Seniors

Beyond long-term care: The benefits of seniors’ communities that evolve on their own

The global COVID-19 pandemic has shown Canadians that we need to think differently about how we support older adults. The media and all levels of government have focused heavily on long-term care, and rightly so. However, the vast … READ MORE

‘What does this mean for us?’ People with developmental disabilities left out of vaccination planning

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution and prioritization plans roll out across Canada, people with developmental disabilities, their families, support workers and community agencies have been asking: What does this mean for us? Dr. Yona … READ MORE

Standing frame intervention improves life for people with MS

John Kendrick, from Sparkwell, near Plymouth, has progressive multiple sclerosis, and never thought he’d be able to walk any distance again. Now, thanks to taking part in a clinical trial at the University of Plymouth, he can … READ MORE

People with disabilities excluded from re-opening plans, advocates warn

People with disabilities have been shut out of the conversation as Canadians plan to return to school, work and play, further jeopardizing their health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates warn. The woman in the … READ MORE

Knee replacement timing is all wrong for most

People delay surgery and lose function; others get it too soon with less benefit. When surgery is delayed, people don’t get full benefit of new knee. When surgery is premature, patients assume unnecessary risk and may need a … READ MORE

Coach says 96-year-old ‘crushing it’ every week in CrossFit class

Retired doctor needed to build strength after stroke 2 years ago. 96-year-old Bill Mason doing deadlifts at his Prime Time CrossFit class. Sarah Keaveny Vos CBC Sarah Keaveny Vos, CBC News PEI October 23, 2020 Dr. Bill Mason … READ MORE

High intensity training best for older people

Five years of high-intensity interval training increased quality of life, improved fitness and might very well have extended the lives of participants in the Generation 100 study. High intensity interval training is really hard work, … READ MORE

A deep dive into Alberta’s COVID-19 numbers

Your pandemic questions answered in a CBC Calgary Facebook Live panel discussion. Missed the discussion? Watch our panel take your COVID-19 questions as case numbers spike in Alberta.1:01:02 CBC CBC News Calgary November 10, 2020 With … READ MORE

Program involving community volunteers shows promise for reducing health care use by seniors

Incorporating community volunteers into the health care system shows promise in reducing health care usage by older adults and shifting health care from hospitals to primary care, according to new research in the Canadian Medical … READ MORE

Are local shutdowns effective, or should COVID-19 lockdowns be in lockstep provincewide?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, and Education Minister Stephen Lecce, right, on July 30, 2020, before announcing the government’s plan for reopening schools in the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Press, Nathan … READ MORE

Families, advocates of students with disabilities seek clarity in school reopening plans

Additional funding urged along with comprehensive plans and clear directives. Students with disabilities face extra complications heading back to school in a pandemic, including how to access support services, and parents say more … READ MORE

SFU researchers working to improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care

The team looked at how to better protect older adults from hip fractures caused by falls. Hip protectors were worn in over 70 per cent of falls, and halved the risk for hip fracture. Injury Prevention and Mobility Laboratory IPML, … READ MORE

Canadian inventor creates the mountain bike of walkers

Chances are that if you think of someone who uses a walker, you picture them sedately making their way down a smooth sidewalk. Well, Rob’s Walkers are for those other walker-users, who like getting into the woods and going … READ MORE

Physical activity of older people requires tailored monitoring

The ability to move about may deteriorate when ageing, a phenomenon which needs to be considered when assessing physical activity in older people. A study on active ageing at the University of Jyväskylä examined movement that … READ MORE

Keep moving to prevent major mobility disability

Nordic walking on a trail. Yale University News HIA Guest Blog, Health in Aging June 9, 2020 Having trouble getting around on your own—such as difficulty walking, climbing steps, or being able to get in and out of a chair—can … READ MORE

COVID-19 puts disability tax credit reform on back burner

Advocates worry companies still allowed to charge ‘astronomical’ fees to help tax credit applicants. The Canada Revenue Agency is being urged to take action to limit the amount companies can charge when helping people … READ MORE

UBC Okanagan research shows strength training is effective

Physical exercise may not be top of mind for older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. But according to one UBC Okanagan researcher, strength training can be an effective way to stay healthy while at home. Jennifer Jakobi, professor … READ MORE

Keep an eye on the numbers – COVID-19 in Alberta

Here are the latest COVID-19 statistics for Alberta — and what they mean. Learning how the coronavirus affects the body offers clues to fight COVID-19. A better understanding of how COVID-19 manifests could inform efforts to reduce … READ MORE

Pandemic upends the lives of people with disabilities — and of their caregivers

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Stacy Ellingen, 34, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, lost two of the three caregivers she depends on to dress, shower, eat and use the bathroom. The caregivers — both University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh students … READ MORE

Keep your bones strong at every age

Falling may be painful, especially if the landing is less than graceful. Even a few steps out the front door can carry with them the risk of falling. After fifty years. Amsterdam, Netherlands 28 September 2016 Wikimedia Commons CC0 … READ MORE

New studies refute claims of fall prevention with AFO bracing

In 2011, a new custom ankle foot orthotic (AFO) brace, herein referred to as the Moore Balance Brace, was introduced to the podiatric community. From the outset, the Moore Balance Brace was marketed and promoted to prevent falls in … READ MORE

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta – May 2020 Archive

AHS phone line staffed by occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A new advice line set up to help Albertans with physical disabilities and injuries connect with rehabilitation advice during the pandemic is believed to be the … READ MORE

Walking slower and pausing for rest may enable older adults to maintain outdoor mobility

When functional ability declines, changing the way of walking by, for instance, walking slower, pausing for rest or using walking aids, can facilitate older adults’ outdoor mobility. These were the findings of a study conducted at … READ MORE

It can be very taxing on families: New study reflects unmet needs of Canadian caregivers

1 in 4 Canadians provide care to a family member or friend – StatsCan report. Of those surveyed by Statistics Canada for a report released in January 2020, nearly 70 per cent of caregivers who had received some type of support … READ MORE

Motion capture technology used to prevent falls in older people

Researchers from CAMERA are using Hollywood technology to assess the benefits of an exercise programme aimed at reducing the risk of falls in older people. Volunteers in their seventies donned motion capture suits for the study to … READ MORE

New online tool predicts individual risks and benefits of joint replacements

An innovative online tool devised by researchers from the University of Sheffield will give patients unique personalised information about the risks and benefits of having a joint replacement for the first time. University of … READ MORE

Physiatrists offer non-surgical approach to treating muscle, joint, other conditions that impede function

Dr. Julio A. Martinez-Silvestrini is medical director of Baystate Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that has a number of locations in the western Massachusetts area. The physiatrist, shown here at Baystate Health and Wellness … READ MORE

Fall risk reduced in older adults with exercise

10 things you can do to prevent devastating falls. A new study shows we know how to stop the leading cause of injury among older people, writes Dr. Eric B. Larson. All we have to do is use that knowledge. Kaiser Permanente Washington … READ MORE

Wanted: Accessible homes for Ontarians of all ages and abilities

Accessible homes for Ontarians of all ages and abilities Nearly 2 million Ontarians live with some form of disability that affects their mobility, vision, or hearing — and the country is aging at a faster rate than ever before. That’s why experts are saying we need to embrace universal design

Nearly 2 million Ontarians live with some form of disability that affects their mobility, vision, or hearing — and the country is aging at a faster rate than ever before. That’s why experts are saying we need to embrace universal … READ MORE

People with severe disabilities feel ‘duped’ by Alberta government, AISH recipient says

‘It concerns me because the vulnerable community can become more vulnerable.’ Disability advocate Ian Young began receiving AISH payments in 2004 after suffering several strokes. Wallis Snowdon CBC CBC News Edmonton … READ MORE

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