Senior Living

Keeping Seniors Safe

By Vernice Shostal on Feb 29, 2012

Victoria Police Chief Constable Jamie Graham, appointed to the position in 2008, says seniors’ safety is a “big priority” for him. Formerly chief of the Vancouver police department, whose previous experience includes 35 years with the RCMP and several command, investigative and executive positions in British Columbia and Alberta, the chief’s vision is to make the Victoria region the safest in Canada by 2020. One of his strategies includes helping seniors recognize fraudsters and con artists. Read more...

Where There's Humour, There's Always Hope

By William Thomas on Feb 29, 2012

In a place where overworked staff takes care of aging and often confused residents, humour is the common denominator that keeps everyone upbeat and functioning. Read more...

Going on a Trip? Respite Options for Caregivers

By Family Caregivers' Network Society on Feb 29, 2012

Respite is the break caregivers get when they allow someone else to temporarily take over their caregiving duties. Respite can help prevent caregiver burnout and permits you to continue to provide care for as long as possible. Read more...

Give Your Heart a Break this Valentine's Day

While we spend February 14 trying to win hearts, be sure to take care of your own the rest of the month during Heart Health Awareness Month. Read more...

The Art of Living Simply

By Naomi Beth Wakan on Feb 1, 2012

I just read a 200-page book by Leonard Koren on how to live simply. It is far too long. It gives me advice on how to furnish my home, how to cook, deal with my leisure time, cope with my working hours, and improve relationships - all in a wabi-sabi way. Read more...

The Play's The Thing

By Anny Scoones on Feb 1, 2012

Victoria’s modest but highly professional Target Theatre is performing a play that offers the gift of understanding and insight into the world of dementia sufferers, their families and caregivers. Read more...

The Joy of Gardening with Grandchildren

By Fotoula Svarna on Feb 1, 2012

A windowsill, some flowerpots on a balcony, a yard, a garden or a sprawling estate are all areas where precious moments can be spent gardening with grandchildren, regardless of their age. Read more...

When the Time Comes to Relocate

It is estimated that it takes a minimum of 80 combined hours to completely sort and pack an average home. This is an enormous task. Read more...

Painglish

By Alan Williamson on Feb 1, 2012

Is your body trying to tell you something? If you think it is, you might want to ask it to speak up louder and sooner. Read more...

Keeping Anemia at Bay with Diet

By Dr. Nicola J Davies on Feb 1, 2012

Fatigue, loss of energy, shortness of breath, leg cramps and insomnia can all be symptoms of anemia resulting from certain nutritional deficiencies. Learn the signs and symptoms of diet-related anemia, and how you can prevent, recognize, manage and treat it. Read more...

Charge Your Emotional Battery

By Barbara Risto on Jan 19, 2012

What charges your emotional batteries? For some it is being with people, for others it is finding some solitude. Still others elevate their mood through exercise. The author of this article discusses what she finds effective. Read more...

Fall Prevention: 6 Tips to Prevent Falls

By Mayo Clinic Staff on Jan 12, 2012

Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's important. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Read more...

Dragon Power

By Margaret Growcott on Jan 3, 2012

Donna James of Port Alberni had a lifelong fear of water after nearly drowning as a child. Today, she spends much of her time on a huge lake, paddling a dragon boat. Read more...

Zumba with Zest

By Bev Yaworski on Dec 31, 2011

Instead of the usual boring and uninspiring personal fitness program, add some zest to a workout regime. Zumba Gold - the fitness craze sweeping the globe - might just fit the bill. It’s a chance to shake those shoulders, roll those hips, and feel the beat while turning fitness into a fun experience. Read more...

Thick with Grizzlies

By Kym Putnam on Dec 31, 2011

A BC couple embark on a bike journey to Haines, Alaska that turns out to be anything but ordinary. Read more...

Running Up New Times for Seniors

By Jean Sorenson on Dec 31, 2011

Betty Jean “BJ” McHugh challenges today’s concept of aging and the elderly. The 84-year-old North Vancouver running legend, dubbed the fastest senior in the world, has just finished the James Cunningham Seawall 9.5-kilometre road race clocking in at 62 minutes. Read more...

Zooming Along with Zumba Gold

By Judee Fong on Dec 31, 2011

With a slightly decreased intensity, Zumba Gold is a group fitness class aimed at active seniors, baby boomers or anyone beginning a healthier lifestyle. Read more...

Everyone Loves a Good Tapper

By Vernice Shostal on Dec 31, 2011

Originating in the United States over 300 years ago, tap dance has its roots in both traditional British jigs and African folk dance. Characterized by the sound of tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussion instrument, the dance is sometimes performed as part of a music theatre. Read more...

Taking the Stairs Improves Your Mind

By Don Lester on Dec 31, 2011

Significant research indicates that physical activity is beneficial for good mental health. Simply improving circulation can have a huge impact on the brain. Many people think staying mentally fit has little to do with physical exercise. Not true. In fact, physical activity can help improve one’s mood, ability to cope and general well-being. Read more...

Nostalgia in January

By Naomi Beth Wakan on Dec 31, 2011

Well, we are into the New Year and the heavy nostalgia we indulged in over the holidays has gone, or has it? At this time, looking back to the old year and past years, we often do a kind of stock-taking, a look at our life’s balance sheet. Read more...