The Complete Guide to Healthy Aging After 65: Toronto’s Senior Health Priorities
The Complete Guide to Healthy Aging After 65: Toronto’s Senior Health Priorities
Growing older in Toronto should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Yet many adults over 65 tell us the same story: it’s harder to find a medical clinic that has time to listen, coordinate screenings, and keep health plans on track. At Care&, we believe aging well is about staying independent, preventing problems before they start, and having a trusted team that knows you. This guide shares what matters most for healthy aging in Toronto—and how to put it into action in a way that feels doable.
What you’ll find here:
- • The top health priorities after 65 in Toronto, explained clearly
- • A preventive care checklist aligned with Ontario guidelines
- • Practical strategies for mobility, heart and brain health, nutrition, sleep, and medications
- • How Nurse Practitioner–led primary care supports seniors when finding a family doctor is challenging
- • Resources and next steps you can use today
If you or a loved one are searching for a “medical clinic near me,” wondering whether to try a walk in clinic, or looking for a nurse practitioner in Toronto, this guide was made to help you navigate with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Healthy Aging After 65: What It Really Means
- Toronto’s Top Senior Health Priorities
- Nutrition After 65
- Sleep, Stress, and Resilience
- Winter Readiness in Toronto
- Women’s and Men’s Health Considerations
- Sexual Health and Intimacy
- Navigating Care in Toronto
- Technology That Makes Care Easier
- Family and Caregiver Support
- Community and City Resources
- 30-Day Action Plan
- When to Seek Urgent Care
- Where Care& Fits In Your Health Journey
- FAQ: Healthy Aging in Toronto With Care&
Healthy Aging After 65: What It Really Means
Healthy aging is not about doing more tests for the sake of it. It’s about:
- Function: walking safely, climbing stairs, getting out to see friends
- Prevention: vaccines, screening, and early detection of issues like high blood pressure or diabetes
- Brain and mood: protecting memory, treating anxiety and depression, and staying socially connected
- Clarity with medications: using the lowest effective doses and avoiding drug interactions
- Coordination: ensuring every medical appointment fits into one clear plan
Nurse Practitioners at Care& provide comprehensive primary care—diagnosing and managing common conditions, ordering labs, prescribing most medications, and making referrals—offering an effective alternative to traditional models when “family doctors accepting new patients” are limited in Toronto.
Looking for comprehensive care in Toronto?
Care& offers unlimited appointments with our Nurse Practitioners and continuous coordination of your healthcare.
Toronto’s Top Senior Health Priorities—and What To Do Next
1) Stay Strong, Mobile, and Fall-Proof
Why it matters: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for older adults in Canada. In a city with icy winters and busy sidewalks, strength and balance are essential.
Practical steps:
- Movement targets: Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (e.g., brisk walking), plus 2 days/week of strength training and balance work (Tai Chi, yoga, heel-to-toe walks).
- Home safety: Remove loose rugs, add nightlights, install grab bars and non-slip mats, and ensure proper footwear with good tread.
- Vision and hearing: Annual eye exams are OHIP-covered for Ontarians 65+. Hearing evaluations help with balance and reduce social isolation.
- Medication review: Some medications increase fall risk; schedule a medication review to reduce dizziness or interactions.
How Care& helps:
We offer unrushed appointments focused on fall risk, strength, and independence, and can coordinate bone health testing and community programs in Toronto.
2) Heart Health, Blood Pressure, and Diabetes
Why it matters: Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are common after 65, but complications are preventable with routine monitoring and lifestyle support.
Practical steps:
- Know your numbers: Blood pressure ideally below 130–139/80–89 mmHg depending on your overall risk. A1C targets individualized, often 7–8% for seniors. Cholesterol goals depend on cardiovascular risk.
- Lab schedule: Routine labs every 3–12 months based on your condition. Pair lab visits with your medical appointment to review results.
- Daily habits: Prioritize a Mediterranean-style diet (more plants, fish, olive oil, nuts) and walk daily. Even 10-minute walk breaks add up.
How Care& helps:
Care& provides on-site lab sample collection at our Toronto locations to make testing easier, and unlimited healthcare appointments for close follow-up when changes are needed. App-based reminders and results help you and your care team stay aligned.
3) Brain Health, Mood, and Social Connection
Why it matters: Memory concerns, anxiety, and depression are not “just part of aging”—they are treatable, and early support preserves independence.
Practical steps:
- Brain protectors: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in range; stay physically active; and support sleep.
- Cognitive screening: Brief office-based tools can track changes over time and guide next steps.
- Mental health: Address anxiety and depression with therapy, community supports, and medication when appropriate. Focus on structured routines, exposure to daylight, and social activities.
- Hearing aids: Treating hearing loss is linked to better cognitive outcomes.
How Care& helps:
We provide anxiety treatment and depression support, including counseling and lifestyle strategies, and coordinate specialist referrals when indicated. With our app, family members can help keep appointments and care plans on track.
4) Medications: Keep It Simple, Safe, and Effective
Why it matters: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) increases risks of side effects and falls.
Practical steps:
- Annual medication review: Bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements to one visit.
- Deprescribing: Ask which medications may no longer be needed or could be reduced.
- One pharmacy: Use a single pharmacy when possible to manage interactions.
- Adherence: Use reminders or a blister pack. Care&’s app supports refill reminders and tracking.
How Care& helps:
Our Nurse Practitioners schedule unrushed, on-time medical appointments to review every medication and simplify your regimen. We also coordinate with your pharmacist to keep your plan consistent.
Care& App Feature: Medication Tracking
Keep all your medications in one place with reminders and renewal alerts
Our app helps you manage your medication schedule with:
- Prescription refill reminders
- Medication history for your provider visits
- Dosage tracking and adjustment notes
5) Prevention You Shouldn’t Miss: Ontario Checklist for 65+
Vaccines:
- Influenza: Annually, ideally each fall.
- COVID-19: Booster timing per public health guidance.
- Pneumococcal: Publicly funded PPSV23 (Pneu-P-23) at 65+ in Ontario; discuss timing and whether PCV options are appropriate for you.
- Shingles (Shingrix): Strongly recommended for adults 50+. In Ontario, the two-dose series is publicly funded for ages 65–70. Others can access it by prescription at a pharmacy; check your benefits.
Cancer screening:
- Colon: FIT stool test every 2 years for ages 50–74 via Ontario’s ColonCancerCheck program.
- Breast: Mammogram every 2 years for most women/people with breasts ages 50–74.
- Cervical: Screening typically every 3 years up to age 69 if you have a cervix, transitioning to HPV-based screening as Ontario implements changes.
- Prostate: PSA is not routine for everyone; consider shared decision-making based on risk.
- Lung: Low-dose CT for eligible adults 55–74 with a significant smoking history via the Ontario Lung Screening Program—referral required.
Bone health:
- Risk assessment for osteoporosis; bone density testing (DXA) recommended for many women 65+ and men based on risk.
- Calcium through food first; vitamin D may be recommended based on diet and sun exposure.
Vision, hearing, and oral health:
- Eye exam annually (OHIP-covered 65+).
- Hearing test if you notice changes.
- Dental care every 6–12 months; the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program supports eligible low-income seniors.
How Care& helps:
We coordinate your screening schedule, order tests, and review results in one place. Our on-premise lab sample collection streamlines blood work, and our app keeps requisitions and results organized.
Need help coordinating all your preventive care?
Our Nurse Practitioners can create a personalized prevention plan and help you stay on track.
Nutrition After 65: Fuel for Strength, Immunity, and Mood
Small nutrition changes can have big effects on energy, mobility, and metabolic health.
Practical steps:
- Protein at each meal: Aim for 20–30 g per meal (e.g., eggs, Greek yogurt, legumes, fish, tofu, poultry).
- Fibre and gut health: Include vegetables, berries, oats, beans, and seeds. Fibre helps cholesterol, blood sugar, and bowel regularity.
- Hydration: Adults often under-drink; schedule water throughout the day and consider soups, fruits, and herbal teas.
- Heart-smart fats: Use olive oil and nuts; choose fish 2–3 times weekly.
- Sodium: Watch hidden salt in processed foods; flavour with herbs and citrus.
How Care& helps:
We offer nutrition counseling that aligns with diabetes, heart, and bone health goals—and provide easy ways to track progress through our app.
Care& App Feature: Health Metrics Tracking
Track your health progress between appointments
Monitor important health metrics in our app:
- Blood pressure readings
- Weight and BMI trends
- Blood glucose levels
- Sleep quality tracking
Sleep, Stress, and Resilience
Quality sleep supports memory, immunity, and mood.
Practical steps:
- Sleep routine: Consistent sleep and wake times; limit screens 1 hour before bed; keep the bedroom cool and dark.
- Daylight and movement: Morning light and a daytime walk regulate circadian rhythm.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Cut caffeine after noon; limit alcohol, which fragments sleep.
- Anxiety tools: Breathing exercises, brief mindfulness, and enjoyable routines before bed.
Care& offers evidence-based anxiety treatment and sleep coaching approaches within primary care, and we can refer to specialists if red flags (e.g., sleep apnea) are present.
Winter Readiness in Toronto
Footwear & Safety
Ice-grip attachments and proper boots reduce slips.
Home Preparation
Stock medications and non-perishables; keep a hydration plan even in cold weather.
Vitamin D
Discuss supplementation during low-sun months.
Activity Plan
Mall walking groups or community centres keep movement safe in icy weather.
Need help creating a winter safety plan?
Our Nurse Practitioners can help you prepare for Toronto winters with personalized guidance.
Women’s and Men’s Health Considerations After 65
Women’s health:
Post-menopausal bone health, pelvic floor support, urinary symptoms, and sexual wellness remain highly treatable.
Breast health: Continue screening as recommended; report any changes.
Men’s health:
Cardiovascular risk, erectile concerns, urinary symptoms, and sleep issues are common and manageable.
Care& integrates women’s health and men’s health into personalized plans for older adults, ensuring comfort, privacy, and practical next steps.
Sexual Health and Intimacy
Intimacy is a meaningful part of well-being at every age. If you are sexually active with new or multiple partners, routine STI screening remains important. Care& provides confidential testing, guidance, and treatment, and ensures conversations remain respectful and judgment-free.
Technology That Makes Care Easier
Staying on top of multiple conditions is simpler with the right tools:
Telehealth services and telemedicine
Secure video or phone visits reduce travel and keep care consistent, especially in winter.
Virtual appointment prep
A medication list, home blood pressure readings, and any home glucose logs help your Nurse Practitioner tailor next steps.
App support
Care&’s mobile app centralizes bookings, lab results, medication reminders, refill requests, and care plans—ideal if family members help manage care. As a medical app in Toronto, it enables continuity whether you’re at home, travelling, or visiting family.
Care& App Feature: Health Records Access
All your medical information in one secure place
Access your healthcare information anytime:
- Lab results and imaging reports
- Appointment summaries and treatment plans
- Medication list and history
- Secure messaging with your care team
Family and Caregiver Support
Caregivers often coordinate appointments, medications, and home safety while juggling work and family. At Care&, we:
- Offer flexible virtual and in-person options at our Yorkville medical clinic and our Lawrence Park medical clinic
- Enable caregivers to review records and support plans through our app
- Provide clear care summaries after each visit so everyone knows the plan
For employers:
Many employees are caregivers to aging parents. Care& supports workplace wellness with corporate health services and employee healthcare solutions—reducing time away from work for medical errands and helping families stay healthy.
Community and City Resources
Health811 (Ontario)
Call 811 for health advice 24/7 from a registered nurse.
Home and community care
Local programs can support fall prevention, home physiotherapy, and caregiver respite.
Public Health
Seasonal vaccine clinics and safety updates.
Transit and mobility
TTC accessibility features and community transport options can reduce isolation.
Care& can help you navigate these resources so your plan is realistic and local.
A 30-Day Action Plan to Kickstart Healthy Aging
Week 1: Foundations
- Book your preventive care visit. Bring your medication list and any home readings.
- Schedule an eye exam if due; arrange a hearing check if you’ve noticed changes.
- Begin a 10-minute daily walk and add 2 simple strength moves (sit-to-stand from a chair, wall push-ups).
Week 2: Screenings and Safety
- Complete any FIT, blood work, or imaging requisitions your provider ordered.
- Do a home safety scan: remove trip hazards, add nightlights, install grab bars.
- Add balanced breakfasts with protein (e.g., Greek yogurt with berries and oats).
Week 3: Heart and Brain Health
- Increase walking to 15–20 minutes most days; try a balance exercise.
- Review sleep routine: consistent bedtime, limit screens, reduce caffeine.
- Add vegetables to two meals/day; swap butter for olive oil.
Week 4: Medication and Mood Check
- Complete a medication review if not already done.
- Plan 2 social activities—call a friend, attend a community class, visit a library program.
- Track energy, sleep, and mood in a simple log; discuss with your provider.
If you’re struggling to find a provider in Toronto who has time to fully address your concerns, Care& Family Health offers unrushed, continuous care with Nurse Practitioners who can coordinate your screenings, optimize medications, and support your daily health goals. We are an appointment-based medical clinic designed as a thoughtful alternative to traditional walk-in clinics.
Ready to start your 30-day healthy aging plan?
Our Nurse Practitioners can help you create a personalized roadmap for better health.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience:
New chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), new confusion with fever, or a fall with suspected fracture or head injury.
For non-urgent concerns, book an appointment with your primary care provider. Care& typically offers same or next-day availability when you pre-book, including virtual options.
Where Care& Fits In Your Toronto Health Journey
Care& is a modern, Nurse Practitioner–led medical clinic in Toronto serving older adults and families who value continuity and convenience. Whether you visit our Care& Yorkville location or our Care& Lawrence Park site, you’ll find:
- Comprehensive primary care with Nurse Practitioners
- Unlimited healthcare appointments in our membership model
- On-time medical appointments designed to minimize waiting
- On-site lab sample collection and streamlined follow-up
- A secure app for booking, records, and medication support
- Virtual care through telemedicine when you prefer to be seen from home
For those managing chronic conditions, having unlimited access to healthcare guidance can make a meaningful difference. Care&’s membership includes unlimited in-person and virtual appointments to support your ongoing journey.
If you’re between providers and searching for “medical clinics” or “family doctor near me,” consider a Nurse Practitioner Toronto option that delivers comprehensive, relationship-based care—an effective alternative to a family doctor model when access is limited.
Less Wait Time, More Face Time
Experience healthcare designed around your needs with our Nurse Practitioners.
+1-647-951-4770
helpdesk@careand.ca
www.careand.ca
FAQ: Healthy Aging in Toronto With Care&
If you’re ready to make a clear, personalized plan for healthy aging—without rushed visits or fragmented care—Care& is here to help. Book a medical appointment with our Nurse Practitioners in Yorkville or Lawrence Park to get started with a prevention-first, connected approach that supports your health goals all year long.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. The information provided is general in nature and may not apply to individual circumstances.
