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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  |  News  |  award

UMH Wins Two Awards in 2021 National Mature Media Awards

United Methodist Homes (UMH) was a winner in the 30th Annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation’s best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs designed and produced for older adults.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  assisted living  |  health tips for seniors  |  senior living nutrition  |  senior nutrition  |  senior nutrition ct

Senior Nutrition: Your Diet and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder (after Alzheimer’s disease), affecting an estimated one percent of the population over the age of 60. With upwards of one million Americans living with Parkinson’s, it’s become a critical area of research and study and a particularly relevant topic for seniors. Many living with the disease or concerned about a future diagnosis wonder about whether it’s possible to minimize symptoms and/or progression through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  assisted living  |  health tips for seniors  |  senior living nutrition  |  senior nutrition  |  senior nutrition ct

8 Ways for Seniors to Maintain Brain Health & Mental Agility

As we age, changes are happening in many different areas of our bodies, and the brain is no exception. Research tells us that certain parts of the brain shrink, particularly those critical to learning and other complex mental activities. Inflammation may increase in response to injury or disease, and communication between neurons in certain areas of the brain may not be as effective. These types of changes result in potential impacts on cognitive function, even for healthy seniors.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  assisted living  |  health tips for seniors  |  senior living nutrition  |  senior nutrition  |  senior nutrition ct

6 Reasons Senior Friendships Are Vital to Healthy Aging

As people age, the relationships they forge and maintain with friends become more important than ever. Having people to connect with socially and personally isn’t just fun; it’s actually fundamental to promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout the aging process. And while certain transitions and circumstances at this stage of life can make creating and sustaining active friendships more challenging, there’s no denying that these special bonds are instrumental for seniors.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  assisted living  |  health tips for seniors  |  senior living nutrition  |  senior nutrition  |  senior nutrition ct

Senior Nutrition: Your Diet and Diabetes

At least 14 million Americans aged 65 and older live with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, according to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, this disorder involves difficulty processing sugars from food, which can lead to dangerous levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes is particularly concerning for the senior population, who are at increased risk for specific complications.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

5 Mental & Emotional Health Perks of Senior Community Living

According to The State of Mental Health and Aging in America, an estimated 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders like depression, which is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults. Depression can result in personal distress and suffering, as well as impairments in physical, mental, and social functioning.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

Can Community Living Actually Help You Live a Longer, Healthier Life?

If you read our last blog article, The Secret to Health & Longevity That’s Too Important to Miss , you are familiar with the concept of “The Village Effect.” This metaphor for how human connection significantly impacts our minds and bodies points to the powerful link between socialization and lifespan. It’s an incredible concept supported by studies in social neuroscience, and it makes the case for just how important human connection is in the life of a senior.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

Senior Nutrition: The Link Between Diet and Alzheimer's

There are simply some factors impacting Alzheimer’s and its severity that are completely out of our control, including those like age and genetics. There are others, however, over which we have a great deal of influence, and one of the most prominent is nutrition. Advances in science and research have suggested that a person’s diet can have a significant impact on their ability to think and remember as they age.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

Senior Nutrition: The Healthy Way to Have Your Holiday Desserts

With holiday spirits and festivities in full force, there’s a great deal of focus on the sweets and treats that make the season bright. It can be tempting to overindulge in the many tasty desserts that typically grace our tables this time of year. Although it’s often a challenge to keep one’s health and nutrition in mind while enjoying the tasty pleasures of the holidays, it’s especially important for seniors to prioritize healthy habits and manage appropriate levels of sugar, salt and fat.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

4 Types of Loneliness the Senior in Your Life Could Be Feeling

Approximately one third of seniors are lonely, according to the most recent National Poll on Healthy Aging. Notably, this poll was conducted before the onset of a global pandemic that spurred dramatic protocol for social distancing and self-isolation. Spread-prevention measures have brought on an even more severe state of loneliness for people of all ages, but especially for older adults, who are already at high risk of experiencing these types of feelings.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

7 Senior Essentials for Preparing a Wintertime Quarantine Safety Kit

Autumn is arriving, and with it comes the rush of thoughts about upcoming holidays, changing temperatures and what’s in store for winter this year. There’s no doubt some of this unknown will be faced with anxiety about how to plan for the next several months. In particular, many seniors and their loved ones worry about how to handle any necessary quarantine measures.

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