Research explores the effects of group art-based programs on depressive symptoms.

Learn about depression, anxiety disorders, and social isolation through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal’s interactive e-learning lessons.

Research continues to support the effectiveness of certain medications in treating anxiety.

Tai Chi and Qigong! Research showcases the effect of traditional Chinese exercises on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Grief can feel isolating at any age, but in later life, it can come with added challenges. But, no one has to navigate grief alone—find out how to get support.

Living with a cardiovascular disease? Research points to strategies that can improve physical and mental health.

Unlock the magic of aging creatively. Art, storytelling, and hobbies don't just fill time; they strengthen minds, lift spirits, and connect us to others. Discover how engaging in creativity, from painting to gardening, transforms later life into a time of vibrant growth and joy.

Getting to the heart of it! Psychological therapies can play a role in improving the mental health of people living with heart disease.

Research spotlights a range of psychotherapies and lifestyle therapies that aim to enhance psychological health and mental well-being.

Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic health condition? Acceptance and commitment therapy (aka ACT) can hold benefits for your psychological health.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have long been used in the workplace and have recently seen a new boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers are encouraged, and under the obligation, to use technologies: computers, softwares, virtual communication platforms, mobile applications. ICT makes work easier, but it can also be stressful and even harmful to health. Are you "technostressed"?

As society pays increasing attention to addressing bullying in schools and workplaces, bullying among seniors remains a taboo and neglected issue. Did you know that recent studies show that about 1 in 5 seniors are bullied?

The majority of bereaved people come to terms with the loss and move on. However, some people (up to 1 in 5) experience great distress that does not go away despite the passage of time. Learn more about what is known about interventions to address grief symptoms.

You do not have to go it alone! From exercise to reminiscence therapy, research illustrates there are various strategies that help to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Lean on me? Research brings attention to potential strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in the community and long-term care settings.

Getting out and about! Preliminary research shows that engaging in meaningful activities outside of aged care facilities may have positive effects on the health and well-being of people living with dementia.

Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease. People with Parkinson's disease not only have to live with complex symptoms, but also must face stigma that can become internalized.

Being prescribed a forest bath, a yoga class, or a cooking class? Social prescribing recognizes that people's health and well-being are primarily determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.

If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other traumatic event, you may still be struggling to grieve. Can rituals used in a therapeutic setting help people overcome prolonged and complicated grief?

Are you or someone you know dealing with dementia and symptoms of depression? Get to know some of the available non-drug treatment options.

Are you or someone you know living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia? Research points to five strategies that can help improve cognitive and mental health.

Can telemedicine-based strategies help improve your mental well-being? Research shows some promise for improving depressive symptoms.

Are you or someone you care for looking for a program to support recovery from alcohol misuse and dependence? See what the research says about widely used recovery support services.

Can leaning into your “artsy” side enhance your cognitive health? See what the evidence has to say about the use of visual art therapy for people with different levels of cognitive health.

Coping with the consequences of mild cognitive impairment or dementia is difficult enough without having to deal with depression as well. Can cognitive training provide any relief when it comes to depression?

While at home, keep all facets of your health and well-being a priority! What benefits do Pilates and yoga have to offer?

Research shows that online support services can be a beneficial alternative for caregivers.

Depression is a difficult road to travel. Research has shown that psychological and educational approaches may be effective in helping to prevent it.

Older adults are especially at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The characteristics of strategies tackling these issues are important factors in determining whether or not they work.

Many older adults have a fear of falling. Cognitive behavioural therapy may help people overcome this fear by reducing negative thoughts about falls and shifting their focus to what they can do to curb their falls risk.

Companion animals and animal-assisted therapies can improve the physical and mental health of older adults, and animal-assisted therapies appear promising to alleviate loneliness among older adults.

Developing activities to promote social activity among older men, especially those who are lonely or socially isolated, is complex. "Men's sheds" can have beneficial effects on mental health and social well-being by allowing men to work, break social isolation and give back to their community.

Many older adults suffer from loneliness, which is often exacerbated by illnesses or the loss of a loved one. Older adults have different strategies for dealing with loneliness, but those around them also need to help break down the walls of solitude.

Music can promote the social well-being of older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Let the sound of music brighten up our homes and communities for the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.

Informing older adults about the risks of problem gambling is important, as well as promoting other types of recreational activities to nurture social interaction and reduce isolation.

Volunteering is a form of civic engagement that builds on the experience of older adults and breaks down social isolation, while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the community. Concrete measures can encourage the engagement of older adults and maintain their participation in volunteer activities.

One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve social isolation/loneliness and depression.

Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities?

Depression is a serious chronic disorder common among older adults. Exercise is recommended as part of a depression treatment plan.

People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms

Depression is a common – but potentially serious – mood disorder that affects how you feel, think and behave. There are choices for treatment, including antidepressants and psychological therapy. Read the latest research about these options.

People struggling to cope with both diabetes and depression are often at increased health risk. A collaborative care approach can reduce symptoms of both diseases and promote improved overall health.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help prevent relapse among people with depression.

In this final blog from a 4-part series, we examine the benefits and harms of interventions to help those experiencing elder abuse.

In part 3 of this 4 part series we examine public opinion about elder abuse. This is compared to known rates of abuse in Canada and internationally.

In Part 2 of this 4-part series, we expand upon the different types of elder abuse. Important risk factors associated with vulnerable seniors, as well as the perpetrators of the abuse are discussed.

We often fail to recognize the signs of elder abuse. In Part 1 of this 4 part series we focus on defining elder abuse. Our understanding of elder abuse has changed over time. Culture and geography are also important.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s will develop behaviour problems over time and this causes much suffering and stress for patients and caregivers. There are solutions to manage this.

Many older adults are lonely and this could affect their overall health. Changing negative or wrong perceptions about oneself and others is a solution to loneliness.

Simple interventions (family visits, familiar objects, clocks) may help to prevent or recover from acute delirium in hospital. Recognize confusion or agitation and inform staff.