Senior Living Blog by UMH | Marissa Salvesen

Marissa Salvesen

My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our award-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!

Holiday Humbug: Combating Senior Isolation During the Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 12th, 2024

Twinkling lights bring gaiety to quiet neighborhood streets. Decorations adorn local shops in all shades of reds and greens. The scent of frost and peppermint fills the air. For many, the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. For others, however, the holidays come with mixed emotions. Seniors and their caregivers alike can struggle with stress during the holiday season. For caregivers already navigating a complex balance of work, life, and caring for a senior loved one, the holidays can add unnecessary frustration and unwanted pressure in the form of added responsibilities, lengthy to-do lists, and caregiver burnout. For seniors, the holidays can create or amplify feelings of anxiety, discouragement, and grief. Memories of Yuletides past can be a painful reminder of the family and friends that are no longer here and can highlight the physical challenges and changes that have come with aging. Many older adults also struggle with social isolation and loneliness, which can be intensified by the cultural emphasis on companionship during the holidays. This can especially be true of older adults who are physically and/or emotionally distant from their loved ones, live alone, lack reliable transportation, have lost a spouse or close friends, or are homebound. Combating social isolation and feelings of loneliness, especially among older seniors, cannot be overstated. In addition to affecting emotional and mental well-being, these feelings can significantly impact a person’s physical health and longevity. With the holiday season underway, we have examined a few of these health impacts and offered ways to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness an aging loved one may experience during this time of year. Read on to learn more.

Four Unique Ways to Give Thanks This Thanksgiving

By: Marissa Salvesen November 14th, 2024

For many, the month of November is a time for gathering with family, friends, and plenty of turkey. The Thanksgiving holiday brings us together amid the colder, darker days of late fall and can provide a necessary opportunity to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Political division, a changing climate, global tensions, and even the stress of growing older can make the world feel anxiety-inducing on the best of days. While not a panacea for every emotion or every situation, taking the time to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” has frequently been linked to lower stress levels, among other benefits for seniors. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, we are exploring four unique ways that seniors and their loved ones can give thanks this year.

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5 Fun Fall Activities For Older Adults

By: Marissa Salvesen October 14th, 2024

Hillsides are dressed in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Shops are decorated with dried cornstalks and pumpkin spice everything is on every menu. Fall has officially begun. From hay rides to haunted houses, the season of fall has something for everyone, whether they are 1 or 101! With beautiful scenery and cooler days, fall is a great time to take part in seasonal activities with your aging loved ones. Read on for five of our favorite ways to welcome fall with older adults. 1. Savor the Harvest. Fall is widely associated with harvests and abundance — with good reason, as it traditionally marks the end of the growing season. Crops that were planted in the spring and carefully tended to in the summer are now ready to be picked and enjoyed (or stored for the winter months). Participate in your very own fall harvest by visiting a local orchard or pumpkin patch with your senior loved one. There’s nothing better than a crisp red apple or plump orange pumpkin that you’ve picked yourself. Apples and pumpkins are both at their peak ripeness during the fall months, though the available varieties may vary depending on the region. After you've found the perfect pick, head on over to the kitchen. You can bake your harvest into fall treats with your loved one for a great way to share some additional quality time. If pumpkin pie isn’t your thing, try carving or painting them, or using them for some festive fall decor.

Get The Heart-Healthy Facts This National Cholesterol Education Month

By: Marissa Salvesen September 11th, 2024

Every year, millions of Americans face high cholesterol. In fact, the CDC estimates that as many as 10% of all US adults age 20 or older had high cholesterol levels between 2017 and 2020. While high cholesterol can impact people of all ages, experts recommend that people over 65 get their cholesterol levels tested yearly

(Not) Falling into Fall: Senior Safety in Autumn

By: Marissa Salvesen August 14th, 2024

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 14 million adults aged 65 and older report experiencing a fall each year. This staggering statistic means that 1 in 4 older adults fall in the United States per year, a number that unfortunately has been on the rise. Falls can be dangerous and expensive for seniors and are considered the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths for adults aged 65 and older. Due to physical changes and conditions that typically accompany the aging process, the risk of experiencing a serious fall also tends to increase with age. While frightening, falls do not have to be inevitable. As the weather grows brisk and leaves begin to pile up, autumn is the perfect time to review important safety tips that can help protect your aging loved one from a serious stumble. In this article, we will cover some common risk factors for falls, steps to prevent falls, and what to do if a fall occurs. Common Risk Factors for Falls Although falls can happen to anyone at any age, there are a number of risk factors associated with aging that can increase both the likelihood and the severity of a fall. For example, changes in eyesight, hearing, and muscle strength can impact a person’s ability to maintain their balance. Similarly, changes to a person’s reflexes might negatively affect their ability to catch themselves when they trip. Certain medical conditions can heighten the risk of a fall. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, blood vessel problems, Alzheimer’s and dementia, thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, nerve problems, muscle weakness or loss, difficulties with standing and walking, foot pain, and foot problems. Certain medications can also increase the risk of a fall by causing dizziness, confusion, and trouble with balance. Sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter medicines are all capable of producing these side effects. Sometimes, the risk of falling comes from external sources. Uneven steps, clutter on the floor, and other tripping hazards can quickly become a safety issue in the home.

6 Summer Activities For Seniors and Their Families

By: Marissa Salvesen June 26th, 2024

Did you know? July is Family Reunion Month! With the grandkids home from school, and grown children taking vacation time off from work, the months of summer are the perfect time for families to gather and visit older relatives. Read on for six great bonding opportunities for families to share with senior loved ones.

Breaking Down the Benefits of a Continuum Community for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen June 6th, 2024

A continuum community for seniors — also called a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community — offers a wealth of benefits to older adults looking to remain in the same setting as their care needs change.

Sweet and Healthy Snacks for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen March 6th, 2024

Does the senior in your life have a bit of a sweet tooth? If your loved one is fond of sugary snacks, you may have concerns about the potential health impact of excess sugar in their diet. Everyone enjoys a sweet snack, but experts have found that people underestimate how much sugar they consume. Some sugars, such as fructose, glucose, and lactose, occur naturally in foods like fruit and milk. The issue arises from added sugars, i.e. the sugars and syrups added to food during processing, preparation, or at the table.

How Seniors Use Social to Connect with Grandkids, Friends & More

By: Marissa Salvesen February 13th, 2024

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, social media has become an indispensable tool for connecting people across generations. Seniors, a group once perceived as technologically hesitant, have begun embracing social platforms and leveraging them to bridge the gap with grandkids, reconnect with old friends and explore a world of possibilities. This newfound digital connection has the potential to not only enhance seniors’ social lives, but also contribute significantly to their overall well-being.

Step into Fitness: Accessible Senior Exercise Plans for the New Year

By: Marissa Salvesen January 16th, 2024

As seniors step into a new year, the importance of adopting accessible exercise plans becomes increasingly important. For older adults, prioritizing health and well-being through tailored exercise routines is not just a resolution; it's a commitment to an improved quality of life. Embracing practical, manageable (and fun!) exercise plans designed specifically for seniors is a major key to maintaining physical vitality, mental acuity and emotional well-being.

10 Tips for Seniors to Unwrap the Gift of Joy this Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 14th, 2023

The holiday season, often marked by festive lights and a contagious sense of joy, can be a time of celebration and reflection for people of all ages. For seniors, though, this time may bring about unique challenges that make it difficult to actively seek and savor moments of happiness. However, experiencing such elements of wonder and delight may be essential to maintaining a senior’s mental and emotional health this time of year. Whether residing alone or within a senior living community, finding joy during the holidays can significantly contribute to overall well-being. In the spirit of helping seniors access holiday cheer more fully, the following are some thoughtful tips for grasping the joy of the season and making this time truly special.