2020 is a year that many of us will never forget. One that often has allowed me the chance to reflect on memories and moments that I shared with family. Specifically I’ve been thinking about my family, my health, and trying my best to keep myself healthy mentally, physically and emotionally. But here’s a gentle reminder that some of us might not think of: for many Canadians, that simply isn’t an option.
You will have seen that recently I partnered with Yogen Früz Brain Project to help raise awareness and funds for the incredible work taken place at Baycrest Foundation right here in Toronto.
As many of us know over the course of COVID-19, the health and wellness of seniors has come under a lot of scrutiny. Amid this all, #TheBrainProject celebrated it’s fifth year of making the lives of seniors in Canada better with their ground breaking research and work.
The project is a public purpose initiative to raise awareness about brain health and critical funding for research at Baycrest for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Now, you’re probably asking – okay Daniel, but what does that have to do with you?
Well, my grandmother suffered from dementia and it actually runs in the family. Many of you know on my Dad’s side heart diseases and cancer are prominent and it’s a reason why when I feel my health is going off track I do my best to focus on my mental and physical well being. Similarly with dementia, staying in good health and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of dementia by 28 per cent.
It’s not something a lot of us give thought to, but as I’m getting older and becoming more aware my body and the issues I may face genetically, I have to be more present and more willing to work to be my healthiest self.
Now, elephant in the room, for those of you who have been following along in this all with me over the past few weeks
The above mentioned workout will be back, but for the time being, I thought it would important to talk about Issues facing Canadian seniors so that you might understand why someone like me, who first hand lived with a family member suffering from dementia, might feel so motivated to share.
“In Canada, more than 564,000 people currently live with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and despite popular belief, it is not a natural or inevitable consequence of aging. Younger Canadians agree dementia is an important health concern to address – an almost equal number of 18-34-year-olds (87%) and 35-54-year-olds (88%), concur. That number rises to 93 per cent for those aged 55+. Meanwhile, women are more likely to consider brain health research more important than men (88% and 80% respectively).
The pandemic has exposed the fissures in society, revealing a deep-rooted need for change. Virtually all respondents agree that COVID-19 has uncovered a greater need to focus on senior healthcare (96%) and to support the most vulnerable among us more generally (93%).”
For those of you who live in Toronto, you’ll have seen those famous brains being on display to help bring awareness to the cause and the charity.
I think what inspired me most to share with you all is that for many of us, we don’t think about what it will be like to be a senior. Or perhaps we don’t give enough time and attention to those who are currently suffering themselves or with family members. It’s important to focus on both the good, but also on how to prevent the bad when possible.
Yogen Früz Brain Project returns for its fifth year
With the generous support of its title sponsor, Yogen Früz, The Baycrest Foundation is once again teaming up with local and global artists and celebrities to launch year five of the Yogen Früz Brain Project. The exhibit of 50 brain sculptures includes a curated look back at some of the inspirational works from the first four years that tie into the themes of brain resilience, memory, neuroplasticity, stigma and protection.
Sculptures are available for purchase with proceeds going to support brain research, patient care, education and innovation at Baycrest, a leader in the field of aging and brain health. Click here to view the 2020 brains.
Websites and tools for you to educate yourself this year.
- The Yogen Früz Brain Project: http://www.brainproject.ca/
- Baycrest Foundation: https://www.baycrestfoundation.org/
- Instagram: @thebrainproject_
- Facebook: @baycrestfoundation
SO, with all that to think about, what can you do? Well. Focus on being physcially active a bit more in your life. Read up on the signs and the ways to prevent dementia for those you love, and finally, donate to causes like Baycrest Foundation to help them change the lives of countless Canadians. It is together that we can make a difference and change this world for the better.
Make sure to follow @thebrainproject_ on Instagram and , and by ‘Liking’ their Facebook Page. Follow and use the #NoBlankBrains #SafeguardingOurSeniors hashtag to share your stories, your experiences and what inspires you to help in the cause alongside us.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands I’m working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. I’d love to have you join on the adventures.
Photos: Daniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
Mobile photos were taken with my Mobile Device of choice on the Rogers network.
*Please note that this may be a sponsored post and promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.