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The holiday season in Stamford, CT, is headed our way – and it’s a magical time, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that draws residents and visitors alike. Read below for some of our favorite celebrations and activities that seniors can enjoy with their families to contribute to the holiday magic!
This annual parade features giant helium balloons, marching bands, and character appearances, making it one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country. It typically takes place in November.
Stamford kicks off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony in the heart of downtown Stamford. Attendees can enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and the lighting of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Bring your children to meet Santa Claus and take photos with him at Stamford Town Center. It’s a magical experience with holiday decorations and a chance to share wish lists with Santa.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center often hosts gingerbread house decorating workshops where participants can create their edible masterpieces.
Enjoy the enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Connecticut Ballet or other local dance companies at venues like The Palace Theatre.
Ice skating at Mill River Park’s outdoor rink is a popular winter activity. During the holiday season, the rink may have special holiday-themed events and music.
Explore an elaborate model train display with miniature landscapes and holiday decorations at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.
The Stamford Symphony often hosts a Holiday Pops Concert featuring festive music and guest performers. Check their schedule for details.
Look out for local Hanukkah events and menorah lightings during the Festival of Lights.
Stamford hosts various New Year’s Eve parties, including fireworks at Cummings Park and special events at local restaurants and bars.
Visit the Stamford Art Association’s Holiday Gift Shop to find unique, locally crafted gifts and artwork.
Keep an eye out for holiday craft fairs at places like the Jewish Community Center and local churches, where you can shop for handmade gifts and treats. Join us at Waterstone on High Ridge this year for our Holiday Bazaar on November 18.
Please note that event details and dates may change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check with the respective event organizers or local event listings for the most up-to-date information on these specific holiday activities in Stamford.
The holiday season is filled with chances to celebrate with those you love. At Waterstone on High Ridge, we ensure that every holiday and season is special, right here in our community. Call us today to learn more about our engaging lifestyle, distinctive amenities, concierge services and premier residences that can make your holiday truly carefree!

The most wonderful time of the year is headed our way, and Westchester County is bustling with holiday shopping pros, seasonal fun seekers, and holiday light display lovers. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Westchester County, look no further – we’re here to be your guide.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla is the perfect place to make memories with your friends, family, and grandkids! Drive through 1.2 miles of lights.
Don’t forget to search for downtown Christmas tree lighting and Menorah lighting ceremonies as the season nears!
Many local towns host holiday parades like the White Plains Holiday Parade, featuring bands, floats, and costumed characters.
There are plenty of holiday-related performances around the area. From children’s concert choirs, theater events, or even caroling, there’s something to suit everyone’s preferences.
Still trying to figure out where to start? Try the Westchester Broadway Theatre for a holiday-themed show or musical, or check out The Westchester Ballet Company for performances of favorites like The Nutcracker.
Holiday markets abound when the season begins! Check out the Hastings Flea Holiday Market in Hastings-on-Hudson or the Greenburgh Nature Center Holiday Train Show.
Attend the Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival, located at Sam Bridge Nursery Greenhouses at 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT. This event begins on November 24 and ends on December 23, so it’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the season and all the way through it!
The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without a visit with Santa. Visit the Cross County Center at 8000 Mall Walk in Yonkers, NY, to see Santa.
Ice skating rinks make you feel like you’re in a true winter wonderland. Watch the grandkids skate at the Cross Country Center. Want to travel a little further? The Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City is an iconic place to skate.
There is always something going on within our community, too! Enjoy our fun activities with your grandchildren, invite the family to savor a delicious dinner, relax in your residence, enjoy social hour or movie night with friends, or partake in a compelling lifelong learning program.
With a wealth of things to do right here at our community and in the surrounding area, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect place to enjoy the holidays – and a fulfilling lifestyle year-round. Give us a call to learn more about life at our luxury senior living community.

Maintaining heart health is essential as we age. This is especially true for seniors, as they are often at a higher risk of heart disease and cardiac illness.
By incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet, you can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve heart function, and manage risk factors like high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels. Below are 11 heart-smart foods that offer a range of health benefits, along with some recipes from the American Heart Association.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are not only packed with essential nutrients but also contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and various vitamins that support heart health.
Spinach Salad with Orange Vinaigrette | Creamy Spinach Feta Dip
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, and improve overall heart function.
Salmon with Honey-Balsamic Glaze

Delight in the sweetness of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. These little gems are high in antioxidants, which protect blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The fiber content in berries can help manage cholesterol levels.
Strawberry Orange Smoothie | Mixed Berry Popsicles
Embrace the hearty goodness of whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa. They provide ample fiber, which assists in controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease.
Pancakes with Blueberry Vanilla Sauce
Enjoy the crunchy satisfaction of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. These nuts are not only delicious, but they are also rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them effective in lowering LDL cholesterol.
Elevate your culinary creations with olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil. Its low saturated fat content and high monounsaturated fat content can improve heart health. Fun fact: It’s also a fundamental component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products offer essential nutrients without the saturated fats commonly found in full-fat options. These dairy products are also excellent sources of calcium, crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Raspberry-Mango Breakfast Parfaits
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are a source of fiber, protein, and potassium, which help in managing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas | Turkey Chili
Treat yourself to the rich and indulgent taste of dark chocolate, especially those with a high cocoa content (70% or higher). Dark chocolate boasts an abundance of antioxidants and may help reduce stress, indirectly promoting heart health.
Avocado-Dark Chocolate Glazed Donuts | Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Cups with Almonds
The vibrant red of tomatoes conceals the heart-healthy secret of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene contributes to a reduced risk of heart disease and improves blood vessel function.
Peach and Tomato Salad | Tomato Basil Soup

Green tea contains catechins, compounds associated with heart health benefits. Because of this, green tea can help lower LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of blood clot formation.
Avocado Green Tea Ice Pops | Matcha Mini Cakes
In addition to adding these delectable foods to your diet, you should also consider other heart-healthy habits, including regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying hydrated. This can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and lead to a longer and healthier life.
At Waterstone of Lexington, our chef and dining services team craft delicious, heart-healthy meals to meet seniors’ preferences and needs. In addition, we offer a range of ways to stay active and engaged, further enhancing health and wellness. Get a taste of our lifestyle for yourself by scheduling a visit and savoring a delicious lunch, on us.

As we age, our needs change, and for many couples, the prospect of moving into assisted living becomes a reality. Assisted living communities like Waterstone at Wellesley offer a range of services and support to help seniors maintain their independence while receiving the care they need. However, one common question that arises is whether couples can live together in assisted living. In this blog post, we will explore the options and considerations for couples who wish to age together in assisted living.
Before delving into whether couples can live together in assisted living, it’s essential to understand what assisted living entails. Assisted living facilities are residential communities designed for seniors who require some assistance with daily activities but still want to maintain their independence. These communities provide a comfortable living environment, social engagement opportunities, and various levels of care and support.
The first consideration when deciding whether a couple can live together in assisted living is the level of care required by each individual. Assisted living typically offers several levels of care, from minimal assistance with daily tasks to more extensive support. Couples should assess their specific needs and determine if the community can accommodate both of them adequately.
Many assisted living communities offer different types of accommodations, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or even shared apartments. Couples should inquire about apartment options that allow them to live together comfortably. It’s essential to find a space that suits both partners’ needs and preferences.
The cost of assisted living can vary significantly depending on location, services, and the level of care required. Couples should carefully assess their budget and discuss the financial aspects of moving into assisted living.
Couples should consider their current and potential future health conditions. For example, one partner may currently be fully independent, while the other may require limited support. Couples should choose a community that can adapt to changing needs. At Waterstone at Wellesley, couples may choose to have one partner in independent living while another lives in assisted living, or perhaps both move to assisted living, even with varying levels of support.
Assisted living communities often offer a wide range of social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged and connected. Couples should inquire about the availability of activities that both partners can enjoy together. This helps maintain their emotional well-being and fosters a sense of community.
Many assisted living facilities offer the option for couples to share an apartment. These apartments typically include a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and a bathroom. Couples can live together in a comfortable and private space while still having access to assistance when needed.
In cases where shared apartments are not available, couples may opt for individual apartments located in close proximity to each other within the same community. This arrangement allows couples to maintain their independence while being near each other for companionship and support.
Assisted living communities often provide flexible care plans that can be customized to meet each resident’s specific needs. Couples can work with the wellness team to create a care plan that accommodates both partners’ requirements.
One of the most significant advantages of couples living together in assisted living is the emotional support they provide to each other. Companionship and shared experiences can significantly enhance their well-being and quality of life.
Assisted living communities offer various amenities and activities that couples can enjoy together. From dining together in a communal setting to participating in group outings and hobbies, couples can maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Loneliness and social isolation can be significant challenges for seniors. Living together in assisted living can help combat these feelings by providing constant companionship and opportunities to connect with others in the community.
Studies have shown that couples who live together in assisted living tend to have better mental and emotional health outcomes. The support and care they receive from each other can contribute to a higher quality of life.
Waterstone at Wellesley in Wellesley, MA, offers a truly couple-friendly lifestyle that caters to the unique needs and desires of seniors looking to age together with grace and comfort. This exceptional assisted living community provides a warm and welcoming environment where couples can thrive.
With spacious and well-designed apartments, Waterstone at Wellesley ensures that couples can maintain their togetherness while receiving the individualized care they may require.
The community’s vibrant social calendar and a wide array of recreational activities offer opportunities for couples to bond, make new friends, and create lasting memories together. From fine dining experiences to wellness programs and scenic surroundings, Waterstone at Wellesley is dedicated to providing an enriching and couple-centric living experience that enhances their quality of life during their golden years.
If you or your spouse needs some additional assistance, the last thing you’d want is to be separated. At Waterstone at Wellesley, you’ll be there for each other every step of the way, along with our wonderful team of caregivers. Give us a call to schedule a personalized tour.

If you’re searching for senior living or assisted living for yourself or a family member, you’ll hear a lot about activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs). These tasks are essential to everyday life, but both vary widely. Learn more about these tasks, and their differences, below.
Those in independent living or assisted living may need support with basic daily tasks from time to time. These are referred to as activities of daily living (ADLs).
These tasks include those we learn from an early age, including:
Often those who need support with ADLs are still able to remain independent or may need some assisted living support. Support may also be needed as seniors rehabilitate after illness or injury.
Depending on a senior’s needs, family members may step in to help for the time being. They may also receive support within a senior living community while in independent living or assisted living.
As older adults age, they need more support with instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs), as they are more complex than ADLs.
These tasks are learned as we age and consist of the following:
Support is usually needed with these tasks as seniors age because they lose organizational skills and other necessary abilities to complete these tasks.
If a senior isn’t receiving support with this through an assisted living or personal care community, family members or caregivers may be supporting them in completing these tasks.
It’s often at this point that most seniors and their families begin to consider the support of an assisted living community if they are not currently in one, as needs may be more difficult to keep up with.

Assisted living at Waterstone of Lexington can help you with activities of daily living while taking the pressure of instrumental activities of daily living off your shoulders.
Our caring team helps those who require support with activities like eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and maintaining personal hygiene. Our lifestyle also removes the need to worry about housekeeping, management of finances, cooking and grocery shopping, transportation and medication management.
This allows older adults to remain as active as possible while staying connected and engaged in community life. Contact us at 781.996.0601 to learn more about how our community supports seniors and helps them maintain independence.

In a previous blog, we discussed Sudden Retirement Syndrome, a term for the mixed emotions that some individuals feel when their reality of retirement doesn’t immediately live up to their expectations. In order to keep SRS at bay or to help banish it if you find yourself experiencing it, part of your retirement plan should be seeking new opportunities to engage your mind and participate in meaningful activities.
The beautiful thing about retirement is that you finally have time to pursue options and interests that you may not have been able to in the past due to work, family or other commitments. We’ve put together a list of 17 different pursuits to pique your interest, focus on what matters to you, and make your golden years the most interesting, vibrant ones yet.

Have you ever longed to see more of the world? Retirement is the perfect time to pack a bag and travel as close or as far as you desire. 25 percent of retirees travel internationally each year, and many more of them enjoy a road trip or other domestic traveling throughout the year. If wanderlust strikes you, consider looking into senior-focused tour companies that specialize in creating amazing experiences for the 50 and older crowd.
While this may seem counterintuitive – after all, isn’t retirement when you stop working? – getting a part-time job can be incredibly beneficial to a senior’s physical, mental, and emotional health. A few examples of popular part-time jobs for seniors include being a store greeter, a pet sitter, delivery driver, and more.
Regular physical activity is essential for helping older adults age well and stay healthy. Now that you aren’t working full time, you have additional opportunities to take exercise classes, pick up a new sport, and spend time getting your blood pumping while having fun, too. Consider joining a club to try new activities and meet new people while staying active.
Mentoring others, whether you enjoy working with kids, young adults, or professionals, is an excellent way to share your knowledge and make the world a better place. Mentoring can be formal, informal or a mix of both. A few great organizations that offer mentorship opportunities are AmeriCorps and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Other places to look include local schools, community organizations, and places of worship.
School isn’t just for young kids anymore. Many retirees use their free time to take classes to learn new skills like acting, cooking, music, history, gardening, and more. Some seniors choose to earn a degree and start a secondary career doing something that has always interested them. Various community colleges and universities offer specialized programs for seniors that are either low- or no-cost. Other organizations, like Alison, offer free online classes with certifications.

It turns out that having a furry friend is good for our hearts and bodies. The American Heart Association reports that people who own pets have lower stress and blood pressure and higher fitness levels and happiness and well-being than non-pet owners. Many seniors choose to adopt senior animals, helping give an older animal a loving home in their golden years. If you want the joy of a pet without the responsibility, you can become a foster parent or volunteer at your local animal shelter.
Learning a new language helps keep your brain nimble, introduces you to other cultures, and is just plain fun. Even if you don’t plan on traveling overseas, the act of learning a language helps improve mental acuity and can potentially help stave off cognitive decline. While you can opt for an in-person class, there are many online courses like Duolingo and Babbel that help link you with native speakers and use cutting-edge research to help you begin speaking like a professional.
Volunteering is a very popular activity for retirees who wish to use their free time to donate to causes that are meaningful to them. Volunteering connects you to like-minded people, helps you stay social, and gives you a sense of purpose. There are countless opportunities for volunteering at both the local and national levels. A good place to start and find opportunities in your area is through Senior Corps, which is focused on connecting people 55+ with worthwhile causes.
Book clubs are a great opportunity for older adults to make new friends, socialize, think critically, gain new perspectives, or simply read a book that they might not otherwise have selected . Check out your local library to see if there are any clubs that interest you, or ask friends and family if they have a group that would be interested in having a new member.
Many retirees plan on spending more time with family and friends during their golden years. Not only does this give you a chance to build and strengthen those relationships, but social connections also help seniors avoid depression, isolation and loneliness. Find ways to meet up with friends and family on a regular basis, whether it’s for a weekly phone call, family dinner on Sundays or a monthly trip to see your grandkids. You’ll make memories that can be cherished for years to come.
Learning your family history can be enlightening, interesting and even surprising. Genealogy is easier than ever to trace these days, thanks to sites like Ancestry. You can also document family stories for future generations with online services that allow you to create a family book or by doing an interview for the national StoryCorps project.
Are you interested in sharing your passion about the local area? Becoming a tour guide or docent can be an excellent opportunity to get out into the community and share your love and knowledge. Maybe you live near a local historic site and can volunteer at the visitor’s center. Or perhaps you’d like to create a walking tour of some offbeat history that occurred in a nearby neighborhood. Check with your local historic buildings and monuments to see how you can play a role.
Refresh your home and free up your retirement lifestyle by finally taking the time to go through your house and get rid of things that you don’t want or need. (This can be an excellent jump-start toward eventually downsizing to a smaller home or a senior living community.) Go through those dusty boxes in the attic and look through the family pieces that you don’t really use but haven’t been able to get rid of yet. You can also gift heirlooms and treasured pieces to your family members so they can enjoy them while you’re around to see it.
Keeping your brain sharp through Sudoku, logic puzzles, or other brain-teaser games can help stave off memory loss, improve your mood, and potentially even help you avoid cognitive diseases like dementia. Don’t feel like cluttering your home with hard-copy puzzle books? Download apps to your smartphone or tablet to get endless games that you don’t have to physically store.
Joining a group, whether it’s a crafting group, movie club, pickleball league or tennis group, gets you out of the house, out of your comfort zone, and into the company of others from different generations and backgrounds. Your local Parks and Recreation department is a great place to look for affordable classes and activities that may be of interest to you.
Being in the company of others has many benefits, but it’s also rewarding to have time all to yourself that you can use to work on a project, activity or interest. Create a must-read list, or set up a studio in your home where you can paint or do woodworking. Bake goodies and donate them to nearby hospitals or hospice homes. Creating something with your own two hands can be incredibly rewarding.
Retirement is a great time to visit all the local sites, attractions and festivals taking place in your area that you’ve always heard about but have never visited. Head out to your town’s First Fridays or Third Thursdays to take in live music and local foods, and visit local farmer’s markets to source some homegrown produce. Check out your town’s Chamber of Commerce and calendar of events to learn about activities and events that can be fun for the whole family.
At our elegant senior living community in Stamford, CT, our active and vibrant lifestyle provides so many ways for you to fill your retirement years with meaning, fun and fellowship. Our residents enjoy their own private, maintenance-free apartments that free up their time so they can fill their days how they wish. We invite you to contact us at 203.541.0868 to learn more about our beautiful community and to see how we can help you make the most of your senior living experience.

Fall in New England, what could be better?! If you’re looking for the top ways to celebrate the fall season in Wellesley, Massachusetts, we’re here to help! Check out some of our favorite annual Wellesley traditions below.

If you’re an ardent leaf-peeper, there are plenty of places to find beautiful foliage around Wellesley. Consider adding a few of these locations to your stop:
Easily an Autumn staple, the season doesn’t quite feel complete without some pumpkin patch or apple orchard fun. Bring the family, including the kids, for a fun, festive time. Bonus points if you carve the pumpkins and bake the pumpkin seeds or if you opt to make an apple-themed dessert!
Summer concerts and movies on the Town Hall Green are over, and so is the Wellesley Wonderful Weekend, which boasts Wellesley’s Veterans parade. Despite this, there’s so much more to enjoy as that familiar chill fills the air. Check out these Wellesley celebrations and events that are sure to delight.
At Waterstone at Wellesley, our team loves crafting delicious seasonal meals. If one of your passions is baking or cooking, try a new recipe, cook with friends, or have a movie night where each attendee crafts a special dish. There are plenty of ways to delight in the flavors of the season.

With over 47 miles of trails, Wellesley is a great place to exercise while sightseeing.
With the leaves falling and temperatures dropping, it’s the perfect time to think about staying cozy in our beautiful community. Say goodbye to housekeeping and home maintenance, cooking, and isolation. Instead, Waterstone at Wellesley takes care of it all, leaving you to enjoy your season, not count down the days until it’s over!
Not only this, but Waterstone at Wellesley keeps you close to everything you love in our area while providing even more opportunities for fun, including:
Ready to learn more or experience our lifestyle for yourself? Call 781.304.8169 to schedule your visit today.