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Lexington

How Waterstone Helps Seniors Avoid the Winter Blues

The winter blues are something many people deal with, often beginning during the dreary days of fall and winter months. But how can you melt them away? At Waterstone of Lexington, we make it simple for older adults to thrive all year round, even when the weather outside is gloomy. Read on to find out how you can escape the winter blues with Waterstone.

Techniques To Beat the Winter Blues

Increase Social Interaction

Many of us are no stranger to the fact that spending time with friends, family, and even acquaintances can boost our mood, enhance mental health, and add a little extra joy to our days. Whether you remain involved in your favorite social groups, connect virtually with those you love, schedule weekly get-togethers with friends, or take up a new hobby to make new friends, the benefits can be far-reaching.

At Waterstone of Lexington, our residents know it best. Each day, there’s something new to enjoy. From residents challenging each other in our game room to meeting in Buckman’s Tavern to enjoying regularly scheduled social and recreational programs, the winter blues and isolation are faraway problems for those who live here.

Even better, though, is that everything you need to connect with others is just outside your apartment door – meaning no need to brave the cold or dreary winter weather.

Increase Physical Activity

Staying active also boosts your mood, decreases depression, and enhances energy levels. While others may need to join a gym or do home workouts, our residents never need to get a gym membership because their gym is located right inside our community. Here, the options for integrative wellness are endless, with an indoor heated pool and fitness center staffed by professional fitness and aquatic instructors, a mind-body studio, a range of fitness classes, and outdoor walking paths providing access to natural light to improve circadian rhythms and boost moods.

Eat Healthy

Eating the right foods can decrease your likelihood of experiencing the winter blues. You should aim to eat fish around three to five times a week if possible, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, enjoy some berries, and yes, even savor some dark chocolate.

At Waterstone of Lexington, our culinary team creates nutritious and exceptionally delicious meals tailored to our residents’ needs. With anytime dining at our restaurant, seasonal menus featuring distinctive meals, a juice bar for those on the go, dining is a delight.

Engage the Mind

Warming up your mind can help to make this season feel less dreary. Instead of feeling blue about the lack of outdoor activities, warm weather and fun, make the most of the things you can do inside.

At Waterstone of Lexington, residents engage in our cultural and educational programming, attend stimulating lectures, use our maker space, view shows in the media room and movie theater, and more.

Now is when residents like to plan ahead for warmer weather, too. Whether they’re figuring out what they’ll plant in the garden this year, which trips they’d like to take with new friends, or where they’d like to explore, it’s a great way to bring a little excitement for the spring to come.

When Winter Blues Don’t Melt Away

If you’re finding that your winter blues are simply too difficult to shake, it’s important to talk with a doctor. It’s possible it could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or another health condition. Your doctor will be able to offer ways to help, possibly including light therapy or medication.

If it’s difficult for you to get to a doctor, Waterstone can help with that, too. With scheduled transportation, you won’t need to worry about driving in bad weather. You can also take advantage of our Wellness and Telemedicine Suite. These are just some of the many ways we can help make winter even easier, helping you enjoy it just a little bit more.

Feel the Warmth of Waterstone

Have you had enough of the cold winter? Trade in your winter blues for a life of warmth, engagement and fun at Waterstone. To learn more or to experience our lifestyle for yourself, schedule a visit today.

WATERSTONE OF LEXINGTON: NOW THIS IS HOME

Waterstone of Lexington offers a modern approach to retirement living in a historical setting with concierge services and impressive amenities. Come see how we redefine independent living and assisted living with a visit today.

Categories
The Circle

Tips for a Healthier You

A new year has begun, and if you’re like many others, you’ve written out – or thought up – a specific set of goals for your fresh start. If one of your goals is to be healthier, read on for tips to achieve your resolution – or to take it to the next level.

What To Focus On for Optimal Senior Health and Wellness

A healthier you doesn’t just mean you should focus on fitness, though it does help. There are a range of aspects of wellness you should keep in mind for healthy aging. These include social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

What can you do to foster each of these dimensions for a healthier you? The possibilities are truly endless, so choose options to best fit your needs and goals this new year.

How Older Adults Can Achieve Optimal Health and Wellness

Enhance Social Health

Social interaction has an impact on your overall health. In fact, it reduces the risk of health issues, like depression, while enhancing a sense of belonging and decreasing feelings of isolation.

  • Join a club or group
  • Attend social events
  • Limit time on social media, instead opting for personal connection
  • Enjoy opportunities for intergenerational connections, including mentoring students or volunteering at your church
  • Consider moving to senior living where you will find new friends with similar interests

Increase Intellectual Health

Lifelong learning enhances quality of life while bringing health benefits to those who seek out the possibilities they provide. Put some additional focus on intellectual health with these ideas.

  • Attend classes and lectures
  • Explore local museums
  • Try out a new hobby
  • Pursue your passions
  • Take advantage of local cultural opportunities
  • Travel when you’re able, even if it’s a short day trip or weekend getaway

Bonus: Experiences like these can also help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

Put More Focus on Emotional Health

Mental health is an important aspect of overall health and wellness because it directly impacts the mind and the body. Discover how you can improve your emotional health with these tips.

  • Focus on positivity and gratitude
  • Aim for better sleep, around seven to nine hours nightly
  • Find ways to relieve stress, including exercise or meditation
  • Journal or list out things you are thankful for

Foster Spiritual Health

With so much focus placed on emotional and physical health, it’s not uncommon to forget about spiritual health. No matter what this means for you, fostering your spiritual health has a range of benefits.

  • Find a sense of purpose in everyday life
  • Reflect or meditate
  • Connect with your faith
  • Give back to others

Power Up Your Physical Health

A healthier lifestyle is never a bad thing to seek. This year, increase your physical activity, cut back on bad habits, eat healthy, and more.

  • Remain a healthy weight, losing weight or maintaining if needed, while exercising regularly
  • Cut back on processed foods, which also helps with weight loss
  • Drink water and cut back on sugary sodas
  • Try exercise classes, remembering to enhance balance, flexibility and stability
  • Explore tai chi or yoga, which combine multiple dimensions of wellness
  • Stop smoking and drink alcohol only in moderation

Discover Wellness at Waterstone at the Circle

We make it simple for residents to meet their New Year’s resolutions while staying healthy.

With a full calendar of social events, groups and clubs, access to lifelong learning possibilities and spiritual opportunities, and plentiful wellness and fitness programs, residents have everything they need to live healthy. Even better, this includes supportive healthcare services available within the comfort of residents’ private apartments.

To experience how you can have your healthiest year yet, or to learn about our independent living community for seniors 62 and over, schedule a tour.

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LX Gallery

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RELAX WITH FRIENDS IN OUR ASSISTED LIVING COMMON SPACES

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LX Gallery

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Enjoy friendly competition with a game

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LX Gallery

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REFRESH IN OUR JUICE BAR AFTER A MORNING YOGA SESSION

Read a good book, skim the newspaper or meet with friends

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LX Gallery

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You’ll meet plenty of friendly faces within our community – including furry friends!

Categories
The Circle

Settling In After a Move to Senior Living

Moving to a senior living community is a time of joy for many older adults, but it can also come with some anxiety. From questions like, “How will I fill my days?” and “How will I make friends?” to “What if I don’t feel at home?” and “How long will it take me to feel comfortable?”, a move can be fraught with ‘what-ifs’ and ‘hows’.

The good news is that settling in after a move is often easier than you imagine. This is especially true at Waterstone at the Circle. Check out our top tips that help new residents at The Circle adjust quickly and take advantage of all our active lifestyle has to offer right away.

Getting into the Groove of Senior Living | Tips To Help You Settle In

1 | Make your space feel like home.

Moving to a new space is an opportunity to showcase who you are. Make your new home a reflection of you by highlighting your interests, showing who is important to you with photographs and keepsakes, and decorating with items that bring you joy. The more it feels like home, the sooner you’ll feel settled in.

2 | Introduce yourself to new neighbors.

Make it a point to say hello and introduce yourself to those around you. This can open up opportunities to get involved, make new friends, and learn more about the community. At Waterstone at the Circle, you’ll quickly find our community is filled with a sense of community and camaraderie.

3 | Invite friends and family members over.

Share your new home with your friends and family by hosting a housewarming party or maybe even a weekly movie night. This can help you make new memories with those you love in your beautiful new home.

4| Create a routine and goals.

While many seniors look forward to retirement and having endless free time to do as they please, some may worry that a lack of structure will make them feel bored or even overwhelmed. Instead, create your own schedule and routine and stick to it.

If your goal is to get fit, pencil in time for physical activity with one of our personal trainers. If you want to get involved with the local community, ask our life enrichment team about opportunities to volunteer or give back. If you still want to work, you can do that, too! Here, the choices are all yours.

5 | Try out new activities, attend programs you’re interested in, or join a club.

Activities for seniors in independent living communities like Waterstone at the Circle are endless. From book clubs, art classes, and fitness groups to social hours, cooking demonstrations, and game nights, you’re likely to find there’s more to enjoy than can be done on any given day.

Don’t let yourself get so caught up in your routine that you stop pursuing new activities, passions and hobbies. Engage in lifelong learning, attend lectures, take advantage of new volunteer opportunities, and try out a new skill. Not only will you enhance your brain power and skill set, but you’re also likely to make new friends and connect with others with similar interests. Ask our life enrichment team to introduce you to activities and programs you might enjoy.

6 | Explore the community and your surrounding area.

Waterstone at the Circle is ideally located at the foot of Chestnut Hill in Boston, putting you near a variety of things to do. From cultural events and museums to shopping and delicious dining, there’s plenty to explore once you arrive at our community. Our concierge would be more than happy to assist you with purchasing tickets or arranging transportation to area attractions and events.

7 | Get to know team members.

At Waterstone at the Circle, we work hard to ensure the premier senior living experience you expect! Our dedicated team members are ready to lend a hand if or when it’s needed. Whatever your need, we are at your service and ready to assist!

8 | Give yourself time to adjust.

It might take some time to get used to your new retirement community. Some residents feel at home right away, while it takes others some time to adjust, and that’s normal. Lean on team members, get involved in the community as you feel comfortable, stay in touch with family and friends, and simply enjoy your new, carefree life.

Making the Transition Easy at Waterstone

At Waterstone at the Circle, we’re here to help you settle in from the moment you walk in the door. Our expert team gets to know your preferences, likes and dislikes, and we share our social calendars, highlighting opportunities to get involved.

Even our residents welcome you with open arms, with invitations to join them for dinner, activities and more. Everything you need to make the transition easy is right here for you.

EXPERIENCE WATERSTONE AT THE CIRCLE FOR YOURSELF

Schedule a visit today to learn more about our premier independent living community designed to enrich life for seniors 62 and over. Waterstone at the Circle offers beautiful rental apartments as well as access to supportive care services on site.

Have you ever played the game of “telephone,” where one person starts out saying a phrase and then it gets passed down the line of people until it turns into a completely different phrase? This is often what happens with perception of senior living communities.

One person gives their opinion, whether true or untrue, and it gets passed down until myths form. This makes it important to figure out the facts for yourself, especially if you’re considering what senior living can offer you or a loved one. Fortunately, the team at Waterstone at Wellesley is here to help you tell fact from fiction.

Debunking Senior Living Myths

Myth | Senior living is too expensive and full of hidden fees.

Fact | Older adults living in senior retirement communities like Waterstone at Wellesley know that our convenient monthly rental apartments help them maintain control of their assets with no large financial commitment. They can enjoy everything our lifestyle offers for a simple monthly fee.

Myth | Residents lose their independence.

Fact | Many residents move to increase their independence while enhancing their lifestyle and quality of life. Without worries over maintenance, housekeeping and other chores, residents embrace a full life of their own design.

If you want to continue working, there are no restrictions. Simply work, enjoy life, and let us take care of everything here for you. If support is required to live independently, residents can receive it in their own private apartment while remaining active and engaged in community life.

Myth | There’s nothing to do.

Fact | Those who move to a senior living community often find themselves spending their time enjoying everything they never had time for before! From engaging in hobbies and uncovering passions to making friends and taking part in fitness classes, there is always something to do. Waterstone at Wellesley offers a full calendar of social, cultural, recreational, and educational programs designed to pique a diverse range of interests.

Myth | There is no privacy.

Fact | Senior living offers the best of both worlds. Spend as much, or as little, time alone as you please within the comfort and privacy of your luxurious apartment. When you want to socialize, opportunities await just outside your door.

Myth | The food isn’t good.

Fact | Our chefs create seasonal, gourmet meals freshly and creatively prepared every day. With anytime dining and impeccable ambiance, our dining experience is something our residents at Waterstone at Wellesley truly savor. If you want to cook for yourself or your guests, our beautiful independent living apartments offer full-size kitchens.

Myth | Senior living offers hospital-like spaces.

Fact | At Waterstone at Wellesley, our independent living and assisted living community offers spacious residences with all the comforts of home. Our community is stylish, sophisticated and closely resembles a resort hotel.

Myth | Pets are not allowed.

Fact | While some senior living communities don’t allow pets, Waterstone at Wellesley does! We know pets are an important part of your family, so we welcome them at our senior living community.

Dispel the Myths and Discover the Facts

To learn more about senior living and to debunk the myths for yourself, schedule a visit to Waterstone at Wellesley today.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

Waterstone at Wellesley offers independent living and assisted living options in Wellesley, along the banks of the Charles River. Schedule a visit today to experience our lifestyle and learn how we help seniors thrive.

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