senior health

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”

Adults perform six primary activities of daily living, generally without assistance. If at some point they can no longer do them on their own, personal care services at a retirement community can make their lives, and their families’ lives, easier. What are the activities of daily living? The activities of daily living (ADLs) are officially … Continue reading “How personal care services support seniors with activities of daily living”

Lisa Torchia has been VP of Clinical and Support Services at Country Meadows Retirement Communities since 2017. Her 30-year nursing career includes senior leadership roles at four hospitals, most recently 11 years at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. With RN and MSN degrees, she has clinical experience in critical, intensive and coronary care. Why … Continue reading “Nurses in personal care and assisted living homes care for the whole person”

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”

Managing prescription drugs can be difficult and even risky for seniors with memory issues, particularly if they live alone. Their risk for drug-related problems increases further as they age or take additional medications. Survey results released by AARP have shown that 80 percent of Americans ages 65 and older take at least two prescription drugs. … Continue reading “Assisted living or memory care services can help seniors manage their medications”

In a recent blog post on restorative senior care, we noted that many older persons aren’t physically ready to go home after hospitalization or rehab. While a temporary stay at a nursing home may be in order, increasingly, many families prefer the alternative of restorative care in a more home-like environment. Now, Country Meadows Retirement … Continue reading “After hospitalization, Progressions offers short-term restorative senior care”

Following surgery or illness, older adults aren’t always ready to immediately return to their homes. Many of them relocate to nursing homes, at least temporarily. But often, restorative care services can just as reliably—and less expensively—ease their transition from hospital or rehab to home. Research studies indicate that seniors who receive restorative care after hospitalization … Continue reading “Seniors recovering from surgery or illness have options beyond nursing homes”

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”

A resident at Country Meadows of Wyomissing uses his cane much less these days, despite having Parkinson’s disease. He credits a restorative fitness service newly available at the retirement community called Delay The Disease. We are the only retirement community in our service area with certified instructors leading the Delay the Disease™ program, the nation’s … Continue reading “Country Meadows Retirement Communities offers program targeting Parkinson’s symptoms”

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”

Over the holidays, with more time spent together, some families begin discussing the idea of senior living communities. Though Mom or Dad could raise the issue, it’s more likely prompted by adult children who notice changes in their parents. (See our recent blog post on these “tough conversations.”) Older parents can be reluctant to consider … Continue reading “The best senior living communities shatter the myths (check us out and see)”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

With Halloween just behind us and all the holiday sweets just ahead of us, now is the perfect time to discuss oral health in seniors. Oral health can change during the senior years, so with teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth at greater risk of complications, routine dental care remains as important as … Continue reading “Dental care is a vital part of assisted living and personal care services”

One in seven adults regularly experiences imbalance or dizziness, which becomes more common with increased age. Good balance is necessary for good health, because it prevents us from injuries we could suffer if we fall. Following prevention strategies and seeking medical help when needed can help balance-challenged seniors stay safe, walk on their own and … Continue reading “Maintain a sense of balance, whether at home or at a retirement community”

About one in seven older U.S. Americans has a lung disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Breathing difficulties can make everyday physical activities, such as walking up a flight of stairs, difficult for some seniors. Pulmonary challenges can arise from changes in lung tissue, the nervous … Continue reading “Seniors can breathe easier with supportive, trained staff at senior communities”