One thing that makes the Ottawa Valley unique is the staying power of its residents. There’s something about being “from the Valley”. People take pride in it.

In communities stretching throughout Renfrew County, including towns and the rural areas in between live just over 100,000 people. In Pembroke, the percentage of residents who are above 65 is 26%. For the rest of the country it’s 20%.

Some might say it’s a good place to grow old. But is that the case for everyone? If you have means, then okay. But if you’re living in a fixed income as are many elderly people in Renfrew County, the increasing cost of living is diminishing their ability to afford basic essentials such as transportation, food and housing.

This leads to a chain effect with limited access to food and healthcare preventing people from being able to continue living in their homes. As a not for profit charity, Carefor’s role is to help bridge the gap for seniors to community services and affordable living.

Access to Health Care

Carefor’s non-urgent medical transportation picks up seniors and transports them to their medical appointments. With Renfrew County having no public transit system and private alternatives being limited and costly, Carefor’s transportation program provides a more affordable alternative to allow seniors to get to the places they most need. Without access to medical appointments, elderly people might not as well have them, increasing the likelihood of hospitalizations.

Food Insecurity

Throughout the Ottawa Valley are seniors who live alone. Many for whatever reason don’t cook as much as they used to. Perhaps it’s not having anyone else to cook for; perhaps a loved one had always taken care of it; perhaps they just can’t get to the grocery store like they used to.

Carefor’s frozen meal delivery program brings prepared meals right to people’s doors so they have easier access to good, nutritious food. “These programs are becoming more and more essential,” says Alice Grenon, Carefor’s Manager of Community Support Services. “We’re not only seeing more seniors in our communities, and with the cost of living, people are struggling to afford basic things that they might have previously been able to.”

Housing Insecurity

The vast majority of people want to age in their homes, but that’s not always the best option for some. With limited supports, many seniors are isolated and age alone. It can be dangerous for many, causing them to seek out other options. But if you’re on a government pension without other sources of financial supports, where can you go?

Many retirement homes are out of range for lower income seniors leaving a gap between them and the other alternatives: hospital, long-term care and homelessness. Carefor’s two retirement homes, Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Centre bridge that gap offering accommodation for people with limited means and options.

What people often don’t see in these two retirement homes are the integrated supports that exist for the residents. “We’re seeing more and more people coming to us with complex physical and mental health challenges,” says Sharon Maye, Director of Retirement Home Services. “Here we offer specialized services such as assisted living and mental health supports that help people dealing with more complex challenges.”

While large buildings, what you can’t see when you look at Civic and Mackay from the outside are the intimate communities and relationships between the staff and residents, and residents with one another. There is a family feel in the homes and people looking out for one another. People understand what each other has gone through and where they’re from, and they help each other feel a sense of belonging.

To learn more about our retirement homes in Pembroke or our community support services, please visit our website.

In an age where mental acuity is prized, the search for methods to stave off cognitive decline has intensified. While brain teasers and puzzles have long been heralded as the champions of cognitive health, recent research suggests that physical activity may hold the key to maintaining a sharp mind well into old age.

Engaging in regular physical activity is not just beneficial for the body; it also provides a wealth of advantages for cognitive function. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can boost cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and decision-making. Moreover, physical activity has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

So, what types of physical activities are particularly effective in preventing cognitive decline?

Aerobic Exercise: Activities that get your heart pumping and your blood flowing, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, are excellent for brain health. Aerobic exercise increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and enhancing synaptic connections, which are crucial for learning and memory.

Strength Training: Building muscle isn’t just about looking fit; it also has profound benefits for the brain. Strength training exercises, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, can improve cognitive function by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons.

Yoga and Tai Chi: These mind-body practices combine gentle movements with focused breathing and meditation. Research suggests that practicing yoga or tai chi regularly can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance overall brain health. These activities may also help to mitigate the effects of aging on the brain by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.

Dance: Whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or two-stepping, dancing offers a fun and engaging way to stay physically active while challenging your brain. Learning new dance routines requires coordination, memory, and spatial awareness, all of which are vital for cognitive function. Plus, dancing is a social activity, which can further support brain health by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Mindful Movement: Activities like qigong or mindful walking combine physical movement with mindfulness practices, fostering a deep connection between body and mind. These gentle exercises promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function by encouraging present-moment awareness and mental clarity.

Incorporating these physical activities into your daily routine can have profound effects on your cognitive health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two or more days of strength training and regular practice of mind-body activities. By staying active both physically and mentally, you can keep your mind sharp and resilient as you age.

Many of Carefor’s programs incorporate physical activity. Whether at our retirement homes in Pembroke, our adult day programs for people living with dementia in Ottawa or our seniors support centres in Eastern Counties, keeping moving is part of the program.

As seniors continue to embrace an active and vibrant lifestyle, the importance of flexibility and mobility cannot be overstated. Incorporating stretching exercises into daily routines plays a pivotal role in maintaining joint health, preventing injuries, and promoting overall well-being. In this guide, we explore essential stretching tips tailored for seniors, promoting a path to active aging.

Start Slow, Progress Gradually

One of the golden rules of stretching for seniors is to start slow and progress gradually. Before delving into stretches, it’s crucial to warm up the body. Gentle aerobic activities such as walking or cycling for 5-10 minutes increase blood flow to muscles, preparing them for stretching exercises. This helps prevent injuries and ensures a more effective stretch.

Begin with gentle, dynamic stretches that engage major muscle groups. Stretch major muscle groups including, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders, and the lower back. These areas are particularly prone to stiffness, and regular stretching can enhance the range of motion and alleviate discomfort.

As flexibility improves, seniors can introduce static stretches, holding each position for about 15-30 seconds. Be sure to pay close attention to your body and avoid pushing beyond your comfort zone. Discomfort is normal during stretching, but pain should be avoided.

If a stretch feels painful, it’s essential to ease off and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary. For those new to stretching or individuals with existing health conditions, consulting with a healthcare professional or a certified fitness trainer is advisable. They can provide personalized guidance, taking into account individual health needs and limitations.

Enjoy the Process

Stretching should be an enjoyable and rejuvenating experience. Seniors are encouraged to embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and appreciate the positive impact stretching has on their overall well-being.

To experience the full benefits of stretching try to stay on track and keep stretching regularly. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of stretching exercises most days of the week. This regular practice contributes to improved flexibility and enhanced overall mobility.

Though consistency is key it is also important to switch things up now and again. Try activities such as balance exercises and chair exercises like chair yoga. For seniors with limited mobility or balance concerns, chair exercises offer a safe and effective alternative.

Seated stretches can target various muscle groups, providing the benefits of flexibility without putting stress on joints. Balance exercises, including stretches that involve balancing on one leg, are vital for seniors. These exercises enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls, a common concern in the senior population. As seniors embark on their journey to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, incorporating these stretching tips into their daily routine can be a game-changer. At Carefor retirement homes in West Ottawa and Pembroke-Renfrew Country we provide a full activities calendar to our residents which features many opportunities for our residents to exercise and stretch to help them maintain their mobility and flexibility. Through these activities and others including bingo, cards, and trivia games we aim to create a welcoming environment that will help foster a sense of community.