As you age, there will be periods of both joy and stress. It’s important to build your resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges. This ability will help you make the most of the good times and keep your perspective when times are tough.

• Focus on the things you’re grateful for. The longer you live, the more you lose. But as you lose people and things, life becomes even more precious. When you stop taking things for granted, you appreciate and enjoy  what you have even more.
  
• Acknowledge and express your feelings. You may have a hard time showing strong emotions, perhaps feeling that such a display is inappropriate and weak. But burying your feelings can lead to anger, resentment,  and depression. Don’t deny what you’re going through. Find healthy ways to  process your feelings, perhaps by talking with a close friend or
  writing in a  journal.
  
• Accept the things you can’t change. Many things in life are beyond our control. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you  can control such as the way you choose to react to problems. Face your limitations with dignity and a healthy dose of humor.
  
• Look for the silver lining. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at  them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed  to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
  
• Take daily action to deal with life’s challenges. When challenges seem too big to handle, sweeping them under  the carpet often appears easier. But ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go  away; it allows both the problem and your anxiety to build. Instead, take things  one small step at a time. Even a small step can go a long way to boosting your  confidence and reminding you that you are not powerless.
  

Don’t think it’s too late for a flu shot!
We are experiencingclose to record amount of influenza outbreaks in Ontario already, and Health Canada expects another round to hit in February.

A bout of the flu can be more serious to seniors and it is important to get vaccinated. Your regular family physician can administer the flu shot and there are clinics going on at various times throughout the season in your local community.

Rexall also administers the flu shot daily at the pharmacy, just be sure to call ahead of time to make sure they are stocked with the proper supplies.

If you are unable to accompany a senior to get the shot, we are always just a phone call away at 289-880-CARE (2273)