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When “the weather outside is frightful” during wintertime, all of us, but particularly seniors, need to exercise caution. Despite the silent beauty of falling snow, we sometimes underestimate its capacity to do us harm, particularly when accompanied by low temperatures and ice. The key is to be prepared and cautious when facing risky weather-related conditions. … Continue reading “Winter weather safety tips for active senior living”

After overloading on too many holiday goodies, many of us see losing a few pounds as our number one New Year’s resolution. If this sounds like you, take some comfort in knowing you have plenty of company. More than 100 million Americans are trying to lose weight by dieting each year. If you do decide … Continue reading “Be smart when preparing to lose weight in your senior living years”

Most of us need fewer calories to sustain us through the day as we get older, but the content of those calories is important. If we hope to remain active and healthy, we should maintain nutrient-rich diets in line with guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA recommends that we strive for … Continue reading “Better nutrition for better health—a key benefit to seniors at retirement communities”

While sleep problems may increase with age, they shouldn’t be simply accepted as an unpleasant aspect of aging. Sleep issues can have serious consequences including depression, lack of attention, memory problems, nighttime falls and other issues. They can also lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and weight gain. A poll by the … Continue reading “Take sleep problems during senior living seriously”

Regardless of age—3 or 93 or anywhere in between—most of us look forward to the holiday season. As children, we anticipated presents, but as we get older, the presence of family and friends often becomes the most meaningful part of enjoying the season. That’s certainly true for residents of retirement homes. Whether living healthily in … Continue reading “Visits from family and friends are holiday highlights at senior communities”

At some point during the retirement years, seniors may find that conversing with physicians and other health care personnel is becoming difficult. This is particularly common with those who have hearing difficulties or a cognitive impairment. Another obstacle for some older retirees is that they view physicians as authority figures who should not be questioned. … Continue reading “Families can help seniors communicate with health professionals”

Studies increasingly indicate that spiritual practices are linked with better individual health and well-being. For example, many seniors engage in regular prayer, finding it a source of inner comfort and support. They are among the 76 percent of Americans who report praying daily, weekly or monthly, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey. Today, … Continue reading “Retirement home communities do much to nurture spiritual life”

When those we love begin to experience symptoms of dementia and memory loss, they are likely frustrated, anxious and fearful. Their family members and friends will share those feelings while, at the same time, doing what they can to guide their senior loved ones through this difficult process. It is an emotional time for everyone … Continue reading “Coping with a loved one’s dementia: Get our free guide on memory support for families”

As children, our parents took care of us. As adults, we may now find ourselves caring for them. The dynamics of this gradually reversing relationship between parent and child can be awkward and, at times, uncomfortable. Steven Zarit, a professor of human development and family studies at Penn State, says that many older persons face … Continue reading “Nine tips for communicating with parents in their senior living years”

As seniors downsize, often to prepare for moving to a senior living community, they likely will come across an accumulation of family photos. Often the pictures will already be nicely organized, labeled and stored. But if not, now is the time to preserve them in a way that family members can enjoy and learn from … Continue reading “Photographs, old and new, can enrich the senior living experience”

“Family—like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.” (Anonymous) In retirement, many people become more interested in their family backgrounds and, with more free time, begin exploring their genealogy. As they discover information to fill in gaps in their family trees, they become keepers of family … Continue reading “Genealogy is a hobby well-suited to retirees in senior communities”

“We all make mistakes.” It’s a truism that comforts all of us at one time or another. And nearly all of us, at some point, make financial mistakes. Julia Valentine, author of Joy Compass: How to Make Your Retirement the Treasure of Your Life, says retirees make a lot of the same errors regarding financial … Continue reading “Smart financial planning for senior living”

People of all ages experience chronic joint pain. Even young people, particularly athletes, may deal with serious joint issues that some of their elders haven’t yet encountered. But as we get older, the likelihood of such problems increases. Just as active young people aren’t content to live with joint pain, neither should those intent on … Continue reading “Joint problems don’t have to hinder independent senior living”

National Grandparents Day was signed into law in 1978, and since then, the first Sunday of September after Labor Day has been designated as a day to honor grandparents and their contributions. In observance of Grandparents Day, Country Meadows Retirement Communities encourages families to express their gratitude to grandparents and, where possible, use it as … Continue reading “It’s Grandparents Day—help kids connect to seniors with memory loss”

“Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.” As English poet William Cowper looked back on a half century of living, he discovered a truth he wished to share. As we get older, we may settle into monotonous routines when we could benefit socially, psychologically and physically from fresh approaches to … Continue reading “New recipes for seniors can add zest and nutrition to senior living”

As they age, many seniors take multiple medications every day for various symptoms and conditions. American Nurse Magazine reported in 2010 that about 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women over age 65 took five or more medications weekly; 12 percent of men and women took 10 or more. However, when they forget … Continue reading “Lessening the risks and dangers of mismanaging medications during senior living”

Retirees who move to senior communities generally opt for an independent living lifestyle if they can, with peace of mind knowing they can transition to an increased level of care if their daily needs change. Personal care and assisted living homes offer most of the same amenities as independent living communities, but with the addition … Continue reading “Personal care and assisted living homes provide seniors privacy and dignity”

More than 10 million Americans each year have their personal identity information stolen, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Retirees are particularly at risk. The Federal Trade Commission says that one in four fraud complaints are from people 60 and older—the highest of any age group. The economic cost of fraud targeting seniors … Continue reading “Beware of scams targeting seniors. Those in need of memory care are most at risk.”

When families are choosing a retirement community, they generally start by looking for a clean, comfortable place offering safe, maintenance-free senior living. The best retirement homes, however, not only meet but far exceed that expectation. At Country Meadows, our residents and their families tell us that one characteristic that distinguishes us is our broad range … Continue reading “Friendships develop from common interests at senior living communities”

After a long winter and the much-awaited arrival of spring, we begin to anticipate “those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.” But even Nat King Cole would agree that when they become the roasting, toasting days of summer, they can be unbearable. Though everyone would be wise to exercise caution in hot, humid weather, seniors … Continue reading “How to keep cool amid summertime heat during senior living years”