If you’re an average Albertan, you can
expect to live to be at least 81 years old.
That’s a lot of time to work, play, be
active and be part of your world.
This edition of Apple is our second
Care in the Community for Life issue. It’s
filled with advice and resources about
your health as you age.
Health is at the core of aging well,
whether you’re talking about hitting the
gym or trying to eat more vegetables.
Find suggestions on improving your
nutrition on page 52 and improving your
balance on page 14.
And if you’ve decided to downsize,
get tips on handling the stress of a
move—and what to do with all your
stuff—on page 16.
Also in this issue, writer Doug Horner
talks to three Albertans about their
experiences with a family member’s
death. The grief is real.
But what he discovered is that whether
you spend your last days in the hospital,
at home or in a hospice, someone’s final
journey can be dignified, comfortable
and include laughter. Doug’s story starts
on page 22.
Then check out our updated directory
of services on page 56. It features more
than 115 listings for Alberta Health
Services, community and government
programs that can help with everything
from getting home care to snow
removal to writing your will—all things
important to consider at every age. We
can’t help you achieve immortality, but
we can give you the health and wellness
information you need, when you need it
most.|a
Finding care
in our communities
Dr. Ted Braun is AHS’ Vice President and Medical
Director for Central and Southern Alberta. He also
practises palliative medicine in Calgary.
MESSAGE
WRITTEN BY DR. TED BRAUN