There are three things that can make a huge difference to your health and well-being: nutrition, exercise and socialization. Some simple lifestyle choices can make big changes.
Paying attention to food labels can give you the same food with less salt, fat and calories. See our nutrition newsletter to see how to read labels and why it’s important.
Small changes in diet can really pay off. You can speak directly to a Registered Dietitian at EatRight Ontario to get information and answers on everyday food choices, disease prevention and popular nutrition topics by calling: 1.877.510.2. Their website is also a source of good, practical information.
If shopping for groceries and preparing meals is difficult, our Meals on Wheels service offers hot meal delivery Monday to Saturday and a large frozen meal menu. These meals are planned by dieticians with expertise in nutrition for older adults, and there are many special diet options.
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Regular activity is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Many people think you have to be healthy and fit to exercise, but you can start out with a few minutes a day and work up to more. People with osteo-arthritis can exercise and it will help their arthritis. People with chronic diseases like diabetes benefit from exercises. There really aren’t many good reasons not to exercise at all.
People with mobility problems or in wheelchairs can start gentle, progressive exercise programs like the Home Support Exercise Program (HSEP). This was developed by the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging in Waterloo and can be done in groups or by yourself at home. This exercise program is taught by many organizations including TransCare Community Support Services.
Healthy Living & Working Environment: BESF from TransCare CSS on Vimeo.
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You don’t need to be a social butterfly to need company and entertainment. People often become isolated without noticing, and then feel less and less like doing things. The opportunity to get out and socialize is a key factor in retaining independent living skills and managing depression.
TransCare Community Support Services provides community dining and recreation programs across Scarborough where people can come together for a social meal and a variety of recreational activities after. We also have an adult day program which provides more individual attention and support in a smaller group program setting. Transportation can be provided for both.
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