Senior Living Blog by UMH

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

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.

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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.

Aging Well Series: Good Nutrition as a Vital Ingredient for Health

By: Marissa Salvesen April 13th, 2022

The term “aging well” can mean various things to various people, but it generally revolves around the idea of optimizing one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout their senior years. Because a number of factors contribute to this overall sense of well-being, we’re going to dive into the topic more deeply by highlighting a different aspect each month. Today, we begin with the ever-important element of nutrition.

6 Playful Ideas for Seniors to Step Into Springtime

By: Marissa Salvesen March 8th, 2022

If you’ve felt the strain of a long, dark winter, you’re probably ready to embrace the promise of spring. March may roar in like a lion, but it goes out like a lamb—bringing us the renewed warmth of extended sunshine and a gentler forecast.

Real Talk About the Dangers of Hypothermia for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen February 8th, 2022

In many parts of the country, this winter has already proven to be a challenging one. With record cold temperatures and blizzards already on the books, the season of snow and ice has made its presence known. During times like these, it’s critical for seniors to be aware of the risks associated with hypothermia, and how to avoid these dangers. Here are some important insights about how hypothermia can endanger unsuspecting seniors and what you can do to prevent it.

Fun Ways for Seniors to Stay Active This Winter

By: Tracey Haughton February 8th, 2022

Staying active during the winter months is essential for keeping a healthy lifestyle as you age. Winter makes it easy to pull the covers over your head and pretend you can sleep all day. But, if you take advantage of these fun activities, staying active in the winter will be the last thing on your mind.

New Year Challenge for Seniors: Resolve to Have More Fun

By: Marissa Salvesen January 18th, 2022

It’s a new year, and many of us have begun to bring our resolutions to life. From new exercise routines and healthier eating habits to relationship-building efforts and work-life balance, there are fresh goals popping up everywhere. It’s a common time to rethink the areas of our lives where progress can be made and our realities can improve. Arguably, seniors are no exception to this phenomena, though we’re proposing a potentially unexpected aim for this particular group.

5 Tips For Seniors To Stay Active in the Winter

By: Tracey Haughton December 6th, 2021

Winter is a great time to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. However, with cold weather and shorter days, it can be hard to find the motivation to do so. Whether you’re a senior citizen looking for a way to stay warm or just someone who wants some helpful ideas on staying active during this time of year, these 5 tips will help you stay happy and healthy this winter.