Want to know how to live longer? According to researchers, walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day may give you an extra seven years! Furthermore, regular exercise is an anti-depressant, improves cognitive function and may delay the onset of dementia. Nanaimo Parks and Recreation offers a variety of walking and hiking programs, including “Walk with the Docs” held at Maffeo Sutton Park. For more advanced walkers, we offer Trailblazers and even guided hikes to Ammonite Falls or Mt. Benson. We also maintain over 170 kilometres of trails.

City of Nanaimo Parks & Rec, Recreation.Nanaimo.ca

When you have a hearing test, the results are represented in the form of an audiogram. Your hearing care professional uses the audiogram to identify if there is hearing loss, and if so, the extent of it. The audiogram illustrates your hearing by representing your hearing threshold levels at different frequencies. The hearing threshold levels show the point at which a tone can be perceived. A hearing threshold level of between 0 and 25 dB is considered normal.  Book a hearing test and consultation and take your first steps towards better hearing.

Connect Hearing, ConnectHearing.ca

Most of us want to stay in our own houses as we age. Home care services can help us remain independent. CBI Home Health, part of CBI Health Group, have at-home solutions to help you achieve maximum function and independence. Whether you need day-to-day assistance or dedicated palliative care, their support is customized to meet your unique needs and goals. Their multidisciplinary care team includes nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, health care aides, personal support workers and more. They can connect you to the care you need, when and where you need it — without delay.

CBI Home Health, CBI.ca

Being able to communicate effectively with your elderly loved ones is essential. Often, it is not what you say, but how you say it that determines how your message is received. • Show your respect by treating them as equals. • Listen attentively and ask questions if you are not sure.  Make sure that your message is understood. • Think before responding and do not speak when you are angry or upset.  If you have to have a potentially difficult conversation, rehearse what you want to say. • Set your boundaries.  It is ok to refuse a request without rejecting your loved one.

Kat Theus, Community Relations Manager, Berwick on the Lake Retirement Community, BerwickRetirement.com/bol

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!

Dressing for a funeral can be tricky, especially in a time when traditional funerals are evolving to celebrations. What is important is to ensure you remain respectful to the family. Unless there is a specific dress code, lean toward dark shades or neutrals. Consider any cultural traditions to avoid wearing anything offensive. When in doubt about what to wear, ask someone. Dressing for any occasion can be stressful to some, especially for a somber event. When deciding what to wear, remember that funerals and memorial services are not about the attendees, but about the individual who has left us.