Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spatial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.
Community News
Breathing Technique for Calmness
Certain low-impact exercises like meditation, tai chi, and yoga can have an incredible calming effect on the mind and body. Belly Breathing is an exercise that can help seniors breathe more effectively to get the maximum calming benefit. Here’s how: Breathe in through your nose. Pay attention to how your belly fills up with air. Breathe out through your mouth at least two to three times as long as you inhale. Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders as you retrain your diaphragm to take on the work of helping to fill and empty your lungs.
Live Theatre in Nanaimo
Attending a live performance is a positive, communal event that makes you feel connected to other people, which in turn is good for your mental outlook and longevity. Watching a play allows the audience to access different emotions. Whether a tragedy or a musical, there’s likely an element of the storyline that extends beyond personal life experiences. Upcoming live theatre in Nanaimo includes “Two Rooms” at the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s Bailey Studio, April 22 – May 10th and “Boy Player” at the Western Edge Theatre, April 17 – 26th.
Pilates for Better Posture
Spending hours at a desk often leads to poor posture and nagging back pain. The solution isn’t just sitting up straight—it’s engaging your core strength, as taught in Pilates. Pilates focuses on key principles: centring, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. By developing awareness and strength in your deep abdominal and back muscles, you create a natural internal corset. This stability supports your spine and corrects the slouched, forward head posture common from computer work. Integrating just a few minutes of daily core engagement, mindful breathing, and focused movement can transform your static desk body into a dynamic, pain-free structure.
Spring Cleaning and Planning
Spring is the time for cleaning, renewing and organizing. While performing these seasonal tasks, you may consider downsizing. Don’t know where to start? Attend our FREE Downsizing seminar on Wednesday, April 29, from 1 – 3 pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. Topics include organizing, financial and estate planning, and mortgage and real estate options. Reserve your spot today by calling 250.616.3641. For extra guidance, download a free e-book from our website. It offers five practical tips to help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups. If you are a child helping your parents downsize, we have an e-book for you as well.
A Gift for Loved Ones
Pre-planning your final arrangements is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. It ensures your wishes are clearly understood, protects your family from difficult decisions during an emotional time, and can help lock in costs at today’s prices. At Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, pre-planning is guided with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to honouring every individual’s story. Their team helps you explore options thoughtfully and without pressure, creating a plan that brings peace of mind for the future. By choosing Cedar Valley, you ensure your legacy is preserved with dignity, care, and lasting respect.
Adapting to Change
Letting go of long-held habits, especially big life changes like moving from the family home where you raised your children, can feel overwhelming. Our brains are wired to prefer the familiar, even when change is beneficial. The key is to approach change with compassion and curiosity. Acknowledge the memories and meaning attached to the old while gently embracing new opportunities. Break the transition into small steps, keep meaningful traditions, and create new routines in your new space. Talk about the change with supportive friends or family. Over time, the brain adapts. What once felt uncomfortable can become the foundation for a fulfilling new chapter.
Strong Today, Strong Tomorrow
Maintaining muscle and bone strength is one of the most powerful ways to stay active and independent as you age. Strong muscles support your joints, improve balance, and make everyday tasks—like climbing stairs or carrying groceries—easier and safer. At the same time, healthy bones provide the sturdy foundation your body depends on. Strength training with light weights or resistance bands, along with weight-bearing activities like walking or dancing, helps keep both muscles and bones resilient. Fueling your body with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D adds even more protection. A little consistent effort goes a long way toward lifelong strength and confidence.
Need Care But Can’t See Your Doctor?
Access to medical care is one of the most pressing challenges we face here on Vancouver Island. Through our partnership with Avee Health, we are able to provide: *Same-day virtual access to BC-licensed physicians. *Care For Everyone — with or without a family doctor. *A pharmacist assessment of your condition. *Help with booking. *A connection to a doctor. *And, your prescription filled – all in ONE STOP. Healthcare shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us help you. We offer Accessible care right in your community. Here at the Medicine Shoppe, we care about your health!
Benefits of a Raindrop Massage
A Raindrop Massage uses essential oils to help with the realignment and detoxification of the spinal column. During a massage, the oils used on the feet and back help detox the body systems, improve emotional well-being, improve immune system functions and reduce stress and minor anxiety. Pure essential oils have the ability to enter our cell walls because they are from nature and their molecules are extremely tiny. One single drop of essential oil has 40 million trillion molecules. This means that they can reach a virus that lives inside our cells and provide health benefits on a cellular level. Book a massage today.
Motivation is Key
Motivation can change anything. When we are motivated, we feel empowered and driven to take action. It helps us set clear goals, develop actionable plans, and stay focused on achieving them. Motivate Me provides personalized support to help you reduce and quit tobacco, vaping and nicotine products through one-on-one and group support. We will empower you with the mindset, tools and encouragement you need to succeed. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of each specific individual and group. It’s time to change how you think about nicotine. Let’s get started.
