Stimulate Conversation & Challenge Your Knowledge
On this page you will find activities that stimulate conversation with your family and quizzes that challenge your knowledge.
Our readers told us that they appreciated these tools as conversation starters to help their families make decisions that were best for their unique situations.
As with all the information you will find on this website, you are welcome to use these quizzes and activities for your own use, and to share with others: family, friends, and co-workers.
Ageism: Check Your Attitude
Chapter One of our book describes how ageism and stereotypes about aging can be harmful. Interesting facts about Canadian seniors are presented. The chapter closes with practical tips for preventing the harmful effects of ageism. You can read the excerpts from this chapter in the Articles.
If you want to challenge yourself with a quiz about myths and stereotypes, click on the link below.
We have opinions about what behaviours are appropriate at certain ages. These are called “age norms.”
The following activity helps you to think about your perceptions about older persons, and growing older yourself. Click on the link below.
Roadmap to Healthy Aging
Chapter Two describes some factors that affect normal aging, and what you can do, at any age, to promote health and life satisfaction in your later years.
These activities relate to the article, Your Roadmap to Healthy Aging (see Articles).
The following activities can stimulate conversation with your aging parents and also help you to assess ways that you are preparing for your own aging.
Seniors are the heaviest users of prescription medicines in Canada. In addition, many take over-the-counter medications.
Use this checklist to learn more about many actions that individuals can take to increase the safety and reduce the risks of taking drugs. Checklist: Medication Safety
As parents age and their adult children become more involved in support and/or care, communications becomes very important. This chapter explores common problems and provides tips to make tough conversations – easier.
The following checklists help you (and your family) to get to know each other, to look at strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on your communication style.
- Get to Know the Generations
- Know your Family’s Strengths and Weaknesses
- Reflect on your Family’s Communication Style
Just-in-time Planning Guide
As you take on more care/support for an aging parent, you will want to keep records of important contacts. Use our guide to help you.
Just-in-time Planning Guide
Know when Parents Need Help
You may have noticed a change in your parents that creates a worry. A father who was always neatly dressed seems to be wearing the same clothes repeatedly, and may go several days before he shaves. A mother, who always took such pride in having food enough to feed an army, tells the grandkids to go buy some treats at the local convenience store because her pantry is empty.
Use this Checklist to identify changes that concern you. Then have a conversation — with your parents and/or your family.
Evaluate Private Health Care Providers
Seniors are likely to use health care in many settings; hospital, long term care and home/community care. Some services are offered by private providers. This checklist helps you to assess and select the best provider for your family’s needs.