Studies show older adults can maintain and improve brain health through a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, cognitive and social stimulation, and good nutrition. Retirement communities gives residents easy access to group exercise and mind-body activities, mind-fitness workshops, games and discussion groups in a social environment that promotes brain health. Residents can find meaning and purpose through volunteer programs and enjoy tasty, nutritious meals dining with friends.

Canadian women live about 4 years longer than men, but women over 65 are more likely to develop dementia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression, stroke, and migraines. Greater awareness of these elevated risks enables older women to prevent or manage conditions such as dementia with personalized lifestyle prescriptions, and arthritis with range-of-motion exercises. Strengthening social connections can prevent or ease depression, and brisk daily walks can help keep bones strong.

Health Canada advises older adults get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week, in sessions of at least 10 minutes at a time. They also recommend adding bone and muscle-strengthening exercise twice a week,* especially useful for balance and preventing falls.

The weather is warming up, and more than ever this year, it’s time to celebrate spring outdoors If you need more motivation than throwing off your winter parka, remember that being outside is good for your mental, physical and emotional health.

Taking care of plants and gardening can do wonders for your well-being. Scientific research has shown that simply being in contact with plants can improve your mental and physical health. On top of that, gardening is a great excuse to get some much-needed exercise and therefore can help you maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.

Dancing your way through the pandemic is a healthy antidote to cabin fever that can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Staying physically active helps seniors keep physically, mentally and emotionally fit, and maintain their independence longer.

Older women who are physically active each day can improve their health and longevity, even if they start later in life. Age-friendly activities such as tai chai, yoga and brisk walking can ease depression, improve balance and protect against heart disease and stroke.

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Most seniors recognize the importance of staying physically active, but it can sometimes be difficult for them to do so. A variety of differ ...