Author: Adele Pepin

Why Socialization Is Important for Seniors

Post author By Adele Pepin
Post date March 30, 2022

Smiling senior friends sharing digital tablet — Smiling retired senior friends sharing digital tablet at nursing home. Elderly men and women are enjoying in living room. They are spending leisure time together.

Exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep are all important to the health of older adults. But is spending time with friends equally important?

Oxford University research suggests that older adults who have social connections to other residents of senior living communities feel healthier and live longer. Other research points to a wider social circle as a major indicator of mental health for seniors.

In this blog, we’ll explore how socialization enhances seniors’ quality of life, helps them stay active, and strengthens their interpersonal connections.

The Risks of Isolation for Seniors

People are inherently social, but older adults tend to suffer from isolation and loneliness more often than others. According to the UCSF Division of Geriatrics, 43% of seniors regularly feel lonely.

The effects of senior isolation are far-reaching. Isolation degrades one’s physical health over time, in addition to its impact on mood and mental health. Health problems are also more likely to affect those with limited social lives. Some of those health problems may include cognitive impairment, anxiety or depression and heart disease.

What Are the Benefits of Socialization for Seniors?

The good news is that being proactive about staying engaged throughout the day will protect seniors from these negative effects of loneliness and isolation. A full social life can benefit senior health in many ways, including:

Lower stress and anxiety levels
Reduced risk of depression
Enhanced self-esteem
Increased longevity

Evidence also shows that those with a healthy social network are more likely to exercise regularly, which in turns lead to enhanced physical and cognitive benefits. Socialization can also help to prevent general cognitive decline through mental stimulation and intellectual engagement.

How To Promote Socialization in Seniors

The power of socialization is undeniable, but for many, socialization doesn’t just happen on its own. It is something that requires both intent and commitment.

Make an effort to maintain connections with friends and family through regular phone calls, video chats and gatherings
Explore volunteer opportunities that fit your skills to help build connections to the local community
Become involved with the local senior center or religious and charitable organizations
Find online or in-person special interest groups – think fitness classes, book clubs or knitting groups – to connect with those who have similar interests or hobbies
Take a lifelong learning class at a local college or university
Move into a senior living community like Waterstone of Lexington that offers a multitude of daily social engagements and opportunities

How Waterstone of Lexington Offers Everything You Need

At Waterstone of Lexington, we will offer a full array of amenities and services to help residents thrive. These include many socially rich settings such as:

Indoor heated pool and fitness center staffed by professional fitness and aquatic instructors
Mind-body studio and juice bar
Full-service salon
Art studio and library
Anytime dining at our restaurant featuring seasonal selections
Movie theater
Putting green and firepit
Local transportation services
Regularly scheduled cultural, social and recreational programs

Waterstone of Lexington: Your New Forwarding Address.

Waterstone of Lexington – opening fall 2022 – will offer a modern approach to retirement living in a historical setting with full amenities and services. Come see how we redefine independent living and assisted living with a visit to our Welcome Center in Belmont.

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The Circle

Why Boston Is Perfect for Retirement

Post author By Adele Pepin
Post date March 30, 2022

Boston Public Garden — George Washington statue (c. 1859) in the public gardens (Boston, Massachusetts).

Despite its big city status, Boston often has the feel of a charming small town. In fact, according to the U.S. News & World Report, Boston is one of the best places in the country to retire. As an important cultural and social center in American history, it’s often referred to as the Cradle of Liberty.

If you’re considering a move for the next stage of your life, a senior living community might be the perfect option for you. While the amenities and services that communities offer will vary, Waterstone at the Circle offers older adults the added benefit of having easy access to restaurants, cultural attractions, and premier retail establishments of Boston.

Keep reading to learn more about why Boston is perfect for retirement.

6 Reasons Boston Is Your Ideal Retirement Destination

Here are some activities that exemplify what retiring in Massachusetts can add excitement to your later years. Along with the modern convenience of living in a luxury independent living community like Waterstone at the Circle, you’ll enjoy the best of Boston just outside your door.

Located at the foot of Chestnut Hill, this Waterstone community is just minutes from Boston’s cultural center, offering an endless variety of fun activities.

Beautiful and Bustling City Life
As one of the top ten most walkable cities in the country, Boston’s unique layout is reliably connected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also referred to as the T. Throughout the city you can find boutique shopping, fine dining, theaters and more. Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Bunker Hill monument, Fenway Park, Boston Public Library or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
World-Class Bostonian Culture
Take a step into the past by seeing an exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, expanding your mind at the Museum of Science or brushing up on your American history at the USS Constitution Museum. And don’t forget Boston Pops and their annual Fourth of July Celebration!
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Walk the campuses and sample the student culture of Boston College, Harvard, MIT, Tufts University, Northeastern University and many more. Then there are those historic, prestigious schools that provide opportunities for lifelong learning, such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Cutting-Edge Healthcare and Medical Centers
Some of the nation’s top medical facilities are here in Boston, including Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, along with many other leading research hospitals.
Inviting Parks and Public Grounds
Waterstone at the Circle sits right next door to Cassidy Park and is just a moment’s walk from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. For those who want to spend the afternoon exploring, the world-famous Boston Common or Boston Public Garden are great options.
Nearby Destination Spots

Waterstone at the Circle in the heart of Boston also puts you close to The Cape, Plymouth Rock, Salem and Marblehead. Aside from the friendly atmosphere of famed Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, Boston offers quaint and luxurious destinations close by like the Freedom Trail or The Paul Revere House.

Waterstone at the Circle Inspires an Active Lifestyle

It’s easy to find enjoyment, fulfillment and opportunities for personal growth in our community – close to Chestnut Hill’s lifestyle center, The Street.

Join daily programs designed by a team of professionals who are committed to your overall well-being to pursue hobbies and interests. Take a class to develop your creativity or learn to paint. Attend a film screening with your friends. Strengthen your body and improve your endurance and dexterity at the fitness center.

A luxurious, active lifestyle filled with entertainment, exercise, socialization and hobbies awaits you at Waterstone at the Circle. No matter your interests, The Circle always has something to offer.

**Waterstone at the Circle. Now This Is Home.**

Waterstone at the Circle offers a modern approach to luxury in a historical setting. Come see how we redefine independent living in Boston.

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High Ridge

6 Ways That Senior Living Promotes Health and Wellness

Post author By Adele Pepin
Post date March 30, 2022

Senior couple shopping vegetables and fruits on the market. Healthy diet.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are amplified as we age, as hundreds of studies have shown over the decades. More recently, the International Council on Active Aging concluded that by 2023 at least two-thirds of senior living communities will have, at their core, a practice of holistic wellness.

And it’s true; health and wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular in senior communities. At communities like Waterstone on High Ridge, seniors now have the means to live a holistic lifestyle in a safe environment, thanks to nutritious meal plans, engaging social programs and a diverse range of activities.

Keep reading to find out about some of the ways that communities promote senior holistic wellness.

Benefits of Health and Wellness Programming in Senior Living Communities

Every aspect of our lives is affected by our health and wellness. Throughout our life span, we can remain mentally, physically and spiritually strong if we consume the right foods, exercise regularly, observe mental health needs and maintain a positive outlook.

Senior living communities like Waterstone on High Ridge are carefully crafted to aid residents in achieving their health goals. A holistic approach to wellness means meeting the needs of mind, body and spirit, with an emphasis on healthy living and high quality of life. Research shows that an engaged and active mind and body support longevity, health and happiness.

Senior Living Trends That Promote Good Health

1. Fitness Programs
Fitness is an integral part of the daily programming offered in senior living communities. Senior-friendly exercises, such as chair yoga, water aerobics, tai chi or even simple stretching, can improve overall health and help ward of stress and depression for older adults. At Waterstone on High Ridge, there are both informal and formal fitness opportunities available, with access to one-on-one personal training. Our fully equipped fitness center and indoor heated pool, as well as our mind-body studio, provide the perfect setting to build strength, improve balance and more.

2. Wellness Programs

While diet and exercise are key components, there is so much more to learn about the philosophy behind wellness. The wellness groups that retirement communities organize are often focused on providing information and support to help seniors age well. The needs of residents in senior living communities continually change, so teams make it a point to keep wellness programs at the forefront.

3. Delicious and Healthy Dining Experience

For a healthy lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet is necessary. But a healthy diet can pose a challenge for some older individuals. Retirement communities offer seniors the opportunity to enjoy three nutritious meals daily – without the hassles of grocery shopping, cooking or clean-up.

At Waterstone on High Ridge, we understand that dining is more than just a meal – it should be an experience with impeccable service. Our chefs create gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients for distinctive meals that rival five-star restaurants. Dietary restrictions and needs can also be met by our culinary team.

4. Lifelong Learning

The opportunity to learn outside of the classroom provides people with new skills and interests. By giving seniors more ways to explore their curiosity, lifelong learning helps to keep their minds active. In many senior living communities, lectures, book clubs, chess groups and creative writing courses are common. The most important benefit of lifelong learning is that it helps seniors improve their quality of life.

5. Scheduled Social Calendars and Activities

It’s never too late to discover new hobbies, and senior living communities are designed to help older adults do just that. Social, cultural and recreational activities are designed to foster engagement, connection and fellowship. Group outings may be planned throughout the year to areas of interest. For those in memory care, Alzheimer’s and dementia-specific programs are beneficial for boosting self-esteem and stimulating the mind.

In retirement communities like Waterstone on High Ridge, a dedicated team of life enrichment experts carefully create events, activities and programs that promote happiness and inspire creativity and connection.

6. Religious Services and Spiritual Programs

Having a set of values that guide your faith is part of a holistic approach to wellness. Many communities offer worship services to provide spiritual support to residents.

Support When You Need It. Home The Way You Like It.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers a modern approach to senior living in a beautiful hilltop setting. Come see how we redefine independent living, assisted living and memory care in Fairfield County, just minutes away from fine restaurants, retail stores and cultural venues in Stamford and Greenwich.