Seniors Forum Canada

10/13/2026

Flu Season: A Timeline for the Start, Peak and End
It typically starts in October and winds down in early spring, with cases at their highest in the middle of winter
When late summer days start to give way to cool autumn nights, flu season is just around the corner. Influenza, aka the flu, is a common viral infection that can cause serious complications.
So, what exactly is flu season, and when does it start?
Primary care physician Charles Garven, MD, explains.
What is flu season?
Spring, summer, winter, fall and … flu season? OK, OK, it’s not one of the official seasons of the year, but it’s certainly one worth knowing. This term refers to the time of year when cases of influenza rise dramatically.
“You can come down with the flu any time of year,” Dr. Garven clarifies. “But it’s much more common during the cold-weather months.”
Flu season is also sometimes known as “respiratory season” because influenza isn’t the only condition that tends to peak during this time. It’s also a key time for other respiratory illnesses, ranging from sinus infections and the common cold to more severe conditions, like RSV and pneumonia.
And while there’s no tried-and-true way to know how bad flu season will be during any given year, there are some clues. To get an idea of how heavy or light flu season will be in North America, infectious disease experts look at what’s happening elsewhere.
How long does flu season last?
Flu season is usually thought to last from September to May, with cases peaking in deep winter. But that’s not necessarily always the case.
Dr. Garven provides a timeline for flu season, including when cases usually rise and fall.
Fall and early winter: Flu season begins
October is considered the start of flu season, but cases are usually low during this time of year.
“The flu kind of creeps slowly onto the scene,” Dr. Garven says. “We start to see it in early fall, and then cases begin ramping up as we get deeper into the season.”
December to February: Flu season peaks
The coldest months of the year are considered peak flu season, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that February is historically the worst month for the flu. But, again, that’s not always the case.
“Data that looked at 40 years’ worth of flu seasons showed February was the peak month most often,” Dr. Garven notes. “But there have been years when the high point of flu activity has occurred as early as December and as late as March.”
Early spring: Flu season ends (but doesn’t disappear)
So, when does flu season actually end? Cases often start to wind down by March, with very low numbers being reported by May.
“The virus doesn’t always follow a predictable schedule, which means there’s no definitive finale,” Dr. Garven says. “But most years, it tends to wind down as the weather warms up, with cases slowing in early spring.”
Preventing flu during flu season
There are many ways to reduce your risk of coming down with the flu, from maintaining good handwashing hygiene and disinfecting surfaces to focusing on ways to boost your immune health.
But the No. 1 best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot — and to do it every year. That’s because there are many different strains of the flu, and the virus can change, or mutate, quickly.
“The flu we experienced last year may not be the one we see this year, and this year’s flu may not be the one we face next year,” explains Dr. Garven. “So, getting an annual shot is key to protecting yourself and your family.”
Studies continue to show that getting the flu vaccine significantly lowers your chances of getting the virus. And if you do get it, you’re less likely to become seriously ill as a result.
When should you get your vaccines?
It’s best to get the flu shot in September or October so you’re protected once flu season kicks into high gear. But if you’re reading this in November or later, there’s still time.
“It’s really never too late into flu season to get the flu shot,” Dr. Garven encourages. “If you didn’t get it in early fall, it’s absolutely still worth doing it now. It can help keep you protected during flu season, no matter when this year’s peak may be.”

10/11/2026

The Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors: Companion Animals and Emotional Well-being

As we age, maintaining emotional and mental well-being becomes increasingly important. One innovative and heartwarming approach to enhancing seniors' quality of life is pet therapy. Companion animals can offer a range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to providing a sense of purpose and companionship. At Kore Life (https://www.mykorelife.com/), we understand the profound impact pets can have on seniors' lives, and we're excited to explore the many ways pet therapy can enhance emotional well-being.
What is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, involves interactions between individuals and trained animals with the goal of improving physical, emotional, and social well-being. For seniors, these interactions can take place in various settings, including homes, assisted living facilities, and healthcare environments. The presence of a friendly, loving pet can offer comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness, and encourage social interactions.
The Emotional Benefits of Pet Therapy
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Pets have a natural ability to calm and soothe. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can release endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Research has shown that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
Combating Loneliness
Loneliness is a common issue among seniors, especially those living alone or in care facilities. Pets provide constant companionship and unconditional love, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation. The presence of a pet can make a house feel more like a home, offering a sense of security and comfort.
Boosting Mental Health
Regular interactions with pets can have significant positive effects on mental health. Engaging with animals can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, providing a sense of joy and fulfillment. Pets encourage playfulness and laughter, which are vital for maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Encouraging Physical Activity
While the primary focus of pet therapy is emotional well-being, it also promotes physical activity. Caring for a pet, such as taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat, encourages seniors to stay active. This physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, increase mobility, and contribute to overall physical wellness.
Enhancing Social Interaction
Pets can act as social catalysts, encouraging interactions with others. Whether it's chatting with neighbours during a walk or participating in pet therapy sessions in a community setting, animals can help break the ice and foster new friendships. These social connections are essential for emotional health and can lead to a more engaged and fulfilling life.
Types of Companion Animals in Pet Therapy
Dogs
Dogs are the most common animals used in pet therapy due to their friendly and loyal nature. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and companionship, and their presence can have a calming effect on seniors.
Cats
Cats are also popular therapy animals, particularly for individuals who may have limited mobility. Their gentle purring and affectionate behavior can be incredibly soothing.
Small Animals
Smaller animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, can also be effective in pet therapy. These animals require less space and maintenance, making them suitable for seniors who may not be able to care for larger pets.
How to Incorporate Pet Therapy into Seniors' Lives
Visiting Therapy Animals
Many organizations offer pet therapy programs where trained animals visit seniors in their homes or care facilities. These visits can be scheduled regularly and provide consistent companionship and joy.
Check out Sunshine Therapy Dogs, based in Toronto that provides visits from loving, qualified dogs, and their volunteer owners to seniors as an option.
Adopting a Pet
For seniors who are capable of caring for a pet, adopting an animal can be a life-changing experience. It's important to choose a pet that matches the senior's lifestyle and abilities. For example, a low-maintenance cat or a small dog might be ideal for someone with limited mobility.
Community Programs
Community centres and senior living facilities often host pet therapy sessions. Participating in these programs can provide seniors with the benefits of pet therapy without the long-term commitment of pet ownership.
Pet therapy offers many benefits for seniors, from reducing stress and combating loneliness to improving mental health and encouraging social interaction. At Kore Life, we believe in the transformative power of companion animals and their ability to enrich the lives of seniors. Whether through regular visits from therapy animals or the joy of adopting a new furry friend, pet therapy can be a valuable addition to a senior's life, promoting emotional well-being and overall happiness.
https://www.mykorelife.com/

Prepare for life's changes with KoreLife. Empowering aging with dignity, quality of life, and informed decisions through vital resources, services, and support. Take control of your future and the future of your aging loved ones.

10/01/2026

09/26/2026

Testing for hearing loss
One of our most important senses, hearing connects us to other people and the world around us. The loss of hearing can make some situations frustrating. It can even lead to social isolation and withdrawal from many pleasurable activities.
Nearly everyone experiences trouble hearing from time to time. Common causes include a buildup of earwax or fluid in the ear, ear infections, or a change in air pressure when taking off in an airplane. A mild degree of permanent hearing loss is an inevitable part of the aging process.
Testing - 1, 2, 3
If you suspect that you're losing your hearing, you should see a doctor who specializes in hearing disorders. An otolaryngologist specializes in diseases and disorders in the ears, nose, and throat, and so is commonly called an ENT.
If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you might need to have your hearing tested:
• Are you always turning up the volume on your TV or radio?
• Do you shy away from social situations or meeting new people because you're worried about understanding them?
• Do you get confused or feel "out of it" at restaurants or dinner parties?
• Do you ask people to repeat themselves?
• Do you miss phone calls - or have trouble hearing on the phone when you answer a call?
• Do the people in your world complain that you never listen to them (even when you're really trying)?
What are the tests for hearing loss?
Having your hearing checked is actually a multistep process that can involve two health practitioners: a doctor and an audiologist. Your doctor will start with a medical history, examination of your ears, nose, and throat, followed by a few simple office hearing tests.
If the doctor's preliminary testing confirms your suspicion that your hearing is impaired, then you'll be referred for an audiological evaluation, which is an extensive battery of tests performed by an audiologist.
The series of hearing tests performed by an audiologist usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This round of tests is done in a specially constructed, soundproof booth in order to shut out unwanted noise and ensure accurate results. You'll listen to sounds through each ear separately while wearing earphones.
The audiologist will do more than one kind of test to evaluate if you can hear in low, mid-range, and high frequencies. Additional testing evaluates how well you hear and understand spoken words.
a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

09/22/2026

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: Are They the Same?
Alzheimer’s is just one common cause of cognitive decline categorized as ‘dementia’
It’s natural to lose some cognitive function as we age. Maybe we forget where we put our keys or we can’t come up with the name of that one actress. But even as we grow older, there are telling behavioral, physical and mental signs that cognitive decline is occurring at a faster and more severe rate. When this happens, we begin talking about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as a information.
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
A lot of people use dementia and Alzheimer’s interchangeably — even medical professionals, says Dr. Bonner-Jackson. Though commonly linked to one another, they’re not always associated with every case of cognitive decline. “Dementia” is the overarching term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect your cognitive abilities, while Alzheimer’s is a specific type and cause of dementia.
“There are a variety of conditions that can cause dementia, and the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease,” he explains. “That’s why they’re used interchangeably — because so often, the cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s.”
Dementia
“Dementia” is an umbrella term that describes a situation in which someone has a significant decline in their thinking abilities like memory, problem-solving or communication. Dementia is more than potential cause.
But these terms, although related, often get confused with one another. Neuropsychologist Aaron Bonner-Jackson, PhD, explains what we’re really talking about when we discuss dementia vs. Alzheimer’s, how they’re connected and how to use this
just forgetting a word here or there. Dementia looks more like having difficulty maintaining a conversation or forgetting the name of a familiar face you’ve known for months or even years.
“The decline with dementia is more than what we’d expect for their age,” clarifies Dr. Bonner-Jackson. “That decline results in difficulty managing their daily activities like taking care of themselves, driving, remembering to pay the bills or remembering to take their medications.”
There are a variety of different causes of dementia, some of which start to present earlier in life and have overlapping symptoms of general cognitive decline. But many causes have their own set of markers that make them unique.
Frontal-temporal dementia, for example, can cause drastic changes in a person’s behavior or personality. They might act more impulsively than usual, spend egregious amounts of money or blurt out rude or inappropriate comments — behaviors that would be considered highly unusual for the person who’s developed this condition.
Primary progressive aphasia, on the other hand, is more related to language. “Someone with primary progressive aphasia might have trouble coming up with words, naming things, getting words out fluently or understanding what other people are saying,” Dr. Bonner-Jackson explains.
These are just a couple of the many causes of dementia, making cognitive testing ever more critical.
“Usually, we require more thorough neurological examinations to differentiate between these symptoms and find the underlying cause of someone’s dementia,” he continues.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause and type of dementia. With Alzheimer’s, nerve cells in your brain begin to die as a result of being disrupted by excess plaques and twisted fibers caused by a buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These plaques tend to form during the early stages of Alzheimer’s around the hippocampus — the part of your brain that controls memory — before progressively spreading to other areas of your brain and causing further damage.
“Generally, the first symptom of Alzheimer’s is short-term memory loss or the inability to remember recent events or conversations. Someone may repeat themselves, asking the same question over and over. They may have difficulty remembering names of familiar people, friends or family members,” Dr. Bonner-Jackson explains.
Although Alzheimer’s is only one cause of dementia, there are diagnostic tests available to determine the presence of the disease by looking for specific neurological markers.
“We can test for certain proteins in someone’s cerebral spinal fluid to get a more definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” he adds. “We also have specialized brain scans called positron emission tomography (PET) scans that can look for the presence of certain proteins in the person’s brain.”
Why this matters
Dementia — whether it’s hereditary, caused by Alzheimer’s or something else — isn’t preventable and there isn’t a cure. But you can work to reduce some of your risks for developing dementia by focusing on maintaining your brain health and solving for other conditions that increase your risk for dementia, like hearing loss, vision loss, diabetes or heart disease.
“We can’t do anything about our family history or our genetics, but we can do something to improve lifestyle factors and try to maintain good habits that positively impact our physical and mental health,” encourages Dr. Bonner-Jackson. “Doing so could either reduce our risk for dementia or delay the onset of any symptoms for years. That’s the goal.”

09/22/2026

Curious what symptoms to watch for—and how they unfold over time? https://bit.ly/4gcOJYS

Parkinson’s isn’t just about shaky hands. Early symptoms can include things like slowness of movement, a soft voice, less facial expression, sleep problems, constipation, or even a loss of smell. These subtle clues often go unnoticed—but they matter. 🧠💡

09/18/2026

🚨 WHAT TO DO WHEN A SENIOR FALLS
DON’T RUSH TO LIFT THEM UP

A fall can cause a hip fracture, head injury, or spinal injury, even when there is little pain at first.

1. 🛑 STOP — KEEP THEM STILL
Stay calm and reassure the person.
Ask them not to get up.
Do not pull them by the arms or try to make them stand.
2. 👀 CHECK THEIR CONDITION

Ask:

Are you awake and responding normally?
Are you breathing normally?
Where does it hurt?
Did you hit your head?
Did you lose consciousness?
3. 📞 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF:
They are unconscious or not breathing normally.
They have severe pain in the hip, neck, back, or head.
They cannot stand or put weight on a leg.
A leg looks shortened or turned outward.
There is significant bleeding.
They lost consciousness or hit their head and now have concerning symptoms.
They develop confusion, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or difficulty breathing.
4. 🩹 WHILE WAITING FOR HELP
Keep them warm and comfortable.
If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
Keep them as still as possible if a serious injury is suspected.
Do not give food, drink, or medication if emergency medical treatment may be needed.
Monitor their breathing and level of alertness.
5. ⚠️ EVEN IF THEY SAY “I'M FINE”

Don't assume there is no injury.

Older adults can have fractures or head injuries without obvious symptoms immediately after a fall.

If there is new pain, difficulty walking, confusion, or a significant head impact, seek medical assessment.

REMEMBER

CHECK → DON'T LIFT → GET HELP → MONITOR

When in doubt, call 911.

For general safety education. This does not replace professional medical advice.

Seniors Forum Canada
Enhancing quality of life • Reducing social isolation • Promoting active aging

09/18/2026

Hip Replacement: Is the timing right?
The pain and physical limitations of advanced hip arthritis can wear you down physically and emotionally. The decision to have a hip replacement is based on the amount of damage to the joint, your symptoms, and your overall level of disability.
Here are some signs that it may be time to consider hip replacement:
Joint health
• x-rays show advanced arthritis or other damage
• the joint is visibly deformed, bowing inward or outward
Symptoms
• significant pain daily
• pain keeps you awake at night despite the use of medications
• pain and stiffness don't decrease with rest and medication
• pain medications are causing side effects
Loss of function
• pain and stiffness limit your ability to do normal, everyday activities
• difficulty bending or rotating your hips.
Best age for a hip replacement
If you are considering a hip replacement, age is an important factor to consider. That's because artificial hip implants have limited life spans. You can only put a certain number of miles on your new hip before it wears out. And if you are overweight or very physically active, your new joint may wear out faster.
This is why most people are encouraged to delay total hip replacement until at least their 60s, if possible. Given the average life span for Americans, many of the older adults who get a new hip in their 60s or 70s may never need to have it replaced.
If you are in your 40s or 50s, a new hip is likely to wear out during your lifetime. Then you'll need to have revision surgery to take out the old one and replace it.

09/14/2026

Step-by-Step: Walking for Parkinson’s disease
The Bottom Line
 People living with Parkinson’s disease have identified trouble walking as one of their key symptoms of concern.
 Voluntary structured walking programs can improve multiple aspects of walking ability—walking speed, step length, and stride length—in people living with Parkinson’s disease.
 Look for ways to safely incorporate walking into your exercise routine.
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that’s increasingly contributing to death and disability across the globe (1;2). When someone brings up Parkinson’s disease, many of us automatically think of tremors. This isn’t surprising given that, over the years, this characteristic has been the focus of public educational campaigns and depictions of the disease within media. But, when we look beyond tremors to get a fuller picture of this disease and its effects on daily life and functioning, we see that it’s characterized by a range of motor and non-motor symptoms (1;2). These include slow movements, muscle stiffness, poor balance, trouble walking, pain, sensory issues (e.g., loss of smell), difficulty sleeping, and impaired cognition (1).
People living with Parkinson’s disease have provided key insights into their experiences and priorities. For example, of the disease’s far-reaching symptoms, trouble walking is one of their top concerns. As a result, effectively addressing this challenge may have a significant impact on their daily lives (1;3;4). This priority has gone on to guide and inform research (1).
With this in mind, let’s turn our attention to a recent systematic review that looks at the effects of voluntary structured walking programs on different elements of walking ability in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Here, “voluntary” simply means walking independently, walking with certain aids like canes, harnesses, ski poles used in Nordic walking, or walking on a treadmill. Additionally, “structured” refers to organized or planned walking programs with specific walking frequencies, durations, and intensities (1).
So, does “walking the walk” help?
What the research tells us
Ready, set, walk! The review found that voluntary structured walking programs can meaningfully improve walking speed, step length, and stride length in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Walking distance, disease severity, and mobility may also improve but the evidence on whether these changes are large enough to make a meaningful difference in daily life is not as clear. These positive results may be most applicable to people with earlier-stage Parkinson’s disease or less severe disability. Since the review looked at studies that required participants to be able to walk on their own or have some degree of walking function, we can’t overgeneralize the findings.
Where are we less optimistic or unable to comment? Well, cadence (the number of steps taken per minute) did not improve, and unfortunately there isn’t enough evidence to assess the effects on overall quality of life. More research is also needed to provide a better understanding of whether these benefits hold up in the long term and the most effective walking program or routine
In the meantime, we can look for ways to make walking more regularly a habit. Starting small and building up to walking longer or more frequently keeps things manageable. Finding a form of walking that we enjoy and aligns with our abilities can also motivate us to lace up our runners and stick with it. Luckily, walking is an activity with endless possibilities! We can walk indoors or outdoors, in the comfort of our homes or at the gym, with or without a treadmill, and solo or with the company of friends, family, or peers. But safety should always be the number one priority, especially when there are underlying health issues that impact balance, movement, and cognition. Consulting our healthcare team is helpful in identifying how best to safely and successfully engage in walking as a form of exercise based on our individual needs.
McMaster University

09/12/2026

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What the evidence says about screening
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and if you are a man over 55, you have likely heard the advice before: "Just get the test." It sounds simple, but the reality is a little more nuanced. Understanding that nuance is one of the most useful things you can do for your health this month.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men, apart from skin cancer, and it is the third-leading cause of cancer death in men. Those numbers are worth taking seriously. But they do not automatically mean that every man should rush out for testing.
The PSA test: helpful, but not the whole story
Most conversations about prostate cancer screening centre on the PSA test, a simple blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen. A higher level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or a recent infection.
That is the heart of the matter. The PSA test has real benefits, but it also carries real harms, and for many men, the two are more balanced than you might expect. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend routine PSA screening for the general population. Here is the general shape of the guidance:
o Under 55: Screening is not advised.
o Ages 55 to 69: This is the group where the conversation matters most. There is a small potential benefit, but there are also potential harms, so this is a decision to make together with your doctor rather than a box to tick automatically.
o 70 and older: Screening is generally not recommended.
The risks aren't just hypothetical. A "false positive"—where the test indicates a problem that doesn't exist—can result in follow-up biopsies with their own dangers. Overdiagnosis is another concern, as testing might detect a slow-growing cancer unlikely to cause harm during a man's life, yet it still leads to treatment with long-lasting side effects.
What to watch for
Screening is important, but paying attention to your body matters too, regardless of your decision about the PSA test. If you notice anything, talk to your doctor or health care provider:
o Trouble starting to urinate, or a weak stream
o Needing to urinate more often than usual
o Waking up through the night to urinate
These symptoms are common as men age and often have nothing to do with cancer. But they are worth mentioning at your next appointment rather than waiting them out.
Can you lower your risk?
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, and any claim to the contrary would be misleading. However, the habits that promote prostate health are also beneficial for your overall well-being as you age. A sensible approach includes a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, while limiting red and processed meats. Complement these with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
The real takeaway: make an informed decision, not a rushed one
If there's a key message from this month, it's that prostate cancer screening isn't just a yes or no choice. It's a personal decision based on factors like your age, family history, overall health, and what you value most. The most effective results come from having an honest discussion with your doctor, supported by reliable information you've had time to consider.
Evidence-based decision aids are created to assist with understanding options, and research indicates they effectively enhance men's knowledge. During this awareness month, consider scheduling that discussion. Come prepared, inquire about both benefits and harms, and select what is best for you.
Sep 8, 2026 - McMaster University