Posts

How Trying Something New Can Boost Senior Health

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If you’re looking for a way to improve mental and physical health and feel happier in your retirement communities , you might consider picking up a new hobby or returning to an old one. Any enjoyable, interesting activity that takes focus can offer many health benefits. A creative or physical outlet can keep your mind, body, and mood in better shape. Simple pleasures are important for all of us, but they can have added significance in senior years when structure, enjoyment, and accomplishment are essential for well-being. A hobby is something that can be done alone or with others, indoors or out. Whichever activity you decide to pursue, the positive effects on health and wellness will have you feeling better in mind and body. Try something new for fun and for your health Gain mental stimulation and increased brain function Improve emotional health and self-esteem Stay connected with others and prevent isolation Feel calmer and less anxious Reduce the risk of chronic disease Increase ov...

Tips for Staying Connected in the Digital Age: Tech Tips for Seniors

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You’re probably missing your loved ones in assisted living more than ever these days, but staying in touch has never been easier. You just have to know what to do. If you’ve never used a smartphone, video chat, or social media, this post will teach you some easy tools you can use to feel more connected. Don’t be overwhelmed. You don’t have to become a tech whiz to stay in touch these days. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can use some digital tools to strengthen your relationships, find new hobbies, and even make your life a little easier and safer. Get Comfortable With the Basics If you’re not yet confident using a smartphone or tablet, start by familiarizing yourself with the features you’ll use every day: Calling and Texting. Screens can be large and fonts enlarged to make devices easier to read and understand. Spend some time figuring out how to send a basic text or video call using FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Email. Email is useful for sending and receiving long messages...

8 Easy Ways to Sleep Better as You Age

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If you’re having trouble getting to sleep (or staying asleep), you’re not imagining it. Age can certainly affect sleep for older adults. You may be waking up earlier, feeling sleepy during the day, and/or having trouble dozing off in the middle of the night. Although some changes to sleep are normal with age, there are things you can do naturally to help your body get the rest it needs. Follow these eight simple tips to improve sleep for better health in retirement communities : 1. Get on a Sleep Schedule Establish a sleep schedule that you can follow every day (even on weekends). Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your internal clock. 2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual Give your body time and cues to wind down at night. Start a bedtime ritual that helps you relax reading a book, listening to music, gentle stretches, and warm baths are all good examples. Avoid reading the newspaper or watching television in bed, especially if the program involves the news. The...

How to Prepare Your Home for Summer Weather Hazards

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Summer’s heat, storms, and power outages in senior living Lakewood can be more than an inconvenience. A “ready-set-go” checklist for your home will help you, and your loved ones, age in place comfortably. Go inside your house and start with air conditioning. If you have central air, have your system serviced by a professional before the mercury soars. A technician will clean coils, inspect refrigerant levels, and replace filters to increase efficiency and decrease energy bills. Window units should have vents vacuumed and side panels replaced to fit tightly and prevent hot air leaks. Windows are one of the first lines of defense. Check window seals for air leaks. Replace any cracked or brittle weather stripping and apply reflective film or interior cellular shades to further prevent solar heat gain. During the day, close curtains on the south and west sides of the house. Lightning and electrical storms are fire risks. Install whole house surge protectors or plug sensitive electronics s...

What Your Nails Say About Your Health

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Healthy nails should not concern you. But they are like a smoke detector of hidden problems that show up before other signs are evident. In memory care catching a clue and scheduling a medical check up may provide you time to nip something in the bud. Thin nails with pale or white nail beds are sometimes an early indication of anemia or poor blood circulation. If accompanied by unusual fatigue or shortness of breath, check with your physician in senior apartments Lakewood about having a complete blood count. Deep red or purplish nails may indicate a heart or lung disorder that is not delivering sufficient oxygen. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges across the nail that develop weeks after a serious illness, surgical procedure or even a period of severe emotional stress. One line across a nail means that portion of the nail growth cycle was affected by the event. Several Beau's lines across several nails can mean the illness or stress had a systemic effect. Show your doctor the ...

Fun Water Workouts for Seniors

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Water exercise is a great form of low-impact movement in the heat of summer. Relaxing in the water cools the body, lowers stress on the joints and offers seniors a chance to get stronger, improve balance and have some fun. Pool workouts or lake exercises can be gentle or challenging depending on the individual’s fitness level. The easiest way to get in a workout is by water walking. Find a pool or spot in the lake where the water is waist deep. Walk forward and backward taking long strides while keeping the abs tight. Moving against water creates twelve times more resistance than air, but the water supports the body and takes pressure off hips and knees. Start with fifteen minutes and work up to thirty. Aqua aerobics is a class commonly found in senior assisted living Lakewood communities . The teacher leads participants in arm circles, knee lifts and easy kicks while music plays. Hand weights like foam dumbbells or pool noodles are sometimes used for upper body resistance. If there is...

Best Sun Protection Tips for Seniors with Sensitive Skin

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Age thins the skin and saps moisture making the delicate covering of older adults prone to burning, discoloration, and inflammation. Seniors with sensitive skin often avoid wearing sunscreen due to stinging ingredients or goopy texture. The answer is a combination of timing, protective barriers, and skin-friendly formulas so you can experience the outdoors in comfort. Reschedule outdoor chores in assisted living Lakewood to before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when there is less ultraviolet radiation. Mornings are ideal for gardening or an early evening walk in the neighborhood to get your vitamin D dose without subjecting sensitive skin to intense midday sun. If errands must be done during the high UV hours, walk or stand on the shaded side of the street. Clothing is your first line of defense. Choose lightweight long sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts that advertise UPF 50 on the label. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50 means ninety eight percent of UV rays are blocked but the materia...