seniors | Silver Magazine

Longevity

Apps for wellbeing and independence

There is no denying that technology has changed the way we live our lives. From the internet and cable television all the way to smartphones, our devices provide us with hours of endless entertainment and connect us with our loved ones that are far away. And while the latest and greatest tech is often thought to be reserved for younger generations, that’s not actually true. Studies have shown that the number of seniors using smartphones and other new tech is rising every year. In fact, over 42% of them have smartphones already and 67% of them use the internet on a regular basis. There is a good reason for this sudden shift in usage. Seniors have flocked to smartphones and other new tech to keep their mind sharp, connect with their loved ones and keep track of their appointments and medications. And thanks to many apps catered to their audience

Alex Hurst July 8, 2020

Mind

Creating a path to self-confidence

It’s not about being perfect. Self-confidence is about trusting in who we are right now. We need to stop doubting ourselves. Let’s face it, we hear the term “self-confidence” a lot these days. Social media is full of uplifting quotes telling us how important it is; so why are we still struggling? I think a big part of the problem is that we aren’t sure what it is. The dictionary definition of self-confidence is: Feeling of trust in one’s abilities and qualities. That’s it. It’s not about being perfect and yet, for some reason, we tend to put conditions on our self-esteem. We feel like we have to have achieve all of our goals before we can be proud of ourselves and that’s just not true. Self-confidence is about trusting in who we are right now. Who are we? We’re real, flawed, fabulous women, who are stronger and smarter than we

Marci Warhaft May 2, 2020

Health

COVID-19 and the ageing

Canada has done fairly well so far in fighting the Coronavirus Covid-19, but indicators are that the peak is yet to come. Most unfortunately, we’ve seen a significant number of deaths in senior care homes. As of today, the Quebec government has also ordered an investigation into one home over alleged neglect. We know as people over 55, that we are at greater risk than younger generations. But younger age groups are equally at risk and even a toddler died of the virus. Younger generations, especially those under 25 tend to think that they are naturally healthier and also more resistant to the virus. Both points are, according to the WHO, factually wrong. According to Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, some of the reasons older people are greatly impacted by COVID-19 include the physiological changes associated with ageing, decreased immune function and multimorbidity which expose

Alex Hurst April 13, 2020

Health

Do sex and cannabis go together?

A study from The Journal of Sexual Medicine led by gynaecologist Dr. Becky Kaufman Lynn found that marijuana use prior to sex makes sex more pleasurable for women. The internet is full of claims that marijuana can improve sexual experience, yet, scientific data is lacking. So Lynn decided to lead a study at the Saint Louis University medical school after women kept asking her for advice about mixing cannabis and sex. The objective of the study, later published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, was to determine if marijuana use before sex affects the sexual experience, by how much, and what is affected. The study found that “the majority of women…

Alex Hurst February 8, 2020

Health

When anti-depressants aren’t enough

Seventeen years ago, Dr. Stuart Eisendrath piloted research into the therapeutic effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on people experiencing clinical depression. Ever since, he has been helping those who struggle with depression dramatically improve their symptoms and quality of life by changing how they relate to their thoughts and feelings. In When Antidepressants Aren’t Enough: Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness to Alleviate Depression (New World Library, October 1, 2019), Dr. Eisendrath outlines an easy-to-implement MBCT program that has been scientifically proven in a U.S. National Institute of Health study to bring relief to chronic sufferers of depression by helping them realize that their thoughts are not their reality. We hope you’ll enjoy this Q and A with him about the book. Q: What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)? A: MBCT is a blend of some aspects of cognitive behavior therapy with mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is an ancient Buddhist technique that has been secularized

Alex Hurst January 9, 2020

Travel

5 Canadian winter wellness retreats for 2020

A lot of people have this crazy idea that once we hit 50 all we want to do in winter is go down south and chill on a beach. Ha! We laugh! Sure, maybe we like a little heat in March on a warm, sunny beach. But we also love the beauty that is Canada in winter and there are some awesome winter wellness retreats. We check a few out here; Sparkling Hill Resort Nestled in the spectacular mountains of British Columbia near Vernon, this wellness focused resort has special packages for seniors. They have a 5 night package that focuses on seniors who are looking for a whole body experience. Check them out here. Grail Springs They don’t have a Holy Grail, but they do have some really cool packages, with some tailored to seniors. Based in Bancroft, Ontario. It’s a beautiful winter landscape. They also have spiritual programs

Alex Hurst January 2, 2020

Health

How to decode your vitamins

With hundreds of bottles lining the shelves of your local health food store, the choice can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks to help you unravel the mystery of natural health products. How to read vitamin bottle labels Natural product number (NPN) In Canada all supplements must have either an eight digit Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These indicate the product meets Health Canada’s minimum standards for active ingredients, quality control, and are safe and effective when used according to the instructions on the label. Format and bioavailability There can always be a debate about how absorbable (bioavailable) a product is, depending on the type of product and how it is produced, for example. Some guidelines: Fermentation:This enhances the active ingredient and makes it easier for your body to process. Food:If your body recognizes a product as food, it naturally

Dean Zwicker December 27, 2019

Health

Can we really blame “being old” for that?

Exploring the effects of aging and how we can work with our bodies to feel our best at the turn of every birthday. We’ve heard it before: “Must be because I’m getting old.” But can we really use that as an excuse for having those aches and pains, not remembering things, and not staying on track with our goals? Aging is inevitable. It happens to everyone and is beyond our control—well, not totally. Aging happens in both our mind and in our bodies. But, if we take responsibility for what we can/ITC control about the changes on the inside, we can become even better with age. We can play a role in our future vitality by making the right choices that will impact how we’ll feel for years to come. As we age, it’s important to believe in our abilities and become more mindful. Try these tips to help you

Doris Ward December 25, 2019