Senior Living Blog by UMH

Aging & Caregiving | assisted living | technology and seniors | tips for seniors

6 Pieces of Technology Aging Seniors Need

By: Chelsea Sayegh November 7th, 2017

These days over 50% of seniors are surfing the net, and just over one-third of seniors 65 years and older are actively participating in social media networks. A study, carried out by the Pew Institute shows that the “GI generation”—those 76 years and older—are not so much ‘in the game’ at 34% internet use but this doesn’t take away from the fact that seniors are attempting to stay on the cutting edge of technology and it’s reflected in the numbers, which have been steadily trending upwards over the last few years. Researchers are finding that seniors who readily adapt to technology benefit from improved quality of life on both the social and health fronts.

Helping Your Loved One Cope with Tragedy

By: Marissa Salvesen June 11th, 2016

Dealing with tragedy can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. For many older adults, loss becomes frighteningly more common throughout the aging process. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, a child or sibling, a good friend, or even a pet, these circumstances can weigh heavily on your loved one for several months.

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The Importance of Keeping Your Aging Senior Active

By: Marissa Salvesen May 14th, 2016

As you think about the best ways to care for your aging parent or loved one, one of the things you can do that will provide the most benefit in all areas of life is encouraging exercise. Being active can help your aging senior in a wide range of ways, from strengthening social relationships to improving memory and even preventing depression.

Winter Weather Safety for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen December 18th, 2014

With the arrival of the winter season, the joy and happiness of the holidays is never far off. Unfortunately for many caregivers, it is this time of year that can often cause a great deal of anxiety and stress. As a caregiver, how often do you find yourself worrying about the safety and security of your aging loved one?

The Difference Between Age and Maturity

By: Jim Stinson September 30th, 2013

And The Mountains Echoed is a fascinating and disturbing novel by Khalem Hosseni, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. In heart wrenching detail, he tells the story of a family from Afghanistan over a sixty-year period, each one of who continue to be affected by decisions made in earlier generations. It is a sometimes-grim reminder that, while we are free to alter our responses to the events of our lives, thus changing ourselves in some real way, we are always to some extent the product of our past.

Assisted Living Communities in CT are Disaster Ready, are you?

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 24th, 2013

Depending on where you call home, your assisted living community may be prone to certain natural disasters. Storms, hurricanes, tornados or flooding may occur frequently in your “neck of the woods.” Assisted living communities are required to have disaster plans in place. If you are searching for a community for yourself or a loved one, find out what steps they take to keep residents safe and communicate with families.

How Seniors Can Avoid Scams: Internet, Charities, Etc.

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 12th, 2013

A new study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that senior citizens are one of the most preyed upon users of the internet. Scammers are known to routinely advertise in an effort to fleece older investors. This type of financial fraud can happen over the web, through unscrupulous advertising on the television and in the newspapers, from illegal charity outfits and right within the home.

Celebrate Earth Day - 3 Gardening Tips Seniors will Enjoy

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 22nd, 2013

What can you do to make an impact this Earth Day, April 23 and beyond? Going green at your assisted or independent living home is a great start to saving the planet. This can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors. For seniors, the latter may hold a special appeal in several ways:

Medical Fitness Week - 3 Cardio Exercise Tips for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 15th, 2013

April 22 to 28 is Medical Fitness Week! So what does this mean for you? Well, the “National Walking Challenge” is one of the events planned for the week, and everyone across the country is encouraged to walk, that includes you! Walking is the best cardio exercise for seniors. It improves blood circulation, it’s easy on the joints and it’s not complicated to do. If you can still move, you can perform a variety of heart-engaging activity. It’s not too late to improve your fitness level and your quality of life.

Tips for Transitioning to an Assisted Living Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis February 20th, 2013

Moving your loved one into an assisted living community can be a challenging time for any family. This is especially true for the person who will be making the move. A new place, new neighbors and new caretakers can be a lot for someone of an advanced age to think about. Here are some tips on how to make an assisted living transition a little bit easier on your loved one.

Choosing the Right Short-Term Rehab Facility for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis February 1st, 2013

When researching short-term rehabilitation and senior care facilities, whether for yourself or an elderly loved one, it is important to know what to look for to minimize your concerns about the healing and rehabilitative process. Understanding the difference between short-term rehab and long term care is an important first step. Short-term rehab facilities are typically the place aging adults go to recover from health issues in a professional, caring environment. They can receive a variety of therapy and nursing services during their stay as they heal and make progress with the peace-of-mind of having nursing staff available to meet their needs 24-hours a day.