You don’t stop learning when you grow old; you grow old when you stop learning. Simon Fraser University used this motto for decades for their continuing education program. Results of a study done by the University of Manitoba suggest that participation in educational activities has “positive effects on successful aging” and can contribute to physical and psychological well-being.

Moreover, learning a new skill can boost self-confidence and slow the cognitive decline associated with aging, according to the Harvard Health Blog.

Here are a few options, with varying degrees of commitment, to incorporate lifelong learning into your routine.

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Increased age combined with dementia and hospitalization can lead to increased risk for delirium, a serious medical condition. Delirium comes on suddenly and causes fluctuating changes in thinking and behaviour. Other factors that can contribute to delirium are infections, injury, surgery, malnutrition, dehydration, medication effects and poor sleep.

Here are seven ways you can help your loved one with dementia during a hospital stay:

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Are you tired right now? Nearly 58 percent of Canadians say they often feel groggy and in need of more sleep. And, 55 percent of women say they have sleep issues. Somehow, our culture sees sleeplessness as a badge of honour as we tote around our ever-growing coffee cups.

Sleep is crucial to good health. Without sleep, we become more susceptible to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and depression.

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Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease are the leading causes of preventable death and disability in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada refers to them as “The Big Four.”

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“I can talk to my dad about anything,” Dave of Winnipeg, Manitoba said. “But for some reason, I had a lot of trouble broaching the subject of home care.”

For many, talking to a loved one about getting help causes anxiety. Here are some tips for making the conversation less stressful.

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Have you already missed a couple of meditation sessions or skipped the gym more times than you intended? You are not alone. One third of people have abandoned their resolutions by February. This does not mean you need to throw up your hands and give up. Here are five ways to help you get back on track:

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Barbara of Chatham, Ontario is 85 and she starts her holiday baking early. “If I don’t get started in November, I might as well not start,” she says. Once December hits, the numerous clubs and groups she belongs to begin hosting their holiday events, and she barely has time for baking. Barbara’s signature dishes are a Christmas cake, a shortbread cookie and an oatmeal cookie with a secret ingredient (“They’re made with lard!”).

While delicious, Barbara might be looking to lighten up her holiday baking next season as she was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Barbara thought by the time she was 85, she’d be able to eat whatever she wanted. She never expected to have to modify generations-old recipes or give up holiday baking altogether.

If you’re like Barbara and looking to adopt some healthier habits in the new year, here are some great baking substitutions:

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