Senior Living Blog by UMH (4)

Understanding the Assisted Living Experience

By: Tracey Haughton December 6th, 2022

Honest Insights for Seniors and Caregivers As seniors navigate the nuances of older adulthood, there may come a time when certain challenges of physical, mental and emotional health become increasingly difficult to manage. And while the prospect of making the transition to an assisted living community can feel scary or overwhelming—for both seniors and their caregivers—the truth is that this option may actually support a greater quality of life for you or your aging loved one.

5 W’s of Independent Living for Seniors

By: Tracey Haughton December 1st, 2022

Expert Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions When older adults think about the aging process, most hope to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. It could be said that independent living is the ultimate goal for aging adults. But beyond having that sense of independence, there’s more to achieving health and happiness throughout these precious years. Ultimately, seniors hope to embrace a lifestyle that enables them to truly thrive.

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

Get the award-winning guide and subscribe to our blog.

Why Memory Care Matters

By: Tracey Haughton November 25th, 2022

Keys to Helping Seniors with Dementia Live a More Enriched Life

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.

Recognizing the Unexpected Impacts of the Holidays on Aging Adults

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 17th, 2022

As November ushers in chillier weather and Thanksgiving preparations, many of us embrace the beginning of the holiday season. For so many, this is an exciting, joyful time of year, but for others, it can have unexpected impacts on their state of mind and physical health. Even amidst the exuberance of the holidays, plenty of older adults find themselves feeling lonely, overwhelmed, stressed, or even depressed, all of which can jeopardize physical health.

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.

8 Hallmarks of a Top-Notch Independent Living Community for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis October 19th, 2022

As seniors think about the kind of lifestyle best suited to their needs, and what they require to truly thrive in this stage of life, there’s typically a focus on independence—and the added support necessary to cultivate that independence. One of the most fundamental aspects of embracing this vision is choosing an environment that’s well-equipped for it.

Two Truths and a Lie About Independent Living Communities for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 16th, 2022

There’s an entertaining game often used for ice-breaking purposes in a social setting, and it’s commonly referred to as “Two Truths and a Lie.” In this game, each individual takes a turn telling the group two truths and one lie about themselves, and the group must guess which one is the lie. In the name of fun, we’re going to play a quick round of this game—only here, we’re applying the two truths and a lie to independent living communities for seniors.

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?

5 Recommendations for Broaching the Assisted Living Conversation

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 24th, 2022

There are some conversations that can feel daunting and overwhelming. A talk with your loved one about the possibility of moving to an assisted living community is certainly one of them. With age-related realities and family dynamics stirring up all kinds of emotions, the subject may be a challenging one to broach with the senior in your life. To help ease any dread you may have and plan for a productive discussion, we’re highlighting some valuable advice on how to approach this conversation.

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.