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No one likes moving. At best, it’s as expensive as it is stressful. That may help explain the trend of many older people electing to age in place—that is, opting to live at home rather than transitioning to assisted-living facilities. Staying put, however, presents its own challenges.

One of the benefits of aging is acquiring a wealth of wisdom and experience. But all too often older loved ones’ insights and stories go unshared as family or professional caregivers, as well as grandchildren, are unsure how to bridge the generation gap. 

With an ever-growing number of seniors and a system struggling to keep up, there is an urgent need to address the gaps in elder care training and infrastructure. One organization at the forefront of this effort is Christie Gardens, a retirement community that has embraced a unique approach to care—one that not only focuses on residents’ physical well-being but fosters a vibrant environment that promotes personal growth, independence, and dignity.

One of the benefits of aging is acquiring a wealth of wisdom and experience. But all too often older loved ones’ insights and stories go unshared as family or professional caregivers, as well as grandchildren, are unsure how to bridge the generation gap. 

All over the world, people are leading longer lives. This increased life expectancy is one of the great success stories of human development.

Advancements in medical sciences and public health services, socio-economic development, and rising literacy levels have all contributed to prevention, disease control, and management, which in turn has reduced premature mortality.

When Snigdha Jain, MD, MHS, became an ICU physician, she found that two-thirds of the individuals she cared for in the ICU were older adults. She also found that illness did not end with survival and discharge from the hospital for these patients. The realization prompted her to better understand how the lives of older adults change after a critical illness.

As the nation’s population increasingly skews older, primary care physicians such as internists and family physicians can help address these and other potential mental health needs by integrating behavioral health care into their practice.

Eating healthfully and having an active lifestyle can support healthy aging. Use the resources below to learn about different patterns of healthy eating and ways to create a nutritious meal plan.

Researchers said the lack of home-based care worsened medical conditions for a number of patients. At the same time, care providers reported feeling ill-prepared to advise patients on deciding whether or not to continue care because they said they lacked sufficient information and training.

The global population is getting older and people living longer is driving a major change in the demographics of our communities.

This rapidly ageing population will require specialized care for those later in life and also changes to where and how the elderly live.

Repurposing homes and making changes to public health and medical care will help us address these challenges.

"Seniors are showing that they're willing to adapt to that technology if it's introduced in the right way. I think if we start to work together more, integrate our activities more, the likelihood that we can build up what I would call a new infrastructure of community really goes up."

  If you’re looking to start 2022 with your best foot forward, here are 10 pieces of expert advice on aging well from our Forbes Health Advisory Board members. With their words of wisdom in hand, you can make your year ahead a happy, healthy and vibrant one.

  As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build a better future for everyone, the Government of Canada continues to address the existing gaps in our health care system that were exposed by the pandemic, particularly for those in long-term care homes. By working with provinces and territories, Government of Canada can ensure all seniors get the care they deserve when they need it, no matter where they live.

HSO developed its first long-term care services standards between 2012 and 2014, which were then revised between 2018 and 2020.

Under the new proposed guidelines that build on the previous standards from 2020, the criteria for resident-centred care, safe practices and a healthy and competent workforce have been added.

Residents of care facilities are required to isolate for 10 days if a worker or another resident on their floor tests positive for COVID-19. Béland, who chairs a committee representing residents at her mother's facility, said she agrees COVID-19-positive residents should isolate. But she says she worries a 10-day isolation period for others on their floor causes more harm than good.