Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Invitation to attend the 2012 Geriatrics Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital on June 28th

Mount Sinai Hospital is hosting the 2012 Mount Sinai Hospital Geriatrics Institute on Thursday, June 28 th in the Ben Sadowski Auditorium located on the 18th floor. This year’s theme is Through the Looking  Glass:
An Older Patient’s Experience across the Continuum of Care. 
Come join us  for this free full day educational event as we follow the adventures of Alice as she and others start to experience the all too common trials and tribulations of a vulnerable older adult struggling to maintain their independence after sustaining a hip fracture.

Mount Sinai’s 2012 Geriatrics Institute Proudly Presents from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When: Thursday, June 28th, 2012
Where: Ben Sadowski Auditorium, 18th floor, Mount Sinai Hospital
Keynote Speaker: Sociologist and Author, Lyndsay Green To attend, RSVP to Phoebe Tian at ptian@mtsinai.on.ca or 416-586-4800 ext. 7856 as space is limited for this free event!Health and Social Care Professionals and Advocates. This year’s event features a diverse group of speakers from the Advocay Centre for the Elderly (ACE), Toronto Central CCAC, Reitman Centre for Alzheimers Support and Training, Seniors Peoples Resources in North Toronto (SPRINT), VHA Home Healthcare amongst others.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

There have been a number of blog entries written on the physical health of seniors. While many of the practices previously outlined can have positive effects on one's mental health as well, this is the first to speak directly on the topic of seniors' mental health.

Contrary to commonly held notions, as a group, seniors tend to have higher levels of mental health than do younger adults. This is backed by research that compared the responses of the two groups when asked how they perceive their levels of mental well-being. Seniors were much less likely to report feelings of depression.

In spite of this, instances do occur. One way to combat these is, not surprisingly, having social engagements. While the most obvious type of social engagement is visiting with friends and relatives, it has been found that activities such as volunteering have similar positive effects on the mental well-being of seniors.

Picture source: http://actionplan.gc.ca/initiatives/eng/index.asp?mode=3&initiativeID=58
For tips on how to begin such activities, one can visit the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat's page on Lifelong Learning and Volunteering.
http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/seniorsguide/learning_volunteering.php

To read more about how social engagements affect the mental health of seniors, visit:
http://www.longwoods.com/content/18716

Currently in the news...

The recent fire in an Ottawa retirement home has garnered much media attention. While the general response - to ensure sprinklers are placed in all homes may seem somewhat obvious, the event can be seen as a reminder to all of us on the importance of basic safety measures.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/101224-ontario-under-pressure-to-have-sprinklers-in-all-seniors-homes

Friday, May 11, 2012

Preventing Falls


As we age, we are put at an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as osteoporosis.  Subsequently, the risk of injuries due to falls increases. This can result in older individuals becoming fearful of falling, causing them to alter their lifestyles.

There are a number of ways that people can reduce their risk of falls, however, allowing them to continue performing their day-to-day activities. One simple suggestion is to wear non-slip socks. In addition to this, engaging in light physical activity, such as walking regularly, can help strengthen the muscles required when weight is shifted from one side of the body to the other. In doing so, one’s balance is improved.

While these activities have positive physiological effects on the body, there is evidence which suggests that the psychological ones are of equal importance. Those who experience a fear of falling are at a greater risk, as they are more likely to lead more sedentary lifestyles. One way to combat this is to create a network of people who can be contacted in the event of an emergency. As confidence in one’s health builds, it is reflected in the way our bodies feel.

Taking Aim at Fall Injury Adverse Effects:
Reducing Fear of Falling:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2003.51265.x/pdf

All in the way you look at it...