Senior Living Blog by UMH | Tracey Haughton

Tracey Haughton

How Senior Living Maintains Independence, Part 1: Independent Living

By: Tracey Haughton December 13th, 2024

Independence is a hallmark of adulthood—one that, for many people, the mere thought of losing is enough to cause profound distress. As we grow older, maintaining independence becomes critical as our bodies and minds begin to reflect the wear and tear of life. A strong sense of independence is essential for seniors' physical, mental, and emotional health. For senior living communities committed to exceptional living and high-quality care, preserving older adults’ independence is at the heart of the journey every step of the way. However, the perception that senior living restricts an older adult’s ability to remain independent can cause resistance to this move, even if a senior can no longer safely live at home. In this three-part series, we will explore how a senior’s independence is honored and prioritized at each level of care: independent living, assisted living, and memory care or skilled nursing. Last month, we discussed what seniors and their loved ones can expect from independent living communities. This article will explore how independent living communities honor a senior’s sense of independence. The Pillars of Independence How an older adult defines independence can vary from person to person. For some, independence may mean being able to drive for as many years as they can. For others, it may mean being able to style their hair each morning. Senior living communities' efforts to maintain senior independence are rooted in a commitment to healthy aging. In support of that goal, we have compiled a brief list of independence “pillars” in the world of senior living.

What is Independent Living?

By: Tracey Haughton November 15th, 2024

The world of senior living offers a wide assortment of living arrangements for older adults and their loved ones to consider, such as 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and independent living. With ever-growing options and plenty of ambiguous terms, taking the first step into your family’s senior living journey can often feel intimidating. Moving into any senior living community is a deeply personal decision, so it makes sense that families would want to carefully weigh their choices and consider what will work best for their loved one’s unique wants and needs. They may find themselves asking a lot of questions, like “What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?” or “How much will this cost?” To help older adults and their families navigate some of these questions, we are breaking down what seniors and their loved ones can expect from one of the more popular senior living options: independent living communities. Read on to learn more about what they are, what features they provide, and who benefits the most from moving into them. What is independent living? At its core, independent senior living is community living for older adults who want to minimize the stress and labor of daily tasks while still maintaining the independence and privacy of an individual home. For an inclusive monthly fee, seniors can rent an apartment, townhouse, cottage, or similar residence, with the added benefit of certain services and amenities as well as opportunities to easily socialize and engage with others. Independent living differs from other senior living options like assisted living communities and memory care. While independence is encouraged at every level of senior living, “independent living communities” are designed for seniors who are generally in good health and self-reliant. Assisted living and memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors facing challenges with daily tasks or experiencing cognitive change.

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Pitfalls of Pop-ups: How Seniors Can Stay Safe Online

By: Tracey Haughton October 14th, 2024

As technology continues to evolve and the baby boomer generation enters their golden years, senior living communities have faced the task of integrating technology into daily life in a way that best meets boomers’ unique needs. Among the most impactful technological advances, the internet revolutionized how we relate to ourselves, connect, and navigate the world.

Having Tough Conversations: Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Seniors

By: Tracey Haughton September 12th, 2024

Having Tough Conversations: Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Seniors September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to examine and break down the stigma around depression and suicide, as well as educate ourselves on how to better support loved ones who face these common but serious illnesses. While people of any age can struggle with suicidal thoughts and actions, seniors are increasingly at risk. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), older adults accounted for 16.8% of the U.S. population but 22% of suicides in 2022. Additionally, research found that seniors tend to plan more carefully and choose more lethal methods. Per NCOA, “among people who attempt suicide, one in four older adults will succeed, compared to 1 in 200 youths.” Suicide attempts that fail are also more likely to cause severe harm to older adults, as they may have a harder time recovering than a younger person due to underlying health issues and increased frailty. It is important to remember that depression, while a common medical condition, is not a normal part of the aging process. Symptoms, such as a feeling of “emptiness” or a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, should be taken seriously. Not every person who experiences depression will also experience thoughts of suicide. However, depression left untreated can worsen over time. Risk Factors and Warning Signs Older adults face an assortment of risk factors that put them at higher risk of depression and suicide. One of the most widespread risk factors is loneliness. Some mental health experts assert that there is currently a “loneliness epidemic” and seniors are no exception. Being homebound, losing a spouse or other close loved ones, and lacking or being cut off from a social circle are all very real problems that can worsen feelings of loneliness for older adults. In addition to loneliness, many seniors experience grief over lost loved ones, loss of self-sufficiency, major changes in their lives, and more. Chronic illness and pain can also limit seniors’ abilities to do what they used to, which might further compound already existing loneliness or grief. Financial troubles and insurance barriers, such as providers opting out of billing Medicare, can prevent older loved ones from efficiently caring for their physical, emotional, and mental health. This can worsen previously existing mental illnesses like clinical depression and certain cognitive conditions like dementia, both of which can further increase seniors’ risk of suicide.

Weed It and Reap: A Gardening for Seniors

By: Tracey Haughton August 15th, 2024

Weed It and Reap: A Gardening Guide for Seniors Whether you have never had a green thumb or dedicated your life to a multi-acre farm, gardening has something to offer everyone, especially older adults. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the many benefits gardening offers seniors, highlight important safety tips for creating an accessible garden, and share advice for getting your own garden started. Benefits of Gardening for Seniors Gardening offers a wealth of physical and emotional health benefits for seniors. Encouraging the older adult in your life to start and maintain a garden is a great way for them to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. What could be better than exercise that feels like fun! Getting your hands dirty and soaking up the sunshine can help lower blood pressure, strengthen immunity, and improve sleep cycles. The movements associated with gardening can also help promote and maintain sensory awareness and motor skills, as well as strengthen and increase dexterity. For emotional health, gardening can provide stress relief and reduce feelings of anxiety and agitation. Tending to plants grown with their own hands can give seniors a sense of purpose, an essential part of aging well. Additionally, a garden can also help to decrease isolation among older adults. Having a hobby to bond with encourages closer friendships and stronger community ties. Research has repeatedly linked better health outcomes to human connection in seniors. While gardening can certainly be a solo activity if you prefer, inviting friends and family into your green space and enjoying it together, or working in a community garden, can add an even greater return. Safety Tips for Senior Gardening Just like everything else in life, safety in the garden is crucial. It’s often wise to consult a primary care physician before tackling anything more than light exercise in the garden. Even if you are sticking to light exercise, take the time to warm up before getting started. It’s especially important to stretch your hands, since you will be using them a lot. If you experience seasonal allergies, take any needed medication or eye drops before going outside or consider wearing a face mask if allergies are severe. Once out in the garden, remember to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. To make it easier to hydrate, have a water bottle on hand with you outside. Keep it in a cooler or a shady area or opt for an insulated option. Take breaks more often on warmer days and avoid gardening or being outside on very hot days.

Beat The Heat! Hot Weather Safety Tips For Seniors

By: Tracey Haughton June 28th, 2024

Last year, a record number of Americans died as a result of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses and heat-related deaths are steadily on the rise as the planet warms and our population ages. Older adults are among the most vulnerable groups, with people over 65 several times more likely to develop heat-related health problems than younger adults. Hot temperatures can affect everyone, but seniors are particularly vulnerable because their bodies typically do not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes. Seniors are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions or medications that can affect how the body responds to temperature changes. It is not just important, but essential, for seniors and their caregivers to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Read on to learn how you can help keep your loved one safe during the hot summer months.

Facing Fears And Addressing Emotions in the Senior Living Decision

By: Tracey Haughton June 5th, 2024

Making the transition to community living is a weighty decision for seniors, caregivers, and family members alike. Whether the senior in your life is planning a move to an independent living community or you are preparing to move your loved one to a memory care community, the decision can bring feelings of fear and complex emotions.

Embracing Change: Senior Living and Emotional Resilience

By: Tracey Haughton May 10th, 2024

The transition to senior living has the potential to bring significant positive change to an older adult’s life. Reaping the most benefits from this lifestyle, however, may largely depend on an individual’s ability to adapt to change. A senior’s openness to change may even be linked to better mental health and lower risks of depression and anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many changes senior loved ones may face and offer strategies for strengthening emotional resilience to best cope with these transitions.

Finding Renewal: The Spiritual Significance of Easter in Senior Living

By: Tracey Haughton March 7th, 2024

Beyond its religious connotations, Easter is also celebrated through various cultural traditions and customs. Many senior living communities embrace this diversity, honoring the rich tapestry of traditions that residents bring from different backgrounds and heritage, and creating inclusive environments where seniors can share and celebrate their cultural practices with one another.

Valentine's Day: Tapping into Love & Companionship in Senior Living

By: Tracey Haughton February 13th, 2024

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. And in the journey of life, the golden years should be no exception to the enchanting symphony of heartfelt connections. Contrary to some preconceived notions, seniors can be just as involved in the pursuit of love and companionship as any other generation. For adults residing in senior living communities, this quest remains vibrant and hopeful. In fact, these communities offer a rich tapestry of social connections and opportunities for seniors to celebrate this heartfelt holiday with warmth and joy. As the crimson hues of Valentine's Day approach, and the atmosphere resonates with a feeling of love and connection, we’re delving into the myriad ways through which residents in senior living communities can experience the magic of Valentine's Day. Join us as we explore the avenues of community events, family visits, virtual connections and other heartwarming channels that can make this time of year so special for seniors.

Rewarding Resolutions for Seniors Eying Health & Happiness in 2024

By: Tracey Haughton January 16th, 2024

When the clock struck midnight on January 1, people across the globe ushered in a new year with festive flair and celebration. For many seniors, this moment marked an exciting opportunity to embrace fresh beginnings and renewed aspirations. In 2024, a number of older adults have committed to taking a proactive approach to their health and happiness, setting realistic resolutions that reflect a focus on overall well-being. Let’s explore why these intentions are so powerful and how seniors can navigate the path to a healthier, happier life in the year ahead.