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Senior Living Blog

Happily Ever Aging
...a UMH Senior Living Blog

Everything you need to know about caring for your loved one - at home or at a senior living community.

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-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!

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Aging & Caregiving  |  assisted living  |  health tips for seniors

Sweet and Healthy Snacks for Seniors

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

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

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.

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Your Guide to Senior Care Options

Not sure what senior living and care solution is best for your loved one? Start making sense of your options.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

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

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

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

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

Giving Thanks by Giving Back: Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

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

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

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

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

Award-Winning Articles on Aging Well

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

Unlocking the Freedom of Downsizing to a Senior Living Community

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

Downsizing for Seniors: How to Make the Move Easier

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.

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Independent Senior Living  |  Senior Living Communities CT  |  aging well  |  assisted living  |  healthy living  |  independent living in ct  |  senior health  |  senior health tips

7 Sweet Activities for Seniors to Embrace the Joys of Summer

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.

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