Aging brings unique challenges and opportunities, making self-care essential for seniors. Holistic self-care includes mental, emotional, social, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. Below are practical tips and resources for each area.

🧠 Mental Health

Maintaining cognitive health is crucial. The Geriatric Psychiatry Community Services of Ottawa (GPCSO) offers bilingual services, including mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to support seniors’ mental health.

For broader mental health resources, the Champlain Healthline provides a directory of services for older adults experiencing emotional, psychological, and social challenges including Carefor’s Let’s Get Together Club.

💬 Emotional Support

Emotional well-being is vital. Ottawa Public Health provides resources on healthy aging and mental health, emphasizing the importance of sharing mental health challenges to get support.

Additionally, the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health offers information and resources to support seniors’ mental health across Canada.

🤝 Social Engagement

Staying socially active reduces the risk of depression and cognitive decline. In Eastern Counties, come by and spend the day with friends at one of our five support centres where something fun is always on the go. And in Renfrew County, the staff at Civic Complex and Mackay Centre senior care homes look after you while you make new friends.

For those seeking companionship, A Friendly Voice provides a telephone visiting line for seniors aged 50 and over. There are also groups like MeetUp which help you build connections with new groups and friends.

🕊️ Spiritual Well-Being

Spirituality can foster peace and resilience. Bruyère Health offers spiritual and religious care services to patients, residents, and their families, providing professional spiritual care services related to emotional and/or spiritual health. There are also apps that help you heighten your spiritual well-being as well as online and in person grief support services to help you through a difficult time.

Embrace Ministries connects local churches with seniors’ residences, aiming to provide spiritual support to the elderly.

💰 Financial Wellness

Managing finances reduces stress and ensures long-term stability. The City of Ottawa’s Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) program assists residents who cannot afford to pay for items or services needed to maintain their housing and for health items not available through other programs.

Additionally, 211 Ontario connects seniors with financial assistance programs, including tax clinics and grants.

🏃 Physical Health

Staying active promotes strength and mobility. Ottawa Public Health’s Strong and Steady program is a free, 10-week fall prevention exercise program designed to help adults aged 65+ improve strength, balance, and mobility.

The Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre offers services for seniors and adults with physical disabilities, including social and community services to support physical health.

Additionally, Carefor can support your physical health a number of ways including our nursing clinic at Belfast Road in Ottawa which clients can be referred to to get exceptional and convenient care as well as in-home physio and occupational therapy.

Aging gracefully starts with self-care. By embracing healthy habits and making yourself a priority, you can enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life well into your senior years. Remember, it’s never too late to start caring for yourself.