Senior Living Blog by UMH

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!

Senior Living Communities Vs. Nursing Homes: Do You Know the Difference?

By: Marissa Salvesen March 14th, 2023

When people hear the term “senior living,” many quickly lump it into the same category as “nursing home.” In fact, these phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, further promoting the misconception that the two very distinct options are basically the same. The truth, however, is that the array of living choices available for seniors today is both wide and varied, and there are some fundamental differences between senior living communities and nursing homes.

5 Creative Activities to Help Keep Your Elderly Loved One Engaged

By: Marissa Salvesen February 7th, 2023

As the winter months can have a dramatic effect on a senior’s well-being, it’s important to ensure that elderly loved ones are staying engaged and active in their everyday lives. And even though this particular time of year has a way of limiting a senior’s activities, there’s no threshold on creativity. So if the weather or other circumstances are putting a pin in your loved one’s usual outlets for engagement, consider turning their attention to the arts.

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How a Senior Living Community Helps Navigate the Pitfalls of Winter

By: Marissa Salvesen January 12th, 2023

In lockstep with the winter season’s dropping temperatures comes the potential for snowy or icy conditions, plus a litany of often overlooked negative impacts on seniors’ health and well-being. And with every winter charm, there’s an equally challenging reality for older adults as they navigate this chilly time of year. Here are several of the most common effects on seniors during the winter months—and how a senior living community does wonders to offset these challenges.

Festive Senior-Friendly Activities for a Jolly Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 14th, 2022

Bells are ringing, children are singing and Santa’s on his way! It’s that time of year when the air is alive with joy and excitement for the Christmas holiday and other seasonal celebrations. For some seniors, this holiday may look a bit different from years past. There may be emerging health issues, a change in environment, a loss of a loved one, or any other challenge that makes it difficult to feel as merry as one might like. For others, there may be gleeful anticipation for embracing all the season has to offer. Whatever you or the senior in your life is feeling this month, we want to help infuse some cheer—with the following senior-friendly activities that are sure to engage the mind and soul.

How to Spice Up Your Thanksgiving Table with Health-Minded Dishes for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen November 17th, 2022

The Thanksgiving table is a central focus for Americans who celebrate this holiday of gratitude with family, friends and loved ones. It is often filled with traditional staples and creative additions alike, presenting an assortment of savory and sweet dishes. For many seniors, particularly those who must observe special dietary needs and restrictions, it’s important to integrate options that both satisfy the palate and support their individual health requirements. To help you or the senior in your life get the most out of this year’s Thanksgiving feast without compromising nutritional goals, we’re sharing some of the most delectably healthy dishes, including recipes for use among your holiday spread.

Aging Well Series: Living One’s Unique Purpose through Community

By: Marissa Salvesen October 19th, 2022

As we close out our enlightening series on Aging Well, we end on a topic that centers around the very heart of senior well-being: cultivating a strong sense of purpose. Over the years of one’s life, there’s a pattern of filling various roles that cultivate a sense of purpose or meaning. They are the very motivators to embrace each day and connect with those around us. For many seniors, however, this sense of purpose can diminish as they begin to experience isolation, a loss of independence, or a decline in health. But overall well-being at this stage of life is predicated on the very foundation of staying connected to one’s unique purpose.

Aging Well Series: The 5-Layered Approach to Prolonging Independence

By: Marissa Salvesen September 16th, 2022

It could be said that independence is the ultimate goal for aging adults. In this context, independence means so much more than simply living on your own without extra assistance. It’s about thriving in such a way that supports a sense of freedom in one’s life. So, what does it take to achieve that level of independence and maintain it throughout the aging process?

Aging Well Series: Education, Games, Puzzles & Challenges for the Brain

By: Marissa Salvesen August 24th, 2022

Our Aging Well series has delved into the areas of nutrition, physical activity, play, and human connection. In the same way that it’s important for seniors to exercise these critical areas of overall well-being, so is prioritizing cognition and brain health. So, what’s one of the best ways to improve or sustain memory functions and other cognitive abilities? Practice using the brain.

Aging Well Series: 5 Ways Human Connection Impacts Senior Health

By: Marissa Salvesen July 13th, 2022

As we move further along in our Aging Well series, we continue the discussion with a focus on socialization and human connection. Studies have shown time and again that social connection is vital to human health throughout a person’s life. Research has begun to shed a brighter light on this topic over the last few decades because of its major role in overall well-being. Here, we’re breaking down five critical insights on the incredible impact of socialization and human connection on the aging process.

Aging Well Series: Embracing a Playful Approach to Life

By: Marissa Salvesen June 20th, 2022

Next up in our Aging Well Series is a topic many older adults easily overlook, as it’s not typically a top-of-mind area related to health and well-being. Yes, nutrition and exercise are critical to the equation, but just as important is a focus on play. Aging well is, in large part, about maximizing one’s quality of life—and what level of quality can there be if you’re not actually enjoying it?

Aging Well Series: Expert Insights on the Role of Exercise

By: Marissa Salvesen May 13th, 2022

Last month, we kicked off our Aging Well series to shed light on various aspects of optimizing one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout their senior years. We began with a focus on good nutrition as an essential component of aging well, and we continue this month with nutrition’s go-to counterpart: exercise. Proper physical activity is vital to healthy aging, and it supports a wealth of benefits for seniors who incorporate this aspect into their daily lives.