The Origin Blog:
Senior Health, Wellness, News, & More

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in a recent report on healthy aging, Canadians are living longer than previous generations. In fact, the PHAC concludes that “older adults can live longer, healthier lives by staying socially connected, increasing their levels of physical activity, [and] eating in a healthy way.”

Origin Active Lifestyles Communities offers many lifestyle and fitness classes that are specially designed to accommodate any level of fitness. So whether you are beginning a new healthy routine or looking to maintain an active lifestyle, we encourage our community members to get moving because it is never too late to get active.

As they reach retirement, many Canadians begin searching for new opportunities to live purposeful and happy lives. Whether that means taking up a new hobby, connecting with social groups and organizations, or simplifying their daily lives, many individuals relish the increased freedom and opportunity.

Taking over your parents’ finances, especially if it happens suddenly, can be stressful. Knowing when to get involved and what steps need to be handled are essential to ensuring the protection of Mom or Dad and their financial future.

When looking for a senior living community that fits your lifestyle and preferences, it’s common to wonder about the care provided, the apartment sizes, and the additional amenities. However, it’s also essential to consider the food and dining options available. There are many misconceptions that senior living communities offer bland, standardized meals in a cafeteria-style setting, but this couldn’t be further from the truth!

For some, wintertime means cozying up by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea. For others, it means layering up to enjoy an outside adventure with family friends. However you prefer to spend the season, winter can offer activities that promote physical and mental wellness.

You may have heard people tell you “to look on the bright side” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” These small phrases can bring you comfort at the moment, but they can also be good lessons on how to live your life.

Approximately 750,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. And it doesn’t just impact them; it impacts family, friends, coworkers, neighbours, and others. In response to how widespread dementia is—combined with the growing aging population—Canada has even designed a national dementia strategy to increase awareness and funding for research for treatments and cures.

While being a caregiver to a family member or friend can be a positive and rewarding experience, it can also take its toll physically and mentally. With an estimated 8 million Canadians providing informal care, understanding healthy habits is vital so that caregivers can deliver the best and most attentive care possible.

Retirement living in Canada can mean more time for family, new hobbies, or travel. But, unfortunately, there are myths about senior living communities that lead individuals away from the longevity and freedom retirement homes can provide.

“Every day, about 28% of Canadians provide care for a family member, friend or neighbour, and nearly half will do so at some point (cmaj.ca).” Caring for someone you love is an act of compassion and dedication, but it can also be a huge undertaking.