Self-confidence is the level of belief that one has in their own abilities, judgement, appearance, etc. The first step to building self-confidence is to understand and evaluate any situation that may have had an impact on self-confidence such as divorce or family crisis. This is especially important for seniors as low self-esteem can lead to health issues, isolation and in severe cases, depression.

Animal-assisted therapy is a type of treatment that incorporates animals, such as dogs or horses, to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy. According to Psychology Today, “animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, or safety and divert attention away from a stressful situation and toward one that provides pleasure.”

As we age, the idea of active living or maintaining an active lifestyle may seem “exhausting” or “overwhelming,” especially if our friends or family members do not motivate or encourage us to try new things or participate in activities.

Every day, older adults continue to break the stereotype that seniors live “passive and uneventful lives.” Today’s seniors are active, integrated participants in their communities and these interactions are contributing to their overall wellbeing. Origin Active Lifestyle Communities know that staying active can dramatically increase our quality of life as we age, and researchers agree!

Roughly 43 percent of those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in Canada receive assistance from a formal caregiver or a memory care community. It can be challenging to come to terms with the reality that a close friend is living with memory loss or residing in a memory care community. You may start to feel a disconnect from that friend, but it is important to focus on what you still have with that friend. Origin wants to help you stay connected and engaged with those close to you, even if they are living in a memory care community. Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with a friend in memory care:

At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, we have done the research and have seen the benefits an active lifestyle can have on our quality of life as we age. However, we know that some seniors may be dealing with reduced mobility and may even be in a wheelchair, but that should not limit you from living an active lifestyle! You do not need to have full mobility to. Reduced mobility should not hinder you from experiencing the health benefits of exercise and active living. However, it is essential to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimen. Here we have provided a list of exercises you may be able to perform, even with reduced mobility:

At Origin, we know how important it is for the community as a whole to have quality chefs. We wanted to be able to give our Executive Chefs a place to come together and learn. This year at the Origin Chef Summit 2018, we hosted Executive Chefs from across Canada for two days of education and excitement all focused on amazing food. We had celebrity guests, members of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Gordon Food Service Canada, and members of our very own Origin family.

Soul Café is about paying attention to our individual well-being and creating space to be well together! We want to encourage you to look inwardly and outwardly. By being more aware of ourselves and each other, we transform the atmosphere, and all take steps towards fulfilling our potential. Some of the foundational elements of well-being that we hope to develop further are connecting with the people around you, being mindful, ongoing learning, and practicing generosity.

With the responsibilities of work, a spouse and children, and maintaining your own home, it can be difficult to find time to spend with an aging parent. Of course, you know you should, because you won't always have the opportunity, but it seems like there's always something urgent demanding your attention. Furthermore, time isn't enough: quality time is what you're after. One of the simplest ways to create that quality time (and complete an important task simultaneously) is by cooking healthy recipes together.

Social media might seem like it is only for teenagers - every day, another teen becomes a YouTube star or shows a parent how to use an iPad. However, social media can be beneficial and fun for people of all ages, and it can help seniors stay active and connected.

Among adults ages 65 and older, 67 percent use the internet, and 42 percent own a smartphone. More than a third of older adults use social media. Here are a few of the benefits seniors can get from being active on social media: