The Dog Days of Summer are upon us!

So, what does this quirky phrase mean?

The term “Dog Days” traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Dog Days bright and clear 

Indicate a happy year; 

But when accompanied by rain, 

For better times, our hopes are vain."

In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat! Today, the phrase doesn’t conjure up such bad imagery. Instead, the Dog Days are associated purely with the time of summer’s peak temperatures and humidity.

This period of sweltering weather coincides with the year’s heliacal (meaning “at sunrise”) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog”—which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, not including our own Sun.

In ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, it was believed that Sirius’s dawn rising in mid-to-late summer contributed to the extreme weather of the season. In other words, the “combined heat” of super-bright Sirius and our Sun was thought to be the cause of summer’s sweltering temperatures. The name “Sirius” even stems from the Ancient Greek seírios, meaning “scorching.”

For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius’s dawn rising (known to them as Sothis) also coincided with the Nile River’s flood season. They used the star as a “watchdog” for that event.

Of course, the appearance of Sirius does not actually affect seasonal weather here on Earth, but its appearance during the hottest part of summer ensures that the lore surrounding the star lives on today!

The exact dates of the Dog Days can vary from source to source, and because they are traditionally tied to the dawn rising of Sirius, they have changed over time. However, most sources agree that the Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer. So over the next few weeks, I plan to post some whimsey to try and counter the dog days of summer.  To start, here are 10 jokes to bring some laughs and help deal with the heat during the Dog Days of Summer:

1. Why don't dogs make good dancers in the summer? Because they have two left feet and it’s too hot to boogie!
2. What did the hot dog say to the bun during the heatwave? "I relish these Dog Days of Summer!"
3. Why did the dog sit in the shade? Because it didn't want to become a hot dog!
4. How do dogs stay cool during the Dog Days of Summer? They fetch themselves some ice cream!
5. What’s a dog’s favourite summer treat? Pup-sicles!
6. Why was the dog a great lifeguard? Because he knew how to fetch anyone in trouble!
7. What do you call a dog who loves the beach? A sea-dog!
8. Why don't dogs play poker in the summer? Too many of them are sitting in the pool!
9. How do you know it’s the Dog Days of Summer? When even your dog refuses to go for a walk!
10. Why did the dog bring a fan to the park? To stay paw-sitively cool!

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

National Wiggle Your Toes Day, celebrated annually on August 6th, is a delightful reminder to appreciate the small joys in life. Last year on this day my friends and I gathered at the Beach in White Rock and as we do sometimes, we started to reminisce about our childhood summers spent barefoot. It was a hot day, and no one was paying attention to a bunch of old men, sitting with the sun casting a warm glow on our faces. 

Larry, who has vascular dementia, but is a sprightly seventy-something, recalled how he used to chase fireflies in the evenings, feeling the cool grass tickling his toes with every step. He smiles as he shares his story with the group, his eyes sparkling with the joy of those carefree days. Inspired by his tale, we decided to recreate some of these moments of youthful exuberance.

We kick off our shoes and wiggle our toes in the sand, laughing as they feel the sand beneath our feet. The sensation brings back a flood of memories for each of us/ I talk about how I used to walk across a pebble-strewn creek barefoot, the cool water rushing over my feet as I tried to keep my balance. Nine times out of ten I lost my balance, but the water felt good on a hot day.

To add to the fun, we organized a series of activities. We started with a simple game of footsie tag, where the "it" person had to tag others by touching their toes. Laughter filled the air as we tried to evade each other, we thought our movements agile and spirited, just like in our younger days. I cannot imagine what the crowd of young parents thought, but many of the younger children watched and seemed to be enchanted by our movements.

Next, we gathered in a circle for a toe-tapping musical session. Someone brings out a harmonica, and soon, we are tapping our toes to the rhythm of old-time tunes. The music transports us back to summer dances and family gatherings, where the joy of being together was the highlight.

As the afternoon progressed, we settled down for a moment of relaxation. Lying on picnic blankets, we closed our eyes and felt the grass between our toes, the warmth of the sun, and the gentle breeze. This simple act of connecting with nature reminded us of the beauty in life's small pleasures.

To conclude the celebration, we moved to one of the local pubs on the front and enjoyed some fresh fruit, beer and lemonade. We shared stories and memories, each tale richer than the last. We were not aware that we were celebrating National Wiggle Your Toes Day but when I found out it transformed the day in my heart to a beautiful journey back in time, a celebration of youth and the enduring joy found in the simplest of moments.

My hope is that National Wiggle Your Toes Day can also rekindle the magic of your youth, proving that no matter how many years go by, the spirit of adventure and playfulness remains timeless.

Tecdhnology and ageing 2

As we age, many everyday activities become more challenging, particularly for those in their late 70s and 80s or those with chronic illnesses. Here's an expanded look at these challenges and how technology can assist.

Homemaking

Cooking and Cleaning: Tasks like cooking and cleaning can be tough. Handling big pots or opening bottles can be difficult due to reduced strength or arthritis. Technology Solution: Kitchen gadgets like electric can openers or lightweight cookware can make cooking easier. Robot vacuum cleaners, like the Roomba, can help with cleaning.

• Link: iRobot Roomba

Getting Around

Using Stairs and Walking: Navigating stairs and walking long distances can be strenuous. Technology Solution: Stairlifts can help seniors move between floors safely. Mobility scooters provide a comfortable way to travel longer distances.

• Link: Stannah Stairlifts

Going to the Store and Opening Doors: Even simple tasks like going to the store or opening heavy doors can be challenging. Technology Solution: Grocery delivery services can bring essentials directly to their door. Automatic door openers can make entering and exiting easier.

• Link: Instacart

Driving: Driving, especially at night or over long distances, can be daunting. Technology Solution: Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft can provide transportation options. For those who still drive, navigation apps like Google Maps can assist with directions.

• Link: Uber

Outside Chores

Lawn Care and Garden Work: Mowing the lawn, gardening, or putting up Christmas lights require physical effort and can be risky. Technology Solution: Lawn care services and gardening apps can help manage these tasks more easily.

• Link: TaskRabbit

Personal Care

Bathing: Bathing can become hazardous due to the risk of slipping. Technology Solution: Walk-in bathtubs and shower chairs can enhance safety and comfort.

• Link: Safe Step Walk-In Tub

Miscellaneous

Paying Bills and Making Phone Calls: Managing finances and making phone calls can be challenging, especially with hearing or vision impairments. Technology Solution: Online banking apps and voice-activated assistants like Alexa can help manage bills and make calls more easily.

• Link: Amazon Alexa

Reading Labels and Price Tags: Poor eyesight can make reading labels and price tags difficult. Technology Solution: Magnifying apps or devices can assist in reading small print.

• Link: Magnifying Glass + Flashlight App

Recreation, Sport, Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies and sports can become harder with age. Technology Solution: There are online communities and virtual classes for almost every hobby, from knitting to book clubs, which allow seniors to stay active and engaged.

• Link: Meetup

Technology provides many solutions to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. From apps that assist with everyday tasks to devices that ensure safety, there are numerous ways to make life easier and more enjoyable.

Technology and Ageing

Many groups want to help seniors and to help they focus on the general issue of technology and aging. We’re all familiar with aging, and with luck, we’ll all continue to experience aging for many years. However, we’re likely also familiar with some of the negative aspects of aging, such as poorer vision and hearing, less easy movement, and so on.

Like aging, technology has its good and bad aspects. On the good side, technology has made it possible for more people to do more things more easily. For example, it’s easier to make a phone call to a relative in another country than it is to go there personally, or even to send a letter. If you use a computer, sending an e-mail may be easier than making a phone call, and is likely less expensive; it’s certainly faster and less expensive than sending a telegram, the first version of e-mail. However, technology can also be frustrating, as you may know, if you’ve tried to learn a new program on your computer. Technology can help us maintain our independence,  and think about devices such as glucose meters, cell phones, home monitoring, etc. So, let us look at the concerns raised by the focus group of 212 seniors from four provinces in Canada. We will offer ideas on how technology can help with the issues raised.

Maintaining good health and managing illnesses are vital for seniors to remain independent.

1. Telehealth platforms enable seniors to consult with healthcare professionals without leaving their homes. This can help manage chronic conditions and provide quick access to medical advice, reducing the need for hospital visits. Here is a quick link to the best platforms in Canada https://www.syscreations.com/best-telehealth-telemedicine-apps-in-ontario-canada-experts-tips/

2.  Medication Tracker Apps can remind seniors to take their medications on time and track their usage. This helps in managing prescriptions accurately, reducing health risks associated with missed doses. Here is a link to ten of the best apps https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/drugs/medication-tracker-apps/

Mobility issues can severely impact a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Mobility Assistance Devices: Technology such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters can help seniors move around their homes and communities more easily, enhancing their independence.

2. Home Automation Systems: Smart home devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest can control lights, thermostats, and security systems via voice commands, reducing the need for physical movement.

Financial stability is crucial for seniors to maintain their independence.

1. Budgeting Apps: There are many apps out there that claim to help. Rob Berger who is a Contributing Editor for Forbes Advisor, host of the Financial Freedom Show, and the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom has created a list of Apps that can help seniors manage their finances by tracking expenses, creating budgets, and providing financial advice. Here is his link: https://robberger.com/

2. Online Banking Services: Banks offer online services that allow seniors to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer money without needing to visit a branch. Check with your financial institution to get help to go online.

Losing the ability to drive can limit seniors' independence and access to necessary services.

1. Ride-Sharing Apps: Services like Uber and Lyft can provide convenient transportation options for seniors who are no longer able to drive.

2. Grocery Delivery Services: Apps like Instacart can deliver groceries directly to seniors' homes, ensuring they have access to food without needing to travel.

Memory issues and dementia can hinder a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Reminder Apps: Apps like Google Keep or Remember The Milk can set reminders for daily tasks, appointments, and medications, helping seniors keep track of important activities.

2. GPS Tracking Devices: Wearable GPS devices like AngelSense can help caregivers monitor the location of seniors with dementia, ensuring their safety if they wander or get lost.

Finding affordable housing options is a significant concern for many seniors.

1. Housing Search Platforms: Websites like A Place for Mom can help seniors and their families find affordable retirement homes and senior living communities that match their needs and budget.

2. Home-Sharing Apps: Platforms like Silvernest connect seniors with compatible housemates, reducing housing costs and providing companionship.

Seniors often strive to remain independent without relying on others.

1. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Devices like Life Alert allow seniors to call for help in emergencies with the push of a button, providing a safety net without constant assistance from others.

2. Virtual Assistants: Smart speakers with virtual assistants like Alexa can help with daily tasks, answer questions, and provide reminders, supporting independent living.

Safety concerns can impact a senior's ability to live independently.

1. Home Security Systems: Smart security systems like Ring provide video doorbells, cameras, and alarms that can be monitored via smartphone, enhancing home security.

2. Community Alert Apps: Apps like Nextdoor keep seniors informed about local crime and safety alerts, fostering a sense of community and security.

Hearing and vision loss can pose significant challenges to independent living.

1. Hearing Aid Technology: Advanced hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity, such as those from Phonak, improve hearing and can connect to phones and other devices for easier communication.

2. Vision Assistance Apps: Apps like Be My Eyes connect visually impaired seniors with volunteers for assistance with everyday tasks via video call.

Weather/Ice

1. Weather Alert Apps: Apps like The Weather Channel provide real-time weather updates and alerts, helping seniors plan their activities around safe conditions.

2. Home Maintenance Services: Apps like TaskRabbit can connect seniors with local handymen to clear ice and snow, ensuring safe access to their homes.

Losing a partner can impact both emotional well-being and financial stability.

1. Social Connection Apps: Apps like Silvernest can match seniors with housemates, providing companionship and shared living costs.

2. Grief Support Online Communities: Websites like GriefShare offer support groups and resources to help seniors cope with the loss of a partner.

Fear of new experiences can limit a senior's independence and quality of life.

1. Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera offer courses that can help seniors gain new skills and confidence from the safety of their homes.

2. Virtual Reality Experiences: VR technology, such as Oculus, can provide safe and engaging experiences that encourage seniors to try new activities and stay mentally active.

Negative attitudes can affect a senior's self-esteem and independence.

1. Social Networking for Seniors: Platforms like Stitch provide a community for seniors to connect, share experiences, and support each other in maintaining independence.

2. Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the AARP offer resources and advocacy to combat ageism and promote senior independence.