Healthy Aging

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Grand Erie Public Health helps adults, seniors, and their caregivers by connecting them to community programs, services, and information on healthy aging.

Today, Canadians are living longer and with fewer health problems than previous generations. Advancements in medicine have contributed to longevity, but it is important to understand how older adults can achieve a better quality of life as they age.

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Social connections, including connections with extended family, are an important part of healthy aging. Those with strong social networks are more active, feel happier, and are more supported.

People without strong social networks may become isolated. Social isolation can lead to reduced mental and physical health, as well as depression. When older people participate in their communities, everyone benefits.

Here are some ways older adults can stay connected with those around them:

  • Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. You might have fun and meet people with similar interests.
  • Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbours in person, by email, social media, voice call, or text. Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Suggest an activity to help nurture and strengthen existing relationships. Sending letters or cards is another good way to keep up friendships.
  • Use communication technologies such as video chat.
  • If you’re not tech-savvy, sign up for an online or in-person class at your local public library or community centre to help you learn how to use email or social media.
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbours.
  • Join a cause and get involved in your community.

Taking part in regular physical activity is key to improving wellness for older adults. It is one of the core ways to help improve and maintain independence and overall health and well-being.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate physical activity a week (activity that increases your heart rate, breathing, and makes you sweat or feel warm).

Weight-bearing physical activity reduces the rate of bone loss associated with osteoporosis. It can also help reduce the risk of falls. Physical activity helps prolong good health and independence.

Older adults who are physically active have:

  • Lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes
  • Lower risk of falling and better cognitive function
  • Improved balance, strength, and flexibility
  • Lower rates of colon and breast cancers

Tips to help you get active:

  • Find an activity you like, such as swimming or cycling.
  • Increase your activity level 10 minutes at a time. Every little bit helps.
  • Look for group activities or classes in your community, or get your family or friends to be active with you.
  • Join a walking club or work out with a friend.
  • Walk wherever and whenever you can.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible.
  • Carry your groceries home.
  • Start slowly
  • Listen to your body
  • Every step counts

Eating healthy is an important part of healthy aging. It helps you stay strong and maintain your health, supporting your independence and overall quality of life.

Healthy eating can help:

  • Support and protect health and well-being
  • Provide the energy and nutrients your body needs
  • Help prevent or lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes
  • Maintain muscle and bone strength, reducing the risk of falls and fractures

As you age, changes in your body and lifestyle may:

  • Make healthy eating feel more challenging
  • Reduce your appetite or interest in food

Eating does not have to be difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. You can find ideas in Canada’s Food Guide and on the nutrition page to help you maintain healthy eating habits as you age.

Older adults need to prioritize vaccinations for many important reasons. As we age, our immune systems don’t respond as well or may be affected by other illnesses, so it is important to stay up to date with recommended vaccines, including boosters for enhanced protection.

Some vaccine-preventable diseases are particularly prevalent and serious in older adults, like shingles and influenza (flu). Talk with a doctor or pharmacist about which vaccines you need. Make sure to protect yourself as much as possible by keeping your vaccinations up to date. Visit our immunization page for information about vaccines.

Falls affect Ontarians of all ages and can occur in any setting, including at home, in the playground, at the store, and at the hospital.

In Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults and represent the leading health care cost of all injuries for children ages 0 – 14.

A fall can have a devastating and lasting impact on a person, resulting in injury, chronic pain and a reduced quality of life. The good news is that there are actions you can take to prevent falls – learn more on our injury prevention page.

Alcohol and Drugs

Assistive Devices

Bone Health

Caregiver Support

Dementia

Fall Recovery

Hearing

Nutrition

Home Renovation/Safety

Immunization

Infection Control

Medical Conditions

  • Take Charge! (Hamilton Health Sciences)
    • Fall prevention workshops

Medication

Mental Health

Physical Activity

Tobacco

Resources

  • 211
    • Free and private.
    • Services offered in many languages.
    • Available 24/7.
    • Call 211 from any phone in the Grand Erie area.
  • GEPH Unit Sexual Health Clinic
  • Ontario Health atHome
    • Free and private.
    • Services offered in many languages.
    • Available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Call: 310-CCAC (2222) (no area code needed).
    • Email support is also available.
  • Grand River Council on Aging
  • Seniors Resource Centre
    • Offers free help with government forms, among other services.
    • Provides directories of local senior programs and services.
    • Available Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Call 519-309-0032.
    • Email support is also available.
    • Visit in person at:
      • 783 Colborne St. E, Unit A2, Brantford, Ontario N3S 7J
      • Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street, Paris.
  • City of Brantford Seniors Toolkit 2024 (PDF)
  • Senior Support – Haldimand Norfolk