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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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

From Pittsburgh, PA to Frederick, MD to Easton, PA, our Pennsylvania and Maryland retirement homes are located within an easy drive of historical, cultural and entertainment destinations. The close proximity of these sights is a bonus for residents of our senior communities and their out-of-town families and friends who are visiting them at Country Meadows. …

With summer vacation season in full swing, many families will include trips to visit grandparents in their vacation plans. Whether grandparents live in their own home or at a senior living community, it’s an opportunity to spend family time with grandchildren from out of town. Sometimes, children who see grandparents infrequently observe changes that are …

Seniors are among the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry, according to Hotel & Restaurant Insider, due to more and more retirees each year and their overall better health. Travel can benefit seniors socially, physically and intellectually, so those in good health should continue to visit favorite sites or pursue new experiences. While doing so, …

If you have a father in his senior years, you might have had an occasional conversation with him that goes something like this: You: “So, Dad, is there anything special you would like for Father’s Day?” Dad: “Oh, I don’t need anything. I have everything I need.” You: “Come on, Dad, there must be something …

Retirement living offers a wide range of lifestyles and care options to seniors and families today. But understanding their differences and determining which is most suitable can be overwhelming. Families may feel like they’re in a maze with no end in sight. For some older persons, aging in place (in their own home) might be …

Gardening in containers has been growing in popularity in the United States. That may be, in part, due to the growing number of seniors who want to continue gardening of some kind for as long as they can. Planting flowers, ornamental plants, vegetables, herbs and even shrubs and trees in containers can be the perfect …

While your mother may not remember your name or even that you’re her child, she may know that you are someone who cares about her. So, consider Mother’s Day an opportunity to honor her, reminisce and thank her. People with dementia often have moments of clarity, so she might understand and appreciate your thoughtfulness. If …

When 1,000 Americans were surveyed on their top concerns about aging, more than twice as many said their greatest fear was losing mental capacity (62 percent) as opposed to losing physical ability (29 percent). Indeed, many of us will face some memory loss. We might forget an appointment, where we put something, the name of …

Country Meadows Retirement Communities has designated April as Practice Random Acts of Kindness Month at our campuses to honor the memory of its co-founder and former Pennsylvania First Lady, Mary Jane Leader. Mrs. Leader and her husband, the late Gov. George M. Leader, founded Country Meadows as a kind and hospitable senior living community for …

With warmer weather on its way, many fitness-minded seniors can’t wait for days of sunshine so they can once again head outside to pursue their favorite form of exercise—walking. Experts on both physical and mental health have long advocated the benefits of walking for one’s well-being. One advantage of walking as an exercise is that …

Dementia is a condition that impairs a person’s mental function and personality, interfering with the ability to interact with others and engage in daily living activities.  Symptoms may begin with forgetting names of family members and placing items in strange places, but as it progresses dementia’s effects can be much worse and even threaten a …

Seniors are often more concerned about security and protection at home than when they were younger, particularly if they live alone. That wariness is wise because one in four fraud complaints are from people 60 and older, the highest of any age group, according to the Federal Trade Commission. True Link, a financial services firm …

When a major weather event such as the potentially heavy snowstorm forecast to hit the Northeast, Country Meadows is prepared. Every campus has back-up generators on-site to maintain core systems such as heat, cooking, refrigeration and care equipment. Our retirement communities in PA and MD have campus teams who create and maintain emergency procedures and …

Many older persons with advanced dementia can improve their communications and connections with those around them by using a therapeutic technique known as multi-sensory stimulation. Therapists use everyday items that these seniors can see, smell, hear, taste and touch to create more positive feelings and express themselves, either verbally or non-verbally. By drawing attention to …

New evidence links high blood pressure to a greater risk of dementia, so knowing all there is about both conditions is especially important for older adults. High blood pressure, or hypertension, results when the blood’s force against artery walls remains high over time. This makes the heart work harder, and the extra force can damage the arteries. …

With matters of the heart being top of mind in February, it’s only fitting that we observe National Heart Month with a few words about cardiovascular health during the senior living years. Let’s start with the good news: you can reduce the risk of heart attacks substantially with lifestyle changes and medication. Now, the bad …