Seniors

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

Alberta disability program forum slammed as a delay tactic by opposition NDP

‘There are thousands of people whose lives are impacted by this stall.’ Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney was not made available to CBC on Tuesday to take questions about a newly released report into the … READ MORE

Slower walking speed may predict future mobility problems

Being able to walk outside for several blocks at a leisurely pace plays an important role in living a vibrant, healthy life. Walking short distances allows you to get the physical activity you need, live independently, go shopping, … READ MORE

Gait and balance dysfunction in older adults: Challenges and interventions

Falls are a significant—yet preventable—health issue among older adults. Each year, 3 million older Americans over the age of 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries which often result in disability, loss … READ MORE

We should care more about caregivers

Caregivers in Canada need more support. It’s time to strengthen support for the 28% of people who provide care for an ageing family member, friend or neighbour in Canada, argues an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association … READ MORE

I wrote the book on user-friendly design. What I see today horrifies me

The world is designed against the elderly, writes Don Norman, 83-year-old author of the industry bible Design of Everyday Things and a former Apple VP. Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman. Kristian Guevara By Don Norman, Fast … READ MORE

Alberta Seniors programs and services 2019

This Guide is designed to help seniors and their families stay informed about the assistance available to seniors in our province, through programs such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. This important program provides a monthly cash … READ MORE

Orthotic management: A symptom-based, dynamic approach

Orthotic devices, tailored to each patient and adjusted for disease progression, can improve mobility by addressing gait impairments and maintaining stability. By Cary Groner, Lower Extremity Review May 2015 Jeff Seitzer. Joshua … READ MORE

How does helping people affect your brain?

Study shows neurobiological effects of providing support to others. Both younger and older participants in the Intergenerational Care Project have expressed excitement and joy at being able to interact with each other. Griffith … READ MORE

The right trousers: Wallace and Gromit inspire artificial muscle clothing

Smart trousers could dramatically change lives of people with mobility problems. Wallace and his dog Gromit in the film The Wrong Trousers by Nick Park. Allstar photo in The Guardian. Layal Liverpool, The Guardian 11 September 2018 … READ MORE

Walking frame could keep older adults active

A robotic walking frame that could help older people recover more quickly after a fall or injury, reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital, is being developed in partnership with researchers at Northumbria University, … READ MORE

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