Wellness

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s tradition that when one year ends and we reflect on the “old” year, we see where we made mistakes. This gives us a chance to make resolutions for the upcoming year so we won’t make the same mistakes. I’m sharing my resolutions for 2019 with you. Feel free to use them! … Continue reading “New year’s resolutions focus on kindness, action and accountability”

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”

Flu season has officially begun. The dreaded illness arrives around September and remains active into May. So, when is the best time to get a flu shot? Now. Getting the shot early helps the body build up immunity to the virus, a process that takes about two weeks. A flu shot is the best defense … Continue reading “Flu prevention is an important part of senior care services at the best retirement communities”

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”

There’s always something to do for everyone at Country Meadows. In a previous post I told you about the many activities at Country Meadows that residents can participate in. Now I want to take this one step further to make you aware of other types of “fun” things. Let’s face it —not everyone likes games, … Continue reading “Not into crafting or playing games? Try shopping, outings and happy hour, oh my!”

As Americans, we spend more and more each year on products that promise to soothe, moisturize and rejuvenate our skin. The Global Cosmetic Industry estimates that this year we will purchase $11 billion of lotions, creams, powders, cleansers, exfoliants and oils. This may signify that we’re taking the health of our skin seriously and we’re … Continue reading “Prioritize and protect the skin as part of healthy, active senior living”

The sage who observed, “Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine,” knew what he was talking about eons ago. Modern science has confirmed that a simple way to help safeguard our health is to drink plenty of water. Though important advice year-round, it’s vital to heed that counsel during the hot, humid days … Continue reading “13 tips to help seniors stay hydrated in the summer time heat”

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”

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”

Despite common belief to the contrary, retirees need as much sleep as younger adults. Research shows that our sleep needs remain constant throughout adulthood, according to the National Sleep Foundation, which has established March 11-17, 2018 as National Sleep Awareness Week.  However, it’s true that older persons often get less sleep or experience insomnia. Anxiety, … Continue reading “Sleep apnea in the senior living years should be diagnosed and treated”

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”

More and more seniors are practicing yoga for its low-impact movements, which help improve their flexibility, mobility, strength and balance, as well as their mental and emotional health. Those benefits have led to the creation of instructional yoga programs at active senior living communities, led by professional instructors. Yoga is a great choice for retirees … Continue reading “Yoga for seniors: Discovering the physical, mental and emotional benefits”