seniors

Cold weather months are the peak season for house fires and related injuries and deaths, with cooking and heating equipment as the main causes. Americans 65 and older account for just 15 percent of the population but make up 40 percent of fire deaths. Consider these sobering statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration: In 2017 … Continue reading “Retirement apartments in senior communities offer protection from fires”

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”

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays, Cause no matter how far away you roam, If you want to be happy in a million ways, For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home!”* Most of us would agree with this sentiment so warmly expressed by Pennsylvania native son and crooner Perry Como. … Continue reading “Tough conversations at the holidays can lead to personal care decisions”

Living alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. A study of 3,000 Americans from age 57 to 85 showed that those who lived alone were more likely to socialize with friends and neighbors than those who were married. We all need social interactions and others on whom we can depend, but we can have that … Continue reading “Living alone is perfectly fine. Being lonely is not.”

Personal decisions such as moving to a retirement community depend on many factors, varying from person to person and family to family. Still, we see several common situations that spark such a move. So, what are the main factors that prompt older persons and their families to start choosing a retirement community? Health changes A … Continue reading “What motivates seniors to begin choosing a retirement community?”

The company of furry friends can have therapeutic benefits for seniors living in pet-friendly senior apartments. Increasingly, it’s a pleasure that seniors consider when choosing a retirement community. We know that caring for a pet gives many seniors a sense of purpose and assists them in feeling better overall. In fact, studies show pets can … Continue reading “Older adults find joy and companionship in pet-friendly senior apartments”

After seniors, along with their families, have completed the process of choosing a retirement community, they will need support to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. For while the selection of a community may provide relief, the move and adjustment to a new lifestyle can be challenging for some seniors. But like … Continue reading “What to expect when you move to a retirement community”

This year my father, former Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader, would have turned 100 years old. I wish he had lived to reach this milestone as yet one more accomplishment. He had contributed so much during his life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, naval officer, poultry farmer, state senator, governor, health care entrepreneur and … Continue reading “Thank you, Dad.”

What could be easier than retirement? You stop working and wake up every day free to do what you want, when you want and with whomever you choose. It sounds like paradise. But actually, a fulfilling retirement doesn’t just happen. It requires strategy and planning—and not just financial, though we certainly hope that’s a vital … Continue reading “A relaxing retirement requires lifestyle planning, decision-making”

 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”

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 than 800,000 Pennsylvanians and 400,000 Marylanders are military veterans, and over half are age 65 and older. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs lists many of them as serving in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the Persian Gulf War. With countless senior veterans now living in retirement homes, it’s … Continue reading “Veterans Day: Honoring seniors living in Pennsylvania and Maryland who served our country”

Many seniors, particularly those who live alone, don’t eat enough or as healthily as they once did for a number of reasons. Medications could affect their appetite. Their teeth might have difficulty chewing some foods. A chronic medical condition could limit their diet. While changes in our eating habits and appetite are to be expected … Continue reading “10 tasty snacks to promote health and improve senior living”