Zoomer Week In Review

We use the web to look up everything from recipes, to news and health. But a new study out of Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences found that googling the side effects of prescription drugs can actually trigger those symptoms. Libby talks with the study’s lead author Dr. Baiju Shah. And – Toronto just witnessed an outpouring of kindness following the recent horrific van attack. Empathy and kindness are explored in The Power of Kindness, a new book by veteran emergency room doctor Brian Goldman. After a patient’s family called him out for being unkind, he went on a quest to find his lost compassion and the most empathetic people on the planet. He joins Libby in studio to talk about what he learned.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Toronto is grieving and trying to recover from the recent devastating van attack that left 10 dead and 16 injured. How we process grief and post traumatic stress is different for everyone. Bob talks with traumatic stress expert Dr. Anna Baranowsky. AND – CARP wants to make pension protection an election issue both provincially and federally. The advocacy group is rolling out a campaign soon, with the full support of its members. Bob talks with Marissa Semkiw, CARP’s Director of Policy and Government Relations.

Zoomers are well-practiced in filing income tax returns, but this year there are a lot of changes to remember, especially in the areas of care-giving and medical and disability claims. Libby gets all the details from Evelyn Jacks, who has written over 53 books for consumers on tax and wealth. And – Over 12 million Canadians do volunteer work and expect nothing in return. Zoomers who volunteer will tell you, they receive more than they give in rewards. Libby talks to Paula Spivak, President of Volunteer Canada, about who volunteers and why.

It’s being called the Logan Boulet effect. The Humboldt Broncos defenceman signed his organ donation card when he turned 21 just a few weeks ago. Tragically, he was among the 16 killed in the horrific crash last week in Saskatchewan. But his decision has inspired others, and there’s been a huge increase in the number of Canadians signing up as organ donors. Libby talks about it with Ronnie Gavsie from Trillium Gift of Life. And – This week Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award from Canada’s 100 best restaurants – a publication that lists the best in the industry.She is a pioneer of the vibrant food scene in Toronto and across the country. A perennial presence on food television and the owner owner of Ruby Watchco, She came to the Zoomerplex to talk to Libby about the award and new directions food.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. 25 thousand new cases of Alzheimer’s disease are diagnosed every year in Canada. Doctors and researchers on the front lines are doing everything to reverse this alarming stat including a new cheek swab test now being used here in Toronto. Bob speaks to Dr. Sharon Cohen, Medical Director of the Toronto Memory Program, about potential breakthroughs in treatments. And – When Gord Downie died last October, the nation mourned. Some have called ‘The Tragically Hip’ the most Canadian rock band ever. Bob talks with author Michael Barclay about his new biography, “The Never-Ending Present” on Gord Downie and his band of brothers.

We introduce a new member of the CARP family. Laura Tamblyn Watts is the group’s first National Director of Law and Policy Research. Libby talks to her about what she hopes to do for you! And – At 100, Orville Rogers is literally running into the record books. The century-old sprinter set five world track records last week and he’s not stopping there. He joins Libby to talk about his achievement and his ambitions.

Finally, it’s officially spring…a time for renewal. What better place to start than with the largest organ on your body..your skin. Libby talks to dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki about her new book Beyond Soap, and why we need a skin care diet. And – A sure rite of spring is the perennial “spring cleaning.” But who likes to clean…it can be overwhelming and not very fun! Libby talks to cleaning guru Melissa Maker, who shares some of her favourite tips to make it easy!

Have you thought about planning your funeral? More Zoomers are turning their attention to the inevitable and like everything else they are changing the way it’s done. Libby talks to David Garvie from Ogden Funeral Home to get his take. And – Have you ever been called “over the hill” or “of a certain age”, or maybe someone referred to you as a little old lady or a grumpy old man. Libby talks to AARP’s Amanda Duarte about her new article that focuses on ageist language and what to do about it.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. It’s a sure sign that spring is on the way! Daylight Saving Time is here. We’ve changed our clocks ahead an hour to gain sunlight, but how does that 60 minutes affect our internal clocks? Bob finds out from Dr. Colleen Carney, the director of the Sleep and Depression Lab at Ryerson. Plus – March is nutrition month and food in senior living centres has come a long way from the days of meat and potatoes for dinner. Bob talks to Chef Gary McBlain, from Amica Mature Lifestyles, about the changes he’s seen in the menus and dining options for residents.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. The 90th Academy Awards this week. The much sought after gold statuettes will be awarded to those who have achieved the very best in filmmaking from 2017 – and it’s no surprise there are quite a number of Zoomer nominees in the running. Bob talks to Zoomer Magazine’s Mike Crisolago to give the Zoomer perspective. And – It’s a technological milestone! Canada’s first Humanoid Robot “Pepper” has taken up residency at Toronto’s Humber River Hospital. Bob talks to Vanessa Burkowski, Chief of Nursing Executive at the hospital to find out about what “Pepper” can do for patients.

Christine Ross fills in for Libby Znaimer. Billy Graham reached millions through his ministry on TV and Radio, but he also had a strong connection to Canada. Fred Weiss was just 12 when he first heard Reverend Graham speak in Calgary. He calls the experience transformative. Fred is now the executive director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada. Christine talks to him about the impact that Bill Graham had on him and many others. Plus – We’re living longer..and that’s playing a huge role in how and when we retire. The traditional 65 age is being pushed up as zoomers continue working well past that age, either by choice or financial need. Christine speaks with ZoomerMedia’s David Cravit to get his perspective on the issue.

It is the place where life and death hang in the balance – one Toronto doctor splits his time between a cutting edge Emergency Ward here and a rudimentary operation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Libby talks to Dr. James Maskalyk about his experiences and his new book:”Life on the Ground Floor. Letters from the Edge of Emergency Medicine.” Plus – March Break is around the corner and there is a new trend in inter-generational vacations. It’s called “skip gen”. Libby talks to Zoomer Magazine’s Vivian Vassos to get the details.

February is heart and stroke month. Did you know a woman dies of heart disease in Canada every 20 minutes? And early signs of heart attack in women are missed 78 percent of the time? Libby finds out more from Professor Sherry Grace, who authored a new study that blames gender bias in healthcare. Plus – Gardening can play a huge role in healthy aging. And with thoughts soon turning to spring, Libby talks with Zoomer Radio’s Charlie Dobbin about Ageless Gardens, a new VisionTV series that celebrates gardens and the gardeners behind them.

Best-selling author and historian Niall Ferguson has a knack for taking the long view of events shaping our world. His new book argues that networks like Facebook are nothing new and have always been a force for change. He joins Libby to talk about it Plus – Today is World Cancer Day, and the focus is on survivors. There are more and more every year, but also an increasing number of people who suffer lasting side effects – including one that is just being recognized: PTSD. Libby speaks with Dr. Gary Rodin of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Ontario residents were shocked rocked by Patrick Brown’s resignation as head of the Ontario PC party after receiving allegations of sexual misconduct. He’s just one of the politicians forced out for that reason. Libby talks to crisis communications expert Allan Bonner to get his take. Plus – It’s been recognized as an epidemic as real as diabetes or opioid addiction. Recently, British Prime Minister Teresa May appointed a Minister for Loneliness to tackle the scourge of social isolation. Libby talks to CARP’s VP advocacy Wanda Morris to get her perspective.

Three years ago, author John Leland started following the lives of 6 New Yorkers over 85. What emerged were stories focusing NOT on declining health, but rather on the things they can still do that are rewarding. He has put what he learned into his new book “Happiness Is a Choice You Make” and he joined Libby to talk about it. Plus – Are you ready for self driving cars? Or looking to buy the latest luxury vehicle on the market? With the Detroit Auto Show underway, Libby talks to car consultant Denis Desrosiers about the latest automotive trends for the Zoomer demographic.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. The number of divorces among baby boomers in long term marriages represented close to half of all divorces in Canada ten years ago. Bob talks to Toronto lawyer Rick Pettica, to learn more about the so-called “Grey Divorce” and why the number tends to rise in January. Plus – Like something from science fiction, inventors are creating robots to be partnered with seniors to help improve social and physical well being. US based science writer Gene Demaitre has just returned from the annual electronics show in Las Vegas and joins Bob to share what he’s seen.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Do you plan to downsize and sell your home this year? Bob talks to Royal LePage real estate specialist Rick Pecman to get some tips on the current housing and condo market. Plus – It’s Alzheimer’s awareness month. And a staggering half-million Canadians are currently living with dementia and that number is expected to soar with an aging population. Bob talks to Baycrest’s Head of Neurology, Dr. Morris Freedman to get an update about the disease, and to find about his recent research project.

It’s time again for New Years resolutions and 96 year old Hazel Mccallion, former Mayor of Mississauga, recommends thinking BIG when setting goals. Plus, we wrap up 2017 with our year end Zoomer Panel.

The holiday season is meant to be an uplifting time of year surrounded by family and friends. But it can be emotionally challenging and lonely for seniors, especially those with specialized and complex needs. Toronto home care agency Circle of Care, part of Sinai Health System provides support for people who are isolated. To find out how to make a difference, not just at Christmas but year round, Libby speaks with Carey Lucki, the CEO of the Circle of Care. Plus – What will you serve at your Christmas holiday feast? As consumers, we are apparently becoming increasingly mindful about our food choices. Libby talks to nutrition expert Shannon Crocker about our changing eating habits and emerging trends