Mental Health

Including Elders in Summer Fun Doesn’t Need to be Complicated

     Take a guess. Of all the activities and trips I planned over the years for the frail elderly population I served, which was the most popular?      The garden centre.      We rented a bus because it was necessary with wheelchairs, but we didn’t go far. A large garden centre situated […]

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Some Practical Ideas for Addressing Ageism

   Myperfectresume.com is a website dedicated to helping people looking for a job. They walk them through the process of perfecting their resume and putting their best selves forward in their search.      A few years ago, they conducted an “Attitudes in the Workplace” survey in the U.S. of over 1,000 workers regarding ageism.

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How to Recognize Ageism in Every Part of Your Life

Does ageism matter? A few jokes and memes. People poking fun at their own infirmities? Should I lighten up?      It matters because ageism is the last “acceptable” prejudice. It occupies our society, our workplaces, our government, and is so invasive that we don’t recognize it a lot of the time. It becomes an

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Looking for the Unmet Need in Supporting Elders With Dementia

    Gladys continually tried to escape her facility. Even though she lived in a pleasant environment with caring staff, good food and a variety of activities, she used every opportunity she could find to get away. Staff were at their wit’s end, and her family worried that she would hurt herself or get lost

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How to Help Your Elder With Dementia Negotiate Anxiety

   “I can’t stay for dinner. Daddy’s expecting me at home. Momma will miss me. I have to go.”      Laura’s agitation escalated as she squirmed in her wheelchair. A deep frown creased her face and she continued wringing her hands.       Laura lived in our TLC, an area of our home for

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Three Practical Ways to Improve Your Health in 2026

Have you ever laid awake at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., willing yourself to go back to sleep? Trying to think of meadows of blowing grass or rolling waves–anything to induce slumber? This happens to me frequently. I fall asleep quickly, but during my first bathroom trip, a little switch in my brain trips, and I

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Old Dogs (and People) Can Learn New Tricks and Eat Healthier

     My dog had always had two dishes. One for food, and one for water. But after he battled pancreatitis, I began reading about the number of bacteria which lived in water dishes. Woah! My daughter had a water fountain for their cats, and I did some research. They looked like a much better

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How to be Your Best Physical, Emotional and Mental Self in 2026

   “What are the best supplements for someone just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?”      Great question.      As I began to research, several cautionary red flags rose in me. There are all kinds of products online making all kinds of claims. I don’t have medical training, so shouldn’t be giving medical advice. Many supplements

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How to Find the Passion that Leads to Purpose After Retirement

    As a teenager, cleaning the finished part of our basement fell to me. Dusting the bookcase was my least favourite because it contained old books, an ancient clock, the family Bible and other treasures which took forever to clean. One day, when accomplishing this hated task, I came across a brown folder full

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How Finding Purpose After Retirement Gives Life Flavour and Sparkle

I had a plan. If I’d had a choice, I would have continued to work. I loved my job, derived great purpose from what I did and wasn’t emotionally ready to give it up. But severe arthritis and chronic pain showed me it was time. I didn’t want my team having to carry the load

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