A Program that aims to mitigate the risks of dementia through healthy eating
In Canada, more than half a million persons live with dementia and it is predicted that this number will rise to nearly 1 million by 2033. This is an unsustainable trend.
The number of new diagnoses can be potentially reduced through public education and lifestyle changes that mitigate the 12 modifiable risks of dementia.
A growing body of research identifies 12 potentially modifiable risk factors.
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Air pollution
- Head injury
- Infrequent social contact
- Less education
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Hearing impairment
If all these risk factors could be modified, up to 40% of cases of dementia could be delayed or prevented. It is noted that most of the risk factors can be managed by proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Mindful Eating. Healthy Minds. encourages healthy eating and social interaction
Starting in June 2023, Hope for Dementia in partnership with People Before Patients and St. Laurent Volunteer and Community Centre (ABC Centre) will launch the Mindful Eating. Healthy Minds. Program, which consists of a series of healthy eating activities for seventy-five seniors.
Participants will be assigned to a group of 3 persons and they will be guided through program activities by a peer volunteer.
- Participate in a workshop on mindful, healthy eating.
- Receive educational material, including delicious, easy-to-prepare meals.
- Enjoy healthy meals prepared with new friends.
- Receive food baskets filled with good food.
Participants must –
- Be 65 years and older and live in St. Laurent
- Be willing to welcome 3 people to their home to prepare a meal one time during the program.
- Must commit to participate in all the activities of the program from June – December 2023.
This program is free of charge and participants must register to participate. Register now as spaces are limited to 75 seniors.
Twenty-five peer volunteers are needed to help coordinate the activities. Five volunteers are needed to pack food baskets. This is a non-remunerated volunteering activity, with a travel allowance.
Peer volunteers will accompany seniors to one workshop on interesting ways of preparing brain healthy meals as well as how to eat mindfully.
The volunteers will organize with the seniors, the preparation of one meal in each of the seniors’ homes for a group meal. There will be 3 group meals during the project.
In the months when there is no group meal, volunteers will deliver a food basket to each of the seniors in the group.
Volunteers must –
- Commit to lead a group of 3 participants throughout the program from June – December 2023.
- Provide 3 hours of service/month for group meals and basket delivery.
- Participate in a training session.
This program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program and a generous grant from the Gloria Baylis Foundation.
