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

Nearly every (93%) Canadian senior says they want to remain in their homes for as long as possible after retirement. The primary reason for this is to maintain a sense of independence. Still, there are other reasons, including remaining close to family and friends, fostering a sense of belonging, and sentimental attachment to the house.

Moving to a new home or neighbourhood can be an overwhelming process. There are so many things to research and consider, and you want to be as educated as possible before making a decision. Senior living communities are no different; after all, when looking for a senior living community, you are looking for your new life-long home. It’s vital that you feel confident you are making the right choice.

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, some habits known to promote a healthy and active lifestyle have also been linked to increased longevity!

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.

“The National Seniors Council of Canada defines social isolation as a low quantity and quality of contact with others. A situation of social isolation involves few social contacts and few social roles, as well as the absence of mutually rewarding relationships.” Beyond face-to-face interactions, socialization and quality contact can take the form of virtual encounters with friends and family.

Canadians are used to cold, long, and sometimes brutal winters. While the frost and snow can be beautiful, poor weather conditions make venturing outdoors a challenge. For this reason, cabin fever can start to develop as we find ourselves indoors for more extended periods of time.

While some older adults are opting to stay in their homes through their retirement years, many are considering independent living communities. Homeownership can be fantastic, but, as we age, the experience can be marred down by maintenance and chores. Retirement should be about enjoying your time, and moving into an independent living community can help place you on that track.

While the holiday season is about connecting with family and celebrating traditions, you may also want to show your love and appreciation of family and friends through gift-giving. It can be hard to decide on a gift for the senior in your life, as you may be stuck between several items or have no clue what to grab at all. It’s understandable, as gifts for seniors can be tough to settle on, especially if it’s a gift for a parent. 

An active lifestyle accompanied by socialization are two significant elements of happiness. At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, we understand the value of socialization amongst seniors. While it can be challenging to get out and meet new people, relationship building is incredibly important and something we promote at our adult active living communities!