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Sunshine, fresh air, green grass, flowers, trees – isn’t nature a wonderful thing? As we get full-swing into the summer season, nature is at her finest, which means all sorts of fun outdoor activities and opportunities to soak up the sun. It’s the quintessential summer enjoyment, but not only that, it can actually boost a lot more than just your disposition.

“Studies have shown that being outside and, more specifically, in a natural setting has incredible healing powers,” says Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “Mother Nature helps boost the immune system, improves mental health, and can even help reduce some forms of cancer. Whether you’re at a park, in the garden, by the ocean or wherever else, being in nature is something that should definitely be part of your health and wellness routine.”

Kevin says that since COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and outdoor events are beginning to pick up, it’s even easier to get back into nature and enjoy all its benefits. This is especially great for older adults who are itching to get outside after a long winter filled with cabin fever.

“This summer can be a great re-start of your health and wellness plan,” Kevin says. “Going outside is one of the easiest ways to get a health boost because it doesn’t require any sort of special equipment, fitness level or even location. Though, Waterstone at the Circle has an exceptional one – situated next to Cassidy Park and close to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Simply walk out your front door to enjoy the community around you, and in Boston’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood, there are plenty of things to delight, entertain and fulfill you.”

The Health Benefits of Being in Nature

1. Increased physical activity.
Obviously, one of the biggest benefits of getting outside is the exercise you get. From simply walking around the park to cycling along the river, being in nature usually means some form of physical activity.

2. Reduced stress.
Spending time in nature, whether you’re walking or simply looking at the beauty around you, instantly lowers blood pressure and reduces the amounts of adrenaline and cortisol in your body. This results in lowered stress, which leads to better moods, a better cardiovascular system and better overall well-being.

3. Improved immune system.
A number of studies have found that fresh air really is good for you – in fact, it has antibacterial properties. Although science doesn’t know exactly why that is, it has shown that the combination of fresh air and sunshine kills bacteria, which is part of the reason why laundry dried outside often seems so fresh. Being outside also boosts your production of white blood cells, which results in a better overall immune system.

4. Better healing.
An improved immune system is only one aspect of quicker healing. Being outside also has a certain je ne sais quoi that helps people with injuries or illness heal more quickly. Studies report that patients who spend time outside report requiring fewer painkillers, experiencing fewer complications and having a quicker recovery time.

5. Higher energy levels.
Vitamin D and fresh air results in a “reset” of sorts for our circadian rhythm, which is the inner clock that tells us when to sleep and when to get up. Everyone knows that being outside helps you feel more alert and energetic – and conversely helps “wear you out” and allows you to sleep better at night. The boost of energy plus the ability to fall into a soothing, deep sleep results in improved energy levels. Having more energy makes it easier to get more exercise, which means better health, better moods … as you can see, being in nature really is a positive feedback loop.

6. Improved relationships.
Being in nature can help nurture and improve our personal relationships because it’s a great place to spend time together. Nature gives us an excellent opportunity to connect with friends and deepen existing relationships while also doing something beneficial for our bodies.

7. Graceful aging.
A study in the Journal of Aging and Health reports that seniors over the age of 70 who spend time outside have fewer sleep issues, fewer aches and pains, and better mobility. In short, being outside makes seniors feel better, which results in better overall health, which then results in happier, healthier and more graceful aging.

Fun Outdoor Activities Near Chestnut Hill

In the spirit of getting out in nature, we’ve put together a list of activities to do in nature near the heart of Cleveland Circle – where Waterstone at the Circle is located. Whether you’re a resident at our community, are visiting a loved one, or simply want to know what there is to do in the area, here are our favorite outdoor activities and destinations for summer 2021.

Cassidy Playground – Conveniently located in Cleveland Circle across from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, Cassidy Playground is a nice bit of greenspace with fields for people to enjoy the active life. Recently renovated, the park features a baseball diamond, two tennis courts and two softball fields, along with many benches, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs for relaxing.

Chestnut Hill Reservoir – This picturesque destination was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s son and constructed in the late 1860s to give Boston clean drinking water and a rural park. Today, it features a popular 1.5-mile circular path with pleasant vistas of Back Bay skyscrapers. The paths around the reservoir and through the woods are open for public use.

Hammond Pond Reservation – Located in Newton, Hammond Pond is a protected woodland park that features dozens of hiking trails, rock formations that are popular for rock climbing, and fishing opportunities. For those who love the water, canoeing and kayaking are permitted. The reservation is part of the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston.

The Street – Inspired by the best retail streets in the world, The Street is a unique destination offering generous green space, a tranquil pond, and a variety of local shops and eateries. It’s the ideal place to take in nature while checking out the charm of 16 independently owned boutiques. Plus, don’t forget to bring your furry friend along to explore with you. Dogs are welcome in the green space, common areas, and even many of the shops and restaurants.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Whether you’re looking for a lovely place for a stroll, searching for wildlife, or are interested in learning more about the science behind the plants, Arnold Arboretum is home to 281 landscaped acres with over 16,000 plants! Operating under the Olmstedian principle that everyone is entitled to open space, the arboretum is open every day, free of charge. The Arnold Arboretum offers a variety of exploration opportunities, guided tours, and self-guided activities.

The Brookline Farmers’ Market – Running for over 40 years, The Brookline Farmers’ Market hosts a variety of vendors on Thursdays from June through November in Coolidge Corner at the Centre Street West Parking Lot in Brookline. Proud to support local growers, producers, and artisans, The Brookline Farmers’ Market offers a diverse range of products – most of which are produced in Massachusetts or elsewhere in New England.

Luxury Senior Living in Boston

Waterstone at the Circle, located in Boston’s historic Cleveland Circle neighborhood, is more than just independent living in Boston … it’s a sophisticated urban setting for today’s active seniors. Enjoy best-in-class service and an urban lifestyle with arts and cultural, and historical attractions right outside your front door. From high-end amenities to gourmet dining and more, experience the best of city and suburban life at our upscale senior living community located on the crossroads of Brookline and Chestnut Hill.

Elegant Independent Living Apartments

Each of our 92 independent living apartments is the height of luxury and modernity, with sophisticated design, upscale features and stunning views of the city. Create the urban senior living experience you want with one- or two-bedroom apartments, a variety of floor plans and monthly rentals.

Senior Living Supportive Services

As an over-62 community, residents may require support from time to time. That’s why we’ve developed an on-site coordinated care program, in cooperation with our premier community partners, that allows our independent living residents to receive the assistance they need.

The best part? Residents don’t have to leave our senior living community – or even their apartment – to receive high-quality support. They can receive the services they need, when they need it, in the comfort of their own homes or in our on-site therapy gym.

Waterstone at the Circle is the opposite of retiring . . . it’s a place to enhance your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Call 617.431.1880 for more information or to schedule a visit to our premier Boston independent living community and discover The Circle lifestyle today!

Moving into senior living is a major life change. But when you’re moving as a couple, the decision and the transition can be smoother and a little easier, especially if one spouse or the other needs assisted living services.

“When we get married, we promise to stay together for better or for worse, in sickness or in health,” says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley. “This can become more and more difficult in our later years, especially if one or both spouses need a little extra assistance in order to live safely and securely.”

Devon says that one reason why many couples hesitate to move into senior living is because they don’t want to be separated if one spouse requires additional assistance. “It makes complete sense, since as spouses you want to ensure you remain together, especially in your golden years,” she explains. “Fortunately, there are senior living communities like Waterstone at Wellesley that are set up to assist individuals whether only one person needs assisted living or both do. In other words, we make it easy for couples to remain together no matter what level of care needs they require.”
 

It should come as no surprise that staying together in old age is incredibly beneficial to couples, especially when they make the move to a senior living community. “We’ve seen from many experts how maintaining deep, meaningful relationships ensures a high quality of life as we age,” she says. “Providing solutions that allow couples to remain together means that they both have better health and happiness during their senior years – which is what we’re all about.”

A large benefit to moving into a place where both individual’s needs can be cared for helps reduce the stress for aging couples, says Devon. “Look at it this way,” she says. “If an aging couple waits to move into assisted living until there’s an event that requires them to take action, this can be hugely detrimental to their relationship and cause a lot of stress. At that time, it’s possible that one or the other has been shouldering the caregiving burden for some time, which has already added lots of anxiety, stress and frustration.”

“Moving into senior living that provides a spectrum of assistance means that both parties in a couple can relax because they know the other person is being cared for properly,” says Devon. “You’ll be surprised at how much independence both you and your partner gain back – as well as peace of mind. While moving into assisted living means a bit of change and rethinking some things, it can also be a great new start to a new chapter of life for you or your loved one.”

Tips for Moving to Assisted Living with Your Spouse

If you or your partner are considering assisted living as a potential solution to help make your life more stress-free and carefree, here are some tips from Waterstone at Wellesley to help you find the community that’s right for you:

Choose a community that provides a wide variety of health services.

“Assisted living” is a spectrum and can extend from the almost-completely independent to those who require a more significant amount of help to live safely. For couples moving into assisted living, you’ll want to do your research and make sure that the needs and abilities of both spouses are evaluated. It’s very rare that a couple requires the same amount of assistance to live safely. Make sure that whatever community you choose, the staff does a full personalized assessment for both of you to ensure the health and well-being of each individual.

Ask about care policies.

Different communities may have very different living situations for couples who require different levels of care. As you’re touring different communities, be sure to ask what happens if one individual requires no – or very little – assistance while the other needs more extensive help. Can you or your loved one be cared for adequately in independent living with supportive services? Is it necessary for you and your partner to move directly into an assisted living apartment on campus? While there is no right or wrong answer, you will have options, and the decision is based on your situation and comfort level.

Understand your needs as a couple.

Caring for health needs is essential as we age. That’s why it’s so important to find a place that cares for you and your spouse’s physical needs. However, you also need to make sure that whatever community you choose meets you and your spouse’s needs for emotional, social and recreational wellness. After all, living in a place means more than just caring for physical needs – it also means making sure you have everything you need to enjoy life. As you’re researching assisted living, make sure you’re also looking into the benefits that will make your life enjoyable, no matter what your health needs may be.

Ask about “personal time.”

All couples need “alone time,” which can be a little bit delicate when one spouse needs very little assistance but the other requires more. Before moving into a community, ask about the privacy rules with regards to couples, especially if one spouse needs more help than the other. Hopefully, this won’t be an issue, but it is a possibility depending on the couples’ needs.
“At Waterstone at Wellesley, we want to make sure couples have the opportunity to enjoy life the fullest as individuals and as couples,” Devon explains. “We do our best to handle the delicate balance of privacy and assistance, especially for couples who don’t have the same level of care needs. Our goal is always to help couples live their best possible lives with minimal interference – basically, giving them back the privacy and quality of life they have been seeking.”

Allow yourself (and your spouse) the chance to relax.

Moving from a private home into a senior living community is a big shift – not just from the living situation, but from the ownership situation. When you’re no longer the person who is primarily responsible for the immediate health and well-being of your spouse, this can be a bit of a jolt. Many residents experience a sense of loss and burden when they move into senior living because they are no longer handling that aspect of daily life. However, this is your and your spouse’s opportunity to relax and let someone else handle all the details. In fact, many couples who’ve moved to assisted living have reported that they’re able to reclaim their relationship with their spouse and have more free time than ever before.

“Moving into assisted living with your spouse is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a bad one,” says Devon. “With time, understanding and a firm foundation of what you’re getting into, you and your spouse can make the most out of this time of your life.”

Beautiful Riverfront Community

Located on the banks of the Charles River, Waterstone is Wellesley’s only senior living community, offering premier independent and assisted living. But that’s only the first of many differences that sets Waterstone above and beyond other communities.

Celebrating Dynamic Living

Here our residents live independently in their own private, spacious apartments – but without any of the worries or concerns of homeownership or living alone. All meals are expertly prepared. There aren’t any chores to be concerned with. No home maintenance or repairs to worry about. Just opportunities around every corner and time to spend as they choose – in the company of new friends.

Our vibrant community encourages residents to engage in a variety of recreational, cultural and social programs and activities. Enjoy a fitness class. Swim in the sunny indoor pool. Take a stroll on a walking path. Partake in a favorite hobby or pastime. Discover a new interest. With Waterstone at Wellesley, there’s a world of opportunity waiting right outside our residents’ doors.

Confidence of Care

The hallmark of Waterstone assisted living is the peace of mind we provide both our residents and their families. Knowing that care and support is available right on site instills a sense of confidence and calm one can’t find living alone.

For prospective residents or their families interested in residing at Waterstone at Wellesley, please contact us at 781.591.7113.

No one likes to think about their parents getting older and no longer being able to care for themselves. So even if you’ve noticed that your parents are requiring more and more help in order to live independently, you may tell yourself that it’s just a phase, or that it’s nothing you can’t handle. It may start off small enough: perhaps Mom needs you to drive her to evening events because her night vision isn’t great. Or your Dad needs your help managing the yardwork. But as the years go on, the occasional helping transforms into daily visits for increasingly basic things. Eventually, you realize that your loved one is only living independently because of the help you or someone else provides. 

If this is the case, assisted living may be the best choice for your senior parent – but this can be a hard situation to navigate, says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley. “Older seniors often balk at moving into assisted living because they are worried that they will lose their independence. Actually, the opposite is the case. We’ve seen many of our residents gain back a lot of independence after moving into assisted living. However, the process can be hard, especially at first, because it’s the end of a chapter, and we as humans aren’t always great at that.”

If you’re an adult child with a senior parent, you may end up taking the lead on the move – from the initial impetus to the coordination of the whole thing. Devon says to remember to be kind to yourself and understand that this will be a process that is physical, emotional and mental. 

How Do You Know When It’s Time? 

There is no right or wrong time to move into assisted living, although generally it’s better to move before there is an accident or incident that necessitates a move into a community. However, there are signs that can signal that moving to assisted living would be beneficial for your parent, such as:

• Having more and more “close calls,” like falling down the stairs, visiting the emergency room, having fender benders or other worrying accidents or issues.
• Your parent’s appearance has suddenly changed, such as gaining or losing a lot of weight, suddenly looking disheveled or dirty or having difficulty getting around.
• Your loved one has become withdrawn or antisocial when previously they loved to get outside the house and meet up with friends and partake in activities.
• The house is starting to look more unkempt than typical – perhaps the inside has become dusty and dirty, or you’re noticing expired food in the refrigerator or cupboards, or the home or yard is looking run-down.
• Your loved one is having personality changes or showing signs of confusion, which could be due to a variety of things, from dementia to malnutrition to medication issues and others.

Having the Conversation

You may very well have to be the one who makes the move when it comes time for the assisted living conversation. Here are some tips to follow if and when it’s time for you to bring up the subject with your aging parent. 

• Bring it up casually. Perhaps the best way to approach the subject is to make it seem organic, not like something you’ve already thought about and planned. Get your parent or parents’ feelings and thoughts about the idea – and remember that this will be a string of conversations, not just one. However, making them feel like you’ve already decided on what needs to happen will only make them more liable to dig their heels in.
• Use “I” phrases. Bringing the concern back to your own personal feelings can be a great way to state your case. You can mention how you’ve heard your parent talk about being lonely, or you know how they hate dealing with home tasks, or other issues that they’ve complained about. This can help lead the conversation toward ways assisted living may be a great solution to their needs.
• Visit a few assisted living communities with no obligation required. If Mom or Dad seems amenable to the idea, go tour a few communities with them. This can help them get warmed up to the idea of what a community is really like, and why moving there may be a better idea than they originally thought.
• Be patient. If you don’t need to make an urgent move, it’s best to give your loved one space and not push them into a decision. Bring up the idea but with caution. If you can get them to make the decision on their own, it will be a much less stressful situation for everyone.

After the Move

There are a lot of articles out there about how to successfully make the literal move into a senior living community; however, what is important is to understand that the move is not the last stage of the journey. After your parents have moved into a community, you’ll find that you and they will still be dealing with the upheaval and emotions that come from this big move. 

Your parents may be mourning the loss of their previous lifestyle, and you may be feeling that as well. You may second-guess the decision. Guilt is inevitable, but it’s important to understand that what you’re feeling is completely normal – and temporary. Here are some strategies to keep in mind after your parent’s move to help you come to a state of acceptance and transition.

Take your time. It’s estimated that it takes anywhere from three to six months for an individual to fully adjust to living in a new environment such as assisted living. It could take longer for your parents or it could be a shorter amount of time. Nonetheless, it will take some amount of time. When you have doubts, think about the reasons you made the decision and keep the big picture in mind. 

Visit according to the recommendations of the staff. You may want to visit every day or only a few times during those first few weeks. Only you know your parent, but the staff may be able to help guide you towards an appropriate visiting schedule. Visiting too frequently could cause stress, and not visiting enough could make your parent feel lonely. The best thing to do is play it by ear and see what works best for you and your parent. 

Expect setbacks. This won’t be an easy transition. Just when you think everything is fine, your parent may tell you they’re lonely or that they want to go home. Understand that these heart wrenching moments are normal and will pass as your loved one adjusts to their new lifestyle.

Accept the new normal. This is the new normal for you and your loved one, and as you move forward, it will become easier to manage the emotions. After the initial transition period, you may be surprised at just how enjoyable and fulfilling life becomes for your loved one – and yourself.

Beautiful Riverfront Community

Located on the banks of the Charles River, Waterstone is Wellesley’s only senior living community, offering premier independent and assisted living. But that’s only the first of many differences that sets Waterstone above and beyond other communities.

Celebrating Dynamic Living

Here our residents live independently in their own private, spacious apartments – but without any of the worries or concerns of homeownership or living alone. All meals are expertly prepared. There aren’t any chores to be concerned with. No home maintenance or repairs to worry about. Just opportunities around every corner and time to spend as they choose – in the company of new friends.

Our vibrant community encourages residents to engage in a variety of recreational, cultural and social programs and activities. Enjoy a fitness class. Swim in the sunny indoor pool. Take a stroll on a walking path. Partake in a favorite hobby or pastime. Discover a new interest. With Waterstone at Wellesley, there’s a world of opportunity waiting right outside our residents’ doors.

Confidence of Care

The hallmark of Waterstone assisted living is the peace of mind we provide both our residents and their families. Knowing that care and support is available right on site instills a sense of confidence and calm one can’t find living alone.

For prospective residents or their families interested in residing at Waterstone at Wellesley, please contact us at 781.591.7113.