Here are some tips to make the move as easy as possible. *Create personalized floor plans so you can envision how and where your possessions fit in your new space. *Start the decision process as early as possible as to which belongings are going to make the move with you and which ones to repurpose to a charity or consignment service. *Don’t do everything alone; enlist help from a family member, loved one, or a professional moving company. Genie Senior Services can help you with every step of your move, including downsizing, decluttering, moving, transporting, and setting up your new home.
Community News
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Words to Live By
“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” – Anne Wilson Schaef
The Wellness Benefits of Walking
Walking offers numerous benefits for seniors, making it an ideal form of exercise. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls. Regular walking also supports joint mobility and flexibility, which can ease symptoms of arthritis. Beyond physical health, walking boosts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing mood, thanks to the release of endorphins. It also provides an opportunity for social interaction when done with friends or in a group. Importantly, walking is low-impact, easy to incorporate into daily routines, and requires no special equipment, making it accessible for most seniors.
Celebrating 40 Years of Support
The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation is celebrating 40 years of raising funds in support of Cowichan District Hospital and Cairnsmore Place. Funds have been raised through donations, events, auctions, raffles, naming opportunities, legacy gifts, and more. With Cowichan’s new hospital on the horizon, fundraising for the best medical equipment possible is even more crucial. The generosity of our donors helps bring world-class equipment to our area, which can help reduce wait times, improve patient experiences, offer less invasive procedures, allow for more patients to be cared for in their home community, and much more. Please contact us to learn more.
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Here are tips for fall prevention: *Keep moving – activities like walking and tai chi can reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance and flexibility. *Wear sensible shoes – properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles help with balance and stability. *Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist – they may want to talk about your medications and health conditions if you’ve had falls previously. Changes to your vision or undiagnosed foot problems can also increase the chances of falling. Preventing falls reduces injuries and may help you stay in your home longer.
Talking About Hearing Loss
Onset hearing loss is usually gradual, so it can take a long time for people with hearing impairments to realize there is a problem. While starting a conversation with a loved one experiencing hearing loss may be difficult, it’s a key step towards a solution. Strategies for having productive conversations include: *Aim to have serious discussions early in the day before navigating daily activities. *Ask helpful questions to create an open dialogue and make everyday communication easier. For example: “Should we have this conversation in a quieter location?” * Focus on facts and specific symptoms and encourage them to get a professional evaluation.
I Hear You
Ensuring effective communication is crucial for valued relationships. Here are five reasons to prioritize a hearing test: 1. Enhanced intimacy and build trust through shared stories. 2. Create lasting memories by actively participating in social gatherings. 3. Improve happiness by avoiding frustration and anger caused by hearing difficulties. 4. Make moments count by eliminating the need for repeated conversations. 5. Demonstrate love by addressing hearing concerns and acknowledging others’ worries. Contact us today for a free consultation and hearing test to strengthen your connections.
Sunshine and Health
Sunshine is believed to increase the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin, often referred to as the feel-good hormone, is associated with boosting mood, lowering feelings of anxiety, and helping a person feel calm and focused. Exposure to sunshine and light during the day and darkness at night helps us maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, which is essential for good mental health. Sunshine also helps your body make vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for your bones, blood cells, and immune system and helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Go out and enjoy the sunshine safely; it is good for your health!
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors
Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D, which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful, so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round, especially in these sunny summer months! * See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you reapply a minimum of SPF 30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum,” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!
