The Council on Aging of Ottawa: Capital Aging Special Report 2018

The Boomer Market and the impact of the increasing spending power of a rapidly aging population on business was the hot topic at the West Ottawa Board of Trade’s recent “Business over Breakfast” meeting.  “Seniors in Ottawa are the fastest growing age group with significant power that can no longer be ignored”, said Doug Norris, one of Canada’s leading experts on the Census and author of the report “Tapping into Ottawa’s older consumer market: worth 12. 6B and growing”.  The report was commissioned by the Council on Aging of Ottawa. Caroline Midgley, member of the Council on Aging’s [...]

HelpAge Canada’s “Seen Your Citizen?” Day to Help Reduce Seniors’ Social Isolation

Oct 1 was "Seen Your Citizen" Day - HelpAge Canada's multicultural, multi-faith and intergenerational day of sharing to help reduce isolation among seniors. The following are remarks given by Seniors on Site's very own Director of Marketing, Caroline Midgley, as a panel member at the event.   Causes of Isolation As we age, our health and social world changes. For some of us, our health may be deteriorating, we may no longer be able to drive, many of our friends have passed away, our families live at a distance and we no longer have the strong social and family support network of our [...]

2017-03-15T10:42:29-04:00May 3rd, 2016|Coping, Health & Medical, Mental Health|

When Seniors Should See a Doctor After Experiencing a Fall

Whether you're the victim or the witness of a fall, never underestimate its seriousness. Even if it appears no harm was done, there could be after-effects. Here are some of the reasons for seeing a doctor: - loss of consciousness just before or after the fall - injuries - a strong lingering pain - dizziness - nausea - overall weakness - headaches - vision problems Symptoms may appear in the days that follow a fall. If you fall, take note of your condition. If you witness a fall, take note of the person's condition. In some cases, a fall may [...]

Coping with Cancer

The word ‘cancer’ is fraught with emotion – mostly negative.  How does one manage the physical and emotional components of a cancer diagnosis? Taking Control Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Treatment usually happens quickly. Aside from dealing with physical effects of the disease itself and conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, people may have to adjust their lifestyle, with changes to their diet, supplement, and exercise regimens. Then there's the emotional impact. A diagnosis can trigger deep inner turmoil. Many people find they need support and healing for their mind and soul as much as for their body. There [...]

2017-03-15T10:42:48-04:00April 23rd, 2014|Coping, Food & Diet, Health & Medical, Physical Health|

Many Seniors will Experience a Fall in their Home – Learn How to Protect Yourself

Did you know that: 1 in 3 seniors will experience a fall each year, and half of those more than once. 40% of seniors' falls result in hip fractures; 20% of injury-related deaths among seniors can be traced back to a fall; seniors are injured at home more than any other location.  The bathroom and stairs are particularly dangerous. You can prevent falls by making the needed adjustments to your home and lifestyle. Bathroom:  Ensure that you have non-slip surfaces in the tub and shower; install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand; use [...]

Celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th

Ontario will join a number of jurisdictions across Canada and around the world in marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). By wearing something purple on June 15th, we can raise awareness of this important issue and demonstrate that we are united in the belief that elder abuse cannot be tolerated. For more information and resources on WEAAD, visit the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse website . Ontario has long been a leader in supporting initiatives that help ensure that as people age they continue to live with dignity, security and autonomy. To this end, a new [...]

2015-08-20T15:16:09-04:00May 14th, 2013|Coping, Videos & Media|

Dealing with Loneliness

Everyone needs some time alone, but being alone against your will can be very painful.  You risk loosing your sense of purpose and self-worth, and becoming depressed.  As family members and friends die, and children become more involved in their own lives, it is important for you to find ways to cope with loneliness.  You may want to consider some of the following suggestions: Stay active, and look for new social contacts.  Most communities have a number of programs which can help replace the support that used to be provided by family and life-long friends.  These programs provide older people with the [...]

2015-03-11T21:00:47-04:00March 22nd, 2013|Coping, Mental Health|

Dealing with Physical Changes

As we age, we face many changes and many sources of stress – we are not as strong as we used to be, illness is more of a problem, children move away from home, people we love die, we may become lonely, and eventually we must give up our jobs and retire.  Coping with all of these changes is difficult, but it can be done.  The keys to coping include your long-term lifestyle, your ability to expect and plan for change, the strength of your relationships with surviving family and friends, and your willingness to stay interested in and involved [...]

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