The nexus between nutrition and senior oral health plays a pivotal role in overall well-being, especially with the heightened risk of tooth loss in aging. Optimal nutrition can mitigate challenges associated with tooth loss, impacting overall health. Water, with its fluoride content, combats tooth decay and enhances saliva production, crucial for pH regulation. Crunchy vegetables like carrots stimulate gums and support dental health. Dark, leafy greens provide essential calcium and minerals. Fiber-rich fruits such as apples and pears neutralize mouth acids effectively. Protein-rich foods like nuts, fish, and meat contribute to mouth-healthy saliva production, highlighting the integral connection between nutrition, dental health, and overall well-being in seniors.

Relax & Unwind Citrus Chamomile. Winter can often bring feelings of sadness, but you can combat those winter blues with a comforting blend of chamomile and fresh citrus tea. Chamomile’s gentle and soothing properties mix well with the invigorating citrus notes, creating a beverage that calms the mind and uplifts the spirit. This delightful infusion can become a beacon of tranquillity by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Make a nightly ritual to sip on a cup of this tea before bedtime to enhance your well-being, and foster a peaceful night’s rest.

As with many areas of the body, your mouth is full of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. With proper oral hygiene and dental care, including daily brushing and flossing, you can keep the bacteria levels under control, reducing your chances of developing cavities and other teeth issues.

However, did you know that your oral health is also related to the overall health of the body? Research shows that problems with your oral health can impact other areas of the body. As your mouth is the entrance to the body’s digestive and respiratory tracts, research suggests that oral bacteria in the mouth can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body. Oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe gum disease might play a role in other diseases, including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. In addition, some conditions may affect your oral health such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Due to the critical role that good oral health plays in the overall health of the body, it is important that the Federal Government has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in December 2023. This new plan will help ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who:
• have an annual adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 and;
• don’t have access to dental insurance
For more information, check out the website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html. If you need any assistance with signing up, call us at: 250-871-5940.

Comox Valley Senior Support is looking for volunteers for all our programs. Would you like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior? Or assist someone with accessing services in the community? If so, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. We offer training monthly so there are minimal delays to getting started. Volunteers are provided with monthly support meetings and regular education sessions. Contact us today to get started!

In winter, the possibility of extreme weather must be considered. Snow and/or significant rainfall with high winds are common occurrences here in the east coast of Vancouver Island. In the event of extreme weather please be sure to check on your senior neighbours to ensure that they are safe and warm.

World Records Set by Seniors: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

1. Oldest Marathon Finisher:
Fauja Singh from India, 101, completed a full marathon in Toronto, Canada. His perseverance shattered stereotypes about aging and showed that one’s passion can transcend any physical limitations.

2. Longest Career as a Professional Actress:
Dame Judi Dench holds this record for her illustrious career spanning over six decades. Her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility demonstrates that age does not hinder artistic prowess or creativity.

3. Oldest Person to Reach Mount Everest Summit:
Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura scaled Mount Everest at the age of 80 years old, breaking his own previous record at 75 years old.

4. Longest Career as a Professional Ballerina:
At 74 years old, Alicia Alonso had danced professionally on stage for seventy years without ever losing her grace or passion for ballet.

5. Highest Skydive by a Senior Citizen:
British veteran Bryson William Verdun Hayes took skydiving to new heights at 101 years old when he jumped from an incredible height of fifteen thousand feet.

6. Oldest DJ in History:
Sumiko Iwamuro from Japan became known as “DJ Sumirock” at the age of 83.

7. Oldest Professional Model:
Carmen Dell’Orefice, an American model, entered the fashion industry at just fifteen years old. However, her career reached new heights when she was declared the oldest professional model at 81 years old—an inspiration to aspiring models worldwide.

8. Fastest Non-Stop Solo Circumnavigation by Sailboat:
In 2019, Jeanne Socrates from Canada became the oldest female sailor at 77 years old to sail alone non-stop around the world.

9. Oldest Yoga Teacher:
Tao Porchon-Lynch from India holds this record for teaching yoga well into her hundredth year of life.

In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support/

Make life accessible with life-changing equipment – No interest or payments for 12 months on purchases up to $15,000. 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. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions, including wheelchairs, stairlifts, walkers, power lift recliners, bathroom safety items, and more. “Because Motion™ isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.” Take advantage of our humm financing special offer: No interest or payments for 12 months on equipment purchases between $1,501 – $15,000 to March 29, 2024. Ask a Motion™ representative for more details.

Celebrate February by nurturing a radiant smile that radiates love, especially for senior dental health. Adopt gentle, circular brushing motions to care for aging gums and teeth. Regular flossing is essential to prevent decay between teeth and gums. Choose a toothpaste that strengthens enamel, providing robust protection against cavities. Ensure adequate hydration for overall oral health and consider using a mouthwash for added freshness. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early issue detection. Smile confidently, recognizing that self-love includes caring for your oral well-being. This February, let your smile mirror the joy of love and the commitment to good dental habits.

Seniors generally wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning, have a harder time falling asleep, and spend less time in deep, dreamless sleep. Some measures to help you sleep better include: 1) Eat a light bedtime snack. 2) Avoid caffeine for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed. 3) Avoid napping during the day. 4) Exercise regularly, but not within 3 hours of bedtime. 5) Practice relaxation techniques at bedtime. 6) Don’t watch TV or use devices while in bed. 7) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Established in 1988 by the ‘Lions of the North Island,’ the Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit charitable organization, offers essential Lifeline services. Dedicated to providing immediate help in emergencies, the Society supports individuals living independently. Volunteers, the backbone of the program, contribute to its success through equipment installations, service calls, and maintenance. Their efforts enable the Society to maintain affordable services. As a registered charitable organization, funding comes from install and monitoring fees, along with generous donations from individuals and service clubs. Support our mission by considering a donation to help extend Lifeline services to those in need.