializing with old and new friends. Speakers are being arranged, with topics of interest to our members. Look to our newsletter and website for more information as we roll it out.
September Registration
Registration for classes and expired memberships starts Tuesday, September 7, 8 and 9th by appointment at Archwood Community Club at 565 Guilbault St. Appointments can be made by calling the office at 204-416-1067 beginning Wednesday, August 25th at 9 am.
Pickleball, billiards and games will begin Monday September 13th and will run every Monday and Thursday from 1 – 2:30 pm. Exercise classes will begin on Monday, October 4th. Please check our website Archwood 55 Plus Inc. – HOME (weebly.com) or call us at 204-416-1067 for details.
Your safety is our priority. Double vaccinated individuals or members with a medical certificate are welcome. Contact us if you have questions. Please check your emails, mail and our website for new information.
Annual memberships are just $25. For more information, call 204-416-1067 or email Archwood55@shaw.ca
Hearing Loss & Depression
Hearing loss affects one’s ability to communicate, which can cause stress, fatigue, social isolation, and, in turn, depression. Along with depression, clients with untreated hearing loss are known to experience anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, and other negative emotions. However, hearing aids have been found to help combat these issues. A study by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) found that those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia, and they were less likely to participate in organized social activities compared to those who wear hearing aids.
Mindful Eating
To be a smart eater, you need to take a more considered approach to what is on your plate. Some health advisors suggest Mindful Eating. This involves eating slowly without distraction and learning how to distinguish between actual hunger and non-hunger triggers. Since it takes roughly 20 minutes for the brain to get the message from your stomach that you are full, eating quickly means there is more chance of unnecessary food being consumed. Mindful eating is based on appreciating your food and understanding the link between how you consume it and how it contributes to your well-being.
