Gratitude is a powerful tool with transformative effects on mental health and overall well-being, especially for seniors. In later years, aging can be a time of fulfillment and joy, and practicing gratitude may be key to unlocking these enriching experiences. Beyond boosting emotional well-being, gratitude also supports physical health by improving sleep quality and reducing stress and depression. Taking a moment each day to appreciate even the smallest joys can lower the risk of heart attack, angina, and stroke, help manage arthritic pain, and reduce frailty in older adults
Community News
Non-Invasive Menopause Relief
A drop in estrogen levels, often associated with menopause and other conditions, can cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. The Mona Lisa Touch® laser offers a non-invasive treatment option for relief from vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms. This nonhormonal intervention significantly helps restore vaginal tissue to premenopausal levels by stimulating the body to heal itself. The Mona Lisa Touch® laser promotes rejuvenation and improves the quality of life for those suffering from symptoms of menopause.
Coach Travel Excursions
Square 1 Travel is offering two great coach trips from Comox Valley. The Tulalip Resort Halloween Getaway from October 29th includes 3 nights at this luxurious resort where you can try your luck at the casino. The Christmas Magic in Leavenworth trip from December 1st features 3 nights in this charming Bavarian town, complete with a walking tour, sleigh ride, Aplets & Cotlets Candy factory tour, and a visit to Apple Annie’s Antique Market with over 70,000 square feet of treasures.
Grateful for Independent Living
This Thanksgiving, Motion™ Courtenay celebrates the gift of independence. We’re grateful for the opportunity to empower our community through our specialized products and services designed to enhance mobility and accessibility. From custom mobility solutions to personalized home modifications, our team is dedicated to helping individuals maintain their independence and enjoy life to the fullest. As we gather to give thanks, we recognize the vital role our support plays in fostering self-sufficiency and quality of life. At Motion™ Courtenay, we’re honored to be a part of your journey and wish you a joyful and thankful holiday season.
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
These healthy pumpkin cookies are soft and chewy, and they need only three ingredients:
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
1/4 cup maple syrup can use agave nectar
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin, and syrup, and mix well. If adding chocolate chips, fold them through.
Using your hands, form into small balls and place on the baking tray and press each ball into a cookie shape. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool on the sheet.
Book Club: Break the Cycle:
A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. The definitive, paradigm-shifting guide to healing intergenerational trauma—weaving together scientific research with practical exercises and stories from the therapy room—from Dr. Mariel Buqué, PhD, a Columbia University–trained trauma-informed psychologist and practitioner of holistic healing. Break the Cycle balances showing and telling readers how they can stop the cycle of trauma and pass on strength instead of pain to the generations below them. This book is best for those who want to know more about the physical manifestations of trauma.
Talking About Hearing Loss
Onset hearing loss is usually gradual, so it can take a long time for people with hearing impairment 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 examples: “Should we have this conversation in a quieter location?” *Focus on facts and specific symptoms and encourage them to get a professional evaluation.
September Brain Teasers
1. Lose me once I’ll come back stronger, lose me twice I’ll leave forever, what am I? 2. What is the difference between a person with a terrible toothache and a rainy day? 3. A Buddhist went to the dentist for a root canal, but he refused Novocain, why?
Clean Eating: Healthy Peach Crumble
10 ripe peaches; 2 Tbsp arrowroot powder; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 3 Tbsp coconut sugar; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup almond flour; 1/3 cup coconut sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/3 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; 1 tsp vanilla. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare baking dish with nonstick spray. In a bowl, combine sliced peaches, arrowroot powder, vanilla, lemon, coconut sugar, and nutmeg until coated. While peaches sit, prepare crumble topping by combining oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, salt. and cinnamon. Add in almond butter, coconut oil, and vanilla and mix well. Pour peaches into dish and sprinkle crumble topping over top. Pat down. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
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.
Stay Active, Stay Independent
Reaching a certain age can make even a short walk feel daunting. Yet, the joy of shopping, dining out, or visiting friends shouldn’t fade away. Motion offers a variety of walking aids, including canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators, each designed to provide the support needed for a fulfilling and active lifestyle. These aids help maintain mobility and independence, ensuring that you can confidently navigate through daily activities. Discover the right walking aid to keep moving comfortably and enjoy life to its fullest, embracing every moment with ease and stability.
