Eva Ingram is sporting a bright smile and a headful of soft grey curls these days – a pleasant sight after several rounds of one type of chemotherapy left her thinning and fragile just last year. The curls are a gentle reminder of the precarious path she is traveling, with a breast cancer diagnosis three years ago that resulted in surgery and radiation, and then two years later the dreaded metastasis that called for a varied and ongoing chemotherapy regime. “2016 was a very bad year for me,” said Eva. “I lost my brother in February, I lost my husband in April, then I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August that same year.” But fighting for her life, late in life, took a positive turn in the spring of 2017 when Eva went back to Ontario for a class  Read More...

For years Fred Meyers dreaded Fridays. He hated how every Friday he was overcome with grief, remembering how he lost his wife suddenly that snowy Friday late in November nearly a decade ago. “It was just so sudden and so tragic, it nearly broke me,” said Fred. Fred and Laura had been married for 42 years when Laura suffered a massive heart attack and died at 67. The Meyers lived in a suburb of Ottawa where they raised their four kids, three of their own and one adopted. All were grown and gone, two as far away as Alberta. Fred had just retired from his accounting practice and Laura was still nursing but only taking the occasional relief shift. The pair were planning a trip to Europe and then planned to sell their home and move west – closer to  Read More...

Gifting to Seniors As you set your sights on just the right gift for your senior loved one this holiday season, consider the fact that gifts that involve sharing and caring mean so much more than any gift that will take up space in their compact living area. Here are a few gift ideas that don’t include wrapping or clutter: Homemade baked goods or other favourite edibles A special outing (such as a Christmas concert, a play, afternoon tea, or a scenic drive) Personal pampering (nails, hair, foot care, or for grandpa - a hot towel shave) An afternoon together looking at pictures and sharing memories Enjoy a classic Christmas movie together A special church service, senior’s hymn sing, or Christmas tea   Making Holiday Plans With Seniors   Keep in mind that the holidays can be stressful for seniors,  Read More...

George Bowler stopped me in the hallway as I was hurrying along the corridor, trying to catch my stepdad before he assumed his usual spot in the dining room. George is my stepdad’s neighbour across the hall in the retirement community, where they’ve both resided for the past few years. While George evidently remembered that I was coming to collect Ed for our Tim Horton’s lunch date, it was apparent that Ed had forgotten and gone about his usual lunch routine. George greeted me with a robust "hello", and said he wanted to have a word with me. He said Ed had told him that I am a writer and he had a few things he wanted to say to a writer. As we walked toward the dining room and witnessed Ed begin eating the inhouse lunch offering of tomato  Read More...

Loneliness and isolation are problematic at any age. But it's especially concerning when the people suffering are seniors with limited resources. According to Statistics Canada, as many as 1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely, and according to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and isolation can pose serious health risks, including cognitive decline and depression. (more…)

Millie Jameson lost her husband of 49 years suddenly at age 75. After months of feeling paralyzed with shock and distress, what finally helped her grief subside, was adopting a cat from a local rescue agency. (more…)

Summer may be coming to an end, but there's still time to make some delicious warm-weather goodness before the leaves turn.   Our AgeCare chefs have gathered 3 of our resident's favorite recipes this summer, that you can make right in your own kitchen.   You'll definitely want to give these a try! (more…)

As we enjoy the last remaining weeks of summer, you can still enjoy all kinds of activities that are less accessible in the looming colder months.   For some, it’s that fix of art, music and cultural experiences that will bring them joy. For others, it’s reconnecting with nature and the outdoors. For those who enjoy food, summer brings a chance to get out and sample a plethora of culinary treats.   Whatever the interest, there are many wonderful ways for seniors to live their best life when the sun is shining and the flowers are still in bloom.   In case you need some suggestions, here are some fun summer activities to enjoy:   Music   Every city and town has a vast assortment of summer music concerts of every imaginable genre.   Some will opt for outdoor concerts  Read More...

Mabel Sparling has a bus pass and she uses it several times a week to visit the mall near her retirement community. At the mall, Mabel gets her daily dose of exercise, meets her granddaughter Jenny for coffee, and visits the greeting card aisle of her favourite (more…)

This week a colleague has gone off to Vancouver Island to celebrate her mom’s 98th birthday.   Her mom is healthy and robust and living comfortably in a senior’s residence in Victoria.   When I asked my friend (Leanne) what she believes is the key to her mom’s astounding resilience, she relayed her belief that there are several keys …   Most importantly she credits her mom’s wholeheartedness and specifically, her attitude of gratitude. She said her mom has had a life-long habit of seeing the world through wondrous eyes and giving perpetual thanks for all things big and small.   After our discussion, Leanne sent me this YouTube video on Gratitude - a family favourite by Louie Schwartzberg.   That led me on an investigation of other key factors contributing to a long life, all equally interesting and inspiring.   Of  Read More...