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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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

“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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

When the subject is food, seniors who reside in retirement communities are the like the rest of us. They want the choice of foods that they like—freshly prepared, nutritious and great-tasting—shared in fellowship with friends and family. That’s why, said dietitian Gretchen Robinson in the online magazine LeadingAge, many retirement homes have adopted an open …

Today marks the first day of summer and is considered the longest day of the year. From here, the days become progressively shorter as we get closer to winter—a season of the shortest days. Transitioning to shorter days biologically disrupts the internal body clock. For individuals suffering from memory loss and in dementia care, it …

About 6 million, or 13 percent, of older Americans experience depression but, according to WebMD, only one in 10 of them receive treatment. Depression in people age 65 and older is fairly common, and the National Institute of Mental Health regards it a major public health problem. However, it shouldn’t be considered normal. In fact, …

Nearly 800,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. To observe National Stroke Awareness Month, Country Meadows Retirement Communities has a few important facts about stroke to share with you. A stroke, caused by a blockage in an artery carrying blood to the brain, generally affects one side of the body, with varied …

Traveling with senior loved ones can be a great family bonding experience that creates lasting memories for everybody. The secret to having an enjoyable trip is to properly prepare, keeping in mind the individual needs of older travelers. For a smoother, more carefree journey, plan with the following tips in mind: Check with Mom and …

Location, location, location … it’s one of the main considerations for people who are in the process of choosing a retirement community. Older retirees generally want to remain in close proximity to where they have been living. Maintaining ties with family and friends, including regular visits, can benefit a senior’s emotional and mental health and …