Senior Living Blog by UMH | independent living in ct

The Truth About Play & Why It’s Not Just for Children

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 13th, 2021

In childhood, play is practically a way of life. It’s how kids relate to one another, how they spend their free time, how they discover the world around them. As we age, however, play seems to become less and less of a focus in our everyday lives. Work and responsibility begin to take center stage, and play is often relegated to a tiny corner of our minds. The truth is play remains as valuable and important as ever, regardless of age. In fact, learning to reprioritize play can bring about major benefits for seniors in terms of health and wellbeing.

Why Laughter Is Sometimes the Best Medicine for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 9th, 2021

Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about the importance of human connection in seniors’ lives. Socialization seems to be a major gateway to overall health and a longer lifespan, and curating a sense of community can have immense benefits with regard to a senior’s ability to thrive. One interesting byproduct of this human connection piece is the opportunity for laughter.

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7 Fulfilling Ways for Seniors to Reconnect This Summer

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 22nd, 2021

It’s been just about a year and a half since the pandemic first reared its ugly head and began reshaping the “normal” we’d been accustomed to living. Now, with vaccine distribution in full swing, as well as declining numbers of severe illnesses from COVID, we’re seeing the beginnings of recovery from such a challenging time in our lives.

Assisted Living Communities Celebrate World Environment Day

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 5th, 2013

Tis the season to support your local farmer’s market! This is one easy way to celebrate the environment on World Environment Day, June 5th. Awareness of your habits is key to making a difference every day. Do you find yourself throwing out rotting food from the refrigerator? “Think Before You Eat and Help Save the Environment” is this year’s insightful theme to honor World Environment Day.Think about what you eat and manage portion sizes for your health and for the environment. Many assisted living communities do this every day! They take the lead from their residents who become involved in the selection of menu items, grow fruits, vegetables and spices that are used by the chef, and sometimes the residents even get involved in food preparation!

Assisted Living Provides the Facts about Monitoring Blood Pressure

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 13th, 2013

As one ages it becomes increasingly important to maintain proper exercise and eating habits. By developing a healthy diet and exercising regularly you can reduce the risk for health complications. However, it is also important to have regular doctors appointments to make sure you are continuously in good health. One simple thing to pay attention to is monitoring your blood pressure. While this may not always be the first thing on people's minds to check it is incredibly important to do so. Many assisted living communities provide free blood pressure checks or on site doctors that can quickly check and monitor your blood pressure for you.

Assisted Living Communities Celebrate Mother’s Day

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 12th, 2013

In honor of Mother’s Day Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities are hosting several different events for all of the mothers within the community. Mother’s Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and in general the positive contributions they have made to their families and society.

9 Do's and Don'ts When Choosing an Assisted Living Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 10th, 2013

Choosing an assisted living community is one of those decisions in life when you need to get it right the first time. After all, it’s a long-term commitment and you want the best fit for maximum comfort over the long term. So, what should you look for? What must you avoid? Here are a few do’s and don’ts from the experts you might want to consider:

Independent Living | Healthy Living Event Recipes

By: Elizabeth Bemis February 2nd, 2013

Cooking is often an activity seniors love to do with their friends and loved ones. There is something about being in the kitchen that brings people together. As part of our healthy senior living initiative, we recently hosted an event, “Healthy Eating in the New Year” where we prepared and shared several recipes with one another. Below are the recipes which were enjoyed by all.

The Importance of Fiber in a Senior Citizen's Diet

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 30th, 2013

Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, beans and peas, grains, nuts, and seeds. High fiber foods are usually low in calories and fat, but packed with vitamins and minerals. It is recommended for men 50+ years old to get 30 grams of fiber per day and for women 50+ to get 21 grams of fiber per day.

National Hand Washing Awareness Week in Assisted Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 3rd, 2012

National Hand Washing Awareness Week December 2 through December 8, 2012 is National Hand Washing Week. National Hand Washing Awareness Week’s main purpose is to decrease the spread of infectious diseases by empowering individuals to educate and help protect their communities. Clean hands can prevent the spread of germs from one person to another throughout an entire assisted living or independent living community. Working together can help make a difference.