October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a perfect time to recognize signs of hearing loss. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the TV or radio volume, or experiencing persistent ringing in your ears. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, missing everyday sounds, or having trouble hearing when your back is turned to someone are also key indicators. Speaking too loudly or finding phone conversations challenging may also signal hearing issues. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, so prioritize your hearing health this month and schedule a free assessment with your local Beltone clinic.
The Power of Gratitude in Healthy Aging
Gratitude is a powerful tool with transformative effects on mental health and overall well-being, especially for seniors. In later years, aging can be a time of fulfillment and joy, and practicing gratitude may be key to unlocking these enriching experiences. Beyond boosting emotional well-being, gratitude also supports physical health by improving sleep quality and reducing stress and depression. Taking a moment each day to appreciate even the smallest joys can lower the risk of heart attack, angina, and stroke, help manage arthritic pain, and reduce frailty in older adults.
Easing Change of Season Stress
We are now into October, which is the beginning of the fall season; children are back in school, and many of us are back to a regular work or activity schedule. This can be a very stressful time for several reasons, including mourning the warm and carefree days of summer. The lack of a routine and the lower amount of sunlight can trigger depression, mood swings, and insomnia. To make the transition to fall as easy as possible: *Establish consistent daily routines for everyone in the house; *Get enough sleep; *Eat healthy meals; *Engage in physical activities indoors and outdoors; and *Practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Moving to a New Home?
Here are some tips to make the move as easy as possible. *Create personalized floor plans so you can envision how and where your possessions fit in your new space. *Start the decision process as early as possible as to which belongings are going to make the move with you and which ones to repurpose to a charity or consignment service. *Don’t do everything alone; enlist help from a family member, loved one, or a professional moving company. Genie Senior Services can help you with every step of your move, including downsizing, decluttering, moving, transporting, and setting up your new home.
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Words to Live By
“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” – Anne Wilson Schaef
The Wellness Benefits of Walking
Walking offers numerous benefits for seniors, making it an ideal form of exercise. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls. Regular walking also supports joint mobility and flexibility, which can ease symptoms of arthritis. Beyond physical health, walking boosts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing mood, thanks to the release of endorphins. It also provides an opportunity for social interaction when done with friends or in a group. Importantly, walking is low-impact, easy to incorporate into daily routines, and requires no special equipment, making it accessible for most seniors.
Celebrating 40 Years of Support
The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation is celebrating 40 years of raising funds in support of Cowichan District Hospital and Cairnsmore Place. Funds have been raised through donations, events, auctions, raffles, naming opportunities, legacy gifts, and more. With Cowichan’s new hospital on the horizon, fundraising for the best medical equipment possible is even more crucial. The generosity of our donors helps bring world-class equipment to our area, which can help reduce wait times, improve patient experiences, offer less invasive procedures, allow for more patients to be cared for in their home community, and much more. Please contact us to learn more.
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Here are tips for fall prevention: *Keep moving – activities like walking and tai chi can reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance and flexibility. *Wear sensible shoes – properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles help with balance and stability. *Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist – they may want to talk about your medications and health conditions if you’ve had falls previously. Changes to your vision or undiagnosed foot problems can also increase the chances of falling. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.