What does happiness look like for you? For most of us, happiness isn’t a destination – it’s a pursuit. That may mean learning something new or picking up a new skill. For others, it means being at peace with your body and who you are. Other people may see happiness as having a large group of friends and family. Happiness can mean anything you want it to be, and here’s the best news – building a happy life is well within your reach.

“Being happy starts with good habits,” says Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “That may sound like a strange beginning, but think about what happens when you have a goal you’re trying to reach. You start practicing habits that will allow you to reach that goal. For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds, you may start the habit of not snacking after dinner, or exercising daily. Successfully pursuing happiness follows a similar path. Making positive happiness habits a part of your daily life will help you find inner peace, help you achieve your goals and make you a happier, more content and more joyful person.”

Kevin says that even though happiness is a very personal thing for each person, there are some similarities we all share.

“For seniors, happiness often boils down to having the resources they need to live independent lives and pursue the things they enjoy,” he says. “Waterstone at the Circle presents endless opportunities for personal growth, enjoyment and fulfillment. Our active, engaging senior living community offers daily activities and provides access to any resources residents need as they pursue their personal hobbies and interests. Plus, we offer a world of luxury and service – everything that active, healthy seniors want and need to make their happiness complete.”

If you feel like you could use a little more happy in your daily routine, here are some simple habits that can help give you the boost you need. If some of these habits end up causing you stress or just don’t mesh with your lifestyle, don’t worry – just ditch them! Happiness is, as we have mentioned, very personal. After some trial and error, you’ll figure out what works best for you and what can be let go.

Daily Habits for a Happier Lifestyle

Smile more.

We often assume that smiles come because we’re happy. But as it turns out, smiling can actually lead to happiness. Smiling causes our brains to release dopamine, which is the hormone that helps stimulate happiness. That’s the case whether the smile is natural or if it’s “faked.” Really! This doesn’t mean that you have to slap a cheesy grin on your face all day long. But if you find yourself feeling a little blue or out of sorts, try cracking a big smile and see how you feel. Perhaps start each day by smiling at yourself in the mirror after you’ve brushed your teeth. Make it a habit, and that dopamine boost may be just what you need to have a sunnier, happier day – every day.

Get enough exercise.

We all know that exercise is a good daily habit that we should all be doing for our health. But did you know it’s a good habit for happiness, too? Getting regular exercise reduces stress, lowers anxiety and can alleviate symptoms of depression. You don’t have to run a marathon to feel the benefits – even just a small amount every day can make a difference. The trick is to find something you enjoy that’s not too strenuous and that you’ll look forward to every day. Whether that’s doing daily yoga, gardening for an hour or walking around the block, regular exercise will really put pep in your step.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep is our body’s natural “reboot” function. Unfortunately, most of us – seniors especially – don’t seem to get enough sleep. However, it plays an incredibly important role in brain function, emotional well-being and overall good health. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is an essential foundation for overall happiness, and in order to achieve that, you’ll need to make sure that you’re practicing good sleep hygiene.

Start by making sure your bedroom is a sleep haven – dark, cool and quiet. Make sure your bed is comfortable and that screens are taken out of the room (yes, even tablets and TVs). Reserve an hour before bed as your “quiet time” that gets your body prepped and ready for bed – that means relaxing activities like taking a bath, reading or meditating. Avoid taking long naps during the day, and avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy eating late into the night. If you find you’re regularly having problems getting to and staying asleep, talk to your doctor to see if there are medications or treatments that can help you.

Eat the right things.

We all know that eating a healthy diet helps us feel better and stay healthy. Foods also play an important role for emotional state as well. For example, carbohydrates cause our brains to release serotonin (which is the “feel good” hormone). Unfortunately, most of us reach for simple carbs like sweets or starches to get that immediate high – and then a just-as-quick crash. Complex carbohydrates will give that same boost while also being better for your body. Fried or highly processed foods actually cause a depressive state in your mind, as does skipping meals. Instead, opt for lean meat, legumes, dairy and other foods high in protein. You’ll feel better in body, mind and soul.

Practice gratitude.

Recognizing the good in the world and being grateful for the good things in life can give your mood a huge boost as well as help you feel happier overall. Take time each day to acknowledge a few things that you’re grateful for – even one is better than none. You can do this first thing in the morning when you’re brushing your teeth, or right before you turn out the lights to go to bed. Then, throughout your day, look for opportunities to give thanks for the pleasant things in your life. It can be as simple as the stranger who opened the door for you or the warmth of the sun on your skin. By recognizing the beauty and wonder of the world around you, you will automatically become more grateful – and thus, a happier person.

Stay connected.

For most of us, happiness comes from interacting with the people we care about. We’re social beings, and being around people we love makes us happier. Loneliness is a big problem for seniors, which is why it’s so important to reach out on a regular basis. Every day, do something that connects you with someone you care about. Send a funny text, make a call or send an email to someone you love. Of course, face-to-face interaction is one of the best ways to boost that bond, so be sure to plan outings and “dates” that put you in proximity with friends and family. Feeling like you’re part of a network and having those bonds are one of the best ways to ensure a happy life, no matter how old or young you are.

Luxury Senior Living in Boston

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

Elegant Independent Living Apartments

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

Senior Living Supportive Services

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

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

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

Getting older doesn’t mean that you have to slow down. Even if you find that you require a little extra help in order to live a safe, happy and fulfilled life, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your independence. Far from it, in fact. These days, assisted living with a customized approach provides the support that older adults need in order to live their best lives possible, says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley.

“Many seniors discover that they actually gain more independence by moving into assisted living from a private home,” she says. “That’s because they’re getting help with the things they need – like getting dressed, bathing, mobility, healthy eating and the like – which leaves them the time and energy to do the things that they want to do.”

The idea of a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach may have been the norm back in the day, but today’s assisted living is focused more on providing customized care designed for each specific person.

“The overall philosophy at Waterstone at Wellesley is to provide care for the things each individual needs and allow them to continue to do the things they are able to do,” she says. “This transforms care from a service to more of a life elevation. We are always looking for ways to celebrate our residents’ abilities while supporting their independence.”

The Best of Both Worlds

Assisted living residents at Waterstone at Wellesley live independently in their own private, spacious apartments without any of the worries or concerns of homeownership or living alone. There aren’t any chores, housework, home maintenance or repairs. Instead, our residents get the support they need and the time to spend as they choose, doing things that are enjoyable and fulfilling.

Waterstone is a vibrant community that provides a variety of opportunities for recreational, social and cultural activities and programs. Our residents enjoy things like fitness classes, delicious dining, engaging hobbies and pastimes and so much more. Best of all, everything is located on campus, making it easy to get around to do the things you want. No more worrying about transportation or planning or any of that. It’s all right within reach.

While an engaging lifestyle is highly important, the peace of mind that comes from assisted living at Waterstone at Wellesley is priceless. Knowing that care and support is available 24/7 instills a sense of confidence that aging seniors can’t find living on their own at home. Besides the care available on site, Waterstone is located just blocks from Newton-Wellesley Hospital with nearby access to Boston’s medical community.

The Benefits of the Waterstone Lifestyle

An engaging daily life.

Our assisted living community is designed to help older adults live joyfully and independently, which is why all our events, programs, activities and amenities are built to make life easier and more enjoyable. From gourmet dining to lifelong learning opportunities to fitness classes and more, we provide all sorts of ways for assisted living residents to live full, active and engaged lives each and every day.

A focus on personalized care.

We understand that the best care is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and desires. New assisted living residents work with staff members to create a personalized care plan that helps meet your needs, wants and goals. This care plan isn’t set in stone, either. It shifts and evolves right along with you as your life path takes you where you want to go.

So much to do on and off campus.

Our community has many wonderful things located right on site, like a fitness center and indoor pool staffed by professionals, a lounge, an outdoor courtyard with a fire pit, private transportation service and more. Plus, we’re located with views of the Charles River, with the charming town of Wellesley right outside our doors – and it’s easy to get to the attractions that the greater Boston area has to offer.

A team that treats you like family.

Exceptional care starts with exceptional individuals. Our care team at Waterstone at Wellesley believes in what we do and faithfully delivers on our promise of care to our residents … and to their families. When you choose Waterstone as your assisted living home, we welcome you into our family and treat you like one of our own. Every person in our community is fully committed to providing our assisted living residents with dignified independence – along with caring support.

A wide variety of services and amenities.

Our assisted living residents enjoy the premier lifestyle Waterstone is known for, but with the added assurance of support and personal care services available any time they’re needed. With the help of our dedicated care and hospitality teams, residents trade the worries of being at home for everything they need – and want – to age in place with security and confidence in a community they love.

• Premier assisted living apartments with designer finishes
• Three gourmet, expertly prepared meals daily
• Weekly housekeeping and linen service
• Customized care plans and daily assistance
• Around-the-clock support and services
• Complimentary care coordination
• Heated indoor pool and fitness center staffed by professional trainers
• Stimulating lectures, cultural and social events
• Scheduled private transportation

Beautiful Riverfront Community

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

Celebrating Dynamic Living

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

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

Confidence of Care

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

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

Where you live plays an important part in how you live – especially when it comes to retirement. In your earlier years, choosing “where to live” was mostly influenced by career opportunities and family ties. In your retirement years, you have an opportunity to choose a location that meets your specific needs on an individual level.

“What do you want your retirement to look like?” asks Kevin Defayette, Executive Director of Waterstone at the Circle. “Do you want to live in a more bucolic, quiet type of community, or would you prefer the excitement and opportunities of a place located in an urban center? Would you like to be near family? Close to transportation options? There are many different questions to consider, but the only one who can choose  a perfect location for you – is you.”

Location, as it turns out, plays a huge role in finding the perfect community for you to launch your retirement journey. Think about it: even if you choose an amazing community that is everything you were ever searching for, but it was located in a place where you wouldn’t be able to visit friends and family or do the things you love – would you really want to live there?

Of course, location influences a lot more than just your personal interests. As you’re searching, here are some things to consider so that you’re choosing a great community in the right location:

What’s nearby? Yes, you’ll be living in the community, so what the community offers will be very important. But you won’t want to spend all your time indoors. What sort of attractions are nearby? Is it a walkable neighborhood, or do you need to travel a bit in order to get to things like restaurants and events? If you’re a nature lover, are there walking paths or parks close to the community? Or does your family live just a block away? There are all sorts of things we enjoy doing, and since you’re retired, you now have the time to enjoy all of them – so why not be nearby?

Are there medical services within a close distance? As we get older, it becomes more common to have health needs and issues. Are your doctors nearby or within a reasonable distance? What about hospitals or emergency services? What sort of ratings do nearby medical providers have, and if you need assistance, how quickly can you receive it?

Is it a fun place to visit? If you’re choosing a community that’s not located near family members, is it located in a place that would be fun for your kids and grandkids to visit? Or, conversely, is the community located near your family? Or is it easy to go visit them? Having fun activities is a great draw for family members – besides seeing you, of course.

What are the tax implications? Depending on your income and where you live, you may decide to move to one place over another. Some states don’t have personal income tax, while others have different benefits for estates and other financial options. At the same time, be sure to consider the cost of living along with the tax breaks in order to determine what’s the best choice for you and your estate.

Can you really see yourself living there? Of all the questions to ask yourself, this is the most personal. One community may seem like a great place to visit, but is it really a place where you’d like to spend the rest of your golden years? Ultimately, you want to choose a community in a location that feels like coming home.

Why Boston Is an Excellent Location for Retirement

At Waterstone at the Circle, we understand that our residents are Bostonians (whether native or transplants) who love this city and want to be in the center of it all. That’s why we built our luxury retirement community in the heart of the city, ideally located near all the attractions, events and benefits that this great city has to offer. Here are just some of the reasons our residents believe Waterstone at the Circle is the perfect location for their retirement:

There’s so much to do.

Boston is a hustling and bustling place with so many things to see and do. Even if you’ve been a lifelong resident of Boston, it seems like you’re still discovering new things every day. The city’s rich history is threaded just about everywhere you go, whether you’re walking the Freedom Trail or spending an afternoon shopping at Faneuil Hall. And, of course, we have some of the very best museums in the world, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Science, just to name a few.

Our medical community is one of the best in the country – and the world.

With teaching hospitals, prestigious universities and top-ranked medical institutions, Boston is considered to be one of the hubs for medical technology, innovation and care. Some of the best talent anywhere can be found within a short distance from Waterstone at the Circle, meaning that it’s easy access to world-class treatments, specialists and medical care. People from all over the world travel here to be seen by specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital (one of the top 10 hospitals in the world), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Baystate Medical Center, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center and the Southcoast Hospitals Group.

It’s easy to get anywhere you want to go.

With an incredibly walkable downtown and an extensive transportation service, you can go anywhere you want in Boston without having to spend a lot of time getting there. Many people who live in the city have decided to forego their vehicles entirely and instead use local transportation or ride-sharing services. If you’re looking to launch an out-of-town adventure, Boston makes that easy, too. Many interstate highways surround the city, and Boston Logan International Airport has direct flights to many national and international destinations.

It’s “age-friendly” and a great place to retire.

In 2017, Boston launched the “Age-Friendly Boston” initiative, which was designed to make Boston the “best city to age in.” Over the course of five years, the city has dedicated itself to making it a destination that’s an even better place to age.

Luxury Senior Living in Boston

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

Elegant Independent Living Apartments

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

Senior Living Supportive Services

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

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

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

We all know that laughing with others is a great way to improve your day, boost your mood and make the world seem like a better place. But did you know that laughter can actually help you age well while also keeping you healthier?

“Laughter really is the best medicine, especially for senior adults,” says Devon Sicard, Executive Director of Waterstone at Wellesley. “It’s no secret that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to health concerns and illnesses. That’s why it becomes so important to take care of our bodies – and our minds and souls – so that we can continue to enjoy life and enjoy our golden years as much as possible.”

Devon says that it’s never too late to take steps to improve your health (and find more humor in your everyday life). “One of our goals at Waterstone at Wellesley is for our residents to age well and enjoy all that life has to offer,” she says. “Part of that means creating a lifestyle that’s engaging, fulfilling and, yes, filled with humor and happiness. We want our residents to enjoy this stage of life because it’s truly their time to live to the fullest.”

So how is it that humor helps seniors achieve wellness? Studies have found six different ways that laughter helps us feel good, live good and age well throughout our senior years. That’s definitely something to smile about!

1. It reduces pain.
When we laugh, our brains produce endorphins, which help our bodies regulate pain. That effect lasts for hours, long after we’ve stopped laughing. Laugher also causes cortisol to drop, which reduces inflammation, pain and stress throughout the body. Less pain means it’s easier to exercise and do the things we love, which results in a better quality of life.

2. It’s good for our hearts.
When we enjoy a good guffaw over something funny, our blood vessel function improves, which reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Our hearts pump a little faster (in a more efficient way) when we laugh, which boosts circulation and blood oxygenation. All this leads to better cardiovascular health, which helps reduce the risk of heart diseases and other cardiovascular issues. Since heart issues are the leading cause of death in America, laughter potentially can save your life. 

3. It reduces stress.
Stress wreaks havoc on our bodies by increasing our levels of anxiety and depression, reducing the efficiency of our immune system, impacting our sleep and eating habits and generally causing poor health. Laughter is one of the best and most immediate ways to combat stress. Think about how you feel when you laugh. Automatically, everything that’s bothering you seems to melt away in that moment, and you’re focused solely on the enjoyment of the present. In a way, that makes laughter a form of meditation and mindfulness – and one that you don’t need to ‘om’ your way toward. 

4. It helps us nurture relationships.
Humor brings us closer together, which is incredibly powerful. Anthropologists believe that laughter was developed alongside social interaction, support and community – all things that make us human. No matter where we live or what language we speak, everyone laughs and can find humor in life. When we laugh together, the joy that flows between us helps bind us together in meaningful ways. In fact, some experts believe that all the health benefits that stem from humor are derived from the improved social bonds that are caused by it. 

5. It strengthens your core.
Can you laugh your way to flatter abs? It’s possible! When we laugh at something funny, our diaphragms and abdominal muscles are worked almost as hard as it would if you were doing sit-ups or other core exercises. Strengthening your core also strengthens your back muscles, which can help reduce back pain, improve your breathing and improve your balance, too. At the same time, laughing relaxes other tight muscles in your body that could use a break. 

6. It improves our moods.
It’s hard to be grouchy after you’ve enjoyed a good bout of laughter. You can thank all the feel-good chemicals that are released in your brain for that. Improved moods lead to better emotional health, a more positive outlook and a better sense of well-being and self-worth. Studies have shown that seniors (and other individuals) who enjoy humor have a sense of optimism and also show resilience in the face of adversity and major life stressors. 

How to Add More Humor to Your Life
Cue up your favorite funny TV show and get ready to laugh – now’s the perfect time to find more humor, happiness and laughter in your life. Here are some great ways to find humor throughout the day and get laughing. Think of it like an exercise routine – but one that you actually look forward to doing!

• Connect with friends. Ever notice how much more we laugh or smile when we’re talking to someone we care about? It all goes back to that social connectedness that humor provides. Pick up the phone and call a friend, meet someone for coffee or send funny cat videos to each other. Not only will you laugh, you’ll make someone else laugh, too.
• Watch something funny. These days, that’s as easy as scrolling through your Facebook or Instagram feed. If that sort of humor doesn’t move you, try watching videos of babies giggling – it’s impossible not to start laughing yourself. Go on, we dare you.
• Do something nice for yourself. We’re a lot more open to humor and happiness when we feel good and we care for ourselves. Pampering yourself – even if it’s as simple as taking a walk or drinking a cup of coffee outside – will improve your mood and make you more open to the humor that’s all around you.
• Try laughter yoga. It sounds silly, but this strange practice has been gaining in popularity across the country and throughout the world. The practice, which originated in Japan, is an actual, established therapy that has shown great health benefits for seniors. It turns out that our bodies can’t tell the difference between fake laughter and real laughter. When you start to laugh – even if it’s fake – the silliness of the practice ends up in genuine guffaws and giggles, especially when you’re practicing it with other people.
• Find the funny in everyday moments. Life is funny – if we allow it to be. Watch the squirrels chase each other in the yard, for example. Or find ways to make your partner laugh through a silly turn of phrase or an inside joke. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself, either.
• Look for things that bring you joy. Laughter doesn’t always have to stem from something funny. Often, it’s a joyful reaction to something that delights you. Play with your dog and watch as he or she wiggles in delight – it’s hard not to smile at that unbridled emotion. By seeking out things that make you happy, you’ll be amazed at how much humor opens up in your life.

Beautiful Riverfront Community

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

Celebrating Dynamic Living

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

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

Assisted Living with the Confidence of Care

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

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