When Should You Take Away the Car Keys from Senior Loved Ones?

When should you take the car keys away from your senior or elder loved ones? A Caring.com and National Safety Council survey showed that 40 percent of adult children say they’re not comfortable talking to their parents about driving, and would rather discuss funeral arrangements or selling their home.

High Blood Pressure in Seniors: The Link to Memory Loss

Nearly one in five Canadians adults — about 4.6 million people between the ages of 20 and 79 — has high blood pressure according to Statistics Canada, and gradual decline in memory and cognitive function can be attributed to elevated blood pressure. While there is no precise cause of cognitive impairment, an early indication of dementia, research strongly suggests that high blood pressure can add to the risk.

Seniors and the Positive Impact of Social Media

Despite the myth that older people can’t manage technology because of cognitive deficits, seniors are flocking to social media at a rapid pace. In fact, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ (and Hangouts), Pinterest, and Instagram all note higher adoption rates among adults 65 and older ─ and see seniors as their fastest growing audience.

Winter Health Risks for Canada’s Seniors

When the temperature drops, seniors and elders run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather. It’s important that they, and those who care for them, take certain precautions at this time of year. Here are some health hazards for seniors to avoid in winter.

Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Canada’s Seniors

Pneumonia is the 8th leading cause of death in Canada. While cases of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, seniors are much more susceptible to this disease than normal, healthy adults. If you are a caregiver for a Canada senior, it is essential to understand how to reduce the risk pneumonia in seniors, and spot the symptoms should they occur.

Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health in Canada

Canadian Census data showed that about one-quarter (24.6%) of the population aged 65 and over now live alone. Loneliness in seniors can cause early death as often as alcoholism, obesity, and heavy smoking. This article outlines tips for caregivers to identify and assist with senior depression in their elder loved ones.

Seniors: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is a serious decision for any family. Many factors can affect the recovery period, and each of these factors requires energy and dedication. A senior’s overall health and activity level are more important than age in predicting a joint replacement surgery’s success, so preparing the body and mind for the journey ahead is an important part of healing.

Senior Dental Care: Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

Dental care is a critical element of healthcare for seniors and elder adults. Research shows that mouth infections may be related to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, and other health problems. With some simple and healthy habits, seniors can improve and maintain oral health and enjoy a smile that lasts a lifetime.