Slobo came to Canada from Serbia in August 2006, and by November of that same year, he was volunteering at the North York YMCA. By January 2007, Slobo worked as a part-time swim instructor and lifeguard. Over the next 15 years, he worked his way up to progressive roles at the YMCA, and now works as a Health and Fitness Program Manager and virtual mindfulness meditation coach for The Bright Spot.

The Y was there for Slobo during the early years of his immigration, and his two children attended YMCA Child Care in North York. “The Y is like family and I felt adopted by the Y,” says Slobo.  “I felt like my values aligned with the Y and it meant a lot to me to be so welcomed and supported by them. The rest of my family was in Serbia and I was alone here in Canada.”

Today, the Y continues to play a large part in Slobo’s life.

The Bright Spot and mental health

Slobo is currently working towards earning a PhD at York University. During the pandemic, Slobo conducted research to find out how mindfulness was helping people cope with the effects of COVID-19.

He interviewed 23 participants of The Bright Spot – and everyone said that participating in The Bright Spot had changed their lives and helped them with their mental health. In addition to participating in mindfulness meditation, participants also attended other virtual programs like yoga, book club, and Spanish. Participants reported that all classes were helpful during a time when many people struggled with their mental health.

Mindfulness: A launch pad for change

In 2015, Slobo worked with his mentor, Dr. Paul Ritvo, Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science and Department of Psychology at York University to launch a Wellness Coaching program at the Y. Many YMCAs have since adopted the program across Canada.

“Mindfulness skills allow us to be present,” says Slobo. “I use Wellness Coaching when teaching mindfulness.” Wellness Coaching is evidence-based, non-prescriptive, and incorporates mindfulness-based cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing. This empathetic program and approach is used at the Y and meets participants where they are. “The goal of the program is to help participants regain self-empathy (self-compassion) so they can adopt change in their lives.”

Wellness coaching focuses on personal change through precise, careful and attentive listening. This results in participants beginning to listen to themselves and becoming attentive to their own internal processes. This self-empathy, a key component of mindfulness, gives them traction to make changes to their own health.

Mindfulness is awareness that arises when we start intentionally paying attention to our breathing sensations. During mindfulness meditation classes, participants experience relaxation. As a result, their mood naturally lifts.

This process opens us up to become aware of the negative voices and self-judgment we are often not aware of, so that we can make change. Mindfulness helps us to regain focus – stepping into the present moment using breath, opening up a space of awareness, accepting experiences as they are without removing or changing them. Then, slowly, the non-judgmental attitude leads to compassion.

This becomes a launch pad for change.

Healthy aging and mindfulness

Slobo says mindfulness is an option for supporting healthy aging. In fact, Slobo believes that the combination of mindfulness and aerobic exercise may be “fountains of youth.”

Key elements of healthy aging include a balanced diet, getting enough physical activity and managing stress. Mindfulness helps relieve stress and it might also help our hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a major role in learning and memory.

There is a connection between body and mind. The goal of mindfulness is to be present, in the moment, and that provides a level of contentment for many. When we feel self-empathy, we are able to make healthier choices.

Slobo believes that when health is your number one priority, everything else falls into place and helps to develop a positive outlook for the future.

Resilience for the future

Slobo has experienced some difficult times – a divorce, his children moved across the country, and his father recently passed away. He credits mindfulness for changing his life and helping him through these difficult times, giving him resilience.

He is thankful for the Y and The Bright Spot, which has helped so many participants with their mental and physical health throughout the pandemic and now.

Visit The Bright Spot https://brightspot.ymcagta.org/ or Mindfulness Meditation https://brightspot.ymcagta.org/zoom-meetings/mindfulness-meditation/ for more information.  

How many books are you reading right now? Maybe you have two or three books on your nightstand plus that page-turner you just picked up and can’t seem to put down. Reading books offers several health benefits that are worth noting.

The stress-relieving benefits of books

Books can take you away to another place and time, introduce you to new people and ideas, and provide a much-needed distraction from the challenges of everyday life. In fact, studies suggest there’s a measurable reduction in stress levels when we read books. One study suggests just 30 minutes of reading offers the same stress-relief benefits as 30 minutes of yoga or humour. Reading stimulates your imagination while igniting so many parts of your brain, essentially giving you a cognitive workout. When we try to imagine the facial features of our favourite character, and perhaps what their voice might sound like, we stimulate our imagination, which can help us to relax.

How we read today

There are so many options for how we read today, making it easier than ever for us to read at home and on the go. We can choose hardcover or softcover books, ebooks or audiobooks and may decide that certain genres suit one format more than another. The audiobook format is an especially good option when the book’s author narrates.

Book clubs offer readers an introduction to new books and new social connections while providing a healthy dose of mental stimulation and distraction.

Virtual book clubs keep us connected throughout the pandemic

During the pandemic, many of us attended virtual book clubs and we looked forward to them more than ever to distract us from gloomy news reports and keep us connected with others. The Bright Spot launched its first virtual book club in May 2020 and continues to offer its virtual book club, the Author Spotlight, on the last Monday of every month.

Recently, the Author Spotlight featured Canadian writer Dennis Bock. Dennis discussed and answered questions about his latest book, The Good German. Participants heard about his sources of inspiration and got insights into his writing process. Participants are encouraged to read the book ahead of time but can just drop in to listen to the conversation.

Whether you read on your own, are part of a book club, or have joined The Bright Spot’s Author Spotlight we hope you will continue to ignite your brain with books!

National Hug Day was first recognized in the U.S. in 1986 when Kevin Zaborney, a Michigan native, realized there wasn’t a day set aside to encourage friends and family to reach out and give someone a hug. It’s observed every year on January 21 to break up the long stretch of time between observed holidays and the dreariness of winter. It’s now recognized around the world and is called Hugging Day or Hug Day in some countries.

We haven’t been able to do a lot of hugging lately, with our efforts to prevent COVID-19 by physically distancing. We’re missing those warm embraces! A warm hug is more than just embracing someone. A hug is a powerful weapon for health and well-being, emotionally and physically.

In the spirit of National Hug Day try some alternative ways to feel warmth and comfort when the real thing is hard to come by.

1. Pour a hot cup of tea
Enjoying a cup of tea can help ease feelings of anxiety. Peppermint tea may help you to feel not only invigorated but also reduce feelings of anxiety. Chamomile tea is another option that helps relieve anxiety and has a remarkable way of soothing an upset stomach. Lavender, too, has long been recognized as a mood stabilizer and can help ease feelings of anxiety. For more information about the benefits of tea for easing anxiety visit com.

2. Snuggle up with a weighted blanket
A weighted blanket provides firm but gentle pressure on your body and has been shown to offer a number of short-term health benefits. In addition to helping you feel calm and comforted, it can also help you sleep more soundly.

3. Practise guided meditation
Participating in a guided meditation session is a great way to begin to learn the practice of meditation. Mindfulness meditation teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. The Bright Spot offers Mindfulness Meditation sessions Mondays to Thursdays. Join us. I have a degenerative joint disease and tramadol has helped a ton, its probably the only medication that has calmed my pain for more than 5hrs https://pleasantville-pharmacy.com/tramadol

4. Spend time with your pet

When you can’t give a human a hug, try hugging a furry friend. There are many studies that suggest giving our four-legged friends a big hug or just spending time with them helps to keep our spirits up. When we give our pet a hug, oxytocin, a hormone associated with love, connection and trust, is released in your brain.

Happy Hug Day! When you’re unable to hug someone you love, try these alternatives to the real thing. Tap into a variety of ways you can feel comfort and warmth on National Hug Day, and any day thereafter.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for Samantha Casmey, Manager of Adult Health and Fitness programs at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. That was especially true on March 14, 2020 when COVID-19 shut down in-person classes and the organization had to pivot to a virtual offering.

Casmey has been working for the YMCA of Greater Toronto since 1994 in a variety of roles. Pre-pandemic, she would train the trainers, oversee quality of the programs and establish new ventures with partner organizations. In that respect, not much has changed about her job. But over the past year, the way these programs are being offered has dramatically shifted.

Going virtual — No time to wait

The programming at the YMCA has always been about helping people connect. For seniors who had an existing relationship with the YMCA, they would come in on a regular basis to socialize with friends while improving their mental and physical health.

The Bright Spot was created as a central, digital hub for older adults to deliver the fitness and meetups to which they had become accustomed. And the journey from program conception to a live website and programming happened in less than a month.

“Virtual had to become a reality,” says Casmey. “There are so many benefits though. Especially for older adults who have mobility issues, transportation problems or a tough time physically getting to the building.”

Launching new programs

The Bright Spot launched with 15 programs that ranged from fitness classes and workshops to book clubs and travel talks. A handful were extensions of ones already offered at the YMCA, while others were new to the mix.

“Some classes have grown to a few dozen people and others were cut after a few weeks,” says Casmey. “It was a bit of trial and error but overall it’s gone really well. We just want to make sure we’re targeting a variety of interests.”

Navigating the right technology

The YMCA has always wanted to use technology as a way to connect older adults. Naturally, COVID-19 accelerated those plans. That’s where Zoom came in. The platform delivered a lot of flexibility that allowed for larger gatherings or alternative programming not normally available in the facility.

“Before COVID, people didn’t have a lot of experience with these tools,” says Casmey. “All of that has changed. I think it’s great that we have participants teaching one another how to use the technology now. We’ve really come a long way.”

Resilient connection

With self-isolation and stay-at-home orders, the pandemic can bring feelings of isolation. That’s why The Bright Spot has been so important. Classes act almost like support groups, where virtual strangers can share their struggles. People often comment that they learn more about people that they take classes with online than they did with casual, in-person conversations.

Moving forward, programming like this doesn’t have plans on slowing down — even after COVID-19 does. The classes delivered and lessons learned will continue to facilitate meaningful conversations that allow older adults to connect with each other, with or without the Internet.

Want to spark a conversation or improve your fitness? Check out the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s programming for a full list of ways you can connect with older adults.

Sam Casmey has an honours BSc in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and is a YMCA Canada Trainer Educator. She’s currently the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Manager of Health & Fitness Adult Programs. In the 20 years she’s been working at the Y, Sam’s taught thousands of fitness classes and trained hundreds of volunteers to teach classes including Arriba, MuscleFit, Bootcamp, and many more. She’s currently spending her time on Sudoku, cryptic crosswords, and books on habits and behaviour change.

In many ways, the face of the pandemic in Canada has been a person peering through the glass of a window separating them from the outside world. Those windows have often been at long-term care (LTC) facilities, where COVID-19 hit the country hardest. Now, more than one year into the pandemic, about 70 per cent of Canada’s total COVID-19 deaths occurred in LTC facilities. The COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes “has shifted Canadians’ views on aging in their own homes rather than in retirement or nursing homes,” according to a report by Ryerson University’s National Institute on Ageing. A recent survey by the institute found that:

• 91 per cent of Canadians of all ages say they plan on “supporting themselves to live safely and independently in their own home as long as possible,” also known as aging in place
• 60 per cent of Canadians overall, and 70 per cent of Canadians aged 65 and older, say the pandemic has changed their opinion on whether or not they’d arrange for themselves or an older loved one to live in a nursing or retirement home

Wanting to age in place is one thing. Whether you actually can is another.

As you get older, changes to your finances, health, marital status and family situation could affect how feasible it is to remain in your own home. That’s why it’s wise to make a plan for aging in place now. To do that, you and your loved ones will have to ask yourselves some tough but necessary questions.

Aging in place consideration 1: Your home

Don’t focus on the way things are right now. Consider how they may change as you get older. With your home, that includes:

Suitability: 

• Does it have wide doorways for wheelchair access or would you need to renovate?
• Is there a bathroom on the ground floor?
• Are there too many stairs?
• Will it need extensive repairs in future?
• Is it a large property requiring extensive mowing and snow shovelling?

Affordability: 

• Will you still have a mortgage after you retire?
• In retirement, will you be able to afford repairs, upkeep, insurance and monthly utilities?

Location:

• Is your home close to family and friends, as well as amenities like grocery stores?
• Is your neighbourhood safe for seniors?
• Do you live near sports or cultural activities you enjoy or plan to explore as you age?
• Will local winters make walking or driving hazardous if you become frail?

Aging in place consideration 2: Getting around

If you plan to keep driving during your golden years, make sure you’ll still be able to afford gas, parking, insurance and repairs.

Do you have any degenerative medical conditions that could hinder your ability to drive? If so, are crucial amenities within walking distance of your home?

What about the safety of your neighbourhood? If crime or traffic make you feel unsafe walking in your neighbourhood, that is an important consideration. Ensure there is safe, affordable public transport near your residence, or that you have the option to arrange accessible transit as you grow older.

Aging in place consideration 3: Finances

Calculate whether your savings, investments, workplace pension and RSPs will sustain you remaining at home for decades to come. Then assess if you’ll qualify for other sources of income as a senior, such as federal and provincial tax credits, Old Age Pension, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and veterans’ benefits.

Try to project future expenses that could add up as you age, including medications, assistive devices such as ramps and handrails, public transportation and home renovations for accessibility.

One big potential expense is home care, which assists seniors with necessities like cooking and bathing. Find out which public and private agencies provide home care workers in your area, their monthly fees, and if you’ll be eligible for government or private benefits to defray the cost.

Aging in place consideration 4: Staying healthy

Physical and mental health are critical to aging in place. Are there good quality doctors, hospitals, clinics and specialists in your area? Will your future budget cover medications, physiotherapy, assistive devices and accessibility renovations?

In addition, you’ll likely want and need the support of your community. Are there family, friends, cultural institutions, recreation facilities and community support services nearby to keep you active and socially connected? All of these will help you stay physically active with a positive outlook and good mental health as you grow older.

Take the time to reflect on your personal living situation and answer the above questions to gain insights into safely, comfortably aging in place. As part of your evaluation, the Canadian government offers even more resources including a detailed checklist to assess your readiness and refine your plan.

We’ve all had those mornings…

You wake up from a terrible night’s sleep (or maybe no sleep at all) when it quickly descends upon you: brain fog.

For the rest of the day, you’re just not sharp. You can’t seem to focus. You uncharacteristically have to read or hear information repeatedly before you ‘get it.’ As the day wears on, you become cranky and short-tempered, too. This groggy scenario is a common one facing many Canadians.

In particular, among people aged 55 and over

• 40-70% of older adults have chronic sleep problems
• 43 per cent of men and 55 per cent of women say they have trouble falling or staying asleep “sometimes or most of the time”

Did you know the side effects of poor sleep can last well beyond one groggy, grumpy morning? Cutting-edge science is pulling back the covers on inadequate sleep, linking it to cognitive impairment, mood disorders, dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease.

So set your alarm. It’s time we all wake up to the crucial role sleep plays in cognitive performance and overall brain health.

Brain gains

Sleep is a requirement for proper brain function. In fact, it’s essential for learning. New information we take in during the day gets replayed in the brain while we slumber, allowing the data to consolidate in our memory.

The brain cycles through various stages of sleep each night. Stage two (also called slow-wave sleep) sharpens the motor skills we need to learn — critical for everyday actions such as how to type or play a musical instrument.

Experts say insufficient sleep can hinder learning ability by up to 40 per cent. Studies have also correlated sleep deficiency with trouble concentrating and making decisions. No wonder it’s hard to choose between coffee or tea on those drowsy mornings!

Even the Bard knew about the moody blues

In Macbeth, Shakespeare described sleep as the “balm of hurt minds” that “knits up the ravell’d sleeve of care.” Almost 500 years later, modern science bears that out. When subjects in one experiment had their sleep capped at just four and a half hours per night for one week, they reported feelings of sadness, anger, stress and mental exhaustion.

During the REM stage of sleep, emotional memories are processed by the brain. Without enough REM sleep, it’s harder for us to cope with trauma or other difficult experiences.

In addition, sleep deprivation messes with connections between the prefrontal cortex and the parts of the brain that process emotion. That’s why we’re sometimes hypersensitive, overly emotional or irrational when we’re tired.

The Alzheimer’s link

Scientific discoveries are bolstering the theory that getting a good quality and amount of sleep could help keep dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at bay. Various studies have shown that when we’re asleep:

• We produce less of a protein called beta-amyloid, which can form plaque found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients
• Small arteries in the brain dilate and increase intracranial blood flow, flushing away toxins like beta-amyloid and tau, another protein that forms tangles inside brain cells
• The interstitial spaces between brain cells widen, lowering the chance that toxins will build up inside them

How to get a good night’s sleep

If restful, consistent shut-eye always seems like an unattainable dream to you, let your doctor or healthcare professional know about it. A simple questionnaire can let you know if you have deeper issues such as obstructive sleep apnea or if changes to your diet or activities can improve your overall sleep. You can also check out some of the meditation and health-focused classes at the YMCA to improve your mindfulness and activity levels. One morning, after getting the help you need, your brain will be well-rested enough to thank you for it!

Seniors have sadly suffered Canada’s highest COVID-19 mortality rate.

But even seniors who’ve never caught the virus are suffering from another epidemic: loneliness. Physical distancing measures, though necessary, have left many older Canadians feeling socially isolated.

In one 2020 survey, 43 per cent of Ontarians aged 65 to 79 said they felt lonely during the pandemic. That’s dramatically higher than a pre-pandemic study from 2009, when just 12 per cent of older Canadians reported feelings of loneliness.

What many seniors are missing due to COVID-19 is a feeling of connection, something that’s vitally important for their health and well being.

Connecting is key to wellness

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association: 

“Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk.” 

In a 2013 academic paper, geriatrician S.C. Tiwari argued loneliness should be considered a disease.

“Loneliness has now become an important public health concern,” Tiwari wrote. “It leads to pain, injury/loss, grief, fear, fatigue and exhaustion. Thus, it also makes a person sick, interferes in day-to-day functioning, and hampers recovery. Loneliness … should be considered a disease and should find its place in (the) classification of psychiatric disorders.”

Indeed, there is growing evidence that a lack of social connection can be harmful to mental health. 

Mental health risks

According to a 2014 review of scientific studies around the world:

• Lonely people suffer from more symptoms of depression than those who maintain ties with other people
• A “strong association” has been documented between loneliness and suicidal thoughts
• In seniors aged 60 to 80, increased feelings of loneliness have been linked to a higher risk of depression

The authors of the review concluded that “left untended, loneliness has serious consequences (for the) mental and physical well-being of people.” One aspect of physical well-being that can be impaired by a lack of social connection is brain function.

For cognitive function

Human connection helps protect the brain as it ages.

According to research funded by the National Institute on Aging, loneliness triggers an immune response that promotes inflammation. In the brain, the researchers say, this inflammation can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Further, loneliness has actually been correlated with a two-fold risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as specific declines in semantic memory, perceptual speed and visuospatial ability.

After tracking the cognitive function of seniors (average age 65) for four years, scientists found that social isolation “was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function(s).” In particular, seniors who scored higher on the loneliness scale suffered declines in both immediate and delayed memory recall.

Staying connected, yet safe

How can seniors safely maintain social connections with others during a pandemic?

In the Ontario study we mentioned earlier, the two things that eased loneliness the most for seniors during the pandemic were: 

• Receiving offers of support from other people 
• Frequently communicating with family, friends and neighbours 

Aside from phone calls, video chats and distanced outdoor visits (adhering to public health guidelines, of course), the authors of that Ontario study also recommend: 

• Outdoor fitness classes (check local public health advisories) 
• Virtual exercise classes
• Walking groups (check local public health guidance) 
• Online or phone-based counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy or bereavement programs 
• Mindfulness practices (i.e., meditation, yoga)
• Virtual religious services

Another way seniors can safely interact with others is by joining a virtual book club, choir or other group activity. Creative outlets like knitting, singing, making cards, painting or writing can also lift a senior’s mood, especially if shared with others.

Volunteering gives many seniors a sense of purpose as well as community. During the pandemic, Volunteer Canada posts opportunities to volunteer virtually from home. 

As author and bereavement expert Dr. Joanne Cacciatore wrote, “There simply is no pill that can replace human connection. There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others.”

For information about more community programs and resources in Toronto, call the Seniors Helpline at 416-217-2077 or dial 211. And, if you’re looking to connect with like-minded people in a safe, socially distanced way, The Bright Spot has a variety of social activities that can help you connect with other older adults. 

The pandemic has turned life upside down for many older Canadians.

Besides facing the highest risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality, seniors are experiencing tremendous changes in their lives due to the pandemic. According to a survey of Canadians aged 55+ conducted in autumn 2020:

• 90% said the pandemic caused changes in their daily routine (e.g., work, education, social life, hobbies or activities)
• 79% reported changes and delays in accessing healthcare, including medical appointments and prescriptions
• 83% said their access to family and social supports has been affected

Coping with all of this change can be tough, especially due to physical distancing measures necessary to keep seniors safe from the virus.

As difficult as the pandemic has been, however, it’s an opportunity for seniors to learn about strategies and resources that can help them cope with change at any time.

Tap into past transitions

Surprisingly, life satisfaction usually increases with age. Why do seniors report higher rates of happiness than younger people?

According to researcher Mark Brennan-Ing, it’s essentially a case of “been there, done that.” Older people are good at adapting to change, he says, because they’ve already gone through so much of it. 

“There’s crisis competence,” Brennan-Ing explained to The New York Times. “As we get older, we get the sense that we’re going to be able to handle it, because we’ve been able to handle challenges in the past.”

Life changes experienced by many seniors include challenges from divorce or bereavement to chronic health conditions or facing the physical and mental effects of aging. Loved ones can help seniors cope with life-altering situations like the pandemic by pointing out how successfully they’ve weathered other momentous shifts in their lifetime.

The University of Cincinnati’s Center for Aging With Dignity suggests that you,  

“remind them of the challenges they have overcome throughout their lives. Doing so may boost their confidence, help them accept change and adjust accordingly.”

The resilience factor

Drawing strength from these past transitional periods helps older adults build a critical coping skill called resilience.

The University of Arizona Center on Aging defines resilience as “successful adaptation to adversity. It is revealed by an individual’s ability to cope and recover from crises, sustain a sense of purpose and vitality, and emerge stronger from stressful experiences.”

How can seniors develop this sort of resilience, both during the pandemic and beyond it?

Tips for coping

Key things that can help seniors build resilience in challenging times include: 

• A sense of purpose: Involvement with activities, volunteer work, religious faith or relationships that give life meaning (Check COVID-19 public health guidelines for any in-person activities.)
• Personal connections: Engaging in fulfilling interaction with family, friends and community
• Optimistic outlook: Seeking silver linings in tough situations, learning from setbacks, and finding gratitude for what you already have
• Physical activity and nutritious food: These help keep the body and mind healthy during stressful periods

Specific activities recommended to help seniors cope during COVID-19 include: 

• mindfulness practices like meditation 
• maintaining a regular schedule
• creative outlets like writing, singing, painting or drawing
• reading, listening to music or writing in a journal
• getting outside once a day
• staying in touch with family and friends
• getting adequate sleep
• limiting news intake to reliable sources for short periods at a time
• focusing on things within your control 
• learning a new skill or language

Change can be difficult. But it’s an opportunity for seniors to attain greater self-awareness and build inner resilience. Doctors, counsellors and faith leaders have experience helping people cope with change. Across Canada, information on various government and community services is available 24/7 by phone at 211 and online at 211.ca. 

If you’re interested in fostering new interests and building your support community, The Bright Spot might be the kind of change you’re looking for. Visit our activities page to get started today.

When COVID-19 dimmed the stage lights on the Young@Heart seniors’ choir, the singers didn’t retreat into silence.

The Massachusetts choral group (minimum age requirement 75) has toured the world and starred in a 2008 documentary. But the pandemic put its 2020 holiday concert in jeopardy. So Young@Heart live streamed the show instead. Each singer performed their parts from home online, belting out hits like Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

The lyrics of that rock anthem were especially fitting for the times: 

We’re not gonna take it

No, we ain’t gonna take it

We’re not gonna take it anymore!

Young@Heart’s members aren’t just standing up to COVID by seeking physically distanced solace in song. By filling their lives with music, they’re also nurturing their physical and mental health as they age.

Arts and aging 

A groundbreaking 2006 study suggests art and culture are good for the body, mind and spirit of older adults.

In the experiment, 150 seniors aged 65 to 100 took part in community arts programs like music, painting, dance, drama and pottery for a two-year period. Compared to a control group, these seniors: 

• Made fewer doctor visits
• Used fewer prescription drugs
• Used fewer over-the-counter medications
• Suffered fewer falls 

In terms of mood and mental health, the seniors who participated in arts programs also reported:

• Higher morale 
• Improved depression symptoms
• Less loneliness 

For brain health

Can arts and cultural activities actually improve cognitive performance in older adults?

Yes, according to a 2017 study that tracked the health of 1,498 Americans aged 55-plus for a 15-year period. Seniors who created art and attended arts events scored seven-fold higher on cognitive function tests than those who did not partake in those activities. 

The art participants also saw improvements in their bodies, recording lower rates of hypertension and better physical functioning overall than the control group.

The sound of music

Remember Oliver Sacks, who inspired the movie Awakenings? In real life, the late neurologist witnessed the powerful impact of music on Parkinson’s patients who had lost the ability to move or speak.

In the presence of music “they could be transformed,” Dr. Sacks told NPR back in 2009. “If there’s music, these people could dance, they could sing, they could talk, they can do things.”

Clinical research has also shown that: 

• On fMRI scans, music activates parts of the brain involved in memory, emotion and physical movement — areas of function that commonly decline with age
• Singing or listening to music can improve the general cognition, attention and memory recall of seniors with dementia
• Taking music lessons late in life can increase neuroplasticity in older adults, and aid their ability to recognize speech in noisy environments

The artful Rx

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it might do wonders for the aging brain and body as well. 

According to research cited by the British government, seniors who create artworks on a regular basis exhibit:

• Greater functional connectivity in the brain
• Reduced stress levels
• Increased psychological resilience 

Further, a 2019 study from ‘down under’ suggests you can bolster your brain power through art without lifting a paint brush. After a six-week program of visits to the National Gallery of Australia, a group of seniors with dementia showed improvements in their depression symptoms, verbal fluency and immediate memory recall.

In Ontario, Quebec and the UK, physicians have actually prescribed visits to galleries and museums for patients with depression, Alzheimer’s and heart conditions.

Books for brain health

You don’t have to write books to help your brain age gracefully. Reading them packs a cognitive punch of its own.

When researchers surveyed 300 elderly people over a six-year period, bookworms reported 30 per cent less memory decline than non-readers. After the participants passed away, autopsies found no neural tangles or lesions (common markers of memory loss) in the brains of the avid readers.

Like the Young@Heart choir, Toronto seniors can still find their creative voice during the pandemic. The Bright Spot offers a variety of activities, including Music with the TSO, Book Club and Art for Personal Wellness, so you can get your creative juices flowing from the comfort of your home.

Explore innovative ways to prioritize your well-being when two charities join forces to bring wellness to the community

The Bright Spot family, you now have new ways to find inner peace and gain wisdom with a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum. The two charities partnered to offer a series of mindfulness and educational programs. Leaders in community programming with a focus on inclusion and diversity, this partnership is a natural fit for both organizations. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is pleased to bring together members of the community in new ways to support overall health and well-being.

The YMCA and the Aga Khan Museum will offer both online and in-person mindfulness sessions now that Ontario is in Stage 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen plan. Virtual educational sessions hosted by Aga Khan Museum curators will be offered at The Bright Spot and at the Museum’s virtual museum: #MuseumWithoutWalls.

Explore a peaceful means of practising mindfulness meditation, a method of meditation that combines “probing for inner truth” with physical relaxation.  The educational sessions at The Bright Spot and #MuseumWithoutWalls will take you on a virtual exploration of the Aga Khan Museum with specialized museum curators. These interactive and engaging sessions will explore displays, collections, objects and more.

• Educational classes start on September 1, 2021, at The Bright Spot.
• The next mindfulness session happening at the Aga Khan Museum will be on August 18, 2021, at 10 am.

Look for more details about upcoming events in this series at The Bright Spot’s activities calendar.