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

As things open up this summer and social gatherings become more commonplace (while remaining safe), it’s time to enjoy some much-needed family time. Origin Active Lifestyle Communities took the hard work out for you and shared our favourite summer recipes full of seasonal local produce.

These days the term wellness has become trendy, but what does it really mean? To define every angle, the term has been broken into seven dimensions. Each influencing the others, creating a holistic approach to health.

Taking part in activities can significantly enrich the lives of those with dementia and provide an excellent opportunity for caregivers to bond with their family members. Some activities have even been shown to promote cognitive functioning. 

You may have heard of the mind-body connection, but what does it entail? This powerful connection is often referenced from the negative perspective: when our minds feel stressed and worried, we notice consequences in our bodies, and if we don’t treat our bodies well physically, we will feel the effects on our mental health. 

At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, we believe that the quality of life a person experiences in their later years can drastically improve by staying active and engaged in life. While longevity may seem like something you can’t control, habits that are known to promote a healthy and active lifestyle have also been linked to increased longevity!

Hiking is an experience like no other. Whether you’re climbing a mountain in search of a 360-degree viewpoint, trekking through the woods to find a hidden waterfall, or just strolling through an open field of wildflowers with the sun on your face, going on a hike can instantly brighten your day. Did you know there’s more to hiking than being a fun activity, though? Hiking provides countless benefits to your physical, mental, and cognitive health—making it a comprehensive exercise for wellness.

Eating well is about more than just the foods you eat; it’s about how you eat them. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too common for people to eat while working, driving, or watching television. These distractions can lead to people mindlessly eating, not paying attention to what or how much they’re consuming.

As the Canadian population gets older, many adults will begin to rely on informal caregiving—family members and friends who provide assistance for free—to support their growing needs. As it is, there are an estimated 8 million Canadians who are currently informal caregivers.

Caring for an aging loved one can be taxing, especially if they have a chronic illness or a memory impairment. While caregiving can be rewarding, it can also be demanding and stressful at times—leaving caregivers with little time to focus on their own health and wellness. With over 8 million Canadians providing care to an older family member, it’s essential to realize that, like the adults they care for, caregivers also need support and attention to remain healthy and refreshed.

Many people look forward to their retirement for years - they start to save for it as early as possible, they buckle down for decades with one goal in mind, they might even plan a big retirement trip or celebration. However, many adults find themselves feeling bored, restless, and unfulfilled when it finally arrives.