Research explores the effects of group art-based programs on depressive symptoms.

Learn about depression, anxiety disorders, and social isolation through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal’s interactive e-learning lessons.

Research continues to support the effectiveness of certain medications in treating anxiety.

Tai Chi and Qigong! Research showcases the effect of traditional Chinese exercises on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Grief can feel isolating at any age, but in later life, it can come with added challenges. But, no one has to navigate grief alone—find out how to get support.

Is nature calling us back? Research looks at the health benefits of forest therapy.

Getting to the heart of it! Psychological therapies can play a role in improving the mental health of people living with heart disease.

Research spotlights a range of psychotherapies and lifestyle therapies that aim to enhance psychological health and mental well-being.

Making connections! Looking at the impacts of home-based strategies for improving social connectedness and loneliness.

Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic health condition? Acceptance and commitment therapy (aka ACT) can hold benefits for your psychological health.

What do we know about the impact of eating alone or with others on health and well-being?

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have long been used in the workplace and have recently seen a new boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers are encouraged, and under the obligation, to use technologies: computers, softwares, virtual communication platforms, mobile applications. ICT makes work easier, but it can also be stressful and even harmful to health. Are you "technostressed"?

Immigrant and refugee seniors are at greater risk of suffering from social isolation and loneliness than their Canadian born peers because they face unique challenges: linguistic differences, cultural barriers, racism and discrimination, limited social networks, and obstacles to social participation. Learn more about how support the social engagement of immigrant and refugee seniors.

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.

As society pays increasing attention to addressing bullying in schools and workplaces, bullying among seniors remains a taboo and neglected issue. Did you know that recent studies show that about 1 in 5 seniors are bullied?

The majority of bereaved people come to terms with the loss and move on. However, some people (up to 1 in 5) experience great distress that does not go away despite the passage of time. Learn more about what is known about interventions to address grief symptoms.

Access to safe, stable and adequate housing is recognized as a fundamental human right and is essential to create the conditions for people to live healthy, safe and happy lives. However, a growing number of people are experiencing homelessness.

You do not have to go it alone! From exercise to reminiscence therapy, research illustrates there are various strategies that help to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

It is estimated that 425 million people around the world owns cryptocurrencies (also known as digital or virtual currencies). There appears to be a relationship between trading in high-risk cryptocurrencies or stocks and compulsive gambling. Learn more about cryptocurrencies and their associated health risks.

Each year, nearly 25,000 Canadians are hospitalized or die as a result of intentional self-harm. Self-harm is closely associated with suicide in older adults and may provide an opportunity for intervention to prevent suicide.

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?

Lean on me? Research brings attention to potential strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in the community and long-term care settings.

Is there an app for that? It is highly likely when it comes to health-related matters. Research suggests the following may be positively impacted by mobile health apps: weight management, blood sugar control, mental well-being, and physical activity.

Happy gardening! Research shows that horticultural therapy may hold physical and emotional health benefits.

Do you remember the first look or kiss you shared with your significant other? Co-reminiscence about early relationship development can boost feelings of closeness and support for older couples.

Getting out and about! Preliminary research shows that engaging in meaningful activities outside of aged care facilities may have positive effects on the health and well-being of people living with dementia.

Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease. People with Parkinson's disease not only have to live with complex symptoms, but also must face stigma that can become internalized.

"Aging in place" is the preference of most people. However, the idea of ​​aging in place can take on a whole new meaning for people who have experienced trauma such as neglect, oppression, sexual abuse, violence, complicated grief, or any other extremely difficult life event.

Although no robust systematic review could be identified about zoom fatigue among older adults and the general population, experts have raised a red flag. The overuse of virtual communication platforms could lead to cognitive distortions and non-verbal overload inherent in video communication. This could even increase feelings of isolation and anxiety.

"Man's best friend" is a common phrase referring to the close relationship of loyalty and friendship between dogs and humans. The physical and psychological health benefits of owning a dog appear to be numerous. But does owning a dog lead to a longer, healthier life?

Sometimes a unique bond develops between grandparents and their grandchildren. But what factors can influence this emotional closeness, and what impact can it have on grandparents and grandchildren?

Are you or someone you know dealing with dementia and symptoms of depression? Get to know some of the available non-drug treatment options.

Are you or someone you know living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia? Research points to five strategies that can help improve cognitive and mental health.

Can telemedicine-based strategies help improve your mental well-being? Research shows some promise for improving depressive symptoms.

The environmental benefits of urban green spaces are well known: greenhouse gas reduction, stormwater control, biodiversity conservation, and more. But did you know that urban trees are also associated with human health and well-being?

Are you or someone you care for looking for a program to support recovery from alcohol misuse and dependence? See what the research says about widely used recovery support services.

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.

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?

Coping with the consequences of mild cognitive impairment or dementia is difficult enough without having to deal with depression as well. Can cognitive training provide any relief when it comes to depression?

In recent months, voices have been raised calling for a national strategy to support mass grieving and bereavement during the current and future pandemics. But what programs and services could be put in place to support those who must cope with the loss of a loved one during pandemics?

Can diet impact mental well-being? Emerging evidence gives us some food for thought.

Some evidence highlights the potential benefits of laughter and humor interventions, as well as the need for more research on their use.

While at home, keep all facets of your health and well-being a priority! What benefits do Pilates and yoga have to offer?

Research shows that online support services can be a beneficial alternative for caregivers.

Food not only nourishes the body, it helps maintain or rebuild the individual and social identity of older adults. Deteriorating health or any other change due to aging threatens the social context of food activities, which can lead to social isolation and an identity crisis.

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.

Depression is a difficult road to travel. Research has shown that psychological and educational approaches may be effective in helping to prevent it.

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.

Many older adults have a fear of falling. Cognitive behavioural therapy may help people overcome this fear by reducing negative thoughts about falls and shifting their focus to what they can do to curb their falls risk.

Companion animals and animal-assisted therapies can improve the physical and mental health of older adults, and animal-assisted therapies appear promising to alleviate loneliness among older adults.

Arts have beneficial effects on patients, but also on community-dwelling older adults. It may be time to wake the artist inside you.

Exercise can have benefits for women who have gone through breast cancer treatment. But can it prevent breast cancer’s return? Unfortunately, the jury is still out.

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.

Many older adults suffer from loneliness, which is often exacerbated by illnesses or the loss of a loved one. Older adults have different strategies for dealing with loneliness, but those around them also need to help break down the walls of solitude.

Music can promote the social well-being of older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Let the sound of music brighten up our homes and communities for the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.

Coping with depression can feel like an uphill battle. In addition to treatments prescribed by your doctor, taking an active role in your treatment through self-care strategies – such as exercise, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and reminiscence therapy – can make a big difference in how you feel.

Greater efforts must ensure the voices of older adults are heard and acted upon when it comes to addressing the problem of abuse.

Psychological and organizational factors at work contribute to early retirements due to disability. These factors need to be recognized and addressed to lessen their influence on workers who leave the workforce earlier than necessary.

Mindfulness may be one way to help control your eating habits and become more physically active.

Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs.

Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible.

One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve social isolation/loneliness and depression.

Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities?

Depression is a serious chronic disorder common among older adults. Exercise is recommended as part of a depression treatment plan.

People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms

If you’re undergoing surgery or other hospital treatments you’re probably not thinking of boogying to the beat. But research shows music therapy can reduce anxiety and pain and help ease depression and fatigue.

Depression is a common – but potentially serious – mood disorder that affects how you feel, think and behave. There are choices for treatment, including antidepressants and psychological therapy. Read the latest research about these options.

People struggling to cope with both diabetes and depression are often at increased health risk. A collaborative care approach can reduce symptoms of both diseases and promote improved overall health.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help prevent relapse among people with depression.

Families of older adults continue to provide the vast majority of care for their members when necessary. Changes in modern society necessitate support for them from the formal healthcare system.

Tai chi is a form of exercise that offers low risk of injury. It promotes general health and well-being, and may help improve cognitive performance in older adults.

Retirement can impact both physical and emotional health. Engaging in meaningful social relationships and roles contributes to optimal health and well being.

In this final blog from a 4-part series, we examine the benefits and harms of interventions to help those experiencing elder abuse.

Walking can contribute to improved health, and walking in groups offers additional benefits.

Many are concerned about how much sleep is 'normal' and how much we need for successful aging. Although there is no simple answer, the scientific evidence shows that sleep duration has important links to health.

In part 3 of this 4 part series we examine public opinion about elder abuse. This is compared to known rates of abuse in Canada and internationally.

In Part 2 of this 4-part series, we expand upon the different types of elder abuse. Important risk factors associated with vulnerable seniors, as well as the perpetrators of the abuse are discussed.

We often fail to recognize the signs of elder abuse. In Part 1 of this 4 part series we focus on defining elder abuse. Our understanding of elder abuse has changed over time. Culture and geography are also important.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s will develop behaviour problems over time and this causes much suffering and stress for patients and caregivers. There are solutions to manage this.

Many older adults are lonely and this could affect their overall health. Changing negative or wrong perceptions about oneself and others is a solution to loneliness.

If you have 3 or more health conditions, ask your family doctor about better ways to coordinate your care with other health professionals, and how you might decrease important health risks or improve key functional activities.