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: Genetics and dementia: What’s the connection?
In this webinar recording, Drs. Tricia Woo and Anthony Levinson demystify the role that genetics and other non-modifiable risk factors play in a person’s risk of developing dementia. Discover the difference between sporadic and familial Alzheimer disease and learn about the role of susceptibility genes in increasing your risk. Learn about genetic testing and who should get a test. Explore how to reduce your risk, delay the onset, or slow the progression of dementia by addressing various modifiable risk factors to reduce damage to the brain and to increase capacity.
Video Post 02: Managing migraine: Safe treatment and prevention strategies
Migraine management involves more than treating pain when it happens. Learn about medication safety, preventing rebound headaches, and the daily habits that may help reduce how often migraine occurs and improve quality of life.
Video Post 03: Understanding grief: What older adults and families need to know
Understanding how grief works, and how it may show up differently across ages and relationships, can help you make sense of your own experience and better support others. Learn how grief is a natural but complex response to loss and when additional support may be helpful. Discover helpful free resources.
Video Post 04: Taking control of your blood pressure: What the new guidelines mean for you
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia. Learn what the new 130/80 blood pressure target means, how hypertension is diagnosed today, and what you can do to protect your long-term health.
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: Minding our mouth health: 3 oral hygiene-related strategies
Research points to strategies that aim to improve our oral hygiene and other aspects of our health.
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: Men’s Health Month: 5 conversations worth having
June is Men’s Health Month — a yearly reminder to pause and pay attention to the things that keep men feeling well as they age. For many men, that’s easier said than done. Research has long suggested that men are often slower to talk about their health, slower to ask for help, and more likely to put off the kinds of conversations that could help them feel better.
Headline 02: World Elder Abuse Day: Standing up for respect and rights
Every June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us to talk openly about a topic that too often stays hidden: elder abuse. This year’s theme, “Be Bold: Age with Attitude,” invites us to flip the script—from seeing older adults as vulnerable to celebrating their strength, wisdom, and rights.
Headline 03: Digestive health: What you need to know (and what actually helps)
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!