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For some children, losing a grandparent is their first experience with grief. Understandably, the loss of someone close can leave them feeling sad, anxious, confused or upset. While adults are busy dealing with funeral preparations and other arrangements, they should be sure to attend to children’s needs, too. Their grief is often different from that … Continue reading “Beyond the retirement home: We have resources to help children deal with grief”

Does a laugh a day keep the doctor away? While we can’t promise that, we can confidently say that laughter is definitely good for the body, mind and spirit. That’s why it’s often referred to as “the best medicine.” “I love people who make me laugh,” said actress Audrey Hepburn. “I honestly think it’s the … Continue reading “Laughter—a common sight and sound at the best retirement communities”

We’ve had unusual seasons–a lot of rain, snow, cold and too little sun to suit me. I’ve spent many days in my apartment sorting out my files and organizing my closets. When I first moved here I merely threw things into the drawers with no thought about whether that was the best place for them. … Continue reading “Looking forward, not back”

Perhaps you’ve read the book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. In it he relates common sense knowledge that can apply to everyone in all walks of life. Such things as share everything, clean up your own mess, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when … Continue reading “What I’ve learned since moving to Country Meadows”

In my last blog post I shared observations around my campus focusing on my sense of sight. It got me thinking about my other senses, so I took time to focus on what I hear and smell at Country Meadows. As I enter the atrium where many programs are held, I hear the happy voices … Continue reading “Paying attention to unexpected sounds and aromas at Country Meadows”

Over the holidays, with more time spent together, some families begin discussing the idea of senior living communities. Though Mom or Dad could raise the issue, it’s more likely prompted by adult children who notice changes in their parents. (See our recent blog post on these “tough conversations.”) Older parents can be reluctant to consider … Continue reading “The best senior living communities shatter the myths (check us out and see)”

Walking through a retirement community, the sight of children shouldn’t be as rare as a rose in winter. But that’s the reality at many places. While retirement communities are meant to be havens of comfort and security, they shouldn’t become places of isolation where residents lose contact with younger people. That’s why intergenerational programs are … Continue reading “Intergenerational activities enliven and entertain seniors at retirement communities”

Adult siblings don’t always share the same ideas on what’s best for aging parents. One may think Mom is doing OK at home and just needs a little help, while another may want her to consider a retirement community. Their different opinions are understandable, but what’s most important is working together for Mom’s best interests. … Continue reading “Siblings should be united when considering parents’ senior living options”

Reflecting on his grief following the death of his wife, writer and theologian C. S. Lewis wrote, “I see people, as they approach me, trying to make up their minds whether they’ll ‘say something about it’ or not. I hate if they do, and if they don’t.” Many people who have recently lost a spouse … Continue reading “Older adults need support after loss of spouse in senior living years”

The company of furry friends can have therapeutic benefits for seniors living in pet-friendly senior apartments. Increasingly, it’s a pleasure that seniors consider when choosing a retirement community. We know that caring for a pet gives many seniors a sense of purpose and assists them in feeling better overall. In fact, studies show pets can … Continue reading “Older adults find joy and companionship in pet-friendly senior apartments”

This year my father, former Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader, would have turned 100 years old. I wish he had lived to reach this milestone as yet one more accomplishment. He had contributed so much during his life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, naval officer, poultry farmer, state senator, governor, health care entrepreneur and … Continue reading “Thank you, Dad.”

Several months ago, when I first considered coming to Country Meadows, several of my friends questioned my sanity. They said such things as “Why would you want to go to a place where old people live? You’ll probably be bored and not have anything to do except watch television and sleep all day.” Boy, have … Continue reading “There is so much more to do at Country Meadows than play Bingo. MUCH, much more!”

Use of the Internet, smartphones and other communication technology is increasing among retirees, and many active senior living communities are encouraging that practice. A Pew Research Center’s 2017 report, “Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults,” featured these survey results: Two-thirds of seniors 65 and older use the Internet. Four in 10 own smartphones. A third … Continue reading “Retirees find computers enhance healthy, active senior living”

Long after children have grown, mothers continue to have a strong influence on their children’s lives. Adult children, particularly daughters, often reach out to Mom, by phone or with a visit, when they need a sympathetic ear or the voice of experience. Research has shown that when daughters are facing challenging situations, they generally have … Continue reading “Close to home or far away, we still depend on Mom’s words of wisdom”

Residents of some senior living communities are benefitting physically and mentally from a simple activity that originated thousands of years ago. And they’re having loads of fun in the process. “It’s a new activity for most people—it’s making noise,” says Jeff Kuhn, musician and drum circle instructor. Kuhn has taught residents of Country Meadows Retirement … Continue reading “Keeping the beat is therapeutic for residents of senior living communities”

Q: What is the key factor in the happiness and comfort of seniors residing at the best retirement communities? A: The quality of the staff. Words from families about staff members at our senior communities From co-workers in health care and therapy services to those in food services and maintenance, they arrive each day with … Continue reading “Co-workers at the best retirement communities are driven by making a difference”

After moving to a retirement community, many people are surprised by just how much takes place there on any given day. They find daily opportunities awaiting them that were never available before. New friendships, hobbies and activities give their senior years new meaning and purpose. “Getting older is fine,” said American writer John Byrne. “There … Continue reading “Tour bus trips offer entertainment and fellowship at active senior living communities”

The typical retiree today isn’t content to simply live longer—he or she wants to age well. Many seniors are doing exactly that by remaining involved in favorite activities for as long as they can. Some enhance the quality of senior living by embracing creative arts. These might be activities they have enjoyed for years or … Continue reading “Creative arts benefit body, mind and spirit at retirement communities”

Even though seniors’ nutritional needs and appetites may change as they get older, what doesn’t change is their desire for great-tasting food. Recognizing this, the best retirement communities prepare and serve meals that surpass expectations of taste, while prioritizing residents’ dietary needs as well. In the culinary spirit, then, here is the perfect recipe for … Continue reading “Sharing our senior living recipe for enjoyable dining”

Many American retirees today lead busy, socially active lives, more so than those of any previous generation. But that’s not the case for millions of American seniors. The Pew Research Center has reported that one in six Americans over 65 described their lives as lonely. Though both men and women are affected by loneliness, statistics … Continue reading “Five ways to prevent loneliness in loved ones during senior living years”