Ageism would have us believe that getting older is depressing and riddled with health problems. It's a myth! According to Dr. Susan Charles, "Older adults are as happy — if not happier — than younger adults.” ☺️ 👉 If happiness is eluding you, check out these resources: https://ow.ly/5F2050ZNz17

"Caregivers who actively seek knowledge and assistance to understand dementia have higher levels of hope and report better quality of life." - Dr. Wendy Duggleby, University of Alberta Don't know where to start? Visit: https://ow.ly/jBSX50ZJurm #selfcare #dementiacarepartner #caregivers

Changing the narrative on suicide requires systemic change. It's about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay If you are in distress, call or text 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca

The Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit continues to be a reliable source for information on various behaviour and psychological symptoms experienced by people living with dementia. If you haven't visited it recently, why not check it out? https://ow.ly/Z5Ey50ZJuL0

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Welcome Do you support someone experiencing changes in mood or behaviour related to dementia? You have come to the right place. The Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit is an online library of over 300 free resources. The goal of the Toolkit is to help you better understand and compassionately respond to dementia-related changes in mood and […]

behavioursindementia.ca

This Psychology Today essay reviews some of the recent research on happiness and age. Consistently, older adults are happier than other age groups and they place more emphasis on life satisfaction than "momentary pleasure." Read the blog here: https://ow.ly/Mkus50ZCvuq

Mark your calendar. On October 7, 12:00–1:00 PM EST, CCSMH is hosting Policy in Action: Strengthening Canada's Response to SILOA, a free webinar exploring what it will take to strengthen Canada's response to social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Save your spot: https://ow.ly/znaT50ZJBtP

Next week is Buddy Up week! What is that? It's a men’s suicide prevention communications campaign: a call to action to men, by men supported by the Centre for Suicide Prevention. The theme next week is to "Power Up: Strengthen Your Body and Mind." Learn more here: https://ow.ly/6Guq50ZEXU9

GeriMedRisk - Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology Rounds DATE: Tuesday, September 8 at 12 pm ET TOPIC: Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Delirium Mimic. Medication Minefield For more information and to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gh9oW012RrukVTb7I1wPow#/registration

"Nick Ubels, Assistant Manager, Community Development at Vancouver Public Library, joins host Peter Snow to discuss the important role of libraries in addressing social isolation and loneliness with older adults. Find a link for your favourite podcast app at: https://ow.ly/7OkV50ZFjVR

Dr Grace Park joins host Peter Snow to discuss the bidirectional relationship between frailty and social isolation and loneliness. You can hear this and every episode of Stronger Together: Supporting Social Health in Aging by following this link: https://ow.ly/4eHw50ZHVcf.

Attending religious events is good for your mental health and well-being! You can read more about it here: https://ow.ly/S1fq50ZCv70

Given wars, political conflicts, climate crises (wildfires, floods) and other stressors, feelings of overwhelm and fatigue might be quite common. If it's too much and you need support, check out our wellness resources: https://ow.ly/Gj6S50ZCsBf

Crisis fatigue: How to manage emotional exhaustion

An @OSUWexMed mental health and trauma expert explains how to recognize and cope with crisis fatigue as you face overwhelming news, stress and emotional exhaustion in today’s world.

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On International Overdose Awareness Day, we recognize that overdose can affect older adults too. Medication interactions, changing health needs, and increased sensitivity can create unique risks. Let’s raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support safer aging. 💜

What's not to love about a great pastime that keeps you active, supports social connections, and keeps your brain engaged. Being physically active is good for our mental health! 👉 What activities do you do that get you moving, maybe connecting with others and giving your brain a workout?

La fraude peut avoir des répercussions profondes sur le bien-être mental et émotionnel des personnes âgées. Découvrez ces ressources destinées aux personnes âgées ainsi qu’aux professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux. 👉 Accédez aux nouvelles ressources ici : https://ow.ly/HOJr50ZEMeM

Fraud and scams can impact the mental and emotional well-being of older adults. Check out our resources designed to support older adults in navigating the emotional impact of fraud, while also offering pathways toward healing and recovery. 👉 Access the resources here: https://ow.ly/nNpz50ZCqZT

Many of us have examples of when there is a crisis - it seems easier to make connections with others including strangers. What might be the ingredients - that show up in crisis - that we might replicate more regularly, to support making new or strengthening existing social connections?

This article from Canadian Affairs features an interview with CCSMH's Bette Watson-Borg discussing our Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults, and our 94 Voices Report. Learn more about the importance of social health:k: https://ow.ly/aNM950ZFi6G

‘Explosion of happiness’: Report shows how to reduce seniors’ social isolation

Social isolation increases risk for dementia, heart disease and death. Experts say reducing it does not have to be difficult

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Dancing is good for our overall health...a great cardio workout and mood booster. It helps you connect with people and exercise your brain. Evaluators found that dance had many benefits for people living with dementia. You can read about it here: https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/54569.html

More than one-third of caregivers report experiencing serious distress or an inability to continue in their role. This new resource "The Caregiver RX Initiative Building" is an important step for taking action to support these health heroes! https://ow.ly/vOnE50ZBV3E

Did you know that the CCSMH has a YouTube channel? You can find videos and curated playlists here: https://www.youtube.com/@CCSMH_CCSMPA

A study found that when people volunteer formally or informally for 2 - 4 hours a week, their cognitive health was protected over time. Not volunteering contributed to "worse cognitive function." The key takeaway? Help others as much as you can, for as long as you can. https://ow.ly/fOA350Zwipj

Dr. David Conn joins host Peter Snow to talk about the relationship between co-morbid mental health issues and social isolation and loneliness. Follow the link to hear episode 1 of our new podcast Stronger Together: Supporting Social Health in Aging. https://ow.ly/ewiM50Zz2Ci

On International Youth Day, it's a good time to talk about how important intergenerational relationships are for both youth and older adults who gain insights and learn from each other's experiences.

Self-care. This article lists several suggestions: https://www.ncoa.org/article/everyday-self-care-strategies-to-support-your-health-and-well-being/

The WHO reports that about 15% of adults aged 70+ live with a mental health issue. One big risk factor: Loneliness and social isolation. The good news: loneliness is preventable. As more people live longer, we all have a role to play in creating communities where older adults feel connected.

Laughter burns zero calories (sadly), but it does lift your mood, melt away stress, and give your brain a little workout. Consider it the only exercise where snorting is a sign you're doing it right! 😂💙 What's your favourite go-to person, show, comedian, or video that makes you laugh?

Do you work in an acute care team? How often do you encounter patients living with dementia? This curated list of five helpful resources would be great to REVIEW and maybe SHARE with the other members of your team. You can find the infographic here: ow.ly/QVqv50ZvcrP

On the eve of a long weekend for most Canadians, this is a good time to point out that physical activity is good for the quality of life of older adults. This study, published in Nature tells you more: https://ow.ly/lav650ZrWHe What are your plans to get your body moving?

It's International Friendship Day! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑💞 For some of us, our closest friends are like family. Those relationships are so important to our mental and social health. Why not call your best friend today?