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Tag: Health Benefits

Categories
The Circle

7 Brain Healthy Activities for Seniors

Senior woman enjoys reading in the library
A smiling senior African American woman looks down in concentration as she sits in the library and turns the pages in a book. She chuckles at the humorous story.

Older adults can improve their brain health, keep their mind sharp and enhance their cognitive function as they age. It’s possible thanks to a range of activities and brain exercises that seniors can enjoy.

What are these cognitive exercises that help to stimulate the brain? We’re sharing a few of the many below so you and your brain can enjoy all the benefits.

1. Games

Could brain health really be all fun and games? Well, they can certainly help make it more fun! Enhance your problem-solving skills, creativity and socialization with card games, board games, word games, brain training games and even video games.

  • Try playing bridge and poker
  • Play Scrabble, Yahtzee, Chess or Mahjong with friends
  • Practice your word search, scramble and crossword puzzle skills
  • Solve a Rubik’s Cubes or a Sudoku puzzle
  • Explore your creativity with Minecraft or become a detective with a mystery video game

2. Music

Music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, pain and sleep problems while improving mood, mental alertness and memory. Not only this, but it keeps your mind engaged through the aging process and helps to stimulate your brain. Music is also instrumental in calming and soothing those with dementia and memory loss, and can even help them recall memories.

Take advantage of these benefits by:

  • Listening to music
  • Attending live performances
  • Practicing or learning to play a musical instrument
  • Performing for your friends and family
  • Volunteering to give music lessons or teach singing lessons
  • Trying to master a set of complicated songs on piano

3. Reading

Reading is good mental exercise and has a range of benefits for your brain. It strengthens your mind, prevents cognitive decline and helps you live longer, according to an article by Healthline.

If you’re not sure what you should be reading, don’t fret. Healthline’s article shares you should read anything you can get your hands on, including:

  • Blogs (Like this one!)
  • Historical fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Nonfiction
  • Anything you’re interested in

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

Were you aware that jigsaw puzzles might help you enhance your visual and spatial abilities? Enjoy some of the benefits, and the fun, by:

  • Purchasing some complex jigsaw puzzles
  • Getting photographs of friends and family made into puzzles
  • Having a jigsaw puzzle party with friends
  • Getting a color-by-number jigsaw puzzle

5. Social Interaction

Believe it or not, being a social butterfly is an extremely brain-healthy activity. Not only does this have a positive impact on mental health, but it contributes to a sense of community.

  • Join a social group
  • Start a club
  • Begin a weekly activity
  • Host small gatherings or get togethers
  • Dine with friends
  • Volunteer
  • Share your skills

6. Trivia

It comes as no surprise that trivia is good for your brain health and is a great mental exercise. Test your memory and enhance your knowledge with trivia by:

7. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts don’t just improve relaxation, boost creativity and provide an emotional outlet. They are also a valuable form of brain exercise for seniors.

  • Take up writing
  • Start woodworking
  • Follow your passions for painting
  • Try sculpting or pottery
  • Learn to knit or crochet

Take Advantage of It All at Waterstone at the Circle

Residents who live at Waterstone at the Circle enjoy a variety of opportunities to enhance their brain health and exercise their mind. Every day, they can:

  • Participate in one or many of our clubs and social groups
  • Attend our various social, educational and cultural events
  • Socialize with friends and family over a delicious meal
  • Learn something new with educational lectures
  • Explore our surrounding community
  • Continue their careers or pursue volunteer opportunities
  • Pursue a new passion or hone in on their past skills
  • Share their talents with friends
  • Make use of our many services and amenities

Physical health is also an area of focus in our community, and even better, it can also help enhance brain health.

Experience It for Yourself

At Waterstone at the Circle, our full calendar of activities for mental and physical health is sure to suit your interests. We invite you to experience all that awaits for yourself. Simply call us to schedule a personal visit or talk to a member of our team today.

Categories
Wellesley

Dining Choices Matter: Five Types of Foods To Prevent Strokes

Senior married couple eating healthy food for breakfast.
Senior Latino couple enjoying weekend with their grandchildren and family at home in summertime.

Strokes occur when blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain are blocked or rupture. Did you know:

  • Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke
  • Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke
  • Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke
  • About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked
  • Stroke risk increases with age

According to an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is true – and alarming. What can you do to help prevent a stroke? Before we cover that, we need to be aware of what exactly causes them.

Most often, strokes occur because of risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and medical conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and diabetes, according to the CDC. Although quitting smoking and increasing physical activity can be helpful, you should also reduce your risk of stroke through food choices.

Reduce trans fats and saturated fats, manage high cholesterol and blood sugar, and follow a heart-healthy stroke diet consisting of the following foods.

1 | Fruits and Vegetables

Rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins while being low in calories, fruits and veggies are a great way to manage your risk of stroke. Try eating more of these for better health:

  • Blueberries and strawberries
  • Oranges and grapefruit
  • Bananas
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Kale and spinach
  • Onions
  • Peppers

2 | Whole Grains

Foods like oatmeal, whole grain bread, bagels, wraps and pitas, quinoa, whole grain pasta, and brown rice are high in fiber, iron and vitamin B, helping to manage other conditions that can lead to a stroke.

3 | Low-Fat Dairy

Dairy products carry vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients that could lower your risk of stroke. Instead of reaching for high-fat dairy products, reach for those with a lower fat content – or none at all.

  • No-fat or low-fat milk
  • Low-fat yogurt, especially those high in probiotics
  • Low-fat cheeses
  • Light cream cheese or cottage cheese

4 | Lean Protein

Many fish are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which support good cholesterol and blood pressure. Aim to eat salmon, tuna and other types of fish often to reduce your stroke risk. You can also eat other lean proteins, like chicken, and even vegetable protein and nuts like almonds to reduce your risk.

Avoid eating a lot of red meat, which is known to increase your risk.

5 | Healthy Oils

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, shares that certain types of oils can be healthier for you than other types. These can include:

  • Canola
  • Corn
  • Olive
  • Peanut
  • Safflower
  • Soybean
  • Sunflower
  • Avocado
  • Grapeseed
  • Rice Bran
  • Sesame

Try to use these oils as opposed to butter, margarine and tropical oils like coconut and palm oil, which can be bad for your health.

Savor healthy, delicious meals prepared for you.

Waterstone at Wellesley knows how important the right diet can be for managing health. This is why our chefs take the time to get to know you, your health conditions, your needs, and your tastes. With this knowledge, they create healthy, nutritious meals tailored to you.

What can you expect from Waterstone at Wellesley dining experience?

Led by our executive chef, our culinary choices and experiences rival those of a five-star restaurant. Residents enjoy the finest cuisine featuring:

  • A seasonal, evolving menu of distinctive chef-prepared meals
  • Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
  • Anytime dining at our restaurant
  • Al fresco dining available

This, tied together with wellness opportunities, helps our residents prevent strokes and other health conditions, ensuring they can live as healthy and happy as possible.

For more information on how a healthy diet can help prevent strokes, contact our team. Or, for more senior resources, visit our blog.

WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.

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

Categories
High Ridge

Talking to Your Parents About Senior Living

For some older adults, the move to a senior living community such as Waterstone on High Ridge, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, provides security and confidence for the future. These individuals prefer to make a move before a crisis occurs and their family members need to make decisions for them. They understand that today’s senior living communities are not the institutionalized facilities of the past – but rather are designed to enhance wellness and quality of life through convenient services, amenities and enriching lifestyle opportunities.

For others, however, the idea of senior housing may bring uncertainty or even frustration because they view it as a loss of independence, or they are simply resistant to change. They may be adamant about staying in their family home or may not realize how significantly changes in their health or mobility have affected their lifestyle and well-being.

We understand that starting the conversation about senior living with your aging loved one can be a difficult subject to broach. Unfortunately, many families wait too long to discuss the subject because they’re unsure of how their loved one will react. The reality is that having the conversation early and making a move before it’s truly necessary can actually help to relieve future anxiety.

Use our expert tips below to help make the conversation with your aging parent go smoother – and help them transition to a carefree senior living lifestyle.

Does My Parent Really Need Senior Living?

It’s common for aging parents to tell their adult children that moving to assisted living or other senior living community isn’t necessary. Before you have the conversation, try to observe your loved one throughout their daily routine. If you notice any of the following concerns, take note as it may help you to explain your position and provide positive encouragement during the discussion.

  • They need support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing or grooming
  • Access to health care would provide greater peace of mind
  • They are overwhelmed taking care of a large home
  • Forgetfulness is becoming more frequent
  • Attention to proper hygiene and/or nutrition is lacking
  • Your loved one is recovering from an accident, surgery or illness, and short-term care needs have become long-term
  • They seem to be showing more signs of isolation and loneliness

Educate Yourself to Educate Your Loved One

Many seniors may be holding on to the perception that senior living communities are like the nursing homes of the past. Today, senior living options have changed radically, offering a range of social opportunities, engaging programs, supportive care when needed, and delicious meals akin to the finest restaurants. It’s possible their preconceived notions may be what is keeping them from a lifestyle they’ll love.

The more you know about senior living, the better you’ll be able to help guide them on their journey. Before you introduce the conversation with your loved one, start by talking to team members at local communities. Ask questions about service offerings. Take a tour of the apartments. Check out the activities, programs and events. At Waterstone on High Ridge, our Senior Advisors are always ready to share tips and advice to make the conversation easier and provide resources to help your individual situation.

Starting the Conversation

Set the Stage

One of the most important things to consider when bringing up senior living is when should you? At Waterstone on High Ridge, we believe that answer is as early as possible. This extra time ensures you can plan accordingly, tour a range of communities, and make the right choice for your loved one. Otherwise, the decision may be rushed if a sudden health issue occurs.

The best place to begin the conversation about senior living may be different for everyone, but it’s likely a good idea to chat in a private, quiet place that is free of distractions. Make sure your loved one is in a good mood and seems open to talking with you – if they are not, it might be better to choose another day, so the conversation flows more easily.

Remain Calm and Patient

Aside from being emotionally charged, the conversation can also be a bit intimidating for an adult child to bring up the subject of senior living. While you may not know how the conversation will go, it will help to focus on being empathetic and respectful. Be sure to use positive language and a pleasant tone when you are speaking about senior living.

You may want to begin by asking your loved one if they are feeling safe and happy at home, or if they feel overwhelmed by the daily upkeep and maintenance. Ask whether they are feeling engaged at home – or if they sometimes feel lonely. Identify the “what-if” scenarios to determine if they have a plan in mind related to health changes. Find out their perceptions about senior living.

Take time to think about their answers and respond thoughtfully. Remember to make it a two-way conversation. Gently share your concerns and thoughts, but make sure you’re attentively listening to theirs as well.

Make It an Ongoing Conversation

Keep in mind that the conversation may be an evolving process and likely won’t be a once-and-done discussion. Let your loved one know that you don’t expect to make any immediate decisions, but you want to understand their thoughts and plans related to the future so that you can come to an agreement that both honors their wishes – and safely supports their needs.

Explore Senior Living Options Together

If your aging loved one is open to it, we highly suggest taking them to a senior living community to enjoy a tour, participate in programs, and get a taste of the dining experience for themselves. They may find that a senior living community like Waterstone on High Ridge is exactly the kind of place they’d love to be – making the process smoother while bringing you both peace of mind.

HOME THE WAY YOU LIKE IT. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT.

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

Categories
High Ridge

6 Ways That Senior Living Promotes Health and Wellness

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Health and Wellness Programming in Senior Living Communities

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

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

Senior Living Trends That Promote Good Health

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

2. Wellness Programs

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

3. Delicious and Healthy Dining Experience

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

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

4. Lifelong Learning

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

5. Scheduled Social Calendars and Activities

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

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

6. Religious Services and Spiritual Programs

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

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

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

Categories
High Ridge

5 Heart-Healthy Habits for Senior Adults

seniors enjoying a healthy breakfast on the summer day
Delicious and healthy breakfast on the summer day

It’s never too late to integrate heart-healthy habits into your daily life! At Waterstone on High Ridge, our entire culture is focused on wellness – and our amenities, programs and services are designed to help seniors thrive with an active, healthy lifestyle.

In our blog article, you will find five heart-healthy tips that older adults can implement to help avoid heart disease and complications arising from related health issues.

1. Get active.
Make it a point to exercise regularly. It is recommended to get 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise. Exercise that increases flexibility, improves balance and strengthens muscles twice a week is ideal. Even if you can’t quite hit the 150-minute mark, any amount of exercise is still beneficial. Getting started can be easy. Go for walks with a friend. Take a water aerobics class. Try your hand at some springtime gardening. Meet your friend for a pickle ball match. At Waterstone on High Ridge, our fitness classes and wellness programs are designed to promote an active, healthy lifestyle that’s within reach for all seniors.

2. Eat well.
A heart-healthy diet composed of whole fruits and vegetables is the perfect place to begin when trying to eat better. You should choose a variety of whole grains such as barley, brown rice, bulgur, millet, oatmeal, and whole wheat. Choose low-fat and fat-free dairy, as in cheese, yogurt or milk. Protein-rich foods include fish, skinless poultry, lean meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. You should choose monounsaturated oils like olive and peanut and polyunsaturated oils when adding fats. Sugar, butter, and tropical oils, as well as processed foods like cookies, cakes and crackers, are sources of saturated and trans fats. The culinary team at Waterstone on High Ridge does an exceptional job in balancing nutritious and delicious selections.

3. Control cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a substance like fat that is found in animal foods and in the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good” cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol. As part of its role in reducing plaque buildup in arteries, HDL reduces the attachment of LDL to artery walls. Plaque can block blood flow and cause heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol level and learn ways that you can effectively manage it.

4. Manage blood pressure.
Understand your blood pressure readings. Two values are recorded: systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is beating, while diastolic is the pressure when the heart is at rest. Generally, normal blood pressure is 120 over 80, and elevated blood pressure is 120–129 over 80. When your blood pressure is 130 over 80 (or higher), it’s known as high blood pressure or hypertension. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke or other complications. Along with things we have already covered – exercise, healthy diet, losing weight – cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, reducing stress and quitting smoking can all help you manage your blood pressure.

5. Reduce blood sugar.
Choosing the right foods to eat is essential. Many of the foods you eat will be converted into glucose, also known as blood sugar. In the long run, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, increase your chance of weight gain, and affect your overall health. For seniors, reducing blood sugar goes a long way to establishing healthier habits.

Waterstone on High Ridge: Now Open

Waterstone on High Ridge is open and welcoming new residents! Call 203.361.9717 to schedule a visit to learn how our premier senior living community in Stamford, CT can help you enjoy a dynamic lifestyle and reach your health and wellness goals.

Waterstone on High Ridge offers independent living, assisted living and memory care by the experts at Bridges® by EPOCH.

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!

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