Social Participation of Wheelchair Users
Source: MDPI / Noémie Fortin-Bédard / July 2 2022
Disruptions in life habits and social participation associated with COVID-19 are anticipated for the foreseeable future, especially among vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities. The Human Development Model—Disability Creation Process (HDM-DCP) conceptual model defines social participation as the “total accomplishment of life habits, resulting from the interaction between personal factors (impairments, disabilities and other personal characteristics) and environmental factors (facilitators and obstacles)
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On any given day, millions of people in the U.S. are trying to lose weight. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a little over 40% of adults in the U.S. have obesity. And a new report in the Lancet shows a stunning rise in obesity since 1990 among all ages and finds that 3 in 4 adults aged 25 and older in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Having obesity or being overweight can increase the risk of many chronic diseases and health issues, including joint problems, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

People’s perceptions about their food experiences are valuable because they are related to their quality of life: Individuals who feel positively about these different aspects of the food they recently ate not only are more likely to have higher levels of wellbeing but also tend to feel more socially connected or attached to their community.
In a new study, researchers in Sweden used artificial intelligence and brain scans to determine whether there was any connection between older adults’ lifestyles and their brain health.Having a larger brain age gap was associated with inflammation, changes in white matter, and other indications of poor brain health, which raise the risk of cognitive decline.231

Winter can be a challenging season for seniors, as colder temperatures and seasonal conditions increase the risk of illnesses, injuries, and other health complications. With age, the body’s ability to regulate temperature and fight infections diminishes, making it essential to take proactive measures to safeguard older adults during the colder months. Below are practical strategies to prevent winter-related illnesses in seniors.

The winter holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, often marked by family gatherings and shared traditions. For seniors, however, this season can also bring feelings of isolation and loneliness once the festivities end. As loved ones return to their routines, seniors may find themselves longing for the warmth and connection the holidays provided. Rebuilding social connections after this period is crucial for their emotional well-being. Here are practical ways to support seniors in reestablishing meaningful relationships and staying socially active throughout the year.