Senior Living Blog by UMH | assisted living (3)

Giving Thanks by Giving Back: Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults

By: Marissa Salvesen November 17th, 2023

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, and what better way to express it than by giving back to the community? For older adults, volunteering can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. As the seasonal holiday of giving thanks approaches, we’re highlighting some of the many volunteer opportunities available for seniors, including the benefits of active participation in community service.

Downsizing Dilemmas & Solutions for Transitioning to a Senior Living Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis October 10th, 2023

Embarking on the journey of downsizing to a senior living community is a significant transition, often filled with both excitement and apprehension. While the benefits of simplified living and a supportive community are evident, unexpected dilemmas may arise along the way. In this article, we'll explore some common challenges faced by seniors during the downsizing process, and offer practical solutions to help make this transition smoother and more enjoyable.

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Boosting Senior Brain Health through the Power of Cognitive Games & Activities

By: Marissa Salvesen October 10th, 2023

As we age, maintaining a healthy mind is just as crucial as maintaining a healthy body. Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but there are ways to slow down this process and even enhance cognitive abilities. One such powerful tool is the use of cognitive games and activities tailored for seniors. Engaging mental exercises not only provides entertainment, but also stimulates various areas of the brain, ultimately leading to improved brain health and overall quality of life.

Hidden-Gem Activities that Stimulate & Engage Seniors for More Vibrant Living

By: Marissa Salvesen September 12th, 2023

As we age, it's crucial to explore activities that not only cater to our physical well-being, but also nurture our mental and emotional health. While classics like walking, puzzles and gentle exercises hold their value, there are also some very unique, sometimes overlooked activities that can add a whole new dimension to seniors' lives. Here, we’re uncovering some hidden gems that have the potential to stimulate and engage seniors in ways they might not have considered.

The Top Used Apps & Technology in Senior Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 12th, 2023

In recent years, technology has made significant strides in improving the quality of life for older adults in senior living communities. From enhancing communication to providing health monitoring solutions, various apps and technologies have become integral parts of daily life. These innovations not only increase convenience, but also promote independence and safety for elderly residents. In this article, we will explore some of the top used apps and technologies in senior living communities.

Award-Winning Articles on Aging Well

By: Marissa Salvesen September 7th, 2023

Healthy aging is influenced by many factors in our lifestyle and especially over the last few decades, research has revealed several habits we can incorporate to positively impact our own aging experience. Along with this comes the idea of “aging well” or the concept of “successful aging,” both terms that can mean various things to various people. In general, however, the idea of optimizing one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout the senior years has great appeal. Throughout the last year, we took a deeper dive into this topic in our UMH blog by highlighting seven different aspects of aging well, beginning with the ever-important element of nutrition and ending with the theme of living one’s unique purpose.

How Senior Living Communities Are Adapting to Boomers’ Relationship with Technology

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 16th, 2023

Our increasingly connected world driven by digital advancement, in combination with an imminent influx of the baby boomer generation into senior living communities, has prompted a significant shift in how these communities approach technology. As boomers—who have witnessed and contributed to the evolution of technology—enter their golden years, senior living communities are adapting to meet their unique technological needs and preferences. Communities that place a strong emphasis on resident-centered care understand how to leverage technology to help people lead enriched, connected, and engaged lives in their later years. They are taking a comprehensive approach to technology integration, revolutionizing the way they operate and enhancing the overall experience for their residents.

Unlocking the Freedom of Downsizing to a Senior Living Community

By: Marissa Salvesen August 16th, 2023

Life is a journey marked by transitions, a series of chapters each holding its own unique story. As time moves forward and the years gracefully accumulate, many seniors find themselves facing a pivotal decision: the shift from a long-held family home to a more streamlined living space within a senior living community. While downsizing might seem like a daunting task at first, a closer look reveals a path rich with practical advantages and a sense of liberation. For seniors and their families, this transition offers a chance to embrace change and rediscover a new kind of freedom.

Downsizing for Seniors: How to Make the Move Easier

By: Marissa Salvesen July 17th, 2023

Downsizing to a senior living community offers numerous advantages that enhance the quality of life for older adults. From reduced maintenance and enhanced social opportunities to safety and security, access to amenities, and other supports for overall well-being, these communities are designed with seniors in mind. But even though this change in lifestyle can be a highly worthwhile one, the move itself is certainly overwhelming for many older adults. Following are some helpful, practical tips on how to make this moving experience easier.

Silver Surfers: Seniors' Growing Expectations & Demands for Technology

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 17th, 2023

In today's digitally driven environment, technology is no longer limited to younger generations—despite some lingering stereotypes surrounding the topic. In fact, there’s an entire population of people affectionately known as "silver surfers," who are increasingly embracing technology and recognizing its potential to enhance their lives. As a result, this age group’s expectations and demands from technology have grown as well. Join us as we delve into the evolving relationship between seniors and technology, exploring the factors that drive evolving expectations and the specific demands many seniors now have as empowered users.

7 Sweet Activities for Seniors to Embrace the Joys of Summer

By: Marissa Salvesen June 8th, 2023

As we round out the springtime months, the imminent arrival of summer brings with it a vibrant atmosphere and a multitude of opportunities for people of all ages to engage in enjoyable activities. For seniors, it’s a particularly ideal time to get out of the indoors and engage in delightful summer pastimes with a host of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. From vitamin D absorption to enhanced mood and social interaction, the summer presents plenty of options for basking in the sweet joys of the outdoors. Let’s take a dive into the world of summer fun with the following senior-friendly activities perfect for generating joy and creating worthwhile memories.