Wellness
How seniors in retirement communities can minimize stress during the holidays
December 24, 2020The 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 …
Read MoreOlder driver safety awareness: How independent living seniors can test if they’re still road-ready
December 8, 2020The 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. …
Read MoreHow independent living seniors can improve their mind, attitude, energy levels and more through a good night’s sleep
October 30, 2020A 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 …
Read MoreHow a senior living community can be a safe living community
October 10, 2020This 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 …
Read MoreHow seniors can maintain a peaceful environment to combat COVID-19 related stress
June 2, 2020There 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 …
Read MoreHow Country Meadows blends thoughtful dining in an active and social lifestyle retirement community
May 21, 2020When 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 …
Read MoreEnhancing independent senior living with spiritual life services: An Interview with Rev. Howard West
January 22, 2020Spirituality is defined and practiced differently from generation to generation. As a group, the baby boomer generation is one of the most significant segments of the population and growing. 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 …
Read MoreFor American Diabetes Month, learn about potential warning signs and treatment for seniors with type 2 diabetes
November 19, 2019It’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 …
Read More10 relaxation techniques for more stress-free independent living
August 30, 2019We 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. …
Read MoreDiscover summer’s bounty of local produce at our retirement home communities
June 12, 2019Summertime 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 …
Read MoreHonor Mom with tips for good health from the senior communities at Country Meadows
May 8, 2019Mothers 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 …
Read MoreReinventing healthy cuisine for senior living dining at Country Meadows
April 30, 2019Katherine (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 …
Read MoreLaughter—a common sight and sound at the best retirement communities
April 16, 2019Does 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 …
Read MoreActive senior living helps maintain heart health and prevent disability
February 11, 2019This 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 …
Read MoreA happy, fitter new year for seniors at active retirement communities
January 28, 2019Americans 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 …
Read MoreNew year’s resolutions focus on kindness, action and accountability
December 26, 2018HAPPY 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! …
Read MoreOlder adults need support after loss of spouse in senior living years
October 15, 2018Reflecting 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 …
Read MoreFlu prevention is an important part of senior care services at the best retirement communities
September 27, 2018Flu 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 …
Read MoreBocce promotes active senior living at Country Meadows Retirement Communities
July 27, 2018Bocce, 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 …
Read MoreNot into crafting or playing games? Try shopping, outings and happy hour, oh my!
July 10, 2018There’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, …
Read More- 1
- 2