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Given the deep connection that most of us have with music, it should come as no surprise that researchers around the world continue to investigate music's therapeutic benefits. Music is a safe, simple, and inexpensive strategy to support health and wellbeing; however, it continues to be an underused tool.

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is an important part of healthy aging. By bringing greater awareness to key elements such as culture and personal circumstances, and by understanding that nutritional needs vary by person, we can develop a more well-rounded view of nutrition.

You find yourself wide awake after 5 hours of sleep and feel ready to get up and meet the challenges of the day. However, the rest of the neighbourhood is still sleeping. You wonder why it is that others need to sleep longer than you. The duration of our sleep may be of concern to some of us and begs the question: “how much sleep is 'normal' and how much do I need to be healthy. Although an apparently simple question, there is no simple answer!

Music is generally a safe, simple, and inexpensive strategy that can hold a variety of benefits. Besides being enjoyable to listen to, it may help to improve sleep quality, contribute to better walking speeds, and can be used as a therapeutic approach for individuals living with dementia. Read more about the potential benefits of music.

February is heart month in Canada, a time to raise awareness around the importance of cardiovascular health and the things that can impact it. We separate fact from fiction to help you identify the evidence-based approaches you can take.

In Canada, cancer is the leading cause of death, but the good news is that up to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. You can reduce your risk by improving key lifestyle factors, including your diet, the amount of activity you do, and by eliminating harmful substances.

The conversation about mental health and well-being is one we need to continue year-round. Strengthen your own mental well-being through using the above strategies and remember to check in with others. While we may be physically distant, we can remain emotionally close.

When it comes to driving, it is not your age that determines your abilities, it is your health. Driving enables older adults to remain connected to their communities, maintain social ties, and access needed services, particularly in rural areas lacking public transit. Helping older adults stay safe on the road is just as important as ensuring they maintain their independence by driving as long as (safely) possible.

In Canada, 1.6 million seniors fall each year, and more than half of those falls result in serious injuries. These 4 fall prevention strategies can help keep you steady on your feet this winter and beyond.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Find an activity that is safe and accessible and make it a part of your daily or weekly routine. Maintaining physical and mental health is an important part of healthy aging.

As 2021 ends, many of us are reflecting on the past year – the highs and lows, accomplishments, and experiences we had. For many, a new year also signals a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals and intentions. As we say goodbye to 2021, we reflect on some of the content highlights from the past year that will help you continue to age optimally in 2022 and beyond.

Maintaining social connections, throughout the holidays and beyond, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. So, while this holiday season may look a little different, we can still make the most of it and feel emotionally close to get through these challenging times.

As we get older, our sleep habits may change, but one thing remains the same – getting a good night’s sleep is important. While there is no magic number when it comes to the hours of sleep needed, lack of sleep can have negative consequences to our health and be a symptom of health problems such as neurodegenerative diseases and unhealthy weight (and sleep apnea that accompany unhealthy weight).

The holidays are a busy time of year often filled with many indulgences. While it is important to enjoy this time of year, there are a few ways you can keep your health a top priority and still enjoy the festive season.

When we think about exercise, we often think about the physical benefits it provides – stronger muscles, increased flexibility, better stability and more. But did you know, exercise can also have positive effects on your brain’s health?

Technology plays a big role in the evolving digital healthcare landscape and impacts almost every aspect of our life. Embracing new technologies can be to our benefit by enabling us to live a healthy lifestyle.

To prevent abuse from happening, it is important that older adults recognize signs of abuse and understand how to report it. Caregivers should also educate themselves on how to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, so they can help stop it from happening too.

Diabetes is one of the biggest global health crises of the 21st century, with over 420 million people living with the disease globally – a number that continues to rise. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and those who live with it face a long-term battle. The good news is type 2 diabetes can be managed with a few approaches.

While you might think falling is a natural consequence of getting older, it is the result of several age-related factors including loss of muscle strength and balance. The good news is, falls can be prevented by adjusting your home environment, through exercises that promote strength and balance, and by being mindful about your foot health.

Physical activity is not only important for our physical health, but it also has immense benefits for our mental health. Read on for a few helpful suggestions on how to keep your body moving through the remaining weeks of fall and throughout the winter months.