Mobility is key to maintaining independence, especially as people age. For seniors, the loss of mobility has profound social, psychological, and physical consequences. If joints and muscles aren’t properly maintained, basic movements may cause pain or even injury. Luckily the many negative effects that comes with immobility can often be prevented or limited by physical activity and exercise. Join a local exercise class, take daily walks, or find something that you enjoy and make it a habit. There are many opportunities to move throughout the day and you can even practice many upper- and lower-body mobility exercises from a chair.
Community News
Public Notice – Cedar Valley Memorial
An important bylaw change took effect recently which increases the number of allowable interments per traditional burial space in our cemetery. This new bylaw applies to traditional burial lots in select gardens and allows for the placement of up to two additional cremation interments in a qualified lot. This is a unique opportunity to add to your existing family heritage on your current lot and save more. Please contact us for more information on this opportunity or to discuss other options. We’re here to help.
Early Detection of Hearing Loss
Identifying a hearing loss and aiding hearing loss early helps preserve the brain’s ability to receive and use the incoming sounds in a meaningful way. Early intervention keeps the brain sharp. Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do help improve your hearing and your ability to communicate. The longer you wait to aid hearing loss, the harder it is for your brain to adapt to the sound of hearing aids. The benefits of hearing aids increase the sooner and more consistently you use them. See a hearing professional if you suspect that you may have some hearing loss.
We All Need Social Support
Social support is important to our physical and mental health. We need other people who can offer many different kinds of social support. When you reach out to a close friend or family member about a personal issue you are looking for emotional support. This is someone you contact when you just want to talk about a problem and share your thoughts and feelings. You connect with a specialist about accessing a service or reach out to a counsellor or doctor when you’re looking for information or a deeper level of knowledge. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Help for Smelly Feet
Do you have bromodosis? Smelly feet is a very common medical condition from buildup of sweat resulting in bacteria growth on the skin. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body with naturally occurring bacteria to help break down sweat. Bad odor forms when bacteria and sweat are allowed to build up. Some simple tips to prevent bromodosis include washing your feet at least once a day and alternating between two pairs of shoes. Choose well-fitting socks like Voxx socks made with antimicrobial fibers to wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and sweet smelling all day.
Golden Gamers
“Golden Gamers” is a recent term used to describe seniors who play video games. Some play to pass the time, some play to connect with their grandkids and some play competitively. There’s nothing wrong with playing video games, online or on a console. Just like gambling, some seniors may be vulnerable to the addictive qualities that the gamblification of gaming offers. This includes paying to open loot boxes for premium items, skins, coins, extended time, etc. No different than slot machines, some games can entice vulnerable seniors to spend beyond their means. For more information, contact VIGamingSupport.ca.
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized Refill Dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-Authorized Refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of Expired Refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. Consider booking a Medication Review at Medicine Shoppe Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.
Hearing Loss in Older Adults
According to HealthLinkBC, nearly 1 out of every 4 Canadian adults report some degree of hearing loss or hearing disability. The prevalence of hearing loss rises with age. When hearing loss remains un-treated in older adults, they may experience a significant reduction in quality of life and are at risk of poorer long-term health outcomes. Adults with un-treated hearing loss may become withdrawn and socially isolated and are at an increased risk of cognitive decline.They are also at greater risk of falling which increases with the severity of the hearing loss.
Keep Your Will Updated!
Even if you know you need to update your Will, it’s easy to find yourself letting your documents collect dust on the shelf. The good news is, going through major changes in your life, such as marriage or the birth of a child, doesn’t necessarily invalidate your will. The bottom line is: If your Will isn’t up-to-date, your end-of-life wishes may not be fulfilled in the way you would have liked. Your wishes may also have changed since you wrote your will. To avoid these pitfalls and the costs associated with updating your will, contact us today to order your free Legal Will Guide.
Use Cold and Heat for Pain
Heat and cold therapy can be an effective and inexpensive way to relieve pain from a variety of conditions such as arthritis, pulled muscles, inflammation and swelling. Cold therapy is best for bruised or swollen joints and tendons; it improves nerve activity and blood flow. Use ice packs and a bag of ice cubes with a little cool water for acute injuries/pain, inflammation and swelling. Heat therapy improves blood flow, circulation and soothes muscles and joints and increases their flexibility. Use heat packs and pads for muscle pain, tension and stiffness. Take care, your body will thank you!
Visiting the Nursing Home
Now that you may visit your loved ones in the nursing home again, here are some things to keep in mind. Respect the resident’s privacy. Knock before you enter the room and step out into the hall when personal care is being provided. Be warm in your interactions and use a gentle touch. Keep the conversation positive and refrain from arguing, especially if visiting a person with dementia. Don’t bring food or beverages unless you check with the staff first. Don’t stay too long. Look for cues that your loved one may be getting tired or stressed.
