April 1–7, 2024, is Medication Safety Week. It promotes safe and responsible medication use and is a reminder to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescribed medications. Following directions carefully can lower your risk of serious side effects and potential dangers such as interactions with other drugs or incorrect dosages. It is important to take the correct dosage at the right intervals and to finish the medication that is prescribed. Using a blister pack, available from your pharmacy, can help keep medications organized and ensure that they are taken on the correct day and time.
Community News
Search for Meaning
Depression and anxiety are experiences for many individuals. These conditions can create challenges that feel overwhelming and insurmountable at times. One way to approach this is through existential approaches to counselling. In Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning, he writes how we can fill our lives with meaning by incorporating three main pillars: 1) the freedom to will—choosing your own path to follow; 2) the will to meaning—finding what is personally meaningful; and 3) the meaning to life—one’s personal meaning brought forward by the work or deed and their connection to others.
Words to Live By
“Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.” – Hippocrates
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Doctor, can you give me something for my sleep walking?” she asked. “No, you need the exercise,” the doctor replied.
Build New Social Connections
Encouraging seniors to embrace change and build new social connections at a senior living home can greatly enhance their well-being. Socially isolated seniors can be prone to loneliness. Shrinking social circles and the loss of a spouse or friends are some of the reasons seniors become socially isolated. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and make life more enjoyable. Research shows that strong social bonds promote longevity and overall health, emphasizing the value of fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Activities offered at Sherwood House help seniors’ physical and mental health while socializing promotes good mental and emotional health.
Walking for Wellness
As we age, once-easy exercises can become challenging due to changes in mobility, past injuries, or fear of injury. Walking is an excellent choice for seniors, providing various benefits from short store strolls to leisurely park outings. It *enhances mobility, *aids weight management, *boosts mental well-being, *supports heart health, *maintains strength, *fosters social engagement, and *reduces pain. Incorporating walking into daily life is a lifestyle choice that promotes healthy aging. For those concerned about walking alone, a medical alert system offers reassurance, ensuring help is available at the push of a button. Start your walking journey today for a healthier body, mind, and spirit.
Nourishing Seniors, Building Communities
In retirement communities, mealtimes are vital for seniors, fostering socialization and delivering essential nutrients. To ensure a wholesome diet, communities prioritize well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seniors, prone to health risks, must maintain good nutrition to avoid weight loss, depression, and weakened immune systems. The National Resource Centre on Nutrition and Aging reports that over 5.5 million seniors are facing food insecurity. Retirement communities address nutritional challenges by providing chef-prepared communal meals. This approach ensures proper nutrition, fosters a social atmosphere, and creates a well-rounded dining experience for residents.
Focus on What You Want
When someone heads towards their goals rather than trying to move away or reduce something, the outcome is more positively directed. By looking for something rewarding, success has a better chance of taking place. It also helps to focus on what you want to bring into being, as opposed to dwelling on what you don’t want anymore. A positive attitude is very powerful. When you have a positive attitude, negative thoughts are much less likely to come to mind. Positive thinking can help control stress and improve health.
Proper Nutrition for Seniors
March is National Nutrition Month®. Healthy eating looks different for everyone. As we age, proper nutrition is crucial to help prevent chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance overall well-being. Nutrient-rich foods for seniors include *Protein: lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Seniors require more protein to maintain muscle mass. *Calcium and Vitamin D: dairy products, broccoli, kale, almonds, and fatty fish. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. *Fibre: Fibre aids digestion, prevents constipation, and regulates blood sugar levels. *Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for seniors, especially those who take medications.
Words to Live By
“Life is a journey, and self-care is the map that guides you to the most beautiful destinations within yourself. Prioritize your well-being and enjoy the scenic route.” – Keith Macpherson
Online Health and Wellness Resource
Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® invites you to check out the WellnessHub, your online Health and Wellness resource for Vancouver Island. The WellnessHub features hundreds of local business and practitioners offering services and products. In addition, there are hundreds of health tips, articles and podcasts on a variety of topics. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to subscribe to receive a monthly email letting you know about events and the monthly contest. You can also read the digital version of our five island editions of the newsletter.
