Independent Living

Spirituality is defined and practiced differently from generation to generation. As a group, the baby boomer generation is one of the largest segments of the population. As this group grows older, so do the ongoing problems like depression, grief, and loneliness.   As we age, a spiritual connection may become stronger. It’s a connection to … Continue reading “Enhancing independent senior living in retirement communities with spiritual life services: An Interview with Rev. Howard West”

The holiday season is in full swing and our residents are enjoying the season. Each year, residents and co-workers come together to decorate our campuses throughout our retirement living and assisted living communities, for the excitement and enjoyment of all.   Recently, we sat down with a number of our residents across our various Country … Continue reading “Senior living residents share their fondest memories of wintertime”

Mom and Dad haven’t been the same for some time. As their kids grew older and moved hours away, and they sold their family business, many of the joys of conversation and socialization were lost. They now watch hours upon hours of television—Mom occasionally works on some of her favorite pastimes, like crafting and sewing. … Continue reading “The joy of conversation and socialization and their importance for seniors”

It’s inevitable—as we get older, our health begins to change. We often spend our lives focused on caring for those around us, but it’s equally important to care for ourselves, too. Luckily, older Americans are remaining more active and fit longer, engaging in a wider variety of exercises than generations before them. Increased activity and … Continue reading “For American Diabetes Month, learn about potential warning signs and treatment for seniors with type 2 diabetes”

November is not only the month of giving thanks and enjoying the last of fall foliage, but it’s also Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. This month, the Country Meadows assisted living team wanted to celebrate the people who selflessly give to those closest to them. More than 40 million Americans act … Continue reading “Caregiving tips for families whose loved ones have dementia from our assisted living facility experts”

We all can take steps to reduce stress in our lives, but doing so takes time and effort. At any age, and no matter how busy our schedule, we can assume some control over our stress levels by learning ways to relax. Doing so in retirement allows us to better enjoy our independent living lifestyle. … Continue reading “10 relaxation techniques for more stress-free independent living”

Retirement communities in Pennsylvania vary in their policies regarding pets, but here at Country Meadows we believe that animals provide a significant contribution to emotional therapy and welcome them. We feel that the benefits of keeping animals as companions on our senior independent living campuses in all levels of care are worth the extra costs. … Continue reading “Four-legged friends offer companionship to senior independent living residents”

People who retain their vision, hearing and physical reflexes are driving today at ages beyond those of previous generations. But no matter how long you have been driving, you’re never too old to heed advice for safe driving. Follow these tips for safe driving (with input from the Mayo Clinic and HelpGuide.org): Stay physically active … Continue reading “Safety on the road makes for healthier, happier senior independent living”

Ben Franklin knew a bit about organization and time management—at least, his words suggest as much. He said, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” He also said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” We think both are good advice. Many seniors could benefit from heeding these wise words … Continue reading “Financial recordkeeping (done right) can simplify senior living”

I don’t recall exactly when I learned about the five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, but I often refer to them as I go through the day. Recently I became aware of the many beautiful sights connected to Country Meadows. As I approached the main building at the York South campus, I … Continue reading “Focusing on sense of sight opened my eyes to my campus…places and people”

This message may not be adorned with lace or ribbons, nor set within a big, red heart, but it is sent with love from us to you and all seniors—consider it our valentine to you! Here at Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Valentine’s Day prompts thoughts of healthy hearts during National Heart Month. We want our … Continue reading “Active senior living helps maintain heart health and prevent disability”

Though your formal education might have culminated with high school, college or graduate school, none of those marked the end of your learning. As you progressed through young adulthood and middle age, you continued to learn about people, places, current events and so much more. In your senior years, ongoing learning remains as important as … Continue reading “Pursuit of lifelong learning is an asset to active senior living”

Resident shares her experience as a new resident, learns how to make new friends Once I was all moved in and could breathe again, I toured Country Meadows so I’d know where things were and how I could get from one place to another without getting lost. I tried in vain to figure out why … Continue reading “Finding my way around my new digs, and a new lifestyle”

Bocce, in one form or another, has been played as far back as the Roman Empire, and possibly earlier. Two millennia later, it is still tremendously popular with some residents at the Lehigh Valley campuses of Country Meadows Retirement Communities. And yes, it really can get intense at times. Brenda Kennedy, community life and fitness … Continue reading “Bocce promotes active senior living at Country Meadows Retirement Communities”

The day I had long waited for finally arrived. It was a hot August day, and the movers arrived early in the morning before the real heat of the day came. I was amazed at how efficient the four men were as they traveled from room to room, carrying the furniture from the house. Not … Continue reading “The night the movers left me at Country Meadows I discovered good food, nice neighbors and tons of amenities”

 From the time we’re children, most of us enjoy competing with others in games, contests and sporting events. We may gravitate away from competition as we get older, but many seniors continue to enjoy golf outings or card games with friends. Most competition is physically and psychologically healthy because it motivates us to perform at … Continue reading “Social activities at top retirement communities offer friendly competition and fun”

Many Americans don’t have an accurate image of older adults or the experience of senior living. They may readily accept fictional portrayals of seniors on TV or in movies as fact. Or, maybe they have known just a few older persons and base their perceptions on those alone. In reality, retirees today are defying stereotypes … Continue reading “Seven myths about modern retirees and the senior living experience”

If you have decided that retirement community living could meet your needs or those of a loved one, you have several options to consider. You may even feel a bit overwhelmed by your choices and concerned about making the right one. Seeking recommendations from friends or relatives is fine, but your priorities may be different … Continue reading “What should you look for in a retirement community?”

The headline of a New York Times article in August 2017 summarized the dilemma perfectly: “Aging parents with lots of stuff, and children who don’t want it.” As older parents retire and choose to downsize by moving into a smaller home, a senior apartment or a retirement community, they may discover that they and younger … Continue reading “Seniors downsize and wonder, “What do we do with all this stuff?””

More than 800,000 Pennsylvanians and 400,000 Marylanders are military veterans, and over half are age 65 and older. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs lists many of them as serving in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the Persian Gulf War. With countless senior veterans now living in retirement homes, it’s … Continue reading “Veterans Day: Honoring seniors living in Pennsylvania and Maryland who served our country”