Living Assistance Services Richmond Hill, Markham, King,Newmarket & Aurora
73 Attridge Drive L4G 6J4 Aurora, ON, Canada

Is Laughter Like Strawberry Jam? People ask me what I’d most appreciate getting for my 87th birthday; I tell them, a paternity suit! -George Burns.... Humour is one of the most important human activities, one that is enjoyed daily by people in every culture and at every age. Laughing is universal; no matter how old you are, what language you speak or what your physical or mental abilities are, you can laugh. However, very little is known about how aging affects ‘humour’ experiences. Research suggests that elderly people enjoy humour more than younger people, but that they have increasing difficulties in understanding jokes. You're over the hill when your back goes out more than you do. Laughing triggers a number of positive physiological responses: Relaxation of the entire body, relieving muscle tension and stress Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, drop and minimize pain and inflammation throughout the body The release of endorphins, natural feel-good substances that make you feel happy and content and have been proven to reduce the perception of physical pain Reduction in blood pressure combined with a moderate increase in the heart rate and improved blood circulation and oxygen intake The stimulation of the immune system thanks to the release of T-cells and salivary immunoglobulin A which is triggered by laughter. SeniorHomes.Com-Humor and Laughter: Health Benefits for Seniors & Resources You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there. Maggie Kuhn, the Gray Panthers, said there are three good things about aging: 1. Everyone who has told you, "You'd better not do that," "That's not going to work" and, "Are you going to wear that?" is dead. 2. Since no one takes old people seriously, you can be the person you were always meant to be. Women can be more assertive, men can be more nurturing, and both can strive to be public nuisances. 3. Because there have been real losses along the way, this is the opportunity to make new friends, explore new interests and try on new roles. So, yes, laughter IS like strawberry jam; you can't spread even a small bit without getting some on yourself! Submitted to SNAPD by Brian Porter--PICTURE ON FILE--For advice about seniors and care at home, please kindly contact Brian Porter, Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services (LAS), at 416.483.0070 (ofce), 905.758.2486 (cell) or [email protected] and visit: www.laservices.ca : Helen Huang 416.880.6889 or [email protected]

Will You Join the 21st Century Centenarians? My own Grand Mum died at 105 years old and, when she was often asked the secret to her long life, she replied: ‘a balanced diet, a lot of walking every day and a gin and tonic before dinner!’ Did you read recently that Chitetsu Watanabe from Niigata, Japan, has been officially confirmed as the oldest person living (male) at 112 Years, 344 days, as of February 12th, 2020? He was born on March 5th, 1907, in Niigata, as the first of e...ight children of his Father Haruzo and Mother Miya. Chitetsu said in an interview for a local paper in January, 2019, that the secret to his longevity is to "not to get angry and keep a smile on your face." (Guinness World Records, February 12th, 2020). Chitetsu is four years shy of the record for the oldest man ever, which had been held by Jiroemon Kimura (Japan), who was born on 19 April 1897 and passed away aged 116 years 54 days on 12 June 2013. Kane Tanaka, who is currently the oldest woman living, recently celebrated her 117th birthday in January. Of course, in much earlier days, centenarians were non-existent. The few people who grew old were assumed, because of their years, to have won the favor of the gods. The typical person was fortunate to reach 40. Beginning in the 19th century, that slowly changed. Since 1840, life expectancy at birth has risen about three months with each passing year. In 1840, life expectancy at birth in Sweden, a much-studied nation owing to its record-keeping, was 45 years for women; today it’s 83 years. The United States displays roughly the same trend. When the 20th century began, life expectancy at birth in America was 47 years; now newborns are expected to live 79 years, with a similar age evident in Canada. If about three months continue to be added with each passing year, by the middle of this century, life expectancy at birth will be 88 years. By the end of the century, it will be 100 years. And, if, as a male, you are 65 and older, you now have a 3% chance of living until a hundred, while women of the same age enjoy a 5.9% chance of this happening (MarketWatch, August, 2017). But, if you’re aiming to join the increasing number of 21th Century Centenarians, perhaps the real concern of us should be less with the number of years but, more importantly, with the quality of life during those years lived; it seems that this may well be the real secret to reaching happily the 100 year milestone. Chitetsu’s own secret to sustaining his high quality of life reminds us:".not to get angry and keep a smile on your face." Brian W. Porter, BA, MEd, CPCA, Director and Owner. Living Assistance Services, York Region WWW.LASERVICES.CA Providing Safe, Compassionate and Professional Care for Seniors Where They Always Want to BeAt Home! Tel: 905-758-2486(cell) 416-483-0070 (office) : Helen Huang 416.880.6889 or [email protected]

SoYou’re in a Bad Mood, Are You? Can you get into a bad mood or become quite anxious? The answer probably is a relative Yes! Mood disorders are characterized by the lowering or elevation of a person's mood while anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of apprehension, worry and even fear. Both types of disorders may have a major impact on an individual's everyday life and can range from single short-lived episodes to chronic disorders. (1...) But, what happens when we become older, when we retire, and when we become a senior and ‘slow down?’ When we are 30 to perhaps 55 years old, life is fast paced. We work too hard and too many hours in a job, enjoy an active social life, focus on strenuous physical activity and, for many, we bring up children and help manage a family. As is said, we’re ‘burning the candle at both ends’ and it can all be pretty physically and mentally demanding at times, producing, as a result, bad moods and anxiety and even depression in too many cases. After 55 years old, one might reasonably conclude that, in one’s senior years, without the stress and strain of such lifestyle demands, one might be less likely to suffer from bad moods and anxiety. But, this conclusion is surprising not that accurate. The recent Report, Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Canada, 2016, is the first publication to include administrative health data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS) for the national surveillance of mood and anxiety disorders among Canadians aged one year and older. The Report does acknowledge that, yes, a higher percentage of Canadians in the age group 30 to 54 years old suffer from bad moods and anxiety; however, the difference compared to the age groups 55 to 74 years old and those 80 plus years is quite small, indicating that older people, seniors, who have ‘slowed down’ still experience comparable levels of bad moods and anxiety to those younger, even though they apparently are experiencing less demands on their lives. And, why is this so? The answer lies perhaps in the new possible factors which predominate in a senior’s life: cognitive impairment, chronic health conditions, functional disability, bereavement, loneliness, and a diminishing of a social network. (2) It’s important, therefore, to recognize why an older person becomes anxious or in a bad mood so that, as a caregiver, one can help in making life easier for your loved one in those ‘golden’ years. (1) Report from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System: Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Canada, 2016, p2. (2) Ibid, p13. For advice about seniors and care at home, please kindly contact Brian Porter, Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services (LAS), at 416.483.0070 (ofce), 905.758.2486 (cell) or [email protected] and visit www.laservices.ca

Caregiving for the elderly in Aurora is a special focus for Brian Porter, the Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services Aurora because he lives with his family in Aurora which is a very special place for him. He will know well where you live and he’s nearby to help you when needed. We would like, at Living Assistance Services, to introduce you to a wonderful, professional caregiver who will assist an elderly family member to enjoy every day at home in Aurora at a very affordable cost.

Happy Canada Day!

With help from our caregivers, your parents can remain at home safely.

Aging in Place. I just Want to Stay At Home! ... When considering future living arrangements when aging, Canada’s elderly view staying in their own homes and paying for home care as the best option. An RBC survey, as reported by CBC News (Posted on line: Oct 24, 2013) found that 83 per cent would choose staying at home with care as needed. They far preferred that option to: Living in a retirement residence with care provided (50 per cent). Living with family who could assist with home care (24 per cent). Receiving care in a long-term care facility (14 per cent). About 91 per cent said they want to stay in their home or in their neighbourhood and live independently as long as possible. And, why is this the overwhelming choice for Seniors? Some of the reasons include: 1. THE PHYSICAL STRESS OF MOVING For many seniors, moving out of a family home means sorting through decades of keepsakes and possessions. Even if families hire a moving service, friends and family will still need to go through these items and arrange for an estate sale or storage options. 2. THE FEAR OF LOSING INDEPENDENCE It’s a common misconception that moving to senior living means a loss of independence. Today’s senior living communities have evolved from care facilities to places that encourage and empower residents, but it can be hard to change existing perceptions. 3. ANXIETY OVER LEAVING A COMMUNITY A move to senior living may mean changing decades-old routines, and some seniors may worry that a move will further isolate them from friendships that have lasted their entire life. 4. EMOTIONAL TIES TO THE FAMILY HOME A house is just a house, but a home is something to be cherished. Leaving a physical structure that has encapsulated decades worth of memories and is the backdrop to family holidays and reunions can be emotional. 5. THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN More than anything else, the fear of the unknown can keep seniors in their homes and often in an unsafe environment. Seniors just don’t know if a move to senior living will be worth the physical and emotional stress of it all. They worry about losing valuable relationships, safety and feeling left out of future family functions and friendly gatherings. 6. FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY Staying in your own home may simply be more affordable as it may avoid significant monthly payments for accommodation, and possibly meals, which, after having paid down your mortgage, you have not been responsible for many past years.(1) 1. Sauer, Alissa. Care Options. Leisure Care Blog. August 7th, 2017 Living Assistance Services-Since 2000, Providing Safe, Warm and Professional Care for Seniors Where They Want to Be--At Home.... www.laservices.ca Call now for advice and/or Care at 905-758-24

Are you familiar with Canada's caregiver credit?

Aging in Place. I just Want to Stay At Home! When considering future living arrangements when aging, Canada’s elderly view staying in their own homes and paying for home care as the best option. An RBC survey, as reported by CBC News (Posted on line: Oct 24, 2013) found that 83 per cent would choose staying at home with care as needed. They far preferred that option to:... Living in a retirement residence with care provided (50 per cent). Living with family who could assist with home care (24 per cent). Receiving care in a long-term care facility (14 per cent). About 91 per cent said they want to stay in their home or in their neighbourhood and live independently as long as possible. And, why is this the overwhelming choice for Seniors? Some of the reasons include: 1. THE PHYSICAL STRESS OF MOVING For many seniors, moving out of a family home means sorting through decades of keepsakes and possessions. Even if families hire a moving service, friends and family will still need to go through these items and arrange for an estate sale or storage options. 2. THE FEAR OF LOSING INDEPENDENCE It’s a common misconception that moving to senior living means a loss of independence. Today’s senior living communities have evolved from care facilities to places that encourage and empower residents, but it can be hard to change existing perceptions. 3. ANXIETY OVER LEAVING A COMMUNITY A move to senior living may mean changing decades-old routines, and some seniors may worry that a move will further isolate them from friendships that have lasted their entire life. 4. EMOTIONAL TIES TO THE FAMILY HOME A house is just a house, but a home is something to be cherished. Leaving a physical structure that has encapsulated decades worth of memories and is the backdrop to family holidays and reunions can be emotional. 5. THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN More than anything else, the fear of the unknown can keep seniors in their homes and often in an unsafe environment. Seniors just don’t know if a move to senior living will be worth the physical and emotional stress of it all. They worry about losing valuable relationships, safety and feeling left out of future family functions and friendly gatherings. 6. FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY Staying in your own home may simply be more affordable as it may avoid significant monthly payments for accommodation, and possibly meals, which, after having paid down your mortgage, you have not been responsible for many past years.(1) 1. Sauer, Alissa. Care Options. Leisure Care Blog. August 7th, 2017 Living Assistance Services-Since 2000, Providing Safe, Warm and Professional Care for Seniors Where They Want to Be--At Home.... www.laservices.ca Call now for advice and/or care at 905-758-2486

SENIORS! Keep Calm and Breathe! When you feel anxious or stressed, something as natural as breathing can help relax your mind and body. Deep-breathing exercisesalso called diaphragmatic breathing or relaxed breathingcan slow down your breath and keep it in a regular flow. This, in turn, settles your nervous system and increases feelings of calm. Studies also suggest that deep breathing can have the immediate effects of lowering your blood pressure and regulating your heart ...rate. Deep breathing draws on your dominant breathing muscle, your diaphragm, rather than your chest muscles to more effectively pull oxygen into your body. To practice deep breathing: Settle into a comfortable position. Sit up straight in a chair with your feet on the floor, or lie down. Close your eyes or lower your gaze and place one hand on your belly. Take a deep breath through your nose, sending it through the back of your throat and down to your belly. Allow your abdomen to expand. Notice how the hand on your belly gently rises. Then, let your stomach slowly deflate as you breathe out. Do this again for several iterations, gradually lengthening the amount of time you inhale and exhale. Direct your breath into your upper back. Let your ribs spread and then relax with each breath. Do this another three or four times. Avoid forcing your breath in and out. Let it flow naturally. Source: Mayo Clinic

History of Aging.a Bird’s Eye View! For 99% of human history the average life expectancy was under 18 years of age. 2/3 of all humans that have reached the age of 65 are alivetoday. ... This time is called the evolution of grandparents, as it marks the first time ever in human history that three generations have coexisted. (Reference: Caspari, R. The Evolution of Grandparents. Scientific American. 2011 vol:305 iss:2 pg:44 9.)

What is your favourite activity to keep your mind sharp?

Do You Still Really Think Old Age is So Bad? Five Myths About Aging For 99% of human history, the average life expectancy was under 18 years of age. So, it’s not surprising that getting older and living beyond the average life expectancy led to common, quite unattractive assumptions about aging and old age. Significant advances mostly in public health have precipitated an incredible change. In 1900, human life expectancy had grown to 47... years and, by 2000, life expectancy had become 77 years. (1) But, those unattractive, and mostly negative, assumptions about aging and old age have remained with us despite the spectacular increase in life expectancy. Five, what now can be called ’myths’ of aging, persist: Myth 1: To be old is to be sick. Actually, most older people today are still able to live independently in their own homes until they reach very advanced age. Myth 2: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, older people can easily make changes to improve their lives and situation. Myth 3: The secret to successful aging is to choose your parents wisely. Genetics are not the only factors determining how we age. The good news is that social and behavioural factors within our control also play and important role in shaping health and well being. Myth 4: The horse is out of the barn. Many people believe it’s just too late to do any good. Yet, we now understand that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours can provide a payoff at any age. Myth 5: The elderly don’t pull their own weight. In reality, more and more older people today are attracted by what is called productive aging, whether by extending years or paid employment or by engaging in productive roles in their families and communities. (2) So, have you begun to alter your perception of the meaning of aging and your assumptions related to it? (1) Caspari, R. The Evolution of Grandparents. Scientific American. 2011 vol:305 iss:2 pg:44 9. (2) Trends and the Experience of Aging, Age-Friendly Business Inc. Brian Porter

Time to Hang Up the Keys? In 2009, three quarters of seniors had drivers’ licenses about 3.5 million people. Of that number, 200,000 drivers were over 85 years of age. In the over 85 group 67% were men and 26% were women. Of significant concern is that statistics indicate that more than one quarter of seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia had a driver’s license, (about 20,000 people in 2009!). It is really no surprise, ...therefore, that combined with physical limitations such as diminished sight and hearing, seniors represent the highest risk insurance category--next to teenagers! What can a family member or friend do if they are concerned about the driving ability or safety of senior who continues to drive? Firstly, recognize that driving is very important to your loved one and has, for years, been their primary means of getting around and is a genuine sign of their continuing independence. Also, whilst discussing the subject, keep in mind that the sensitive and emotional prospect of giving up driving is of utmost importance to them. Secondly, if there are other family members or friends available, communicate with them to see if they have made some of the same observations and discuss how you collectively may be able to help the driver. What can family members and friends do when a senior driver continues to drive against the advice of their doctor and others? It is best to maintain a sense of trust in your relationship by being honest and persistent. Encourage your loved one to make the decision on their own or reduce or stop their driving as appropriate. Be aware that seniors who lose the privilege of driving often feel lonely or anxious because they have fewer opportunities to be with friends or involved in activities. If your loved one will not listen to reason, you may want to discuss the problem with his/her doctor to find out if there are any medical or legal reasons that should be reported. Try to be sensitive to the older person’s feelings. Again, expect some emotional reaction and do what you can do to help them through this trying time. A suggestion is to encourage the older person to discuss this with you, another family member, friend or doctor. And, you might talk about other ‘better’ means of transport. As a family member or friend, you should try to be sensitive to a real sense of insecurity and a deep feeling of a loss of independence associated with ‘hanging up the keys!’

Malnutrition knowns no borders. Canadian seniors are at risk, and it could be your parents. Living Assistance Services offers meal planning and preparation customized to the needs of each senior. http://ow.ly/7F4c30kAzsr

What a weekend it was! One of the stops for some of the 35,000 Rotarians is the Distillery District on Friday evening.

Do you find yourself asking this question: Is it Alzheimer's"?

Nearly 50% of Canadians between 55 and 64 are providing some sort of care. Who is helping you?

Caring matters...

Some 35,000 Rotarians from every continent in the World are attending their annual convention this year in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this coming week, from Friday, June 22nd to Sunday, June 30th, 2018. Renown speakers informative programs and spectacular entertainment fill a very busy week.

Vitamin I should not be your go to pain relief if you suffer from the following....

Control your cholesterol, not the other way around!

Planned or last minute, we can help....

Live your life to the fullest!

Tough decisions will always need to be made, but we aim to make that choice a little easier...

The Annual Aurora Chamber of Commerce BBQ held on Friday (June 14th) at the Royal Canadian Legion in Aurora.

Another great PRO - Professional Referrals Organization meeting.

Let us know if you want to be added to our list to receive our newsletter!

Wishing all Dads a great Father's Day!

What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Important day to raise awareness against elder abuse.

"Prevention is different. We know a lot about it, based on huge bodies of epidemiological research. Most of prevention is fairly straightforward."

Celebrate your dad....

Living with back pain? Add these natural remedies to your prescribed pain maintenance plan!

It's never to early to build muscle!

Some medications and alcohol just DON'T mix!

Living Assistance Services provides important information to Caledon Seniors at the Fair during Caledon Seniors’ Day.

Nine York Region Chambers of Commerce and their members turned out for this ‘Colossal’ Networking Event at the Terrace Banquet Centre in Vaughan.

The importance of sun-safety cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to seniors!

How to balance your caregiving responsibilities and your business demands?

Have your day made in the shade! 10 ways to keep seniors cool without air conditioning...

I've become a member of Tradebank York and I'm ready to trade!

Have a look at this comprehensive report on aging in Canada. Forward to page 75 for details on caregiving.

The summer is packed with festivals and one of our first of the season was the Aurora Street Fair on Sunday.

June is Senior's Month and a great time to start something new....

Enjoy your cat everyday but especially today on "Hug Your Cat" Day!

Aging populations exist around the globe. We could learn a thing or two about eldercare from one another.

Robots for personal care? Call us instead for a true personal touch.

For those of us celebrating "Vision Health Month"...a few tips on preventing common eye problems!

Dual benefit to new Alzheimer's drug?

Chamber of Commerce Ontario Candidates Breakfast Meeting last Thursday. Candidates Melissa Williams, NDP, Chris Ballard, Liberal, and Christine Elliot, Conservative, spoke to their Aurora-Newmarket constituency.

PRO, Professional Referrals Organization, met for breakfast for its weekly meeting on Friday morning, May 25th. A highlight was a presentation by PRO member Sveta Shvedenkova, Owner of and Designer at Tim Clark's Flowers, in the Town of Markham, of her unique flower presentations.

Small business owners who become family caregivers bear the added stress of having no corporate support. We're here to help you.

Do you have 30 minutes to let Living Assistance Services help to change your health?

Take time for a little bit of leisure!

Are you eating enough of this vegetable?

What will really work to keep the weight off? Diet vs. exercise!

Another great event coming up in June!

Looks like a fun night!

Learn and live!

A housing crisis is about to hit seniors. Aging at home with the help of a loving caregiver is making more and more sense!

Develop an "attitude for aging."