Wellness

Spirituality is defined and practiced differently from generation to generation. As a group, the baby boomer generation is one of the largest segments of the population. As this group grows older, so do the ongoing problems like depression, grief, and loneliness.   As we age, a spiritual connection may become stronger. It’s a connection to … Continue reading “Enhancing independent senior living in retirement communities with spiritual life services: An Interview with Rev. Howard West”

It’s inevitable—as we get older, our health begins to change. We often spend our lives focused on caring for those around us, but it’s equally important to care for ourselves, too. Luckily, older Americans are remaining more active and fit longer, engaging in a wider variety of exercises than generations before them. Increased activity and … Continue reading “For American Diabetes Month, learn about potential warning signs and treatment for seniors with type 2 diabetes”

We all can take steps to reduce stress in our lives, but doing so takes time and effort. At any age, and no matter how busy our schedule, we can assume some control over our stress levels by learning ways to relax. Doing so in retirement allows us to better enjoy our independent living lifestyle. … Continue reading “10 relaxation techniques for more stress-free independent living”

Summertime is quite possibly the favorite season for nutritious, flavorful eating. While the best retirement communities serve tasty and healthful meals all year long, we look forward to the midyear months when we can offer our residents fresh local fruits and vegetables. Just in time for this summer, we have revised the menus and introduced … Continue reading “Discover summer’s bounty of local produce at our retirement home communities”

Mothers tend to put their family’s needs ahead of their own, and that can include health issues. So, on Mother’s Day this year, show Mom how much you care about her (just as she has through the years) and help her safeguard her own health and future. The life span of U.S. women continues to … Continue reading “Honor Mom with tips for good health from the senior communities at Country Meadows”

Katherine (Kathy) Thomas, our new VP of Dining and Culinary Service, joined Country Meadows in November 2018. She has spent nearly all of her career managing food and nutrition services for seniors. She loves working with seniors, hearing their stories and serving them healthy, tasty meal selections. What is your vision for the dining experience … Continue reading “Reinventing healthy cuisine for senior living dining at Country Meadows”

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”

This message may not be adorned with lace or ribbons, nor set within a big, red heart, but it is sent with love from us to you and all seniors—consider it our valentine to you! Here at Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Valentine’s Day prompts thoughts of healthy hearts during National Heart Month. We want our … Continue reading “Active senior living helps maintain heart health and prevent disability”

Americans want to live healthier lives—at least, that’s the message sent by their New Year’s resolutions. Exercising more is the number one resolution for 2019, chosen by 13 percent of those surveyed, according to an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. That’s followed closely by quitting smoking, losing weight and eating healthier. And seniors are no exception. Older … Continue reading “A happy, fitter new year for seniors at active retirement communities”

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”