Author: Adele Pepin

Categories
Wellesley

What Does a Typical Day in Assisted Living Look Like?

Happy senior woman spending leisure time with friends in nursing home
Happy senior woman spending leisure time with friends in nursing home

If you or someone you know is considering moving into assisted living, one of the first questions you may have is, “what does a typical day look like?”

“Care communities may once have been boring and uninspiring places, but that’s simply not the case anymore,” says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley.“Today, communities that offer personal care or other kinds of long-term care have all sorts of services included that make life enjoyable, fulfilling and enriching.”

Devon says that these types of facilities are focused on providing medical care, personal care and opportunities to present choice and convenience for older adults. “Just because an older adult may require additional assistance in order to live an independent lifestyle doesn’t mean that they should have to give up a lifestyle that they enjoy,” she explains. “Today, assisted living communities offer peace of mind alongside so much else: delicious dining, a carefree lifestyle, activities and events, upscale services, a maintenance-free existence and much more. Seniors really can have it all, whether they’re independent living or assisted living.”

A Typical Day In Assisted Living

As you might imagine, there really is no “typical” day because there is no “typical” assisted living resident. Depending on interests, care levels and goals, two residents at the same community can have vastly different experiences from each other. If you’re more active and social, your day might be filled with classes, activities and gatherings with friends. You may enjoy being out and about, mingling with the team members and other residents, and learning new things that are being offered on the community’s events calendar. If you’re wanting a more leisurely, pensive day, you may want to spend time outside enjoying the fresh air or head to the library to read a good book.

Every day in assisted living can look exactly the way you want it. In general, though, here are some of the things that you can expect and enjoy:

Delicious meals three times a day. Gone are the days of institutionalized, bland food. Today, assisted living residents enjoy chef-prepared meals made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced produce and inspired recipes. You don’t have to deal with grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning up. You also don’t have to deal with managing your nutritional needs yourself. An on-staff nutritionist works in tandem with the dining services team to make sure offerings are nutritionally balanced and tailored to meet each individual’s needs and preferences.

Fun and engaging activities. Since you no longer have to worry about things like cleaning, cooking, home maintenance and other chores, your time is now yours to do with as you wish. And you’ll find plenty of things to do at an assisted living community. Lifelong learning, book clubs, fitness classes, art classes … and that’s just for starters. Communities are designed to make life enjoyable, and offering programs, activities and opportunities helps residents stay engaged, fulfilled and happy.

Health and wellness opportunities. Aging well means staying healthy. Assisted living communities are designed from the ground up to provide overall wellness in mind, body and soul. From exercise classes to healthy eating to stimulating activities and socialization opportunities, many assisted living residents find themselves becoming healthier and more independent than they were before moving to the community.

Carefree enjoyment every day. Ultimately, a typical day in assisted living means doing just what you want when you want. It’s a carefree lifestyle filled with enjoyment, friendships and possibility. What could be better than that?

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 worries or concerns about 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 are 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.

Categories
Lexington

Differences Between Independent and Assisted Living

senior woman friends enjoying drawing with pen while setting in living room at home, Hobby and relaxing concept
Asian senior woman friends enjoying drawing with pen while setting in living room at home, Hobby and relaxing concept

Have you been wondering what the difference is between independent living and assisted living? The differences are subtle but can result in differing care, differing options and additional costs, depending on your situation. Even if you haven’t done much research into senior living options, it’s important to know the similarities and differences in order to understand what will work best for you.

Independent and assisted living can mean multiple things to different people, which is why it’s so important to do your research. Both the independent and assisted living lifestyles at Waterstone of Lexington provide peace of mind for older adults.

As you’re searching for the right option for yourself or a senior loved one, here are the differences to take notice of:

Levels of care.

Assisted living facilities offer higher care levels than independent living communities. This can be very beneficial, particularly because some older adults often require higher levels of medical care than active, independent seniors. It also provides peace of mind for those active adults, giving them the confidence of additional care being available to them should it be needed in the future.

Amenities and services.

In an assisted living community, team members are available to provide support to older adults 24/7, no matter when or where they need it. Individuals can receive help with basic life tasks such as:

  • Home cleaning
  • Medication management
  • Bathing, grooming and other activities of daily living
  • Support to help maintain an independent lifestyle

In independent living, seniors don’t receive care services but instead benefit from concierge-style services that provide an active lifestyle with convenience. At Waterstone of Lexington, residents in both independent living and assisted living enjoy access to the community’s enriching amenities.

Contact with team members.

In assisted living, residents receive the daily caring assistance needed to help them enjoy an active lifestyle. For those in independent living, the amount of contact residents have with team members is truly up to them. Privacy is respected, but team members are always available and ready to assist. Team members also encourage residents – in any level of care – to enjoy the variety of dynamic lifestyle programs and events held at the community, but participation is never required.

Cost.

Independent senior living communities are, by nature, “independent” – providing a lifestyle, not senior care. Assisted living, on the other hand, involves personal care services, which can range from very minimal care to more extensive. This higher level of care and involvement means that assisted living is usually more expensive than independent living. Assisted living costs can sometimes be covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, which can help offset the higher costs.

At Waterstone of Lexington, we will offer both independent and assisted living options, as well as memory care available at our sister community, Bridges® by EPOCH, located across our campus. This is very important for an older adult’s quality of life, happiness and well-being. Having all care services available on-site means that our future residents will never need to leave the community they love in order to receive the support they require to live well.

Become One of Our First Residents Today!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Lexington and welcoming you as a charter member of our community. For more information, please call ​781.728.3037 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Welcome Home to Waterstone of Lexington. Opening Late Summer 2022.

For seniors in Middlesex County who desire a luxurious lifestyle, we welcome you to Waterstone of Lexington. The mid-century style of this dynamic community was inspired by the nearby Gropius House and the area’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Offering independent living and assisted living, Waterstone of Lexington provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Our rental community draws influence from Lexington, MA’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture and the open, natural environment around it.

Step inside and experience the calming yet engaging atmosphere that our talented architects and designers have so beautifully crafted. Waterstone of Lexington is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, underground parking and more. Then, enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone of Lexington was all created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own – how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone of Lexington. Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​781.728.3037.

Categories
High Ridge

Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living

Senior woman using health technology
Senior woman using health technology

What trends do you think about when you consider senior living? Do you think about care options? Entertainment options? Living options? Or, perhaps, do you think about wellness options?

“These days, senior living isn’t a place where older adults go to just exist – they go there to thrive,” says Wendy Kaufman, Executive Director of Waterstone on High Ridge. “Today’s retirement living is focused on an engaged and vibrant lifestyle rather than a place where older adults go to simply spend the rest of their days. Instead, it’s quickly becoming a place younger adults look forward to – a lifestyle rich in wellness options that make retirement the best stage of life ever!”

Wendy explains that today’s seniors are living healthier, longer and more engaged lives in their older years than previous generations, and they’re actively seeking lifestyles that help them continue that trend. “Health and wellness are a priority like never before for today’s older adults, and senior living communities are rising to the challenge,” she says. “Those who will win in the current landscape will be communities who maximize wellness as a priority for whole-body health and engagement.”

But what does that look like? Here are some examples of today’s current trends in senior living and how they translate to an engaged, enriched and fulfilled lifestyle for today’s older adults.

Integrated technology.

The technology sector has expanded rapidly over the past few years, and senior living communities are eagerly adopting technologies that help older adults live well for as long as possible. This includes things like fall-prevention tools, integrated exercise equipment, telehealth options and other groundbreaking possibilities.

Stress reduction.

Stress is a daily factor of life for many Americans, no matter their age. However, stress affects older adults disproportionately due to the many lifestyle and living changes that occur once one reaches a certain age. Long-term stress is a huge detriment to one’s health, which is why so many senior living communities are adopting an approach of stress elimination and reduction. How is this accomplished? Though a maintenance-free lifestyle that includes dining, housekeeping, overall maintenance, wellness programs, lifelong learning opportunities and so much more.

Whole-body health.

Today, health means more than just eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. It also includes whole-body options like massage, yoga, meditation and other practices that bring mind and body together to improve quality of life. Current senior living trends include practices like yoga and tai chi to help bring whole-body wellness to an individual’s daily routine to elevate health and improve lifestyle like nothing else. Waterstone on High Ridge will feature a dedicated Mind/Body Studio for residents to engage in these wellness practices.

Continuous learning.

Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school. In fact, learning new things becomes more important than ever as we age, helping us keep our minds nimble and our curiosity at the forefront of our existence. Today’s senior living communities are always actively searching options to help their residents expand their minds and explore the world around them, whether that’s learning a new skill, picking up an old hobby or exploring new horizons.

Nutritious diets.

Food is an integral part of all our lives, and senior living communities are making sure that well-balanced diets have an important place at today’s tables. Senior living communities understand that meals should be fresh and delicious – as well as nutritious, so on-staff chefs and nutritionists work together to make sure that bon appétit is a phrase that’s lived as much as it’s uttered.

“Today’s senior living trends don’t just help seniors live a healthy life – they help them live the best life possible,” says Wendy. “By staying abreast of the latest wellness and health trends, today’s communities are developing engaging, healthy and balanced lifestyles that help older adults live their best lives today and in the future.”

Welcome Home – Make Your Reservation Today!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information, please call ​203.361.9717 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

The Height of Senior Living: Opening Early 2022

Discerning seniors in Fairfield County who desire a luxurious retirement lifestyle will find exactly what they’ve been seeking at Waterstone on High Ridge.

Located on a beautifully landscaped hill above High Ridge Road, Waterstone on High Ridge is an experience like no other. You’ll live on a verdant campus neighboring quiet conservation land, with easy access to the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities in nearby downtown Stamford, CT. Once you step into our sophisticated, approachable common areas brimming with extensive amenities, attentive team members, engaging programs and thoughtful care, you’ll know that Waterstone on High Ridge is the place to call home.

Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge provides countless ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Waterstone on High Ridge is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, parking and more. Enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone on High Ridge was created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own– how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone on High Ridge. Welcome home! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​203.361.9717.

Categories
The Circle

The Six Health Benefits of Moving to a Senior Living Community

woman and her mother getting ready cooking meals for family at kitchen counter
asian chinese beautiful woman and her mother getting ready cooking meals for family at kitchen counter

Everyone wants to be healthy, and seniors often look for ways to improve their health as they get older. As it turns out, the support and wellness-centered programs at senior living communities actively help residents focus on their health. With all aspects of wellness catered to, seniors can age well – easily and effectively.

“The health benefits seniors can gain from senior living are many,” says Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “The services and lifestyle programs offered at communities like Waterstone at the Circle can boost the health of residents living there by reducing the risk of chronic health issues such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease and so much more.”

From recreational activities to fitness programs to supportive care services offered by premier healthcare partners, here are six ways that a community like Waterstone at the Circle promotes health and wellness in daily life for seniors.

1. A healthy, nutritious diet.

Eating right is one of the keystones of aging well. This can be hard to do as we get older, though, because it simply takes a lot of work – particularly if you have health issues that need managed as well. When you move to senior living, it’s easy to enjoy a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet that’s delicious as well. Senior living communities like Waterstone at the Circle serve restaurant-quality meals for residents, prepared by professionally trained chefs and kitchen staff. And if you have dietary requirements or preferred tastes, you’ll find that the dining services team is more than happy to oblige.

2. Friendship and socialization.

Being lonely can actually hurt your health in a big way. Loneliness contributes to depression, obesity, anxiety and even has been shown to increase your risk of developing cognitive issues like dementia. It gets harder to stay social as we age, but moving to a senior living community makes it incredibly easy to make friends and nurture relationships. In a senior living community, you’re surrounded by other individuals in the same stage of life as you, who are also looking for new friends and opportunities. At the same time, you’re in a place where there are regularly scheduled opportunities to socialize, whether that’s a fitness class, a cocktail hour, a club gathering or even just sitting down at the dinner table together.

3. A focus on health and wellness.

Senior communities in today’s world are focused on helping residents remain active, independent and healthy. Every aspect of community life is designed to support this. An indoor pool and fitness classes support the physical aspects of aging. Care services and wellness programs provide what’s needed to manage and treat potential and future issues. Socialization, lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities abound. Best of all, because life at a community is maintenance-free and all-inclusive, residents don’t have to concern themselves with tedious tasks – instead, every day can be focused on living the best life possible.

4. Support for life through a continuum of services.

Even active, independent seniors will need assistance and support from time to time. As we age, it’s more than likely that we will need help with aspects of life so that we can remain as independent as possible. At a senior community, the services and support are designed to flex with your needs so that you can remain in your home and in your community for as long as possible – hopefully for life! Because the community is also designed to meet the needs of aging adults, residents reduce their risk of age-related issues such as falls. Waterstone at the Circle is proud to partner with Boston’s premier healthcare providers to deliver access to on-site supportive services in the comfort of residents’ apartments.

5. No more chores and tasks.

You might not necessarily think that dealing with things like home repairs would have an effect on your health; however, between the stress, the potential danger to yourself (like getting up on a tall ladder) and other issues, it’s certainly not helping your health. One of the biggest benefits senior living communities provide is the carefree lifestyle. Team members take care of everything from yard maintenance to home repairs to even cooking. Not ever having to worry about raking leaves again? That definitely boosts happiness.

6. Peace of mind.

Aging is stressful, especially if you start worrying about the what-ifs: What if my health starts failing? What happens if I can’t easily get around my house? What if I can no longer drive? Those questions and more are answered easily at a senior living community. When you move in, you find yourself with everything you need to enjoy the rest of your days in comfort and convenience. You’ll never have to worry about moving somewhere else because the community provides everything you require to get and stay healthy.

“A senior living community like Waterstone at the Circle helps seniors age well like never before,” says Kevin. “Our lifestyle allows residents to shape their golden years in the way they want, making this chapter of life the best yet by providing health benefits that will keep them happy, healthy and fulfilled.”

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, 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 them, 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!

Categories
Westchester

How Waterstone of Westchester Promotes a Holistic Approach to Wellness

Seniors today aren’t just living longer – they’re living better. Today’s older generation has placed a huge importance on health and wellness, and as a result, today’s retirement communities have risen to the challenge by providing a senior living lifestyle that focuses on wellness – body, mind and soul.

“Wellness means a lot more than just eating right and getting enough exercise,” says Lauren Freifeld, Executive Director of Waterstone of Westchester, a premier rental retirement community coming to White Plains, NY in 2022. “It means taking care of every aspect of yourself, trying new things, making new friends and discovering new depths within yourselves.”

This idea of holistic wellness takes into consideration that our body is greater than the sum of its parts. “This approach is what drove us to design the refined, engaging lifestyle at Waterstone of Westchester,” says Lauren. “Our brand-new independent living community has been designed to help residents care for every facet of their well-being. From delicious, chef-prepared dining to daily programs designed for their passions and dreams to our on-site fitness and wellness center, residents will be able to live life to the fullest.”

Waterstone of Westchester offers a lifestyle of curated elegance and style designed to help you thrive and achieve holistic wellness. Here are six ways Waterstone of Westchester promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Maintenance-Free Independent Living Apartments

Home is where the heart is, and at Waterstone of Westchester, you’ll love where you live. Our one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments will offer multiple floor plan designs and feature high-end finishes. Apartments will contain designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, well-appointed bathrooms with quartz countertops, tile floors and walk-in showers, individually controlled heating and cooling systems, spacious walk-in closets and a stackable, in-unit washer/dryer. It’s everything you need to live the good life.

A Prime Location

What better way to find endless opportunities and things to enjoy than living near everything you love? Waterstone of Westchester is in the heart of suburban Manhattan, close to family, friends and all the excitement you love. Our community is just a short walk from world-class shops, including the flagship Bloomingdale’s and other fine retailers and restaurants. We’re centrally located to every place you want to go. Don’t want to drive? Scheduled black car transportation and concierge services are available to help get you where you need to be.

A Focus on Health and Fitness

The importance that physical health and wellness play in holistic aging can’t be overlooked. That’s why Waterstone of Westchester ensures you can take charge of your health and achieve a level of wellness you can be proud of. Our wellness center staff is always ready to direct you down the path to better health, no matter your routine or level of commitment. The choice is yours, and the pleasure is ours.

Exceptional Amenities

What do “exceptional amenities” mean? That means things like a media room and theater. A mind-body studio and juice bar. It means a full-service salon, covered parking and regularly scheduled cultural, social and recreational events. It means an events calendar filled with engaging activities based on your passions and dreams. It’s the way that everything is designed to help you live the independent senior lifestyle you crave.

Restaurant-style Gourmet Dining

Dining is a cornerstone of our life and culture, and it’s elevated to new heights at Waterstone of Westchester. Each meal is an experience to be savored. Our professional chefs prepare delectable, seasonal and gourmet cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients to please every palate and dietary requirement. It’s truly farm-to-table dining. We have a variety of on-site dining venues that are open all day, meaning dining is at your convenience. No matter what you’re in the mood for, our table is always set.

Supportive Care Services

Wellness involves staying up to date on medications and making sure you’re receiving supportive care if you need it. Waterstone of Westchester is dedicated to giving you the means to live the life you desire through our partnership with VNS Westchester. Together, we will provide supportive on-site care services, allowing residents to receive needed care without having to leave our campus. Care services may include home health coordination, medication management, personal support, geriatric primary and specialty care, and routine wellness visits.

“Waterstone of Westchester is wellness redefined for seniors,” says Lauren. “We’re looking forward to providing our residents with a dynamic retirement lifestyle, as well as the tools and services they need to continue to live with optimal wellness.”

Now Accepting Reservations!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Westchester and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 914.295.2177 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Live the Life You Love. Opening Early 2022.

Welcome home to Waterstone of Westchester – a community that takes the idea of home to an entirely new level. In this premier independent senior living community, you’ll thrive in curated elegance and style in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. Plus, enjoy connecting with friends and team members in our welcoming common areas.

Located right in the heart of White Plains, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect sophisticated, urban setting for active seniors. Directly across from the flagship Bloomingdale’s, the community is just a short walk away from the finest shops and restaurants and less than a mile from I-287, making it easy to get away and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Waterstone of Westchester offers independent living for active, independent seniors while also providing supportive care services through an innovative partnership with VNS Westchester. As a rental community, residents enjoy a maintenance-free, carefree life with no steep entrance fees. Delicious dining, a focus on wellness and engaging programs are always on the menu.

Continue living your dream life here at Waterstone of Westchester. Fill your days with favorite pastimes, delicious and healthy meals, stimulating exercises and educational programs. Enjoy spending time in your beautifully designed apartment, alone or with friends – because everything here is designed to make you feel right at home.

Welcome to Waterstone of Westchester! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling 914.295.2177.

Categories
High Ridge

Cultivating Gratitude and Positivity During Retirement

Smiling senior friends wearing knitted sweaters and cardigans walking along park alley and chatting animatedly with each other, picturesque view on background

Positive thinking can provide many benefits, such as an improved immune system, reduced stress and a lower risk of certain conditions such as heart disease. It also can help you live longer – and live better. A 2019 study found that older adults who practice positivity and gratitude have an 11 to 15 percent longer lifespan.

“Positivity and gratitude, like physical fitness, is something you can gain through exercise,” says Wendy Kaufman, Executive Director of Waterstone on High Ridge. “Some people are naturally positive, while it’s more difficult for others… but that doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve positivity in your own life, no matter your natural inclinations.”

As we get older, it can sometimes seem like there’s less to be positive about, but by ‘flipping the script’, retirees and older adults can reap amazing benefits in their retirement years and beyond.

“Retirees who stay active, have an optimistic outlook, and are actively grateful have been shown to live longer, happier and a more fulfilled lives,” she explains. “Although aging can bring worries and stress at times, by practicing gratitude, you can see the benefits and joys of any stage of life.”

As the seasons begin to change, it’s the perfect time to reflect and make changes to your outlook. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude will be a wonderful way to round out the year and set yourself up for success. Whether you’re just entering your retirement years or have been enjoying your retirement for a while now, here are five steps you can take to bring more positivity and appreciation into your life.

1. Create a vision for your future.

Retirement these days doesn’t mean sitting back and letting the world pass you by. For many, it’s a time to chase those dreams you’ve always had (but never had the time to pursue). But dreams don’t just happen – in order to make them come true, you have to have a plan. While you’ve probably done extensive planning for your retirement on a financial level, have you made your plan on a personal level? Think of this as a golden opportunity to map out how this next chapter of life will look. Having goals and a roadmap to get there inspires excitement, hopefulness and a sense of accomplishment. Having something to strive for every day is incredibly fulfilling and makes it easy to look forward to each new day … which is a core tenant of positivity.

2. Be actively grateful.

Sure, getting older can be a pain at times. But it isn’t all bad. Getting older means you have more wisdom, more experience and a stronger sense of self. You probably have lots of things in life that you’re thankful for, from a loving family to being able to stay active or anything else that brings you happiness. Practicing the act of gratitude – which simply means you intentionally think about things in your life that you’re thankful for – can shed a whole new light on this whole “getting older” thing.

Gratitude can be practiced every day, and doesn’t require you to meditate extensively or go on a soul-searching mission. It can be as simple as saying a heartfelt “thank you” to your barista or writing a thank-you note to a neighbor. Some individuals like to keep gratitude journals and write down something every day that they’re thankful for. Think about the things that bring you joy – and then actively seek them out. For some, that’s being in nature. For others, it’s volunteering their time and efforts. Whatever it is that fills you up, seek it out – and then take time to think about how grateful you are for that beauty.

3. Stay healthy.

When we don’t feel good, it’s pretty hard to be grateful and positive, so it’s no wonder that health and wellness is such a big focus for older adults. When you take care of your whole person – mind, body and soul – you end up feeling your best, which makes it a lot easier to be a positive person. Here are a few things you can start (or continue doing) to help keep yourself happy, fulfilled and positive:

  • Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains.
  • Get regular exercise (experts recommend approximately 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for the average adult).
  • Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to make sure you’re doing everything you need to ensure optimal health.

4. Seek out and nurture connections.

Our friends, family and loved ones are the most important things in our lives (and something we’re definitely grateful for). When we form meaningful connections, our life becomes richer, we become happier and life is just … better. In retirement, you finally have all the time in the world to dedicate yourself to finding those deep, meaningful relationships that fill you up and make life worth living. Of course, spending time with the people you already know and love is very fulfilling, but this is also a great chance to branch out, meet new people and broaden your social circle. Here are just a few ways to do that:

  • Join a club or an activity group.
  • Volunteer your time to a cause.
  • Schedule regular meetups or check-ins with friends and family.
  • Be the one to reach out and set up a dinner, coffee, lunch or a walk – you may be amazed how quickly someone says “Yes!”

5. Start something new.

A lot of retirees dream about this time as a chance to not have to work anymore. But many individuals find themselves going back into the working world after some time off – sometimes, they start new careers or even their own business. That’s because using our skills to create something or do something positive is incredibly fulfilling. The most successful older individuals see retirement as a chance to start something new, not necessarily to stop doing things. In order to cultivate your attitude of gratitude, look for new opportunities to learn, do, explore, experience and enjoy. Here are a few ways to do that:

  • Go back to school, whether it’s to learn a new skill or study a subject that’s always fascinated you.
  • Travel to a place you’ve always wanted to go – if it’s a foreign country, you might want to start by learning the language.
  • Pick up a favorite hobby from childhood that’s fallen by the wayside.
  • Think about a career or job you’ve always wanted to do and see if there are opportunities for you to pursue it.

We can’t stop the aging process – but we can affect how we react to it. By entering into your senior years with a sense of gratitude and positivity, you’ll find joy, meaning and happiness without even trying.

Welcome Home – Become One of Our First Residents!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge and welcoming you as a new resident at our community. For more information, please call ​203.361.9717 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

The Height of Senior Living: Opening Early 2022

Discerning seniors in Fairfield County who desire a luxurious retirement lifestyle will find exactly what they’ve been seeking at Waterstone on High Ridge.

Located on a beautifully landscaped hill above High Ridge Road, Waterstone on High Ridge is an experience like no other. You’ll live on a verdant campus neighboring quiet conservation land, with easy access to the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities in nearby downtown Stamford, CT. Once you step into our sophisticated, approachable common areas brimming with extensive amenities, attentive team members, engaging programming and thoughtful care, you’ll know that Waterstone on High Ridge is the place to call home.

Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone on High Ridge was created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own– how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone on High Ridge. Welcome home! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​203.361.9717.

Categories
Lexington

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Move to Carefree Senior Living

Some think that moving to senior living is something that should be delayed as long as possible – mostly due to the preconceived notion that senior living is for ‘old’ people. But that’s truly an outdated concept.

If you wait to move into senior living until you need supportive services or another form of assistance, you’ll be missing out on a lot of benefits that this lifestyle offers. Moving while you’re still active, healthy and in your prime opens up a world of opportunity for your retirement years – and beyond.

Today’s senior living communities are designed with the active, independent and full-of-life Baby Boomers in mind. Here are the top reasons why seniors are considering downsizing and moving to senior living sooner rather than later.

Never having to deal with home maintenance again.

Sure, owning your own home is fantastic, especially if the mortgage has been paid off. But not having a house payment doesn’t mean not having to pay for a bunch of other things such as home repairs, utility bills, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance … and that’s just for starters. House cleaning, yard maintenance, appliance repairs, grocery shopping and cooking all incur costs, even if you’re doing them yourself and not hiring them out. When you think about it, that’s a lot of time and a lot of work that could be better spent doing things like visiting friends, going on adventures, learning a new hobby or anything else that appeals to you. Moving to a senior living community means that you no longer have to deal with all those tedious chores. It’s all taken care of for you, meaning your time is finally yours to do with as you wish.

A thriving social calendar.

The ironic thing about retiring is that you have much more time to spend with family and friends … but it’s often harder than ever to have a social life. Aging often means that friends move away, your routines change (for example, you aren’t seeing your co-workers every day as you did before), and things can get a little boring. Not so at a senior living community. You’ll find a social and entertainment calendar full of things like fitness classes, educational seminars, hobby groups, book clubs, social outings and much more. Plus, it’s easier than ever to make new friends and cultivate meaningful relationships since you’re at a place filled with other active retirees. You certainly won’t be bored – in fact, you may find that you’re busier and more social than ever before.

No worries about safety and security.

Sometimes, having a home (and the responsibilities that go with it) can come with worries about safety and security. For example, if you decide to take a week-long trip, you need to coordinate someone to watch the house, water the plants and grab your mail. You may also wonder about your own security if you, say, start having difficulty going up and down the stairs. None of those things are a worry at a senior living community. For starters, there’s someone on staff 24/7. If you decide to go out of town, the staff will happily watch over your home for you. And since it’s a community designed specifically for older adults, you won’t have to worry about things in your home that would give you difficulty if your mobility changes, such as stairs.

Enjoying your own private chef for every meal.
Having someone else cook a delicious meal for us is one of life’s pleasures, no matter how much you enjoy cooking for yourself. Get ready to be pampered with white-glove service at a senior living community like Waterstone of Lexington. With a highly trained culinary team and a chef de cuisine presiding over them, every day is a literal feast of delights. Food is incredibly important to our health, well-being and enjoyment, and today’s senior living chefs are ensuring that life tastes great. Seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients. Made-to-order dishes. Everything from fancy to quick and easy. You can always cook something yourself in your own gourmet kitchen, but when you’d rather be served, the restaurant is open.

Staying healthy with programs to meet your needs.

Aging well and staying healthy is easy when you have all the tools at your disposal – and the time to dedicate to your health. Everything at a senior living community is designed with an older adult’s optimal wellness in mind. Not only are there countless fitness opportunities with a state-of-the-art gym, classes and personal trainers, but you also have every other aspect of wellness covered. A health center on-site means that you’re able to stay on top of any medical issues and get the treatments you need to stay healthy. Your mind stays sharp and engaged with enjoyable activities and events. Your body is nourished by delicious food. Your soul is enriched with social and cultural opportunities and the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Everything you need to thrive is right there within reach.

Easy, at-your-service living.

Are you tired of having a car and driving everywhere? No worries – your senior living community provides chauffeured transportation and easy access to anywhere you want to go. Want to enjoy cultural opportunities but don’t necessarily want to research and purchase tickets on your own? Your senior living concierge can arrange everything from concert tickets to pet walkers and just about any other assistance you might require.

As you can see, retiring to a senior living community now instead of later may just be the thing you need to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. For seniors in the Middlesex County region, you’ll find a luxury retirement lifestyle at Waterstone of Lexington, opening late summer 2022. Contact us to learn more.

Become One of Our First Residents!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Lexington and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information, please call ​781.728.3037 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Welcome Home to Waterstone of Lexington. Opening Late Summer 2022.

For seniors in Middlesex County who desire a luxurious lifestyle, we welcome you to Waterstone of Lexington. The mid-century style of this dynamic community was inspired by the nearby Gropius House and the area’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.

Offering independent living and assisted living, Waterstone of Lexington provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Our rental community draws influence from Lexington, MA’s tradition of innovative, modern architecture and the open, natural environment around it.

Step inside and experience the calming yet engaging atmosphere that our talented architects and designers have so beautifully crafted. Waterstone of Lexington is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, underground parking and more. Then, enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.

Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone of Lexington was all created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own – how you like it.

Welcome to Waterstone of Lexington. Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling ​781.728.3037.

Categories
The Circle

Tips for Selling Your Home This Fall

Red for sale sign outside a two story home

There’s really never been a better time to sell your home. The Boston housing market is on fire! Home values and home sales exploded in 2020, and that rapid growth and demand aren’t showing signs of slowing down just yet.

“This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for home sellers, especially seniors who are considering downsizing,” says Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “By taking advantage of the seller’s market, you’re able to sell your home for top dollar, move out before you have to get your house ready for winter and set yourself up for success in a premier retirement community like Waterstone at the Circle.”

Kevin says that no one knows for sure when the housing market will cool off. “Now that businesses are bringing people back into the office, especially those in major cities, it’s possible that the demand for housing will slow down,” Kevin explains. “But if moving to a retirement community has been on your mind, right now is the perfect time – you’ll be able to sell quickly without having to make huge and costly renovations. Then, you can sit back, relax and get ready for a new and vibrant chapter of life.”

Making Your Home a Hot Commodity When the Weather Cools

Before you place that FOR SALE sign in your yard and start scheduling showings, it’s important to thoughtfully plan your next steps. A hot real estate market means that you’ll be able to sell quickly, but you also want to make sure you’re getting the best possible price for your home. Buyers these days are savvy, and although they’re willing to overlook things like carpeting and older kitchens, there are still things you can do to make your home more attractive and desirable. Here are some expert tips to help you navigate this unique atmosphere.

1. Hire a professional Realtor®.

Today’s best Realtors® understand the variables that go into selling a home. You’ll want to make sure you choose someone who has extensive knowledge of your neighborhood, who knows how much you could potentially get for your house, who will price the listing correctly and who can market your home to the fullest. Professional photos, clean staging and marketing in the proper channels will ensure that your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

2. Be flexible with showings and open houses.

Depending on where you live and what your agent suggests, you may not even need to hold an open house. If you do, consider holding a “virtual” open house or some other format that allows buyers to socially distance while also getting the most eyes possible on your property. These days, people who are looking for homes start online, so a virtual tour or open house may be the norm. To that end, it’s important to be even more flexible when it comes to tours and showings of your home. You may want to consider spending a few days at a hotel or family member’s home, so you don’t have to scramble when someone wants to come check it out.

3. Start packing and decluttering ASAP.

One thing’s for sure: If you’re selling your home, that means you’ll be moving somewhere else. Get a head start on your packing and downsizing as early as possible. Go through your items and sort everything into keep, donate or toss piles. You may want to hire a senior move specialist to assist you with this – as they can handle everything from top to bottom: decluttering, setting up estate sales, coordinating donations and even moving your items to your new place!

4. Embrace the beauty of the season.

Fall is a gorgeous time of year filled with rich colors, delicious scents and cozy textures. Put buyers in an autumnal mood by tastefully decorating your home to match the season. Decorate your front porch and entrance with colorful mums, pumpkins, gourds and other fall features. Inside, use color and texture to instill a fall feel. Don’t forget the power of scent – flameless candles and plug-ins can thrill the nose and make your home feel even cozier.

5. Make minor repairs; don’t renovate.

Consider the law of diminishing returns. Making minor repairs and upgrades can give your home a facelift quickly and affordably. Things like a fresh coat of paint on the walls, fixing broken or sticky doors, or installing a new water heater can make your home look and feel new again. Don’t spring for a costly remodel, though. Not only will you potentially not recoup the cost, but it also takes time – especially these days when getting contractors can be a real waiting game. Buyers will overlook outdated features in order to get into the homeownership game.

6. Consider curb appeal.

The first thing buyers will see about your home is the outside – so make sure it’s picture-perfect. Touch up any peeling paint, trim bushes, clean out mulch beds and make sure that leaves are raked and bagged. You may want to hire a landscaper to add some seasonal touches to your garden beds for additional curb appeal.

7. Price your home right.

This is where having a professional Realtor® really comes into play. Setting your home at a certain number will determine how many searches the property comes up in, as well as determining whether or not potential buyers will immediately consider (or dismiss) it. There’s a reason why agents price things at $299,950 instead of $300,000 – it’s a psychological trigger that makes things appear affordable versus “too much.” The trick these days is to get as many people looking as possible at an entry price that’s just right. That way, you’ll more than likely be looking at a bidding war.

8. Be ready for your next move.

If you’re deciding to downsize to a retirement community, take some time before listing your home to tour and reserve your new home at a place you love. Since the market is so hot, you may find yourself moving sooner than you expect!

Selling your home can be a lot of work, but it is also very exciting. With proper planning, a smart strategy and knowledge of your next steps, you’ll be able to get your home sold quickly and get yourself into your new home just in time to enjoy all your favorite fall and winter celebrations.

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, 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 them, 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!

Categories
Wellesley

8 Tips To Help Your Aging Parents Move into Assisted Living

senior and adult daughter laughing and looking at a tablet together

Does Mom need assisted living? That’s a question that many adult children – and their parents – find themselves asking at a certain point in the aging journey. On one hand, you may logically realize that assisted living would be a real benefit. On the other hand, you may find yourself saying things like, Dad seems too young for assisted living. or Mom is still healthy, she just needs some help with a few things every day. Even if your loved one is healthy and active, that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from assisted living, says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley.

“Many seniors and their adult children can become resistant when they hear the words assisted living because they have a lot of assumptions that simply aren’t true,” Devon says. “Assisted living isn’t just for older adults who aren’t able to perform the activities of daily life. In fact, assisted living can be home to many active and independent seniors who simply want the peace of mind and convenience a community provides.”

Whatever the situation, when an individual decides to move into senior living, there are a lot of things at play that can be emotionally, mentally and physically taxing. “As an adult child of someone moving into senior living, you will end up playing a major role in the process,” Devon explains. “It can be relatively easy, but it can also be drawn out and difficult – a lot of it will depend on your involvement and how you help in various situations.”

If you’re an adult child of a parent or parents who have decided to move into assisted living, how can you help? What’s the best way to go about things? Here are some of our tried-and-true tips to help you assist a loved one as they prepare and move into this new phase of life.

Tour communities with your parents.
While ultimately the choice of community belongs to your Mom and Dad, it always helps to have another brain and pair of eyes to help narrow down the options and choose the best option for the individual. It’s a good idea, if your parents are amenable to it, to tour the various communities they’ve chosen with them (and maybe on your own, too). Since you won’t be living in the community, you have a different viewpoint on everything and perhaps can shed light on different aspects that your parents might miss. You can also keep track of the positives, negatives and variables at each community, which can help you and your parents sit down and weigh options against each other.

Help them work through the downsizing process.

Once a community has been decided upon, there’s yet another hurdle: downsizing and selling Mom and Dad’s current home. This is in and of itself is a huge undertaking that requires a lot of planning and work. Be a resource for your parents – let them know you’re able and willing to help, which they may need, especially if they haven’t moved in a while. When moving into assisted living, many older adults will need to let go of a significant number of personal items. Being open and available to help your parents – physically and emotionally – can help make the situation a little easier.

Give your parents time to grieve.

Even if you and your parents know that moving into assisted living is the right thing, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t sadness and uncertainty that come with the decision. In a way, moving into assisted living is the closing of one chapter and realizing that Mom and Dad are getting older. Give your parents (and even yourself) a chance to grieve and process the change. But at the same time, understand that this move is a good thing and that it means the start of a new chapter of life that can be embraced to the fullest.

Plan ahead.

It’s always easiest to make plans when there’s a deadline in place. So, the first step is to determine when exactly your parent or loved one intends to move into assisted living. Once you have a general idea, work backward from there. When should you move into the community? When should the house be put on the market to be sold? When should you have everything packed up and ready to go? Even if the move isn’t for six months or longer, it’s good to have a general idea of when your parents want to make the move – that way, you can start putting plans into place to make the transition that much smoother.

Figure out how to move.

The act of moving can be quite stressful. There’s no need to add anxiety and uncertainty to it. Some experts suggest that parents choose and move into assisted living before selling their current home because that simply helps avoid rushing for rushing’s sake. If that works for you, great! If not, work with your parents, their real estate agent and the community staff to coordinate everything in order to transition easily. You may want to see if it’s possible for Mom and Dad to find a temporary space to get the home sold before moving into assisted living. Or, can they move into assisted living and then put plans in order to sell their current home? A lot depends on the individual situation, and there’s no right or wrong answer.

Get their new home ready.

When it comes time for the physical move, adult children can be an enormous help. While there’s a level of excitement that comes with moving, there’s also a level of anxiety – and having someone to talk and work through the process can make it easier, calmer and a lot more fun. Talk with your mom and dad about their new space and how they want their belongings organized. Take measurements of their new apartment or home and work with them to figure out a floor plan that incorporates their necessary items and also cues you into things you might need to buy. Once you have a plan in place, talk with the community staff to see about getting the new home set up – earlier is always preferable.

Clear your schedule.

On moving day, it always helps to have a helping hand – and your parents will appreciate any assistance you can give. Clear your schedule so on the actual day of moving, you can be ready and available to help assist with the moving truck, unpack at the community, clear away trash and detritus and generally help Mom and Dad settle in. Depending on your parent’s abilities and mental state, you may want to talk with the community staff to get their advice and opinions.

Give them space.

Moving your parents into assisted living may make you feel a little sad, anxious and worried – in other words, how they might have felt when you went to college or moved away from home. Although you may want to hover over your parents to see how they’re doing and help them get settled, the best thing to do is, more than likely, give them space to settle in on their own. This can be hard, but staying out of their way will give Mom and Dad the opportunity to adjust to their new lifestyle and start making a new routine.

Moving your parents into assisted living may feel a bit unnerving, especially if you’ve been spending lots of time helping care for them. It’s important to understand that moving them into assisted living isn’t an end – it’s a new beginning. Eventually, you and your parents will find your groove and allow the benefits of their new community to fully blossom … leaving you with peace of mind and the ability to enjoy each day as it comes.

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 are 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.

Categories
Westchester

Age Gracefully with a Wellness-Focused Lifestyle

Group of seniors exercising together

Do you know someone who, no matter their age, always appears to be youthful and vibrant? We all seem to be striving for eternal youth, and some individuals are more successful at it than others. What’s their secret? The answer lies in their lifestyles, says Charlene Yerkovich, Senior Advisor of Waterstone of Westchester, a new luxury rental retirement community coming to White Plains, NY.

“Aging gracefully is simply about caring for yourself through whole-person wellness,” says Charlene. “It’s not about trying to look younger than you are or even act younger than you are. It’s about living a lifestyle that helps you stay healthy in mind, body and soul. It’s not about fighting the aging process; it’s about embracing it and taking steps to care for yourself at every stage.”

The first step, Charlene says, is to forget everything that society tells you about growing older. “Look in any magazine and you’ll see countless messages about how cherished youth and beauty is, but look instead at the benefits that you’ve gained: a strong sense of self, a better financial footing and wisdom that comes from many years of experience.”

A positive attitude is a great place to launch an “aging gracefully” wellness-focused lifestyle. Once you’ve set that as a goal, here are some other steps you can take to ensure you’re living healthy, happy and well.

Baby your skin.

Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? Just as you do your best to protect your other (internal) organs, caring for your skin can go a long way to helping you stay healthy and aging gracefully. Taking care of your skin will better protect your body from the elements and help you keep a regulated body temperature. Good skin care also helps reduce your risk of melanomas … and also can protect against wrinkles. Be sure to wear sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated and get yearly skin cancer screenings.

Get plenty of exercise.

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Getting at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of regular aerobic exercise reduces your risk of cancer, heart disease and other diseases. It also reduces stress, boosts your mood and improves overall physical health. What’s not to love? It’s generally recommended that adults get 2.5 to 5 hours a week of moderate-intensity exercise, as well as muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week. Some great exercises for older adults include walking, swimming, cycling, dancing and gardening. Don’t think you have to sweat it out at the gym to get your daily allotment of exercise – even a little bit of exercise goes a long way. Look for ways to increase physical activity in your everyday life by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from the store or doing leg lifts while you’re standing at the counter.

Eat a healthy diet.

You are what you eat, and a healthy diet helps ensure a healthy lifestyle. Make sure that you’re eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Stay away from fatty meats, processed foods, refined sugars and too much salt. Eating well will help reduce your risk of a variety of different diseases, as well as keep you feeling well throughout the day.

Lower your stress.

Stress can significantly affect your body, from premature aging to higher risks of heart disease and more. That’s why it’s so important to relieve stress and live a lifestyle that is conducive to your mental health. Some ways to reduce stress in your life are:

  • Practicing relaxation techniques that pair the mind and body, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
  • Spending time with friends and loved ones – Meaningful relationships have long been linked to a better quality of life and longevity
  • Keep a positive attitude about getting older – Studies show that people who have an optimistic outlook can live longer and recover more quickly from various ailments and injuries.
  • Do something you enjoy daily and seek out opportunities for happiness, such as enjoyable hobbies or activities.

Keep on top of your health.

Make sure you’re seeing your doctor regularly and getting a yearly physical. Staying on top of your health can help you and your doctor identify problems early or even before they start. Ask your physician how often you should be having checkups and screening tests. Make sure that, if you have a chronic condition such as hypertension or diabetes, you’re adhering to your medication schedule and paying attention to any changes.

Get a good night’s sleep.

A good night’s sleep is like a “reboot” for your brain and body. Research has shown that deep sleep helps purge the brain of toxins that could be linked to mental decline and illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, good sleep improves your mood, boosts your physical health and makes your skin look great. In order to ensure the best chance for sleep, make sure that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature, is dark enough and is quiet enough. Adopt a bedtime routine where screens are turned off at least an hour before bedtime. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine too late in the evening, which can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Keep learning every day.

Finding new hobbies and activities – or even picking up old ones that have fallen by the wayside – will keep your brain nimble and active and help stave off cognitive decline, boredom and even loneliness. Learning doesn’t have to involve hitting the books (although if you decide you want to go back to school, there are many courses of study for older adults). Playing games, making music or even socializing with friends are all great ways to fire up your brain cells and keep you active, engaged and happy.

“Age really can be a state of mind,” says Charlene. “Living a lifestyle that’s focused on wellness and dedicated to making the most of each day can do wonders for your mental, physical and emotional health and help you feel years younger than you actually are. Our premier rental retirement community is focused on providing a maintenance-free, carefree lifestyle focused on whole-body wellness to help our residents age gracefully and live well every day.”

Now Accepting Reservations!

We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone of Westchester and welcoming you as one of the first residents at our community. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 914.295.2177 and discover how you can help shape the future of our luxury rental community for seniors 62 and over.

Live the Life You Love. Opening Early 2022.

Welcome home to Waterstone of Westchester – a community that takes the idea of home to an entirely new level. In this premier independent senior living community, you’ll thrive in curated elegance and style in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. Plus, enjoy connecting with friends and team members in our welcoming common areas.

Located right in the heart of White Plains, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect sophisticated, urban setting for active seniors. Directly across from the flagship Bloomingdale’s, the community is just a short walk away from the finest shops and restaurants and less than a mile from I-287, making it easy to get away and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Waterstone of Westchester offers independent living for active, independent seniors while also providing supportive care services through an innovative partnership with VNS Westchester. As a rental community, residents enjoy a maintenance-free, carefree life with no steep entrance fees. Delicious dining, a focus on wellness and engaging programs are always on the menu.

Continue living your dream life, here, at Waterstone of Westchester. Fill your days with favorite pastimes, delicious and healthy meals, stimulating exercises and educational programs. Enjoy spending time in your beautifully designed apartment, alone or with friends – because everything here is designed to make you feel right at home.

Welcome to Waterstone of Westchester! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling 914.295.2177.

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