All posts in Health

JOG YOUR MEMORY – TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR BRAIN

JOG YOUR MEMORY – TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR BRAIN

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As we age, memory loss becomes a factor. It is not always the result of a degenerative neurological disease. There are many factors than can contribute to your memory seeming to slip away.  Some of those are:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Poor circulation
  • Stress

Old man scratching his head in puzzlement

Along with managing the factors listed above, we need to constantly stimulate our brain and make it work harder.

This can be done in a very light hearted, non-stressful, socially active manner. Mental acuity can be attained through a variety of fun mental games.

Examples of these are:

  • Scrabble
  • Crosswords puzzles
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Dominoes
  • Sudoku
  • Card games

Think of this type of activity as MENTAL FLOSS.

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A good resource for games that challenge your grey matter can be found at the following links:
www.gamesforthebrain.com/
www.games.cnn.com/
www.luminosity.com/

Age & Opportunity Manitoba

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults

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Often, when seniors retire, they have no wish to quit working or become inactive. More than this, there is a wish to carry on but do something different. In retirement, it is also increasingly difficult to source programs and areas for volunteer work appropriate for your demographic.

Age & Opportunity Support Services for Older Adults is a not-for-profit organization that provides specialized services for older Manitobans across the province.

The goal of these programs is to empower and support older adults in the community.

Click on this link to see what they are all about:

http://www.ageopportunity.mb.ca/main/index.htm

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University of Manitoba Winter Mobility Research Study

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WINTER MOBILITY DEVICE RESEARCH STUDY

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The University of Manitoba is conducting a research study to assist older adult mobility aid users to increase their community participation during the winter.

Participants needed for the study are community members, aged 70 or older, who use a mobility aid such as a cane, walker or manual or power wheelchair, and feel limited in their ability to go out in the winter.

The participant will work with an occupational therapist to identify community–based activities that he/she would like to try in the winter. Together, they will put a plan in place to participate in these activities over the winter.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact:

Jacquie Ripat at the University of Manitoba by phone at 204-789-3303 or email: [email protected]

SNOWBIRDS: 7 Tips for Travelling with the Lower Loonie

7 Tips for Snowbirds Travelling with the Lower Loonie

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As Canadian Snowbirds head south, there are some who are doing this for the first time and some who are old hands at the process. No matter which one you are, it is helpful to have sound advice before you cross the border, especially with the Canadian dollar in a weakened state. Serious consideration needs to be taken re how far your dollar will go. A little research can alleviate unforeseen difficult circumstances.

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This link will take you to a site that will provide you with sound advice:

https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/blog/7-tips-snowbirds-travelling-with-the-lower-loonie/

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Is making a will necessary?

IS HAVING A WILL NECESSARY?

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Having a will is important.

People often believe the property they do own will automatically pass to the right person whether or not they have a will. If you don’t have a will, this may not always be true; if you have a valid will, your wishes will be followed.

A will disposes of your property under law as you would wish and covers unforeseen circumstances in your life. Even if you think you own nothing of value, a will enables you to take care of items of sentimental value, property that might be inherited before death, or money acquired at death through life insurance, pension benefits or court awards.

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REASONS TO HAVE A WILL

Personal Wishes
Ensures your personal wishes are followed. It is an act of kindness and consideration to surviving family members who will al ready be suffering emotionally.

Cost
Without a will, the court will have to appoint an administrator. In some cases, this person will have to purchase a bond to ensure satisfactory administration.

Estate Management
A court appointed administrator has less power to deal with the estate than has an executor.

Estate Planning
Enables your executor to ensure the orderly succession of ownership and control of estate assets. The details of estate planning and related tax implications are complex and can be such that a professional needs to help you set up the details.

Property Distribution
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the inflexible provisions of the law, with no consideration for your personal wishes.

Trusts
Specific instructions for minor children and grandchildren are important. The portion of the estate going to a minor is held in a trust. Trusts may also be useful to achieve tax savings.

Guardianship of Minors
A will is also one way to clearly state your wishes concerning guardianship of minor children. Although a court must make the final decision in guardianship, instructions in a will can be taken into account as a persuasive statement of preference.

Other reasons….

  • Common-law partners
  • People who wish to leave nothing to certain family members
  • People who own land outside the province
  • People whose residence is unsettled
  • People who have recently married or are thinking of doing so
  • People who are thinking of living as common-law partners
  • People who are separated or divorced
  • Older adults who may be under pressure to dispose of their property
  • People who have children with special needs

Last Will and Testament document with quill pen and handwriting