You hear it all the time… exercise is key to maintaining good health. It is important for your physical, mental and emotional wellness. It makes you stronger, improves balance, controls weight, and can boost your energy and your mood. Research shows exercise can even ward off disease, reduce the symptoms of chronic illness and possibly even extend your life expectancy. These are all good reasons to exercise! However, logic and compelling arguments don’t necessarily add up to incentive for seniors who may be contending with the aches and pains of arthritis and experiencing diminishing strength, energy and appetite. If this is you, don’t despair. Exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing; there are reasonable alternatives in between. Here is an approach that might work for you. Change your perception! With a goal of working up to a feasible (age  Read More...

My sister and I always take turns arriving bright and early on Sunday mornings at the care home where mom lives, to help her get into her ‘Sunday Best.’ Mom’s been donning her ‘Sunday Best’ for over 80 years now, which really means she takes the time to put some colour on her cheeks, add a bit of lipstick, and make sure her blouse matches nicely with her slacks. Oddly, we know this to be a Sunday ritual, but have never thought to question the reason behind it. This Sunday, as I helped mom choose just the right outfit, I asked her … “Who are you dressing up for mom?” “For my little sister,” she said with a coy smile. I thought for a moment, a little worried that mom’s mind might be slipping. “But you don’t have a little  Read More...

We often hear that people are living longer these days, but the reality is, for some, those later years in life can be a lonely time, especially for seniors who find themselves isolated. According to a recent report published by Canada’s National Institute on Ageing, social isolation and loneliness have become a public health concern in Canada and globally; as these two factors are proven to have a negative impact on the health and well-being of older adults. The report outlines the differences between loneliness and isolation, but highlights that both can play a role in declining health, and studies have shown specifically that these factors can lead to increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and cognitive decline, as well as heightened anxiety and depression. A similar study conducted in 2019 by the US-based National Institute on Aging also  Read More...

Sunny summer days can go a long way toward boosting our moods, but there are still those days when work challenges, health issues, relationship difficulties, and all kinds of other ‘life stuff’ can take a toll on our mental and emotional disposition. If you are finding that challenges in your daily life coupled with distressing world events are taking a toll on your peace of mind, consider taking these steps for self care: Refrain from doomscrolling – a word that made its way into the English lexicon in 2020 when the global pandemic hit. In short, limit the amount of time spent searching for and reading negative news stories. Studies show that continuous viewing of traumatic events can cause anxiety and depression. Move your body as much as you are able, every day. Studies show that even a 10-minute walk  Read More...

Residents at four BC AgeCare communities are delighted to engage with their new friend, ABBY™; an interactive board designed to provide meaningful stimulation, as well as fun and games, for those who choose to engage. “ABBY™ is a wonderful tool that is fun and easy for residents to interact with,” said John Nocon, Executive Director at AgeCare Mount Ida Mews. “It is kind of like an old familiar friend. It brings nostalgic and familiar memories back to our residents, allowing them to re-live experiences they found pleasant and enjoyable.” ABBY™ can play pre-selected personal and familiar pictures, videos, and songs. Residents can engage independently when they choose, or with the guidance of staff and family members. “They can do things like recall pet memories by patting a cat, engaging with mechanical programs, or listen to old radio stations by turning  Read More...

In celebration of World Happiness Happens Day on August 8, here are a few thoughts on factors that can elevate happiness in our lives. From The Harvard Gazette, an 80-year study (one of the longest studies to date on adult life) shows that embracing community, experiencing joy, and cultivating positive relationships are among the most important keys to finding happiness and living longer. For a 13-minute summary of this extensive Harvard study, watch the TEDTALK: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness. According to an article published by Forbes Magazine, Gratitude is Key to Happiness. This philosophy is echoed by many other authors, including The Psychology of Gratitude and Happiness, which explains … “gratitude moves people to experience more positive emotions, to thoroughly enjoy the good experiences, better their health, face adversity, and develop and  Read More...

With our never-ending list of daily responsibilities, family obligations, and leisure activities, sleep can sometimes fall by the wayside. In some cases, this is not an easy fix, for instance, when lack of sleep is due to pain, a sleep disorder, or insomnia. Whatever the cause, researchers urge us to change habits and seek solutions, as more and long-term studies show that lack of sleep is a detriment to our health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over the age of 18 require at least seven hours of sleep per night, and those over 60 would benefit from closer to eight hours of sleep. Sleep serves a multitude of functions that renew and restore every cell in the human body. These tips might seem basic, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, they may hold the  Read More...

AgeCare’s vision to provide exceptional care for residents with dementia has been a three-year labour of love, and today it is a vital part of our operations, with more training and innovations on the way. “More than 75 percent of our residents have some form of cognitive decline,” said Marilyn Willison-Leach, AgeCare Senior Vice President, Operations – Clinical Services. “Our vision is to ensure those living with dementia are enjoying the best quality of life possible, and that they are seen and appreciated for who they are.” AgeCare Dementia care initiatives currently include a myriad of calm and peaceful environments as well as themed spaces such as workshops, a nursery, and a homemaking area, to spark connections with the residents’ hobbies and past experiences. There are also multi-sensory rooms that are relaxing spaces with activities and tools to help reduce  Read More...

You may have noticed that AgeCare’s towels and facecloths are especially bright and clothesline fresh! These are just some of the noticeable qualities of our sister company, Albus Laundry and Linen Services. We are also proud to say that Albus utilizes a unique laundering process called ozone laundering that is environmentally friendly while also eliminating even the most persistent pathogens – including COVID-19! AgeCare didn’t just stumble upon this exceptional laundry service. Our founders built this company to provide better products and services for residents in our Calgary and area communities. The difference is noticeable! With no harsh chemicals – just ozone bubbles and cold water – our linens last longer, our towels are soft and fresh, Mother Nature is pleased, and residents get the royal treatment they deserve!  

Kristy Thackeray, a social worker at AgeCare in Calgary, is grateful to be turning 40 this May. She has a message to share with others, as Canada observes National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. “If you are willing to receive an organ, you should be willing to donate one.” Kristy was 13 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy. For months she faced the dire possibility of imminent death if a donated heart did not become available to her. On May 26, 1996, while enroute to Texas to realize her dream of meeting Reba McEntire – a wish granted by the Children’s Wish Foundation – Kristy’s family received word that a heart was available. Immediately the teen and her family were rerouted back to Edmonton where doctors performed a successful heart  Read More...