While technology like smartphones, tablets and such seem at first glance to be aimed at the young and hip, it's those in need of replacement hips who will be the biggest winners as technology continues to transform our daily lives bit by byte. When you can Skype with your grandchildren, email your children or keep in touch with old and new friends via Facebook, you don't feel as isolated. For chronic diseases that afflict the elderly, like diabetes and heart disease, there are now so many easy-to-use apps and gadgets to monitor blood-sugar levels, blood pressure and more. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.
The concept of "age-friendly," coined by the World Health Organization , stresses the need for communities to develop transportation, streets, housing , and social engagement for seniors to remain happy, active members of society. But in developing nations, the issue goes far beyond building better sidewalks and housing.
Five years ago, Residents were leaving in droves and the town of Gladstone, Manitoba, made up in large part by seniors, was dying. Then, Gladstone Mayor Eileen Clark overhauled the town's planning strategy. Soon Gladstone had a new privately-funded housing project, an enhanced handi-transit service, and the building of an "age-friendly" walking trail, along with more community events and partnerships between organizations. Property values have increased exponentially
The aging of Canadians is often described as a greying tsunami. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in older adults. For many individuals with a history of depression, the disorder has a waxing and waning course beginning in early adulthood and reaching a chronic pattern of mood problems by mid-life and beyond.
A friend, a generation behind, recently suggested in a matter of fact way, "You should get some Botox injections." "You're kidding," I said. "I can think of a million other things I'd rather do with my money." Come to think of it, most of my younger friends comment on physical appearance, for better or worse, all the time. I'm surprised there isn't a self-help book called Botox Soup for the Soul!
Sex over 50 can be tricky for some, due to lagging libido. Trust, communication, and getting out of comfort zones are important factors for restoring libido. But Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an approach that has addressed these issues for centuries. There are certain TCM protocols that any couple can follow to help get physical forms of affection back on the schedule. Here are three problems and solutions for a healthy love life makeover.
There are bonuses to being over 90. One of the bonuses, surprisingly, is new proof that the ageing brain may be more capable than we have imagined. Do I think my brain will be better at 90 than it is now? I'm not sure, but I do think it'll be wiser and I do think it'll still have all kinds of wonderful ideas to share with younger people.
While regular physical activity has long been regarded as an important component of healthy aging, its impact on mental health has remained less explored -- until now. Several new studies on the role of exercise for the prevention of mental decline in older adults have been presented at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Vancouver, Canada.
You must live life in the present -- the key to aging successfully -- but you can't do so if one foot is chained to the past and both hands are shielding your eyes from the fuzzy future. Your vision will be blocked, your hands will be full and you'll be teetering on one leg! Try to integrate the following eight habits into your day as often as possible.
Chances are that soft, supple skin that feels good and looks healthy (not to mention youthful) is on your most wanted list for summer. However, to really turn dry, unhealthy skin around you have to start from the inside out. Luckily you don't have to buy expensive creams and potions to turn it around, a few simple additions to your supplement and dietary plan will do the trick.