Recently, I was talking with a sales counselor at a retirement community who said something she often hears from prospective residents is, "I like what your community has to offer, but I just love my home." I truly understand this sentiment. My job necessitates a fair amount of travel, and while I enjoy getting to [...]
We’ve been hearing about various types of discrimination in the new headlines a lot lately. From issues of pay equity to debates around race, disability, and sexuality, Americans typically have vocal opinions about hot button topics. However, there is one demographic that frequently confronts discrimination, but it rarely makes the front page of the paper: [...]
I read an article recently from PBS Newshour entitled “How to Stay Out of a Nursing Home and Age Independently.” It discusses a recent study out of Sweden that identified several factors that predicted a senior’s likelihood of living independently into their 80s. Some may call this "aging independently." The study’s lead author, geriatrician Kristin Franzon, [...]
“Wellness” is a term that gets used a lot in senior living, and depending on the context, it can have many different meanings. But when it comes to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs, also called live plan communities) and other types of senior living options, “wellness” usually refers to any service or amenity that contributes [...]
Today’s senior living communities offer more services and amenities than ever, with perks that range from the convenient (like on-site healthcare facilities, transportation, and home maintenance) to the luxurious (like on-site 5-star dining options and indoor pools). Yet despite the seeming allure of many senior living facilities, survey after survey reveals that today’s senior still [...]
Home is where the heart is. It is a familiar setting where you feel most comfortable, surrounded by memories that create a strong emotional connection. For many people staying at home is symbolic of retaining independence. However, choosing to stay in your home during the later years of retirement should not preclude you and [...]
A recent study of CCRC residents revealed that the healthier seniors are, the more popular they are and the wider their circle of friends. And another related study showed that for both men and women, loneliness and infrequent interaction with family and friends can actually shorten seniors’ lifespan, independent of other health factors.
For some senior couples, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC, also known as a life plan community) could be a solution to concerns about being separated by differing care needs. CCRCs offer a continuum of care for residents, from independent living patio homes or condos to 24/7 skilled nursing care–all on one campus.
But for some older adults, the holidays are not all cheer and glad tidings. In fact, it can be a time of sadness and tremendous loneliness.
You’ve seen the ads for over 55 communities and senior organizations: Smiling silver-haired couples, hand-in-hand, strolling on the beach, reading in a cozy den, rocking on the front porch. It’s a comforting, idyllic marketing image, but walking into the sunset with a mate is not reality for a large portion of the senior population.
