Seniors and technology: Which tablet is best?

This is one of the toughest questions to answer because nobody likes to hear “It depends.” Most tablets fall into one of three categories: iOS (Apple), Android or Windows. While there are many technical differences between these platforms they can all be used for the same things. In order for me to answer this question, …

Keeping seniors healthy during flu season

Flu season is upon us.  In Canada, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue as late as May. Between 10% and 20% of the population will get the flu each year, with certain people experiencing higher risk complications or hospitalization, including, for example, those over 65 years old. Hospitalization, although sometimes …

How pets help keep seniors healthy

The millions of cute animal photos and videos on the internet are a testament to humankind’s adoration of our four-legged friends.  Most pet owners would agree that their pets bring them enormous joy and that they consider their pet a legitimate member of their family. Benefits Another great aspect to pet ownership are the health …

5 ways seniors can stay social

We know that older adults often experience changes in physical health, but they also experience a change in their social roles (such as retirement or children having grown up) that can influence their opportunities for socializing with people.   This is important to note, as studies suggest that social activities may be particularly important for older …

Remembering our veterans

“When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” – George Canning We established the Seasons Celebrates program to highlight the remarkable lives of our residents and celebrate them.  Residents who wish to enter the contest answer questions about their lives, such as “what period of your life was most difficult and how did you …

100th Anniversary of WWI: Remembering the “guns of August”

While most people look forward to the August long weekend as a time for resting, relaxing and enjoying the summer sun, the 2014 holiday weekend holds a somber place in history: it marks the 100th anniversary of the declaration of WWI. In a recent interview on The National with Peter Mansbridge, Brian Stewart, journalist and …

Canadian seniors and the internet

As you might guess, there’s a generational gap as far as surfing the web goes. The good news is, it seems to be shrinking. In the 2000s, Canadian seniors greatly increased their Internet usage. According to a 2010 Statistics Canada study, 29% of people age 75 and over and 60% of those 65 to 74 …

Senior living myths debunked: Getting to the root of “I’m not ready yet”

Change is difficult for many people. Despite burdensome home maintenance, poor eating habits, isolation or the worry about who to call in an emergency, some older adults respond negatively when family members broach the subject of retirement home living. To assist in the conversation, here are some of the most common objections and how Seasons …

Seniors and garden fatigue: Bridge the gap with a rental town home

We welcome the idea of spring with open arms, especially after a long brutal winter, but for some, the idea of readying the yard and garden can feel overwhelming. It takes a great deal of work to care and fertilize the lawn, prepare the flower beds, bring the patio furniture out from storage, clear or …

The senior driving dilemma

Age alone does not determine if a person is a safe driver. Many older adults are able to make safe driving decisions and remain confident on the road for years. But we change as we age and sometimes our health will impact our ability to continue driving safely. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), …