People often find it challenging to keep their New Year’s resolutions. But moving into a retirement community could be a catalyst and opportunity for you to realize and stick with your health resolutions. Easy access to recreational activities that increase mobility, endurance and flexibility, brain fitness and art enrichment programs, and tasty, nutritious meals with friends can help make your health goals doable and sustainable.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in older adults, especially as the days get darker in winter. Getting enough vitamin D daily through supplements and dietary sources is important for bone health, muscle function and brain activity. Adequate daily vitamin D intake also bolsters immunity and may reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease, cancer, and other conditions associated with low vitamin D blood levels.

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it can be stressful too. Self-care is especially important for older adults to help manage disruptions in eating, exercise and sleeping schedules, and pressure to overdo social activities. By keeping physically active, practicing relaxation techniques, eating rich foods in moderation, and getting enough sleep, you can reduce stress, recharge, and stay healthy to fully enjoy your time with family and friends.

Is this your first holiday season in a retirement suite or smaller space? A more compact home doesn’t mean you have to forego a cozy winter decorating vibe. Here are five easy and inexpensive ways to make your space a warm winter wonderland!

You’re not just imagining it: along with feeling drier in the winter, your skin may also be distractingly itchy too. It’s a recognized dermatological condition known as “winter itch” or “winter skin syndrome,” and according to a research study for a major skin cream brand, six in 10 Americans suffer from it.

We know we must do better, no matter the environment, and we will. Serving seniors is fulfilling and rewarding work which attracts caring and kind people. Our values of R.E.S.P.E.C.T (Respect, Empathy, Service Excellence, Performance, Commitment and Trust), strong leadership in our residences, inclusivity and opportunities for learning and development is what differentiates Chartwell as an employer. As valuable as this is, it is not enough to solve all our challenges. Here are some new key initiatives we are implementing to attract and retain highly engaged employees.

Looking for a way to boost your walking power that’s also joint friendly, gives you an upper-body and core workout, and helps your balance too? Welcome to Nordic pole walking, a fun—and senior friendly activity—that all people, including those with arthritis, shoulder problems, and Parkinson’s, may find enjoyable and helpful in managing their health.

Have you noticed that November is the hairiest month? For the past 15 years, Canadian men have grown November moustaches in support of prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.

Moving into a retirement residence before winter offers many appealing advantages. You get easy access to diverse recreational activities that will keep you mentally, physically, and socially active, regardless of the weather, along with tasty, nutritious meals. You also can avoid winter weather health hazards, the hassles of winter home maintenance, and beat the winter blues by forming new friendships and strengthening your social connections.

Osteoporosis affects two million Canadians and 4 out of 5 injury hospitalizations among seniors are due to falls. Improving balance through tai chi and dancing, doing regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises, and getting enough calcium, vitamin D and protein through diet and supplements can strengthen bones and help prevent falls. Checking vision and hearing regularly, wearing sensible footwear, and using appropriate mobility aids can also reduce the risk of falls.

It’s time to say a fond farewell to sipping gin and tonics on the patio and move into fall’s warm and spicy libations. Think apple cider cocktails with bourbon or an espresso martini. Pair them with prepared snacks or hors d’oeuvres, invite friends from your senior living community or neighbourhood, and you have an instant fun and easy get-together. Check out what’s popular in drink trends for the fall:

Lower back pain becomes more prevalent with aging and professional medical guidelines recommend nondrug treatments as the most effective first line of treatment. You can help prevent back pain by practicing back-healthy habits, along with daily stretching and core strengthening exercises. Studies show yoga, tai chi, physical therapy, massage, and appropriate use of cold and heat therapies may ease lower back pain, speed recovery, and improve quality life.