Senior Living Blog by UMH

How to Help Seniors with Dementia Cope with Colder Weather

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 18th, 2022

In many parts of the country, winter’s chill is forcefully gripping the air. The next few months will urge the majority of us inside to keep warm and avoid the discomforts of colder weather. For seniors, the prospect of facing a snowy, icy, or otherwise freezing climate can be a daunting one. But these conditions are even more hazardous for those living with dementia, as the bite of winter often presents a number of heightened risks to their physical and mental health.

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.

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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.

Expert Answers to the Most Common Memory Care Questions

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 6th, 2021

The possibility that a loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s disease or another memory impairment can feel overwhelming. With age, a reduction in cognitive ability naturally occurs, but more significant declines in memory are cause for concern. And if you’re already caring for someone with a progressive neurodegenerative condition, you understand how challenging it can be. Given the physical and emotional toll such a responsibility can begin to take on a caregiver, it’s no surprise that many begin to seek out options for support.

5 Compelling Reasons to Be Thankful for Senior Living Community Caregivers

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 8th, 2021

As parents and aging loved ones transition into their senior years, there may be health and lifestyle challenges that eventually make living on their own an unsafe or impractical option. This doesn’t mean they can no longer maintain a sense of independence or live life to the fullest. It simply means that having access to a higher level of care is what makes sense at that time.

Fun Fall Activities For Seniors

By: Tracey Haughton October 13th, 2021

As the weather cools and the warm, brilliant hues of Autumn begin to cover the landscape, our thoughts automatically run to pumpkins, apples, and spice from lattes to donuts we begin to crave, and can't wait to indulge in the abundance of the season. Some people believe that the cooling temperature means it is time for seniors to head indoors and pull out the puzzles, knitting kits, and other forms of indoor entertainment. But not so fast. There is still more fun to be had outside. The fall is an opportune time for seniors to get out and enjoy outdoor recreations. Let explore a few.

10 Ideas for Seniors to Reignite Their Sense of Play

By: Elizabeth Bemis October 13th, 2021

In a recent post, we explored The Truth About Play & Why It’s Not Just for Children, detailing how the practice of play impacts the human mind, body, and soul—and why it’s so important for seniors to engage in play regularly. From neurology to physiology and psychology, the benefits of play for seniors are clear and present, which is why this topic has become such a popular one. But as people age, they often lose their sense of play and its priority in their lives. Here, we’re exploring 10 inspiring ways to help seniors reignite their sense of play and find the fun again.

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.

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.

How a Sense of Community Enables Seniors to Thrive

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 14th, 2021

There’s no shortage of challenges seniors face when it comes to staying connected to the larger community. From diminished mobility and lack of transportation options to the inevitable loss of family and friends in their social circle, it can be difficult to maintain a strong base of human relationships and a wide sense of community. But these aspects of a senior’s life are critical to healthy aging and the capacity to thrive.