At Motion, our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Contact one of our experienced rehab consultants today for more information about *power lift recliners, *stairlifts, *vehicle lifts, *mobility scooters, *folding power wheelchairs, *rollators, *bathroom safety items and more. We’re also here to help with rental equipment, repairs and maintenance and to assist with navigating funding opportunities. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions. “Because it’s not a place, it’s a partnership.”
Community News
Senior Health Precautions
We’ve all been inundated with reminders to get vaccinated for COVID-19 over the past few years, but don’t forget your other vaccinations! All seniors are strongly encouraged to keep up with their seasonal influenza vaccinations. It is also important to get a Tdap vaccine to protect against Whooping Cough (if you did not receive one as a child). Finally, vaccinations against shingles and pneumococcal conjugate (pneumonia) are recommended for those over 65 years of age. Always talk to your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated to ensure the right course of action for your individual health needs.
Residence Options for Seniors
When the responsibility and cost of home ownership become overwhelming, it may be a good time to sell the family home. Today’s seniors have the option to live in beautiful surroundings where their independence is respected but assistance is available if required. The best time to start looking for options is before you have to do so. Retirement communities are great places for retirees to make new friends, have new experiences and make wonderful memories. We should all strive every day to learn something new or meet someone new – it’s what keeps us young at heart!
Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
Between 40% and 50% of Canadians over age 65 will have skin cancer at least once! With warmer days ahead of us, it’s important to practice sun safety when it comes to protecting our skin and enjoying the long summer days. Here are a few precautions: *Avoid the hottest time of the day. *Seek shade. *Wear protective clothing. *Use sunblock and re-applied every two hours and after water activities. *Know the signs of skin cancer – Seniors should ask their doctor to conduct an annual skin cancer assessment. Early detection is critical for treating skin cancer quickly and effectively.
Weight Training is Important
Weight training becomes increasingly important as we age for several reasons: *Muscle mass naturally declines as we age which can lead to decreased mobility, strength and overall health. Weight training can help to slow this decline by maintaining and building muscle mass. *Weight training can improve bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. * Weight training can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It’s never too late to start weight training. With proper guidance and a well-designed program, weight training can be safe and effective for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.
Invest in Children and Youth
How do we improve the physical, social, and emotional health of our community’s kids? By giving them better access to recreation. Research shows that when kids engage in activities that foster healthy play, they are more likely to build a lifetime habit of fitness. Extra-curricular activities also give non-academically focused kids a chance to shine. We believe that all kids should have the chance to play. That’s why the SOS Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth program (RACY) is so important to low-income families. To learn more about RACY, visit our website or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Spring Nutrition for Seniors
Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
5 ways healthy hearing can improve your life
“Do you want to go out for dinner?”
That’s a question that always deserves an enthusiastic “Yes!”
But what if you stop yourself from enjoying a restaurant dinner because you find it too hard to follow a conversation in a noisy environment?
There have been tremendous advances in hearing aid technology since your grandparents’ day. Hearing aids can be highly customized to adapt to specific types of hearing loss and they are so discreet, they are barely noticeable.
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will lead to a happier, more fulfilling life
- You’ll say yes more often
Two people feel badly when you have to say “no” to an invitation. You, and the person doing the asking. Think of how much better you’ll feel when you can embrace new opportunities — and try out that new restaurant everyone’s raving about.
- No more excuses
It can be difficult to explain why you are isolating yourself. Sometimes you make up reasons not to join friends or family at events. It’s hard for them to understand why, especially since all they want is to spend time with you.
- You’ll feel more in control of your life
We waste a lot of energy finding ways to cope with awkward situations. It’s better to turn the awkward situation into a positive one. You’ll be glad you’re doing something about your hearing loss — and others will be, too.
- Only actors get applause for pretending to be someone they’re not
Stop nodding your head to make people think you understand what they’re saying. Chances are they haven’t been fooled.
- You can live in the moment
You have the right to feel fully involved in life. Your life. It wears you down to keep saying, “Pardon? Can you repeat that?” The only thing that needs repeating is time spent enjoying the company of others.
If you think it’s time to start living life in the fullest, or know someone who needs a gentle nudge, book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-776-4733
Try Something New
Spring is a new beginning and a great time to start new and healthy habits. Moving out of our comfort zone can result in new and exciting experiences. Spring is a perfect time to go outside and spend time in green spaces. The possibilities are endless. Things to try include birdwatching, rock hounding, searching for sea glass on the beach or an outdoor fitness class. The beginning of a new exercise routine is great for your overall well-being. If you prefer to stay inside, an online course, a painting class or dance lessons may be the perfect new experience to celebrate spring.
Spring Clean the Medicine Cabinet
Here are a few tips to clean up your Medicine Cabinet and other places where medication and vitamins are stored: *Gather all medications in one place. *Check the expiry date of each item. *Set aside any medications that you no longer take or has expired. *Set aside any medication that is not in its original container or whose appearance, consistency or odour has changed. Take all discarded medications and vitamins to your pharmacist for safe and ecological disposal. Do not throw them into the waste basket, sink or toilet. The Medicine Shoppe can help with the cleanup process and disposal.
