Here are some practical health tips for older adults in Canada, designed to prevent potential health issues before they become serious.
Tip: If you have been avoiding the dentist for financial reasons, apply for the Canada Dental Care Plan and resume regular dental appointments.
Why?: The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) assists those without private insurance and a household income under $90,000. Over one million Canadians have accessed this program, receiving an average of $730 for oral health care services.
Health Impacts: More than half of Canadians aged 65 to 79 have moderate to severe periodontitis, a chronic disease characterized by the gums pulling away from the teeth. This condition can lead to the formation of infected pockets that may break down bones and connective tissues. Additionally, evidence suggests a link between cardiovascular disease and poor oral health. Fortunately, periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable with regular dental care. To learn more about the Canada Dental Care Plan, click on the link below.
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Tip: Buy an affordable home blood pressure monitor and learn how to measure your blood pressure accurately.
Why?: Measuring blood pressure can be tricky, so it's essential to follow the instructions closely for accurate results. You should take multiple readings and average them, as blood pressure can vary due to time of day, meals, drinks, activity, posture, and stress. It is difficult for health professionals to get an accurate measurement in a 15-minute visit, so help them and bring in your test results.
Health Impacts: Approximately two-thirds of older adults in Canada are diagnosed with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This condition occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, as well as a significant risk factor for heart disease. The good news is that hypertension is treatable through affordable medications and healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management. To learn more about measuring your blood pressure at home, click on the link below.
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Tip: Ask your healthcare professional to schedule a cholesterol test if you:
source: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/condition-risk-factors/managing-cholesterol
Why?: Recent studies emphasize the importance of proactively treating high cholesterol in older adults.
Health Impacts: High cholesterol can cause plaque to accumulate in the walls of arteries, leading to their narrowing and hardening. This condition can restrict blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The good news is that high cholesterol is treatable with affordable medications and healthy lifestyle habits.
Tip: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids! The U.S. National Academy of Medicine recommends that men aged 51 and older aim for about 13 cups of fluids daily, while women in the same age group should aim for about 9 cups. This total includes all sources of liquids, such as drinking water, food, and other beverages. However, it's best to talk to your doctor to determine how much water you should drink daily.
Why?: As we age, changes in body composition lead to reduced water content in our bodies. Many people drink less water, which can lead to chronic dehydration. Medications like diuretics can disrupt water balance, and concerns about incontinence may cause some older adults to limit their intake. Additionally, the feeling of thirst often decreases with age.
Health Impacts: A recent National Institutes of Health study indicates that adults not adequately hydrated may age more rapidly. They also face an increased risk of chronic diseases, including lung disease, heart failure, diabetes, and stroke, and are more likely to have a shorter lifespan compared to those who maintain proper hydration.
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Tip: Review your diet with your Health Professional and ensure you are getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D to prevent early bone loss and Osteoporosis.
Why?: When the body does not get enough calcium from food, it starts pulling calcium from the bones, weakening bone health. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength by improving calcium absorption. You can increase your calcium and vitamin D intake by making dietary changes and taking supplements.
Health Reasons: Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them thinner and less dense. Older Adults with Osteoporosis have a significantly higher risk of fractures. The most common frailty fractures associated with Osteoporosis are in the hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder. Our bones are continuously renewed through a natural process where new bone cells replace old ones. However, as we age, this process becomes less efficient, leading to a gradual loss of bone tissue. Over one-third of those aged 65+ are living with diagnosed osteoarthritis.
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Tip: Find and enroll in a local fitness class designed for older adults that includes strength and balance training.
Why?: In Canada, falls are among the leading causes of injury and death for older adults. However, you don't have to become a victim of slips and falls. Exercising can enhance your balance and strength, allowing you to stand tall and feel more confident when walking.
Health Benefits: A single session of moderate to vigorous physical activity offers immediate health benefits and helps prevent chronic diseases when done regularly. Immediate health benefits include improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety and blood pressure. Long-term health benefits include reduced risks of dementia, depression, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, eight cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach), Osteoporosis, and fragility falls. Emerging research suggests physical activity helps boost immune function.
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Tip: Choose your preferred device (smartphone, tablet, notebook, or desktop) and work on enhancing your computer skills.
Why?: It's easier to concentrate on one device and utilize it as your primary tool for information and communication. Each device is unique and comes with its learning curve. However, all devices can be made more accessible for older adults. Investing time in customizing features such as text size and other accessibility options can make devices more user-friendly. Computer skills are increasingly vital for older adults, as they assist in staying connected, informed, and independent.
Benefits:
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Sources:
Healthy Aging Tips for the Older Adults in Your Life
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/healthy-aging-tips-older-adults-your-life
Aging and chronic diseases: A profile of Canadian seniors
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/aging-chronic-diseases-profile-canadian-seniors-report.html
You should not rely on information tools for medical, financial or legal advice. It provides general information only. NICE is not responsible for any use of the information other than for general educational/informational purposes and no claim can be made against NICE or any of its personnel for any such use.
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National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE)
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Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V4, Canada
