Scams targeting seniors are on the rise, with older adults losing billions annually to fraud. In 2024 alone, Americans aged 60+ reported nearly $4.9 billion in scam-related losses, with an average loss of $83,000—more than four times the average across all age groups. In Canada, fraud is the number one crime against older adults. These scams range from fake tech support calls to elaborate financial schemes, and they often prey on trust, isolation, and unfamiliarity with digital tools.

But seniors can fight back—and stay safe—with a few proactive strategies.

1. Be On Guard

Protecting yourself starts in your head. While many of us grew up trusting the world around us, things have changed, and we must treat people with a degree of suspicion. Assume anyone contacting you wants something from you. It’s your responsibility to ensure they are who they say they are.

2. Know the Common Scams

Awareness is the first line of defense. Some of the most frequent scams include:

• Grandparent scams: A caller pretends to be a grandchild in distress, asking for money urgently.
• Bank investigator scams: Fraudsters pose as bank staff investigating fake fraud, asking for debit cards and PINs.
• Tech support scams: Pop-ups or calls claim your computer is infected and demand payment for fake repairs.
• Phishing emails and texts: Messages impersonate banks, government agencies, or delivery services to steal personal information.

One tactic is to create a code word with close friends or family members that only they would know should someone contacting you claiming to be them.

3. Pause and Verify

Scammers rely on urgency. If someone pressures you to act fast—whether it’s sending money, clicking a link, or sharing personal details—pause. Verify the request by:

• Calling a trusted family member
• Contacting the organization directly using official contact info
• Ignoring unsolicited messages and pop-ups

No legitimate organization will demand immediate payment or sensitive information over the phone or email.

4. Use Simple Tech Tools

Technology can help protect seniors from scams:

• Robocall blockers like RoboKiller or Nomorobo filter out scam calls.
• Email filters and antivirus software reduce phishing risks.
• Password managers help keep accounts secure.

Even basic tools like caller ID and two-factor authentication can make a big difference.

5. Stay Connected

Isolation increases vulnerability. Seniors who regularly talk with family, friends, or community support workers are less likely to fall for scams. Encourage open conversations about suspicious messages or financial decisions. Organizations like Carefor offer social work and home support services that can help seniors navigate confusing situations with confidence.

6. Report and Recover

If you suspect a scam, report it to:

• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
• Local police
• Your bank or financial institution

Reporting helps authorities track patterns and protect others. In many cases, quick action can also help recover lost funds.

Scammers are clever, but seniors are resilient. With knowledge, support, and a few smart tools, older adults can stay one step ahead—and protect their hard-earned savings and peace of mind.

Practice Getting Up from the Floor

One way to help reduce the risk of falling is to practice getting up from the floor regularly. Often as we age, we avoid getting down on the ground to avoid the groaning that invariably takes place as we work to get back up again. This contributes to a lack of agility over the years that can increase our risk of falling.

One good way to maintain agility is to practice getting up from the floor every week.

To start, you must get on the floor. That may seem daunting.

For those of you who feel you should be able to get down to the floor with just a little instruction follow these steps. (For those who feel that getting onto the floor is not an option, see the instructions for practice that can be done on your bed at the end of this article.)

Here’s one way to get on the floor with control.

1. Stand by a sturdy piece of furniture like a couch or solid chair and bend at the waist so that your hands can rest on the seat.
2. Slightly bend the knee of your weakest leg so that you can use your arms and strong leg to lower yourself to one knee.
3. Place your other knee and both hands on the floor.
4. Lower your chest to the floor and slide your legs out behind you until you lying on your stomach.

Now you’re on the floor! Unfortunately, most of the time when we fall to the floor we end up on our side and then our back. Before you practice getting up, you’ll need to roll onto your back. I’m going to describe this with directions to roll onto your right side before finally rolling onto your back. You can reverse the instructions if you need to roll to the other side

1. Place your hands under your shoulder so you can push your chest off the floor slightly.
2. Slide your right hand through the space between your left arm and torso. This should make you feel off balance.
3. Roll onto your right side.
4. If you haven’t already rolled onto your back, lift your left arm toward the ceiling and then behind you.

Now you’re on your back and you might be feeling a little stranded. Not to worry. If we reverse all these steps, we can get back up!

Here’s one way to roll to the right side and onto your stomach

1. Bend your left knee and place your foot flat on the floor.
2. Rotote the left knee to your right side as you reach with your left hand to your right side. You should now be on your right side and you may feel like your right arm is trapped.
3. Use your left arm to push your chest off the floor slightly and pull the right arm through so you can place your right hand under your chest. (You may need to straighten your left leg also.)
4. Push yourself up onto all fours by straightening your elbows and shifting your weight backwards.
5. Place your hands on the sturdy piece of furniture.
6. Place the foot of your strongest leg flat on the floor so that you are now kneeling on one knee.
7. Use your hands and strong leg to push yourself up.
8. Instead of standing up directly, rotate to one side so you can sit on the chair.

If you’re not confident that you can get up from the floor with these instructions, start by practicing rolling onto your stomach and then moving into kneeling on all fours on your bed first.

Carefor’s Allied Health Team in Ottawa can support seniors improve their mobility and recover from injury quickly. To learn more about how to access their services visit www.carefor.ca/rehabilitation

By Carefor Health & Community Services

If you’re in your 50s or 60s, you’ve probably started to notice that your body doesn’t bounce back quite like it used to. You might feel a little stiffer in the mornings, recover more slowly from a cold, or find that a few extra pounds are harder to shed. According to Susan Snitynsky, a registered dietitian with Carefor Health & Community Services in Ottawa, these changes are normal—but they’re also a wake-up call.

“The choices you make in your 50s will determine how well you live in your 70s and beyond,” says Snitynsky. “You can’t change everything, but you can absolutely set yourself up for a healthier version of yourself down the road.”

1. Keep Moving — Mobility Is Everything

Before talking about food, Snitynsky starts with movement. “Mobility is huge,” she says. “You don’t have to run marathons, but you should move every single day. If you don’t use it, you lose it—and that affects everything, including nutrition.” Staying active helps preserve muscle, maintain appetite, and support digestion as you age.

2. Eat Out Less — It’s More Important Than You Think

Snitynsky says one of the biggest health pitfalls she sees is how often people eat out. “We go out way too much,” she explains. “Even grabbing a coffee or snack adds up. When you eat out, you’re eating food that’s jam-packed with calories, fat, salt, and sugar—and not much volume or nutrition.”

She explains that fullness is based on volume, not calories. “You can eat a small, high-calorie meal and still feel hungry an hour later. That’s how people gain weight without realizing it.”

In today’s environment, she adds, maintaining a healthy weight is hard work. “We live in a world designed to make us gain weight. You have to go out of your way not to.”

3. Choose Whole, Less Processed Foods

Another key piece of advice: reduce processed foods. “Ask yourself, how many steps did this food go through before it reached my plate?” says Snitynsky. “Processing usually removes water, fibre, and nutrients—and adds salt, fat, and sugar.”

That doesn’t mean you have to give up convenience entirely. “Some packaged foods, like certain protein bars, are fine,” she says. “But in general, the fewer ingredients and the shorter the shelf life, the better.”

4. Eat More Plants — Without Going Full Vegan

Snitynsky has been plant-based for 20 years, but she doesn’t expect everyone to be. “You don’t have to go vegan,” she says, “but your plate should lean more toward plant foods.”

That means more beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, whole grains like bulgur and barley, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. “People are scared of tofu or think carbs are bad, but the problem isn’t healthy carbs—it’s the refined, processed ones. Whole grains and plant proteins are amazing for your heart, digestion, and longevity.”

5. Make Conscious, Not “Moderate,” Choices

Many people rely on the idea of “everything in moderation,” but Snitynsky isn’t a fan. “If you eat everything, that’s not moderation,” she laughs. “Planned indulgences are fine but be intentional. Don’t let food culture—which constantly pushes us to eat—make the decisions for you.”

6. Start Now, Not Later

Snitynsky often works with older adults living with chronic conditions like COPD, heart disease, or diabetes. “By the time people reach their 70s or 80s, a lot of damage is already done,” she says. “That’s why your 50s and 60s are so important. This is when the outcomes of past choices start to show up—but it’s also when you can still change your trajectory.” Her final message is simple: “It’s never too late to start eating better, but the sooner you start, the better—not just in longevity, but in energy, mobility, and independence.”

Honouring World Alzheimer’s Month this September

As we mark World Alzheimer’s Month this September, it’s a timely reminder that brain health deserves just as much attention as physical wellness—especially as we age. While Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions globally, research shows that adopting healthy daily habits can help preserve memory and cognitive function well into our senior years.

Here are 10 brain-boosting habits that support mental sharpness and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline:

🧠 1. Stay Physically Active

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support brain cell health. Even light activity like walking or stretching can make a difference.

🥦 2. Eat a Brain-Friendly Diet

Foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon and walnuts), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and healthy fats (avocados, olive oil) help reduce inflammation and support memory.

📚 3. Keep Learning

Lifelong learning strengthens neural connections. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading, or taking a class, mental stimulation builds cognitive resilience.

😴 4. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and toxin removal in the brain. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.

🧩 5. Challenge Your Brain

Puzzles, crosswords, chess, and brain-training apps keep your mind engaged and help build new neural pathways.

🧘 6. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can impair memory and shrink parts of the brain responsible for learning. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga help regulate stress hormones.

💧 7. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to confusion and poor concentration. Drinking enough water daily supports overall brain function.

🧂 8. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

High sugar intake contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress, which negatively affect memory and cognition.

👥 9. Stay Socially Connected

Social interaction stimulates the brain and reduces the risk of depression and dementia. Joining clubs, volunteering, or simply chatting with friends can make a big impact.

🧠 10. Protect Your Brain

Avoid head injuries, manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and wear hearing aids if needed—these steps help preserve cognitive health.

These habits aren’t just about memory—they’re about maintaining independence, confidence, and quality of life. And while no single habit guarantees protection against Alzheimer’s, together they form a powerful defense.

World Alzheimer’s Month is a global campaign to raise awareness and challenge stigma around dementia. It’s also a call to action: to support those affected and to invest in prevention. By incorporating these brain boosters into daily life, we honour that mission and empower ourselves and our loved ones to age with vitality.

If you’re looking for ways to stay engaged, Carefor’s senior support centres in Alexandria, Winchester, Ingleside, Finch, and Lancaster offer programs that promote connection, learning, and wellness—all key ingredients for brain health. From group activities to educational workshops, these centres help seniors stay sharp and socially connected.

Let’s make this September not just a month of awareness—but a month of action. Your brain will thank you.

Loneliness is more than a passing emotion—it’s a growing public health concern, especially among older adults. While it’s natural to experience solitude, chronic loneliness can quietly erode both mental and physical health. For seniors, the effects are particularly profound.

According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation are linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, and even premature death. The World Health Organization has gone so far as to name loneliness a global health priority, noting that its impact can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Depression, often triggered by prolonged isolation, can further impair decision-making and lead to poor health choices—such as neglecting medication, skipping meals, or avoiding medical appointments.

Spotting loneliness isn’t always straightforward. Seniors may not openly express feelings of isolation, but subtle signs can speak volumes. Watch for withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite or sleep, increased irritability, or a noticeable decline in personal hygiene. These behaviors may signal deeper emotional distress.

Fortunately, there are ways to intervene—and connection is the antidote. Carefor’s five senior support centres located in Alexandria, Winchester, Ingleside, Finch, and Lancaster offer a lifeline to those feeling disconnected. These centres provide a variety of programs designed to foster community, encourage engagement, and reduce isolation. From group exercise classes and congregate dining to meal delivery and transportation services, Carefor’s support centres help seniors build meaningful relationships and stay active.

Creating opportunities for connection doesn’t require grand gestures. A weekly phone call, a shared meal, or a walk in the park can make a world of difference. Encouraging seniors to participate in local programs or volunteer activities can also restore a sense of purpose and belonging.

Loneliness may not be a disease, but its consequences are undeniably real. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps—whether through community programs like Carefor’s or simple acts of kindness—we can help seniors live healthier, more connected lives.

Let’s treat social connection as essential to aging well. Because no one should grow older feeling invisible.

When it comes to health, many of us make decisions based on what feels good in the moment—skipping a walk because we’re tired, reaching for that extra slice of cake, or putting off a medical check-up. These choices may seem small or harmless, but over time, they can add up to bigger health concerns.

The 10-10-10 rule is a simple but powerful tool that can help you make better decisions by encouraging you to pause and consider the long-term impact of your choices. It asks three questions:

• How will I feel about this decision 10 minutes from now?
• How will I feel about it 10 months from now?
• How will I feel about it 10 years from now?

This framework shifts your thinking from short-term gratification to long-term wellbeing—something especially important as we age and our bodies reflect the habits we’ve built over the years.

Applying the 10-10-10 Rule to Health

Let’s say you’re deciding whether to go for a walk or stay on the couch.

• 10 minutes from now, a walk might feel like a chore, but you’ll probably feel more energized and proud once it’s done.
• 10 months from now, walking regularly could lead to improved balance, reduced joint pain, and better mood.
• 10 years from now, staying active could help you maintain your independence and prevent serious conditions like heart disease or dementia.

Now imagine you’re considering a meal choice. A fast-food burger might be tempting in the moment.

• 10 minutes from now, it tastes great.
• 10 months from now, regular fast food could lead to weight gain or high blood pressure.
• 10 years from now, those habits could result in chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Why It Matters

Many of the health issues we face in our 60s, 70s, and beyond are the result of decisions made decades earlier. But the good news is that it’s never too late to start making better choices. The 10-10-10 rule reminds us that today’s small, intentional steps can shape a healthier tomorrow.

By using this approach, you begin to live more consciously, aligning your daily actions with the kind of future you want for yourself—one where you feel strong, capable, and in control of your health.

How Carefor Helps Carefor supports people across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario with their health. Whether it be home care services such as nursing, personal support or rehabilitation, community support services like transportation and programs for people living with dementia or our retirement homes for people with dementia or seniors in the Ottawa Valley, Carefor is here to help you on your healthcare journey

You give your all to your loved ones everyday as a caregiver. You spend all your energy taking care of them and making sure they’re comfortable and happy. But what about you? What about your wellbeing? Your mental health? What can you do, as a caregiver, to support your own mental health?

Caregiving can be difficult. Many caregivers don’t realise they’re suffering which can lead to a  downwards spiral of mental health and leading towards burnout. More than 60% of caregivers experience burnout. Thankfully, there are a few ways to support yourself.

Therapy

Therapists provide a safe place to voice your concerns and feelings regarding the stress of caring for a loved one. They can also provide you with tips and strategies to help you cope with stress and better manage your mental health challenges that come from being a caregiver.  

Have Time for Yourself

You might feel like taking time for yourself is selfish, but it’s not. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and just like a battery needs to be recharged, so do you. Don’t feel guilty about stepping away for a few minutes to catch your breath and take some time for self care. It will greatly improve your mental health. To be able to do this, sometimes you have to be able to ask for help.

Ask for Help

Asking for or receiving help can be hard. Often caregivers can feel a sense of guilt for not feeling like they can manage on their own. You might not also want to share the burden with anyone else, but don’t let that stop you. People often won’t know you need help unless you ask. Don’t wait for things to overwhelm you before it’s too late. Reach out to someone.

Health Body, Healthy Mind

As a caregiver, you work day in and day out to take care of your loved one. Your body can’t keep up with you if you aren’t taking care of it, and when the body suffers, so does the mind. Proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are all important in keeping your body and mind healthy.

Find Resources

Tap into the many resources that are available.  Carefor offers programs for both caregivers and their loved ones. The Adult Day Programs in Carling, Finch, and at Perley Health can be the perfect place for a loved one with dementia to get out of the house and enjoy activities and exercise. What’s more, Carefor’s Let’s Get Together Club offers help to caregivers, giving them a break where they can make friends and connections.

Support Groups

In person and online support groups can be a great help. Carefor’s senior support centres in Eastern Counties also have caregiver support groups. You can contact the centre in your area to see what programs are available to you through the Caregiver Support page. You can also visit the Ontario Caregiver Organisation for more resources.

You are never alone and your feelings matter. If you’d like to learn more about the Let’s Get Together Club, please click here. To learn more about the Adult Day Programs, visit our website.

Caring for a loved one suffering from a neurological disease has always been challenging. However, in today’s world, there are more resources available than ever before that can help you prepare for whatever may come. From technology to in-home care to day programs, there are many options to help plan for the future.

Caregivers need resources to help the ones they look after. There are many places to find free training to broaden one’s knowledge and find more focused care information.

Online

YouTube and online websites are excellent places to find free information.

• Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care – a YouTube channel that has an extensive library of videos catered to helping both caregivers and their loved ones. Teepa provides a positive, informative, and easy to understand approach to caregiving.
• Dementia Careblazers – a YouTube channel run by Natali Edmonds who specializes in dementia tips, tricks, and strategies for caregivers supporting loved ones suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more.
• The Dementia Society– an organization offering information and help to caregivers and people suffering from dementia and other neurological diseases in Ottawa and Renfrew County. They provide information, courses, and free events to help educate caregivers on dementia, planning for the future, brain health, and more.

In-Home

Carefor offers many well-trained, in-home, care staff such as nurses, personal support workers, and rehabilitation experts. Carefor’s services range from information to in-home help to recommendations for aids, all aimed to help both the caregiver and their loved one remain comfortable and happy.

Day Programs

Carefor offers invaluable programs for both caregivers and their loved ones. The Adult Dy Programs at Carling, the Perley, and Finch are places for caregivers to give their loved ones the chance to interact with kind, caring staff and make friends with other attendees. The Let’s Get Together Cub provides caregivers with support for their mental health and the chance to socialise and enjoy some leisure time.

For people living in West Ottawa there is also Richmond Care Home, a boutique retirement home for women living with dementia, which now offers daytime and overnight respite at a cost of $25 a day and $200 overnight. Learn more.

More information

There are countless places on the internet to find information or resources to help caregivers learn more about what their loved ones are going through and what to expect in the future. Knowledge is power, and arming yourself with as many resources and information as possible will help you face the future head-on.         

Everything is online now. Banking, messaging, shopping. It’s easy to forget that the online world isn’t always a safe place. Scammers and viruses can come from the most unexpected places, so here’s a few tips to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe while online.

1. Research
   
   The most important thing to do is research. Always make sure the website you’re using is genuine. You don’t want to accidentally give out sensitive information to a scam website.  You can check if the site you’re on is trustworthy by looking at the address in the top bar. The https:// should have the “s” that shows it’s safe. There can also be a small padlock icon to indicate the site is secure before the https://.
   
   
2. Don’t Give Out Personal Information
   
   Next, never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Scammers can be clever and they will try and persuade you that they’re a legitimate company. Unless you know or trust the site, never give out your personal information, especially your credit card number.
   
   
3. Don’t Click on Links from an Unknown Email Address
   
   You should  never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email addresses. Unless you know the sender, or you are expecting something, don’t click the link or open anything because there could be a virus or spyware that will harm your computer or device and steal your information. You should always know who the sender is before you click a link or open something.
   
   
4. Don’t Click on Pop-Up Windows
   
   Never click on pop-up windows on your computer or devices. They can lead to dangerous websites that can give your electronic device a virus. These windows can also claim your computer is infected with a virus. Be aware that no legitimate company will ever tell you that your computer has a virus.
   
   
5. Have a Multi-Step Login Process
   
   When creating any kind of online account, you should use a multi-step process and create a strong password. Some of the login steps can include having a confirmation email sent out, or a code texted to your phone. Most importantly, you want to have a strong password. You can always write down your password on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place if you have troubling remembering it.
   
   
6. If Your Device Has a Virus, Ask Someone Trustworthy for Help
   
   If you suspect your computer or device is infected with a virus, never allow someone to access it remotely. Take your device to a local technician or call and have a trusted tech expert look at it for you.
   
7. Make a Checklist
   
   It can be hard to keep up with so many things to watch out for online. Making a checklist you look at every time you receive a suspicious email or enter an unknown website can help you and your loved ones avoid scammers and viruses.

Retirement can be more stressful than you think. You might be wondering how you can stretch your money so you can still enjoy all the things life has to offer. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to do this.

1. Research Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you can do is look into your insurance company. Are they giving you the best deal you can get? Not all insurances companies are right for the job of managing your house and car expenses. Finding the one that’s right for you may help you reduce what you spend.

2. Create a Financial Plan

Another way to save money is to create a financial plan. A plan will help you manage what you have and how to make it work from month to month. The plan can also help you prepare for the future and manage your investments, insurance needs, and taxes. The Government of Canada offers an income calculator that will help you start the process.

3. Use Your Senior Discount

A senior discount is another great way to stretch your budget. From stores to public transportation, you can use it to get a lower cost for the same quality service. Most places in Ottawa accept a seniors discount for anyone 50 and older.

4. Look for Sales and Deals

Not only is a discount handy, but keeping an eye on sales is also a great way to save your money. Watch out for sales in grocery stores, drug stores, and retail stores to get more for less on groceries, toiletries, gifts, and electronics. You can also keep an eye on gas prices and find places with the cheapest gas near you.

5. Switch to Streaming

In a time where most things are available on streaming services, it might be a good idea to cut your cable. You can spend too much money on a service that you only use to watch one or two channels. Many streaming services offer hundreds of shows and live coverage of sports and events for a lower cost. Switching to one of these streaming services is another way to save money while still being able to watch your favourite team.

6. Consider Moving to a Carefor Home

Last but not least, you  can always find a home with the Carefor Civic Complex or Carefor Mackay Centre. They are affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley where you can spend your time doing what you love without worrying about cost. They offer a place for low-income seniors to live when they can’t live at home. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/services/retirement-living/

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. By following just a few tips and tricks, or looking into one of Carefor’s retirement homes, you can greatly reduce your costs and find a way to live without worry.