wellness

Katherine (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 …

Does 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 …

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 …

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 …

Reflecting 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 …

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 …

Bocce, 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …