Senior Living Blog by UMH | independent living in ct (3)

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.

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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.

Top Ways You Didn't Know You Could Benefit from Moving to a Senior Living Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 8th, 2023

As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the concept of senior living communities has evolved significantly. In many cases, communities are no longer simply residences for older adults to receive care and assistance; they have transformed into vibrant, engaging environments that offer a multitude of benefits.

Guidance for Male Caregivers of Spouses Living with Alzheimer’s

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 9th, 2023

Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, as nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are female. And although the majority of caregivers for this population is made up of women, an increasing number of men find themselves caring for spouses living with the disease. While men are equally capable of providing compassionate care to a spouse experiencing cognitive decline, they do face some unique societal challenges. Often, male caregivers may be less inclined to seek the resources and support needed to navigate this journey in a physically and mentally healthy way. They may try to shoulder the burden alone, which can impact both their own well-being and that of their loved one. To support male caregivers of spouses facing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, following are some helpful insights and information.

Research Findings that Underscore the Benefits of Senior Living

By: Marissa Salvesen May 9th, 2023

The possibility of moving out of one’s home is not always a welcome idea for seniors, but planning for the future or considering the best alternatives for current day-to-day challenges is incredibly important for older adults. While there are plenty of fears and assumptions that may have some seniors overlooking the concept of a senior living community, the truth is there is a host of research that underscores the benefits of this option. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are a number of factors that influence healthy aging—and while not all of them are within our control (like genetics), many of them can be impacted by the decisions we make. Join us as we explore some of the interesting research supported by NIA and others, which identifies these crucial points of healthy aging. In addition, learn how these elements are well-supported by the benefits of senior living communities.

Recognizing the Mental & Emotional Struggle for Male Caregivers

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 10th, 2023

The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise from 16 percent to 23 percent. The current growth of this population, driven largely by the baby boom generation, is unprecedented in U.S. history. What does this mean for the increasing numbers of seniors who require caregiving? For one, it means that the gender stereotypes once dominating caregiving responsibilities have begun to shift. More men are needed to embrace the role of caregiver for aging loved ones than ever before, and the latest research shows that male caregiving numbers are rising. 40 percent of family caregivers, amounting to roughly 16 million people in the United States, are men. Out of these 16 million male caregivers, about half are doing so by choice, 63% identify as primary caregivers, 49% are assisting an aging parent or in-law, and 13% are supporting a spouse.

Breaking Down the Benefits of a Continuum Community for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen April 10th, 2023

Also referred to as a continuing care retirement community or life plan community, a continuum community for seniors has been described as “a long-term care option for older people who want to stay in the same place through different phases of the aging process… They offer different types of housing and care levels based on an older adult’s needs and how they change.” Continuum communities for seniors provide opportunities for residents to embrace a healthier, more vibrant and less worrisome quality of life. This might look like a resident starting out living independently in an apartment, then transitioning to assisted living when additional help with daily activities is needed, to skilled nursing when more medical care is a requirement or to specialized memory care when Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms emerge. All of these changes in care occur while the resident remains within the same community.