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Recreation
Staying active is important as we age. Promoting recreational activities, creating public recreational spaces and community recreation programs, as well as supporting opportunities for older adults to engage in private or competitive recreational sports are all approaches to help those who want to age optimally. Learn more in our resources below.
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Joy, an emotion that transcends the age barrier
Joy among older adults has received little attention in the scientific literature, even though it is highlighted as being important to older adults themselves in terms of health and well-being. -
Judo for older adults: Learning to fall (safely)
Almost a third of Canadians aged 60 and over are at risk of at least one fall each year. Falls are always unpredictable and can leave serious consequences for older adults. Can the practice of judo help prevent fall-related injuries among older adults? -
Grey nomads: Aging optimally on the road
For more than two decades, Australia has seen a growing community of "grey nomads" who travel independently and for extended periods in their caravan or motor home. A nomadic lifestyle can reveal some challenges when it comes to chronic disease management. What lessons can we learn from Australia's grey nomads with type 1 and 2 diabetes? -
Are you a fan of medical TV series?
People of all ages devour medical tv series, which have been part of the television landscape for decades. These programs can have an effect on the knowledge, perceptions and health behaviours of viewers, but these findings must be taken with a grain of salt. -
Immersive virtual reality: An innovative solution to support the well-being of older adults
Immersive virtual reality allows users to experience a computer-generated environment as if it were real. This technology uses a headset that follows the user's head movements, creating a realistic sense of presence in a virtual world. Explore how immersive virtual reality can support the well-being of older adults. -
Moving to a new home: bet on leisure to adapt quickly!
Adjusting to a new home is not easy. Leaving your home, your memories and your habits is anxiety-provoking. Many fear having to rebuild everything elsewhere: create a new social network, develop a sense of belonging, maintain independence, find new activities. Do you believe that leisure can be a promising solution to help you adapt to a new home? -
Coping strategies for memory loss
Older adults, whether cognitively impaired or not, use three types of strategies to cope with memory loss: external, internal and behavioural strategies. -
My memories, my digital heritage
Many seniors suffer from physical or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or loneliness. Aging can also be accompanied by a decrease in autonomy and a sense of loss of identity. Does the ability to tell one's story in a digital format improve the well-being of older adults? -
Staying safe in and around water
Swimming and water fitness are often encouraged to promote health for people with chronic conditions. But being in and around water requires some precautions. -
Competitive sports can be healthy at all ages
Competitive sports can be done at all ages. But what is known about the factors influencing older athletes to take part in competitive sports? -
Learn a new language to train your brain and more
There is no age to learn a new language. Learn about the benefits of learning a new language on the quality of life and cognitive abilities in healthy older adults. -
Boost your social life through physical activity
Dancing, aerobic, weight training, Nordic walking, aqua-fitness classes… We all know the benefits of physical activity for improving our cardiorespiratory capacities or increasing our muscle mass. But did you know that physical activity could also have beneficial effects on your social health? -
Let’s get visual! The “art” of improving cognitive ability and mental wellbeing
Can leaning into your “artsy” side enhance your cognitive health? See what the evidence has to say about the use of visual art therapy for people with different levels of cognitive health. -
The untold story inside you
Do you suffer from depression, social isolation or chronic conditions? Wondering how to get through the winter, confined in your home because of COVID-19? Could writing help you get out of the winter gloom, or even improve your physical and mental health? -
Board games for your health and well-being
Many older adults are fans of board games because they are fun recreational activities that allow them to maintain social contacts. But what is known about the effects of board games on the quality of life or physical and cognitive functions of older adults? -
Urban green spaces designed for all generations
If you live in the city, many urban green spaces, such as parks and trails, are available to enjoy in your neighbourhood. Learn about all the benefits of using and promoting the use of urban green spaces. -
Reading to escape isolation
In this troubled time when we are isolated, but also bombarded with stressful information, we must find solutions to entertain ourselves and escape (if only for a moment) from this reality. Could reading be part of the solution? -
There can’t be too many cooks: Kitchen collectives to feed your needs
Most Canadians eat out once a week or more, because it is more convenient, they don't have time, don't like to, or don't know how to cook. Some initiatives, such as collective kitchens, have been launched here and abroad to meet the nutritional, economical and social needs of people in the community. -
Day centers: Safe and stimulating environments for older adults living with a loss of autonomy
Many older adults and caregivers are benefiting from day centres, which offer programs of activities in professional care settings. Learn about the purposes of day centres, who benefits from them and how are they perceived. -
Don’t go for broke : Addressing gambling-related harms
Though most people gamble safely for entertainment, there is an emerging concern about gambling-related harms among some individuals and communities. There is a need to consider what changes could be made to reduce gambling-related harms and better support those at risk of problem-gambling behaviours. -
Immersive technologies to address social isolation: Is a technological solution feasible and desirable?
Immersive technologies are developing at great speed and have spread to many areas. While some envision that immersive technologies could alleviate social isolation and loneliness, the evidence remains limited and some experts have expressed concerns that they may actually exacerbate social isolation. -
Cultivating health and well-being
Gardening is more than a hobby. It is an amazing activity that can have positive effects on health and well-being. Before taking out your shovels and rakes, plan your gardening activities carefully: think about your health and safety, adapt your activities, and socialize. -
How online learning can support optimal aging
Many people have the desire to learn throughout their lives. No wonder so many older adults go back to school, while others turn to online learning! -
Intergenerational programs: It takes a village to age optimally
Intergenerational programs seem to benefit young people, older adults, and society as a whole. Let's learn how to build strong communities with strong intergenerational bonds! -
Get back to your artistic passions to boost your health and well-being
Arts have beneficial effects on patients, but also on community-dwelling older adults. It may be time to wake the artist inside you. -
Public libraries: Community hubs responding to the needs of older adults
Public libraries play a significant role in meeting the educational, informational, cultural, recreational, health and social-care needs of older adults. -
The men’s sheds : A safe and inclusive space for older men
Developing activities to promote social activity among older men, especially those who are lonely or socially isolated, is complex. "Men's sheds" can have beneficial effects on mental health and social well-being by allowing men to work, break social isolation and give back to their community. -
It's not always just a game! Identify the risk of problem gambling among seniors
Informing older adults about the risks of problem gambling is important, as well as promoting other types of recreational activities to nurture social interaction and reduce isolation.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
