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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”

Long after children have grown, mothers continue to have a strong influence on their children’s lives. Adult children, particularly daughters, often reach out to Mom, by phone or with a visit, when they need a sympathetic ear or the voice of experience. Research has shown that when daughters are facing challenging situations, they generally have … Continue reading “Close to home or far away, we still depend on Mom’s words of wisdom”

After a couple of years of living alone, cooking just for me, I became lonely and tired easily. I maintained my active lifestyle and enjoyed getting together with friends, but it wasn’t the same. The house became too big!

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”

Q: What is the key factor in the happiness and comfort of seniors residing at the best retirement communities? A: The quality of the staff. Words from families about staff members at our senior communities From co-workers in health care and therapy services to those in food services and maintenance, they arrive each day with … Continue reading “Co-workers at the best retirement communities are driven by making a difference”

 From the time we’re children, most of us enjoy competing with others in games, contests and sporting events. We may gravitate away from competition as we get older, but many seniors continue to enjoy golf outings or card games with friends. Most competition is physically and psychologically healthy because it motivates us to perform at … Continue reading “Social activities at top retirement communities offer friendly competition and fun”

After moving to a retirement community, many people are surprised by just how much takes place there on any given day. They find daily opportunities awaiting them that were never available before. New friendships, hobbies and activities give their senior years new meaning and purpose. “Getting older is fine,” said American writer John Byrne. “There … Continue reading “Tour bus trips offer entertainment and fellowship at active senior living communities”

The typical retiree today isn’t content to simply live longer—he or she wants to age well. Many seniors are doing exactly that by remaining involved in favorite activities for as long as they can. Some enhance the quality of senior living by embracing creative arts. These might be activities they have enjoyed for years or … Continue reading “Creative arts benefit body, mind and spirit at retirement communities”

An Irish saying proclaims, “There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.” That statement of pride contains more than a grain of truth, at least on March 17, when the Irish and non-Irish alike celebrate with the wearing of green, festive gatherings and maybe a … Continue reading “St. Patrick’s Day is a reason for all to celebrate at 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”

Moving to a retirement community is a major life decision, with many lifestyle and financial implications. So, prospective residents should ask communities a lot of questions before deciding on the one that’s right for them. Just as people are different, with individual needs, likes and dislikes, so are retirement communities, offering a range of services … Continue reading “Choosing a retirement community? If so, ask the right questions”

In the middle of winter, it’s nice to warm our hearts with a day that celebrates love and friendship. Though we tend to think of Valentine’s Day as one of romance, it began as a day to honor saints. The romantic association came later, and while it remains the holiday’s focus, we now recognize love … Continue reading “Seniors anticipate celebrating love and friendship on Valentine’s Day”

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”

If you have decided that retirement community living could meet your needs or those of a loved one, you have several options to consider. You may even feel a bit overwhelmed by your choices and concerned about making the right one. Seeking recommendations from friends or relatives is fine, but your priorities may be different … Continue reading “What should you look for in a retirement community?”

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”

The headline of a New York Times article in August 2017 summarized the dilemma perfectly: “Aging parents with lots of stuff, and children who don’t want it.” As older parents retire and choose to downsize by moving into a smaller home, a senior apartment or a retirement community, they may discover that they and younger … Continue reading “Seniors downsize and wonder, “What do we do with all this stuff?””

As we anticipate a new year, some of us consider meaningful ways to improve our lives—physically, mentally, spiritually or socially. But the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions predates modern times. Babylonians, Romans and Medieval knights began each year by making sacred promises to adhere to expected standards of behavior. Today we make resolutions to … Continue reading “10 resolutions to improve senior living in 2018”

We begin to notice changes in our vision as we get older, generally beginning in our 40s. That’s normal, and most of us can enjoy our senior years without experiencing serious vision loss. However, we need to accept that as we age, the likelihood increases that we will develop an eye disease or condition. That’s … Continue reading “Vision-impaired seniors can gain brighter outlooks at senior living communities”

Whether we’re normally a pollyanna or a scrooge, and regardless of our age, the holidays really can bring out the child in all of us. Beginning around Thanksgiving, we see it in the cheerful faces of our residents, even those who are experiencing challenges in daily living. Everyone’s in the holiday spirit at Country Meadows … Continue reading “Active senior living communities buzz with holiday excitement and anticipation”

More than 40 million Americans provide unpaid care for family members or friends age 65 and over. This can be difficult for anyone, but especially so for those who also work full time. The dual responsibilities often conflict, causing employed caregivers to miss an average of seven hours of work weekly. According to a 2017 … Continue reading “November is Family Caregivers Month—our new guide helps caregivers with care for themselves too”