During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible, and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight-fitting clothing. A symptom of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behaviour, dry, flushed skin, and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 and apply cold, wet cloths to the armpits, neck, and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

As we get older, most of us start thinking about our home, the size of it, and how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. When is a good time to start the process of decluttering and downsizing? The answer is well before you are forced to do so due to a change in circumstance, health, or mobility. The earlier you start, the easier the process will be. The first step is to go to our website and download a free ebook that offers practical tips that will help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups so that you can take your next steps with confidence.

There are many conversations that families should have. One of those concerns your final wishes. Planning your funeral and cemetery arrangements in advance means you can discuss the options with family in a relaxed, stress-free environment. The other conversation is planning for your future health care. If you were sick and couldn’t speak for yourself, would your family know your wishes? You might be surprised by the space between what you want for future care and what your loved ones think you want. It’s important that they know your values, what is meaningful in your life, and how you would like decisions to be made.

Most people are waiting for motivation. Waiting to feel ready. But motivation isn’t what starts the process — it’s what the process creates. Action comes first. Motivation follows. That pressure you feel before you start something new isn’t a lack of motivation. It’s inertia. And a small action in the right direction is all it takes to overcome it. You don’t need to force yourself to exercise for an hour. You need to put on your shoes and go for a 10-minute walk. Not because ten minutes transforms your body, but because it breaks the stall. That small force creates motion, and motion creates more motion.

June is Seniors Month in BC. It is a time to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and wisdom of the older adults and spend time with the seniors in your life. June is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the many wonderful events and activities spring has to offer. The weather is not too hot to enjoy nature. Encourage seniors to socialize and engage with others in the community to combat social isolation and loneliness. There are many senior organizations and groups that offer regular get-togethers, activities, and presentations on a variety of topics. Help your senior loved one rediscover fun!

June is the season of love, weddings, and celebrating beautiful moments. Gathering with people we love is the perfect reminder that our health is our greatest gift. Feeling good, having energy, and taking care of our bodies allows us to enjoy every dance, memory, and milestone. Your body carries you through every special chapter, so nourish it, move it, and honour it. Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and cupping are beautiful ways to support your health naturally, helping your body restore balance, reduce stress, and feel its best. Healthy living is not just about looking good; it’s about living fully and celebrating life with vitality and joy.

From June 5 – 14th, Western Edge Theatre will host the fourth show of this season. Considered to be one of Canada’s all time greatest plays, get ready for 7 Stories by renowned Vancouver playwright Morris Panych! The scene: “A man is perched on the ledge of an apartment building, preparing to plunge to his death. All about him, the building’s inhabitants pop in and out of their windows, revealing snippets of their own incongruous lives. As he contemplates the meaninglessness of his existence, he sees into the lives of others and what it all could mean in this fast-paced, sophisticated and absolutely hilarious darkly humoured play.”

If you are considering downsizing, the first person you want to talk to is Ian Thompson, a Certified Senior Housing Professional. He is that rare combination of a professional REALTOR® who is a top-notch negotiator and a sales representative. His focus is on people who want to downsize. No matter the reason, Ian is focused on what is best for his clients. Many people who have spent years in their family home find the prospect of a move daunting. Ian understands how overwhelming such a move can be—and he knows exactly how to help people eat that proverbial elephant: one bite at a time.