As more Canadians enter their senior years, it becomes more important to tap into the cornucopia of federal government information to help us keep healthy.

As someone who is on the far side of middle age myself, I am constantly reminded of the need to exercise, eat properly and stay mentally active. There is a definite correlation between fitness, food and staying safe at home. Health Canada produces a useful publication entitled, Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. It’s available on the Internet at www.hc-sc.gc.ca by following the prompts. Eating properly is an essential part of good health because it provides energy and reduced the chances of falling or other injuries. The Health Canada web site even let’s you make your own food guide if you wish.

As Health Canada is quick to point out, the foods you eat build and maintain your body. With age, your body continues to need essential nutrients to function correctly. Food deficiencies in seniors can cause or increase the risk of bone loss, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other problems that increase the risk of falling.
Healthy eating promotes a healthy heart, strong bones and good resistance to infection and injury. Eating poorly, skipping meals or not eating enough can cause weakness and dizziness and also increase your risk of a fall. That's also why it's so important to eat regular, well-balanced meals every day. Empty-nesters and seniors living alone should avoid the temptation to take short cuts at mealtime.

Remaining physically active also reduces your risk of falling by giving you more flexible joints, stronger bones and muscles, better heart and lung function, more energy, less fatigue, better sleep, and less anxiety and depression. Being active includes everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening and shopping, as well as exercise classes and recreational activities like swimming, golfing and Tai Chi. Whatever your current physical condition, you can engage in some form of physical activity with the help of your doctor. It’s never too late!

The Division of Aging and Seniors at the Public Health Agency of Canada provides federal leadership on health issues related to aging and seniors. The division supports policy development and education activities; encourages seniors’ health promotion, harmful risk reduction and the prevention of injuries; works with partners on policies, programs, research and issues relating to healthy aging; and provides information related to health and aging.

The federal government has lots of ideas for making the golden years happier and healthier – all you need to do is take them to heart.

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The audio version of Garry's December 29, 2008 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here