McMaster Optimal Aging Portal
At WE Seniors Edmonton, we’re committed to connecting our community with trusted, evidence-based resources that support healthy aging. That’s why we’re sharing the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal—a free, research-driven website designed to help older adults, caregivers, and health professionals make informed decisions about health and well-being.
Looking for credible, evidence-based information to help you age well and manage your health? The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is a free online resource for seniors, caregivers, and health professionals.
Explore trustworthy guidance on:
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Exercise, nutrition, and healthy aging tips
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Common health conditions and mental health
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Caregiving and healthcare resources
Latest Updates
Are you taking five or more prescription medications?
If so, you’re not alone. 60% of Canadians aged 65+ take at least 5, and 25% take 10 or more.
Polypharmacy, taking five or more prescription medications, is common and often necessary to manage chronic conditions as we age. But when do the risks start to outweigh the benefits?
Take this 15-minute interactive lesson, ‘Too Many Pills? A Guide to Understanding Polypharmacy’ to explore:
- How aging affects the way our bodies process medications
- The risks of drug interactions
- Practical steps for a medication review with your healthcare team.
Video Posts
All video posts feature McMaster experts discussing a wide range of topics related to healthy aging.
Video Post 01: Preventing falls: Practical tips to reduce your risk
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, but the good news is that many falls can be prevented with simple changes to your home and lifestyle. In this webinar recording, Dr. Marla Beauchamp explores the key causes of falls and offers practical tips to improve your balance, strengthen your body, and make your environment safer.
Video Post 02: When confusion strikes quickly: Recognizing and preventing delirium
Delirium is a sudden, confused state of mind. Up to 3 out of 4 older people can experience delirium after surgery or a serious illness. Learn more about what can trigger delirium, the signs and symptoms, who is most at risk, and what you can do to help prevent it in a loved one.
Video Post 03: Is love good for your heart?
Strong relationships don’t just feel good; they’re linked with longevity and having better heart health. People with strong social ties have a 50% greater chance of living longer, while loneliness is associated with a noticeably higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn how stress, connection, and relationship quality all interact to affect your cardiovascular health.
Video Post 04: Move better with arthritis: Simple exercises for your hips and knees
Discover which targeted therapeutic exercises can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support joint health for those living with hip or knee osteoarthritis. This short video guides you through easy-to-follow movements that can be easily integrated into your daily routine—no equipment required. Plus, download a free copy of the exercises to use at home! Learn what neuromuscular training is all about.
Blog Posts
All blog posts are written by trusted experts to inform and inspire healthy aging, using scientific evidence to provide credible insights on important topics and common conditions affecting seniors’ health.
Blog Post 01: From Sunshine to Snowfall — Ways to Manage Mental Health as the Seasons Change
SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can cause symptoms like sadness, low motivation, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy. The good news: there are proven ways to manage SAD and protect your mental health through fall and winter.
Blog Post 02: Dietitian-delivered nutrition therapy for prediabetes
Research investigates the role dietitians play in helping people living with prediabetes.
Blog Post 03: Scheduled for Surgery? 3 Things to Consider
From quitting smoking to hospital discharge planning, research outlines important discussions, changes, and decisions that should be had or made prior to surgery.
Blog Post 04: Water flossing vs. traditional flossing: What’s better for your teeth?
Research shows people have multiple effective options when it comes to flossing their teeth. While it’s recommended that we floss at least once a day, only 30% of Canadians are flossing at least five times a week.
Hitting the Headlines
When aging topics hit the headlines, the portal shares the best available related research evidence.
Headline 01: Nutrition Month: Small changes, big impact after 55
March is Nutrition Month—a perfect time to reflect on how the foods we eat support healthy aging. While there’s no single “superfood” that guarantees good health, consistent, balanced eating habits can make a meaningful difference in how we feel today and, in the years, ahead.
Headline 02: Preventative Health Awareness Month: Strategies to take charge of your health as you age
Preventative Health Awareness Month is a powerful, inclusive campaign dedicated to helping people take charge of their health at every stage of life. As we grow older, prevention becomes one of the most important tools we have to maintain independence, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Headline 03: Sleep well, age well: What older adults should know about getting better rest
E-Learning
Do you have a lifelong learning mindset? If yes, explore this collection of lessons on mental health, exercise and mobility, brain health, and the newest topic, Cannabis and Older Adults. Most lessons can be completed in 15 minutes, and your progress is saved so you can easily return to where you left off. Stay healthy, active and engaged with these interactive lessons and resources!
Micro-Learning
Learn something new in just a few minutes each week with our free email-based micro-learning series.
Check back regularly for updates!