Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada. This is an important holiday with cultural, historical, and social significance. It serves as a time for Canadians to express gratitude and appreciate the blessings in their lives.

Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to the 16th century when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony to give thanks for surviving his journey to the New World. Over time, it evolved to include celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is linked to the harvest season. Early settlers in Canada celebrated successful harvests with feasts to mark the end of the farming season and prepare for the long winter ahead.

Thanksgiving reflects key values such as gratitude, community, and appreciation for nature. These are deeply embedded in Canadian culture, and the holiday fosters a sense of national identity and unity. But Thanksgiving also starts a flurry of celebrations of not only thanks but of hijinks for Canadians. 

We may not think about this, but there is a link between the holiday of Thanksgiving and the greeting of ghosts and goblins at your door on October 31. While Thanksgiving and Halloween are distinct holidays with different historical and cultural roots, there are several interesting links and influences between the two traditions that we don’t think about or perhaps even realize.

One of the most noteworthy links is the tradition of masking and dressing up, which has a shared history between the two holidays. Historically, Thanksgiving in the United States had a tradition of "masking" or "mumming," where children would dress up in costumes and go from door to door, often seeking treats or engaging in playful pranks. This tradition was adopted by Canadians and predates the modern practice of trick-or-treating associated with Halloween.

Tad Tuleja, a folklorist, argues that Thanksgiving masking is a "missing link" between European traditions and American Halloween. He suggests that the practice of dressing up and going door-to-door during Thanksgiving was later adopted and adapted into the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating in the 1930s.

The evolution of Halloween traditions has also been influenced by other holidays, including Thanksgiving. As Halloween became more commercialized and widespread, it absorbed elements from various cultural and seasonal celebrations. For instance, dressing up in costumes, once a part of Thanksgiving celebrations, became a central aspect of Halloween.

Fall is both the beginning of the end of the season and the start of the rebirth of the seasons. Our fall celebrations of Thanksgiving and Halloween contribute to the festive and celebratory atmosphere of the fall season. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of this festive period, emphasizing family gatherings, traditional meals, and expressions of gratitude. Halloween, occurring later in the season, continues this spirit of celebration, focusing on costumes, decorations, and community events. This sequential celebration creates a prolonged period of festive activity, with each holiday building on the excitement and communal spirit of the previous one.

The link between the celebration of Thanksgiving and Halloween is rooted in historical traditions, cultural influences, and the shared festive spirit of the fall season. The historical practice of masking and dressing up during Thanksgiving has contributed to the modern trick-or-treating tradition of Halloween. Both holidays play significant roles in shaping the seasonal celebrations and communal activities that define the autumn and early winter months.

Exercise to combat ageing 2

There are many ways to exercise to stay in shape, here are a few more:

5. Dancing

Dancing is a fun and social way to stay physically active. Whether it’s ballroom dancing, line dancing, or even just moving to your favorite tunes in your living room, dancing improves cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination. It’s also a great way to lift your spirits and connect with others. Many of us find joy in attending dance classes which offer a great combination of exercise and social engagement.

6. Nordic Walking

Do you want to take walking to the next level, Nordic walking, which involves walking with specially designed poles, provides an excellent full-body workout. The poles help engage the upper body, improving posture and reducing strain on the lower joints, like the knees and hips. Nordic walking is known to enhance cardiovascular fitness, balance, and overall muscle tone. It can be done in parks or even on urban paths, and the poles provide additional stability.

7. Pilates

Pilates focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and balance through controlled movements and stretches. While it’s often done on the floor using a mat, many Pilates exercises can be modified, with some classes offering routines that are done using resistance bands or light weights. These exercises help improve posture, muscle tone, and overall stability, making Pilates a great way to stay limber and strong as you age.

8. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Although not traditionally considered a form of exercise, regular stretching is crucial for maintaining flexibility and preventing stiffness, especially as we age. Simple daily stretches can improve range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, and make everyday activities like reaching, bending, or standing more comfortable. There are many gentle stretching routines available online or through senior-focused fitness programs that focus on areas such as the shoulders, hips, and back.

Incorporating a variety of these activities into your routine can make exercise enjoyable and sustainable. Whether it's walking, swimming, or taking up a new practice like Tai Chi or chair yoga, the important thing is to stay consistent. Regular movement not only helps maintain physical health but also boosts mental well-being, making it easier to stay engaged and active in your everyday life.

Exercise to help combat ageing 1

Yesterday I wrote that we can't control the natural aging process, there’s a lot we can do to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. In the post I mentioned walking because it is one of my favourite activities, I think it is a fantastic, low-impact exercise that offers numerous health benefits. However, as a friend of mine pointed out there are other equally effective options that can help maintain physical health, improve mobility, and boost energy. These exercises are gentle on the joints and can be adapted to different fitness levels, making them ideal for those of us looking to stay active to fight ageing.

1. Swimming and Water Aerobics

Swimming is often referred to as a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints, making it perfect for those like me who have arthritis or joint pain. The buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on your body, while still providing resistance that helps build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Check with your local pool to see what water aerobics classes they have that will suit you. Some are designed to help improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and balance. At our centre, they do this and are also fun and social!

2. Cycling (Stationary or Outdoor)

My brother cycles using a stationary bike, but you can also use a bike outdoors, which is a great low-impact exercise. Cycling is easier on the knees and hips than running, while still providing a good cardio workout. Cycling improves leg strength, balance, and stamina. A stationary bike at home or at the gym allows for controlled intensity and removes the risk of falls. Outdoor cycling adds the benefit of fresh air and scenery, further boosting mood and mental health.

3. Tai Chi

I had a friend who was into Tai Chi. For those who don’t know, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that involves slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing. It’s known for improving balance, flexibility, and muscle strength while reducing stress. Tai Chi is particularly beneficial because it helps improve stability and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. The gentle, flowing movements make it an ideal exercise for those who may have mobility issues or joint pain. Many community centers and senior groups offer Tai Chi classes. Check to see if there is one available to suit your needs.

4. Chair Yoga

From time to time, I have difficulty standing for long periods and I have friends who have limited mobility.  Chair yoga is an excellent option for those of us who have these problems. Chair yoga involves modified poses that can be done while seated or using a chair for support. This type of yoga promotes flexibility, balance, and muscle strength while being very gentle on the body. It’s also great for mental relaxation, reducing anxiety and improving overall emotional well-being. Chair yoga sessions are usually found at your community centers or are widely available online

Ageing comes in Spurts 2

 Yesterday I wrote that we can't control the natural aging process, there’s a lot we can do to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. The key is to focus on what we can manage: our habits, routines, and mindset. Here are a few practical strategies to help you stay active, energized, and resilient.

Engage in regular physical activity as one of the best ways to maintain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Whether it's walking, swimming, or yoga, find an activity you enjoy. For example, walking 30 minutes a day can improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Many seniors have also found joy and health benefits in tai chi or chair yoga, which offer gentle but effective ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

A healthy diet plays a role in managing energy levels, weight, and overall well-being. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals can make a difference. For example, adding leafy greens and berries to your diet has been shown to improve brain health, which is important as we age. Reducing processed foods and sugary snacks can also help maintain steady energy and prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Isolation can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. Make time to connect with friends, family, or join community groups. Many of us benefit from participating in clubs, taking classes, or volunteering. For example, joining a local gardening group or taking part in a book club can provide a sense of community and purpose, reducing feelings of loneliness and boosting emotional well-being.

Just as physical exercise is important, mental stimulation is crucial for healthy aging. My wife and I and many of our friends play Wordle and other mind games to keep our minds active. Engaging in brain-challenging activities like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill helps keep the mind sharp. For instance, many of my friends have taken up new hobbies such as painting, knitting, or even learning a new language. Theseactivities bring joy but help maintain cognitive function.

We need time to recover and regenerate as I found out after my heart problems. I make sure that I get enough sleep, and I am learning to incorporate relaxation techniques into my daily routine. I have friends who swear by like meditation, deep breathing exercises. For myself I simply taking a moment each day to unwind to help me reduce stress. Studies have shown that those of us who practice mindfulness report lower levels of stress and anxiety, which are crucial for maintaining a positive outlook.

Being proactive about health care is key to managing age-related changes. Regular check-ups with your doctor allow you to catch any potential health issues early. In my area there is a severe shortage of family doctors, so it is difficult but not impossible to maintain regular checkups. For example, I had a screenings for cardiovascular health, which showed some problems and so I was able to get them fixed. Other screenings such as bone density, and hearing or vision problems can help prevent more serious complications down the road. Staying on top of vaccinations, like those for flu or pneumonia, also helps protect your immune system as it becomes more vulnerable with age.

By incorporating these simple habits into daily life, we can manage the natural changes that come with ageing. The idea is not just to add years to your life, but to add life to your years, ensuring that you remain as vibrant, active, and engaged as possible.