News
Celebrating Seniors' Month
Date: 2021-06-04
Healthy Aging - Body, Mind & Spirit
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our plans, our routines and may have impacted the things we normally do to stay healthy. For seniors in our community, the pandemic has caused many to take extra precautions to safeguard their health.
As restrictions ease, it's the perfect time for seniors to do a self-check-in to keep themselves healthy - body, mind and spirit.
Prevent a Fall
Keep walking areas clear of clutter and well lit both inside and outside. Add handrails and other assistive devices where helpful. And don't forget your feet: wear practical non-slip shoes.
- Ontario - Exercise and Falls Prevention Programs
- Fall Prevention Month - We all have a role to play
- Parachute - Falls in seniors
- Government of Canada - You CAN Prevent Falls!
- Government of Canada - 12 Steps to Stair Safety at Home
- Government of Canada - The Safe Living Guide - A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
Eat Well
The more regularly you eat, the better you may feel. If you don't feel like cooking, replace a meal with 2 or 3 easy snacks.
- UnlockFood.ca - Older Adults Eating Well
- Canada’s food guide - Health eating for seniors
- Meals on Wheels - More than just a meal. Friendly volunteers and staff helping you stay healthy at home with nutritious meals delivered to your door.
Review Medications
Review your medications regularly with your pharmacist and healthcare provider.
- The Safe Living Guide - A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors - Keeping track of your medicine
- Hospital News - Canada’s Health Care News and Best Practices
- Better Health While Aging - Practical information for aging health & family caregivers
- Drug Safety for Seniors
- Get coverage for prescription drugs
See your Healthcare Provider
If you have a health concern, don't put off visits with your healthcare provider(s). If you are experiencing an urgent medical issue, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
- Ontario Seniors: stay health and active
- Dental care for low-income seniors
- Get medical Advice: Telehealth Ontario
- Get fast, free medical advice through Telehealth Ontario at:
- Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000
- Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007
- Find a doctor or nurse practitioner
- Health Care Options - Find the health care services you need, near you
- NorthWesthealthline
Keep in Touch
Continue to follow public health guidance. Maintain an active social life - connections with other people are essential for your overall well-being.
- Evidence Exchange Network (EENet) - Evidence Exchange Network (EENet) connects people with people - and people with evidence - to build a better mental health and addictions system in Ontario.
- Ontario Community Support Association - COVID-19 Community Support Finder
- A friendly voice - Call for Your Daily Dose of Connection
- A Friendly Voice is a free, confidential “warm line” for older Ontarians, 55+ who just want to chat with a friendly person who cares, without expectations or judgment. Whether you’re struggling with loneliness or simply looking to stay socially healthy and add some connection to your routine, we offer an empathetic ear and good conversation.
- Toll-free: 1 (855) 892-9992
Get Immunized
Keep your routine immunizations up-to-date. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about vaccines specifically designed for seniors, including adjuvanted influenza, pneumonia and shingles. And if you haven't received your COVID-19 vaccine - consider getting immunized if you're medically able to do so.
Mental Health Matters
Your mental health is an important part of your overall health. It's normal to feel out of sorts from time to time, but if you are experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety or hopelessness, speak with a healthcare professional to find the help you need.
- Silver Times - A Publication of Active Aging Canada
- ConnexOntario - Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services
- Geriatric psychiatry - Mental health counselling and treatment for older adults
- Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia
Exercise
Exercise regularly. Find an activity you enjoy that gets you moving and your heart pumping.
- Ontario Seniors: stay healthy and active
- Participaction - Age Better, Move more today for a healthier tomorrow
- Participaction - Benefits & Guidelines, 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults: 65+
- Physical activity tips for older adults (65 years and older)
- Find a Seniors Active Living Centre near you
- Physical Activity Toolkit for Older Adults
General Wellness Resources for Seniors
- Ontario - A Guide to programs and services for seniors in Ontario
- McMaster Optimal Aging Portal
- Ontario - Aging well: information for seniors
- Ontario - Seniors: connect with your community - Find social, cultural, learning, volunteer and recreational programs to help you stay active, independent and socially connected.
Caregiver Resources
- Caregiving Strategies
- The Ontario Caregiver Organization
- Alzheimer Society Thunder Bay
- Alzheimer Society Ontario
- Lakehead University - Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH)
