Wellness

One of the most difficult aspects of aging is losing the ability to complete everyday tasks we never had trouble performing. This can cause people in retirement communities to feel confused, frustrated and even embarrassed. Help is available. One of the best things a person can do is occupational therapy. Ok, so what is occupational …

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults. According to the CDC, 33% of adults over 65 have diabetes. Independent living communities offer numerous opportunities to learn how to manage chronic illnesses as well as fitness programs to boost health. What is diabetes? Diabetes affects how your body turns food into …

Maintaining good relationships with family and friends is critical to our happiness at every age, especially when living at independent living communities. But did you know your personal care doctor relationship should be just as important? Taking an active role in your health is key to wellness, especially as we age. Seniors who live in …

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease are among the top common chronic conditions for adults over the age of 54 according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). While heart disease risks increase with …

As we age, taking a tumble carries with it many more risks than embarrassment. Every year millions of people over the age of 65 experience a fall whether residing in retirement living or a private home. Falling is one of the most common causes of injuries and hospitalization for seniors, and injuries from falls can …

Home is where the heart is. True, but as we get older and children go their separate ways, home can become a lonely place chock full of chores, upkeep costs and responsibilities. Many older adults choose to move to senior citizen housing communities to find freedom from home maintenance and relieve loneliness. There are many …

The holidays are a joyful time of year at the best retirement communities. But for some older adults, the winter holidays may not be the most wonderful time of the year. Providing multiple opportunities for seniors to participate in holiday traditions is important for individuals living in independent living communities. According to the U. S. …

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in older women. According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases with age.  Residents in senior independent living can take advantage of programs where they live to lead healthier lifestyles, reducing risks for various illnesses including breast cancer. Senior independent …

“If you don’t use it, you will lose it.” Co-workers at Country Meadows often hear that piece of advice from residents when asked to share the secrets to longevity. An active and social lifestyle retirement community such as Country Meadows offers many opportunities for residents to maintain or achieve physical fitness, participate in therapies to …

We cannot survive without water. In fact, sixty percent of the human body is made up of water, so it makes sense we need to take in lots of fluids to maintain our health. Among its many benefits, water is critical as it regulates body temperature, cushions and protects vital organs, eliminates toxins and aids …

One of life’s pleasures is enjoying the great outdoors. And it is more than just fun in the sun. Science has proven the sun offers numerous health benefits for the human body. However, it also can be dangerous for seniors, even those living at active and social lifestyle retirement communities. Some of the best retirement …

One of life’s joys is good food. Most people LOVE to eat! Breaking bread is also profoundly social. Families and neighbors gather for conversation at the table, and food is an occasion for sharing celebrations and making connections. In addition to opportunities for companionship and celebration, food is life-sustaining, and senior living dining teams work …

Are you feeling more anxious? Depressed? Constantly exhausted? You are not alone. Many of us are feeling increased stress because of changes we’ve experienced during the pandemic. Stress is a normal reaction the body has when we are exposed to pressure, resulting in physical, emotional and intellectual responses. Many things induce stress. Older adults, including …

For many people, one of the day’s biggest joys is opening the door to be greeted by wagging tails, wiggly behinds and whimpers of joy from our pets. If you have a pet, you know the special relationships that can form with furry, feathered and finned friends. And we return the love. Last year, Americans …

The holiday season is always surrounded by excitement. And although it’s nicknamed the most wonderful time of the year, there are many stresses that come with it as well. This year, the world is facing new stresses brought on by the pandemic. While many of us are adjusting to restrictions for the holidays, seniors in …

The phrase, “driving is a privilege,” takes on new meaning as you age. This stern conversation is usually had with teenagers first getting their license as parents fear they may speed or be careless on the road. Older drivers, however, should focus on a set of concerns all their own as they pass retirement age. …

A good night’s sleep is so vital that the average healthy person will spend nearly one-third of their lives sleeping. As we age, it’s common that sleep patterns will change – although for some seniors, unfortunately, these sleep changes can prove to be harmful. Staying educated on the importance of sleep and healthy sleep patterns …

This week, from October 4th through October 10th, is National Fire Prevention Week. This annual observance is meant to highlight the importance of safety in the home and provide tips on how to prepare for an emergency. At Country Meadows, we take the safety of our residents very seriously. And 2020 has shown that safety …

There are many ways that seniors can protect themselves against the coronavirus, and in doing so, they can be at peace knowing they’re lowering their risk of getting the virus. One unintended symptom of avoiding COVID-19 that seniors are not so easily protected against is the stress surrounding the illness. Self-isolating and social distancing to …

When Katherine Thomas began her role as Vice President of Dining and Culinary Services at Country Meadows, she had a big task on her hands. The senior independent living community had decided to move all dining services in-house, parting ways with their outsourced dining contractor. Of course, creating a nutritious, well-balanced menu that worked for …