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For those seeking an active retirement, a transition to independent living is an exciting life change. No matter how thrilled about a move you may be, however, we understand the process can be stressful at times. With careful planning and consideration, the move can be made simple and can become a positive and enriching experience. To help you get started, we’ll share 7 tips for moving to a senior living community.

1 | Start Planning Early

Moving to senior living involves various considerations. Start the planning process early to avoid unnecessary stress. Create a timeline including when you want to move and include tasks such as:

  • Visiting several communities of choice
  • Beginning to sort, organize and downsize your possessions
  • Deciding on the type of senior living floor plan that best fits your needs
  • Handling legal and financial matters
  • Planning your move-in date

2 | Visit Different Communities

Explore various senior living communities to find one that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Visit multiple communities, talk to staff members and residents, and participate in community activities and programs. This firsthand experience will give you a better understanding of the atmosphere, amenities, and social opportunities each community offers.

Be sure to keep a list of your top favorites so you can continue to evaluate which would be your best move. If you’re stuck between two, visit both again.

3 | Understand the Financial Aspect

Different communities offer different pricing structures. Research your options and inquire about what is included in the fees.

Consider how you’ll pay. Will you sell your home or put a down payment on your lifestyle? You’ll need to know how you’re financing the move.

4 | Downsize Thoughtfully

Downsizing is often a necessary part of transitioning to senior living. Take the time to declutter and downsize belongings thoughtfully. Keep items with sentimental value, and consider the size and layout of your new living space when deciding what to pack or bring along. This process can be emotionally challenging, so enlist the help of family and friends for support.

5 | Prioritize Health and Wellness

It’s essential to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle to enhance quality of life during the aging process. This is why many senior living communities provide a range of health and wellness services. Prioritize communities that offer fitness programs, healthcare services, and a focus on overall well-being.

6 | Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Moving to senior living doesn’t mean losing touch with loved ones. Choose a community that encourages socialization and visitation. Make an effort to stay connected with family and friends through regular visits, phone calls, and virtual communication.

7 | Embrace the Community Lifestyle

Senior living communities offer a variety of activities and events to foster a sense of community. Embrace this lifestyle by participating in activities, clubs, and outings. Building connections with fellow senior living residents can lead to lasting friendships and a more fulfilling experience.

Experience Luxury Senior Living at Waterstone of Westchester

Making the move to senior living is a big decision, but our residents often tell us they wish they’d done it sooner! When you make the move to Waterstone of Westchester, you can enjoy:

  • A maintenance-free lifestyle
  • A beautiful floor plan that’s perfect for you
  • Engaging programming
  • Opportunities to enhance your wellness
  • Delicious chef-prepared meals
  • For those who need assistance living as independently as possible, we even connect residents to supportive care services they need through premier healthcare providers

Our concierge can easily help to connect you with moving services, organizing companies and more to make your move as smooth and seamless as possible. Call us today to learn more.

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.

Family-Friendly Holiday Events Near White Plains, NY

Holiday Light Displays

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!

Parades

Many local towns host holiday parades like the White Plains Holiday Parade, featuring bands, floats, and costumed characters.

Festive Performances

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 and Shows

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.

Festivals

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!

Santa Sightings

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

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.

Events at Waterstone of Westchester

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.

Make Waterstone of Westchester Your Home for The Holidays and Beyond

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.

Retirement is a great time for you to focus on doing what makes you happy. With plenty of leisure time at your fingertips, you can fill your days with all kinds of exciting activities and interests that fulfill you and make you happy.

But how do you pick? While you may have been daydreaming of retirement for a while, transitioning to retired life does take some time, and you may not know what kind of hobbies you’d like to try.

Whether you’re seeking a new hobby you’ve never considered before or you’re picking up an old hobby that you never had the time to fully commit to, there are so many opportunities for you to find something that you love. These hobbies for retired men can help you get started on finding your next favorite pastime.

Woodworking

Have you always been interested in building and creating? Woodworking could be the perfect hobby for you. You can create objects for function and decoration – like a chair, cutting board, bowl, or a sign – there’s no limit to what you can do with woodworking.

Check out this guide for beginner woodworkers to help you get started.

Reading or Joining a Book Club

If you have a to-be-read pile that’s grown over the years, now is your time to tackle it. Reading is a good way to unwind and get lost in a good story.

Do you love to discuss stories after you’ve read them? You could consider joining a book club so you can meet new people and spend time talking about the books you’ve read.

Cycling

Finding ways to make fitness one of your hobbies is a fun way to make sure you exercise regularly. Cycling is a low-impact activity where you can decide the intensity.

This activity provides a lot of health benefits for older adults:

  • Increased cardiovascular function
  • Strengthened muscles
  • Improved flexibility
  • Enhanced coordination and posture

Cooking

For many people, there’s no better way to spend your time than getting creative in the kitchen. Finding recipes that interest you and cooking them yourself builds independence and confidence, and you get a delicious result at the end. Here are 30 dinner ideas you can try.

Board Games

While there are classic board games like chess and checkers, you’ll find there are all types of board games  you might enjoy. They typically involve strategy and solving puzzles. You and a group of friends can have hours of entertainment from any board game.

Popular board games include:

  • Monopoly
  • Trivial Pursuit
  • Clue
  • Backgammon
  • Battleship

Collecting

Curating a collection can be a great hobby that’s ongoing. It keeps your brain active as you’re searching for the next piece to add. Collections can include stamps, books, coins – anything that interests you.

You may even find gatherings for people with similar collections to you. Attending those to show off your collection and learn from others is a fun way to meet people interested in the same things you are and see what they’re doing with their collections.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching connects you with nature and combines learning about natural wildlife in your area and physical activity. You can research all the local birds in your area and learn how to identify what they look and sound like.

This can be a solo or group activity – so if you want to expand your social circle, you can seek out local birdwatching groups to join.

Golfing

This is one of the more popular hobbies for retired men. Golf keeps you active and gets you outside for hours at a time. Who doesn’t love the fresh air and the sight of the putting green right before tee off? Beginners can take a look at these helpful tips on how to golf.

senior men in a marital arts class outside

Partaking in Martial Arts

If you’re looking for creative ways to stay active and fit, martial arts may be the answer for you. When you think of martial arts, you may think of Bruce Lee and moving at a seemingly impossible pace – but there’s a relaxing and slower side to martial arts.

Tai chi is a popular martial art that benefits both your mental and physical health, making this one of the best hobbies for retirees. A gentle exercise, tai chi focuses on transitioning slowly through specific motions and deep breathing. 

This type of martial art is adaptable, so people of all abilities and ages can enjoy the benefits of tai chi.

Camping

Do you love the great outdoors? Spending some time out in nature can be a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. Finding local campgrounds to pitch your tent and go for a hike in the woods will have you feeling one with nature in no time.

However, camping isn’t limited to sleeping in a tent. You can look into renting an RV and enjoying spending time outdoors while knowing you have the comforts of the RV to come back to at night. 

Hobbies for Retired Men include fishing

Fishing

You can combine fishing with camping – but if sleeping outdoors isn’t quite to your liking, it’s perfectly fine to spend a few hours fishing by a river or lake. Fishing requires skill and patience, and puts you in the serene presence of water. Take a look at the best fishing spots near you.

You can learn all about the fish local to your area and enjoy the peace and quiet of waiting for a bite on the fishing line.

Learning Something New

Retired life is the perfect time to learn something new or delve deeper into a subject you’ve studied.

You can learn a new language or brush up on your second or third language, and you can learn more about events from your favorite time in history or learn about the mysteries of the cosmos. Furthering your education and expanding your mind with new learning opportunities will allow you to continue to grow and flourish.

If you’re interested in giving your time back to others, you can also help others learn something new by becoming a mentor. If you were a teacher, you can volunteer by mentoring students in your subject of expertise.

Ancestry

Are you interested in where your family is from? You can trace your ancestry to see how far your family tree expands – you may even discover some branches you never knew existed. You can also look back generations to see where your ancestors traveled and how your family tree led to you.

If you’re interested in tracing your family history, these tools can help you get started. 

Enjoying Your Hobbies at Waterstone of Westchester

Waterstone of Westchester creates all kinds of opportunities for residents to have an active retirement. With all kinds of clubs, social programming, and events, Waterstone always gives you something to look forward to.

Get started enjoying your free time after retirement! Check out the extensive offerings of events and activities at Waterstone of Westchester.

In our previous Tech Talk blog post, we shared the benefits of Amazon Echo and how its Alexa technology can help enrich and enhance your lifestyle. Today, we’re sharing another piece of lifestyle technology that literally follows you wherever you go: the Apple Watch.

What Is the Apple Watch?

Remember the old Dick Tracy cartoons and his famous two-way radio watch? The Apple Watch takes that idea and runs with it for a 21st-century device that does more than just tell time: It’s a communication hub, a health and fitness tracker, a music player, a portable link to the internet, and so much more.

Originally released in 2015, the Apple Watch is now in Series 8 and has all-new features, including an electrocardiogram app, a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, a blood oxygen app, a sleep monitoring app, and more. These new features make it an especially useful device for seniors and their family members because it provides a next-level, immediate view into one’s health, fitness and safety.

How Can Apple Watches Help Seniors?

Most people use the Apple Watch for health and fitness (which Apple Watch models were originally designed for). As a fitness tracker, the Apple Watch has heart rate monitors, step trackers, and goal settings so that you can gamify your health and wellness.

The newest Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8’s echocardiogram app is a useful tool for seniors who may have heart issues. It has irregular heart rhythm notifications, as well as high and low heart rate notifications. It also provides information on your sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation, among others. The Apple Watch’s technology can store all this medical information, which makes it easy to upload real-time, accurate data to your doctor or caregiver.

Benefit for Seniors: Fall Detection

All Apple Watches have a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, which can detect falls – a very helpful feature for seniors who may have balance and mobility issues. When the watch detects a fall, it activates an Emergency SOS feature that can be dismissed within 60 seconds. If the message isn’t dismissed, the watch can automatically contact emergency services and share accurate, real-time locations so that medical professionals know exactly where to go to provide assistance.

Benefit for Seniors: Emergency SOS

The Apple Watch – like other Apple products, including the iPhone and iPad – includes an Emergency SOS feature that lets you quickly call 911 with just the press of a button. Seniors can also set up their watches to send a message to caregivers, family members, or other emergency contacts if an accident or emergency occurs.

senior woman checking her heart rate on her smart watch

Benefit for Seniors: Medical Alert

No longer do you need to wear a physical medical alert bracelet in the event of an emergency. The Apple Watch allows you to set up a Medical ID in the Health application. There, you can store information about allergies, medications, blood type, emergency contact numbers, and more. It’s a streamlined, easy-to-update feature that allows you to keep track of important health information.

Health Monitoring Options for Seniors and Caregivers

Beyond providing fitness monitoring and emergency service features, the Apple Watch has a variety of non-emergency trackers that can help seniors and their loved ones create health goals and monitor a variety of factors to determine trends and locate any issues.

Benefit for Seniors: Sleep Monitor

Getting a good night’s sleep is instrumental for cognitive health and overall wellness. The Apple Watch can record your sleep trends for the past 14 days, estimating how much time you spend in each sleep stage. You can also create bedtime schedules that help you meet your sleep and wellness goals.

Benefit for Caregivers: Check-Ins

The Apple Watch can allow loved ones and caregivers to check in on senior family members via free apps like ElderCheck Now. When this app is enabled, approved individuals can check their loved one’s heart rates and request check-ins through the Apple Watch. With just the press of a button, seniors can let their loved ones know that everything’s fine, providing peace and security for everyone involved without even having to make a phone call.

Benefit for Seniors: Medication Reminders

Using another free App, Mango Health, seniors can get medication and healthy habit reminders so they don’t have to worry about missing a dosage. Other apps like CareZone include features such as prescription medication deliveries and other time-saving options that allow seniors to live a little more independently.

woman using an apple watch for seniors

Benefit for Seniors: Connection and Entertainment

Of course, as with other lifestyle technologies like Amazon Alexa, the Apple Watch is plugged into all the benefits that you enjoy on your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer. With just a few taps, seniors can check the weather, read the news, watch funny cat videos, FaceTime grandkids, listen to music … the options are only limited by your imagination.

Enhance Your Lifestyle and Stay Connected at Waterstone of Westchester

There are so many ways that technology can assist people of all ages, and at Waterstone of Westchester, we’re always searching out the latest and greatest technologies to help enrich our residents’ lives. Beyond health and wellness, engagement and entertainment, programming and connection, we also provide in-person, caring support to help you or a loved one. Call us today to learn more about the technologically advanced and personalized caring we offer.

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Westchester

Benefits of Retiring In White Plains, New York

When initially buying a house or renting a property, you do plenty of research on possible locations and the benefits of each area you’re considering. When it comes time to retire, that doesn’t change either.

If you or a loved one are searching for the right place to spend your retirement years, White Plains, located in Westchester County, is a great place to start.

Benefits of Retiring in White Plains, NY

White Plains is a Bustling Community

There is always so much to do and see in White Plains. No matter your interests or passions, there is plenty to explore.

  • Over 50 parks
  • Nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries
  • Fine arts establishments like ArtsWestchester
  • The flagship Bloomingdales just across the street from Waterstone
  • Community concerts and arts events
  • Festivals, fairs and farmer’s markets
  • A range of delicious restaurants
  • Shows at the White Plains Performing Arts Center
  • Dog parks
  • Nature trails
  • New York City, only an hour away with an express train ride

Check out some of the many other things going on in the City of White Plains 2023 Guide, or if you’re looking for things to do with grandchildren when they visit, we’ve got some ideas for that, too!

It’s Rich with History

Not only is White Plains the Birthplace of the State of New York, it’s also full of museums and historical monuments. Some of the many you can find include:

  • The White Plains Armory
  • The Jacob Purdy House
  • Christopher Columbus Monument
  • Various historical burial grounds
  • The Civil War Memorial
  • Jack Harrington Greenway
  • Percy Grainger Home and Studio
  • Soundview Manor

Dig a little deeper into the history of White Plains and learn more about these sites here!

New Friends Are Around Every Corner

As you likely know, there’s a large population of older adults around the White Plains area who are looking to retire. This means there will be plenty of like-minded older adults near you who may turn out to be some of your closest friends. Even better, our walkable location allows for a range of multigenerational opportunities, volunteering and more.

If you’re looking to expand your friend group or become more social, try:

  • Volunteering
  • Taking classes at a local university
  • Joining a sports league
  • Exploring a new hobby at a workshop
  • Attending community fitness classes
  • Joining a social group within the community
  • Attending lectures and cultural events

You’ll Find an Enriching, Supportive Lifestyle with Waterstone of Westchester

Waterstone of Westchester is ideally located in White Plains, giving you access to everything the area offers and even more. Our current residents enjoy:

  • A walkable location in the heart of Westchester’s shopping district
  • Full calendars of engaging programs and events
  • Social, cultural, educational and wellness opportunities
  • A wellness center with an indoor pool
  • Fresh, locally sourced gourmet dining
  • Opportunities to engage with like-minded neighbors
  • Our outdoor terrace, bar and dining
  • A variety of thoughtfully designed one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments
  • Supportive care services through VNS Westchester if or when they are needed
  • Close proximity to New York City, just a train ride away

Learn more about Waterstone of Westchester and our location by visiting our website and scheduling a tour.

Enjoy the Perks of Living in White Plains at Waterstone of Westchester

With all the benefits of our greater community and the highest quality of senior living for our residents, Waterstone of Westchester is the perfect place for you or a loved one to enjoy your retirement years.

Call us today at 914.821.6301 to learn more about our independent living offering and to experience our lifestyle for yourself.

If you aspire to be active and engaged in your golden years, you won’t want to choose a senior housing option with a lackluster lifestyle and few amenities. Instead, you’ll want to explore retirement communities that offer ways to remain social and involved, with programs and amenities that you will use and enjoy.

Residents at Waterstone of Westchester, an independent senior living community located in White Plains, NY, know this firsthand. In fact, it’s why many of them choose to move to our community.

What can you expect at Waterstone of Westchester?

At Waterstone of Westchester, we pride ourselves on knowing our lifestyle and senior living amenities are enjoyed by so many of our residents each day. Discover some of the many aspects of our lifestyle you can experience here.

Carefree Living

Life at Waterstone of Westchester is truly worry-free. With a range of services and amenities, it’s easy to spend your time living to the fullest and enjoying anything you please.

Spacious Floor Plans

Luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartment styles await at Waterstone of Westchester. Outfitted with sophisticated flourishes, perfect for individuals and couples, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home.

Our premier apartments feature amenities like:

  • Designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances
  • Luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers
  • Walk-in closets
  • A spacious living area
  • Washer and dryer
  • Premium plank flooring
  • Abundant natural light
  • Exceptional finishes

Even better, our community is pet-friendly, so your furry friend will feel right at home, too.

Social Opportunities

At Waterstone of Westchester, you can thrive as a social butterfly and be as social as you’d like to be. Not only is there always someone to chat with just outside your apartment door, but there are also plenty of social events to participate in at any given moment.

  • Chat with friends during art gallery exhibits
  • Go shopping with new best friends
  • Savor social hour cocktails
  • Enjoy meet-the-author events
  • Participate in outings and trips
  • Join a social group, like a book club or drama club

A Full Calendar of Activities

Social events aren’t the only activities that abound at our active senior living community. Our lifestyle is also rich with engaging programs.

  • Play a game of Boggle, Scrabble, or Bridge in the game room
  • Catch one of two daily movies in the theater
  • Make something new in our maker space
  • Take a watercolor class
  • Learn with One Day University
  • Try your hand at jewelry-making
  • Attend a variety of roundtables and presentations
  • Discover if you’ve got a green thumb for gardening

A Fitness Center, Mind-Body Studio, and Heated Indoor Pool

No matter your level of activity, we make sure your health goals are always in reach with our range of wellness amenities.

  • Swim in our indoor heated pool or take an Aqua Fit class
  • Take advantage of one-on-one training in our mind-body studio
  • Try out a standing Barre class or seated low cardio
  • Enjoy an after-workout beverage in our juice bar
  • Join our walking group

Distinctive Meals in Our Restaurant

Dining at Waterstone of Westchester is a delight. Our elevated atmosphere and the expertise of our professional chefs make each meal an experience to be savored.

Our farm-to-table dining experience includes:

  • Seasonal gourmet cuisine
  • Locally sourced ingredients
  • A variety of on-site dining venues
  • Dishes prepared to your liking and based on your needs
  • Anytime dining so you can live according to your schedule

Outdoor Activities on the Terrace

Our fun lifestyle extends beyond our doors, too. Residents enjoy spending time on the terrace, whether they are relaxing, socializing, or enjoying one of our activities.

  • Meet friends around the firepit
  • Enjoy our outdoor bar and dining area
  • Participate in outdoor tai chi or yoga
  • Take in the sunshine with your furry friend

Supportive Services by VNS Westchester

If residents need assistance living independently, VNS Westchester is here to help, bringing residents and their family members peace of mind while enhancing quality of life through:

  • Personalized support care consultations and daily planning
  • Home health coordination with daily living activities
  • Medication management
  • On-site geriatric primary and specialty care
  • Routine wellness visits

EXPLORE OUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOURSELF

For more information on our lifestyle and the amazing amenities that await at Waterstone of Westchester, visit our website.

COME HOME TO WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER

Learn more about our premier independent living community. Here, you’ll thrive in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. You’ll also enjoy connecting with friends in our stunning common areas. Come home to Waterstone of Westchester.

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Westchester

How Do You Know When to Move to Senior Living?

Have you been wondering whether it’s time to move to a retirement community like Waterstone of Westchester, a premier senior living community in White Plains, New York? If so, you’re in good company, as a rising number of older adults are finding themselves considering a move.

Whether this is because they’d like to trade in the hassles of homeownership and maintenance, or they’re interested in senior care options offer assisted living or memory care in the event health needs change, senior living communities can provide confidence for the future while enhancing your quality of life.

Discover some of the perks of independent living and learn why you should consider making a move now.

Home Maintenance

Do you have more space in your home than you need, or is your home becoming too much to handle or keep up with as you age? If so, it might be a good time to downsize, simplify, and move to a senior living community. After all, who wants to deal with repairs, housekeeping, maintenance or yardwork during retirement?

At Waterstone of Westchester, our residents don’t have to hassle with all that thanks to maintenance and housekeeping being included in their monthly fee. Now, instead of taking care of these tedious tasks, residents have lots of free time to enjoy all the events and social opportunities we have to offer.

Socialization

Speaking of social opportunities, is your social calendar leaving a lot to be desired? Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, making it essential to remain active and involved during your retirement years. If you’re finding it difficult to get out and socialize, and you’re beginning to see the negative effects of isolation, it could be time to consider a move.

Waterstone of Westchester makes it simple to stay connected and engaged. With neighbors just outside your door, a range of clubs to enjoy, social events to attend, and programs to engage your mind and intellect, there’s always someone – and something – to enjoy spending time with.

Security

If family members are worried about you when they can’t come check in on you, you’ll find that they enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and sound within a senior living community, with plenty of people nearby to help if needed.

If that’s not yet a concern, and you’re always on the go, it’s an added perk that we’re right here to make sure your home and belongings remain safe as well.

Wellness

Hang up your expensive gym membership, skip driving in bad weather, and put the focus back on your health and wellness at a senior living community. Communities like Waterstone of Westchester make it easy with opportunities to enhance your wellness right on site included in your monthly fee.

Here, you can take advantage of our indoor heated pool, one-on-one training with a personal trainer, fitness classes, and more.

Delicious Dining

If cooking is too difficult or simply a bore, it’s helpful to know it can be a thing of the past at senior living communities like Waterstone. Instead of cooking an elaborate meal for one or two, reaching for unhealthy options, or skipping meals altogether, you can delight in nutritious, delicious chef-prepared creations.

Skip the prep, mess and cleanup and opt for savory meals specially curated for your tastes and dietary needs at Waterstone of Westchester. Our seasonal menus, fresh ingredients, and farm-to-table dining are sure to please every palate.

Healthcare and Support

If your future health needs are a concern, consider a senior living community that has support available if or when it’s needed. Through our partnership with VNS Westchester, a supportive team can come right to your apartment home to provide the services you need. These supportive care services may include:

  • Personalized support care consultation and daily planning
  • Home health coordination with activities of daily living
  • Medication management
  • On-site geriatric primary and specialty care
  • Routine wellness visits

COME HOME TO SENIOR LIVING AT WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER

With an array of activities and events, services and amenities, a focus on a robust lifestyle, and a commitment to wellness, life at Waterstone of Westchester takes the idea of home to an entirely new level.

If you would like more information on senior living, or if you’d like to see how a move to Waterstone of Westchester can help you thrive, visit our website today.

These days, you hear about smart homes and smart devices everywhere. Amazon Echo devices and Amazon’s Alexa are no exception. There is a good reason that many people, older adults included, can identify Alexa’s voice or know what smart speakers are – and that’s because they are becoming increasingly useful in everyday life.

If you don’t know what these devices are, or if you’ve been considering getting one, read on to discover what you need to know.

What is an Amazon Echo and what is Alexa?

Echo devices are Amazon’s hand-free devices that can be controlled through your voice. Amazon Echo devices come in many different forms. Some of these include:

  • Echo Show and Echo Spot smart displays
  • Echo Dot smart speakers
  • Echo Buds earbuds for music and audiobooks
  • Echo Auto, a hands-free car accessory

Without Alexa, however, these smart device’s functions would be, well, less smart. This is because Echo and Alexa work hand in hand, according to Amazon.

So who or what is Alexa, and what does it do? To put it simply, Alexa is Amazon’s voice artificial intelligence (AI) system that can help anytime there is internet access to a device that can connect to the service. Amazon states this can be an Echo device, phone app, or even a third party that lets you access the Alexa voice service.

How can an Amazon Echo help seniors?

While the product line is increasing all the time, many seniors – who are becoming increasing tech savvy – find that smart speakers like the Echo Dot or the Echo Show and Echo Spot smart displays are the right tools for them.

They make tasks easier for seniors.

How simple would it be to tell Alexa anything you need and have her keep a log for you? Those who have an Echo device know firsthand that it’s super helpful. Check out some of the things that Amazon’s Echo and Alexa can assist with.

  • Adding items to shopping lists
  • Providing a business’ hours, locations or phone number
  • Keeping up with doctors appointments
  • Setting reminders or a timer
  • Looking up recipes
  • Checking the weather
  • Turning off the lights or adjusting the thermostat
  • Setting medication reminders
  • Answering questions or getting sports stats

Echo and Alexa are easy to use.

Because it’s a hands-free, voice-controlled device, it’s super simple to use.

  • You can use it from a distance away
  • It can be used with minimal physical activity
  • It’s voice activated, limiting the need to press buttons (though with the Show and Spot you can if you’d like to)
  • Echo speakers’ volume can be adjusted for those with trouble hearing

These devices keep seniors connected.

One thing we’ve been shown recently is that technology helps us remain closer than ever. Alexa can help you achieve greater connectivity by:

  • Making phone calls hands-free
  • Starting a video call, no buttons needed
  • Allowing family members to put family photos on the slideshow background
  • Making sure you’re safe and cared for through Alexa Together, allowing family to connect with you remotely

They enhance safety.

It should come as no surprise that Echo devices come with safety features through Alexa. Check out some of the ways it can enhance security and safety.

  • It can serve as a form of home security
  • You can connect to a smart doorbell
  • Alexa can call family and friends when needed
  • With Alexa Together, Alexa can call for help
  • With certain Echo devices, caregivers can “drop in” with a video call to check in

They are just plain fun!

From game nights and cozy evenings to a midday pick-me-up, Echo devices can bring a lot of fun to you. Many find that they love asking Alexa to:

  • Play music
  • Tell a joke
  • Share tips
  • Read audiobooks
  • Stream TV shows
  • Begin a game or trivia session

They also make great gifts, so if you are considering an Echo or Alexa for a senior in your life, it might be a great choice.

One thing to keep in mind.

Each Alexa-enabled Echo device is different, and some services may require a subscription, so be sure to do some research beforehand if there are certain features you’re searching for.

Discover carefree living at Waterstone of Westchester.

Those living at Waterstone of Westchester can definitely benefit from an Echo device and Alexa, but there are additional benefits to living here that you can’t get from an interactive device.

An engaging lifestyle designed for your enjoyment

Waterstone of Westchester provides a dynamic, carefree lifestyle for seniors 62 and over, including cultural programs, activities, and lifelong learning opportunities. Beyond trivia and online games, residents compete against one another, make new friends, and learn new things each day.

On-site supportive care services to meet your needs

Through our partnership with VNS Westchester, we’re able to provide care services right on site, including:

  • Personalized support
  • Home health coordination
  • Medication management
  • Geriatric primary and specialty care
  • Routine wellness visits

Delicious and nutritious meals prepared for your tastes

Instead of thinking about what to make for dinner or looking up a recipe that might be more difficult than it sounds, we make dining easy. With fresh, locally sourced gourmet dining, you can savor delicious meals with none of the mess and none of the hassle.

A highly trained team at your service, whenever you need it

From our experienced staff trained to navigate your healthcare needs to on-site concierge services and weekly housekeeping services, there’s always someone at your service.

In-person social events and opportunities

Socializing is our specialty. We love providing opportunities for residents to connect. Through cocktail hours and dinner events, residents can make new friends. At outings and trips, residents can explore with like-minded residents.

With social clubs and special interest groups, new friends are around every corner. No matter what you find yourself enjoying, there’s sure to be someone to enjoy it with.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

See how Waterstone of Westchester makes life simpler and more carefree for seniors – in all aspects of life. Join us for an upcoming open house.

COME HOME TO WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER

With an array of activities and events, a focus on a robust lifestyle, and a commitment to wellness, life at Waterstone of Westchester takes the idea of home to an entirely new level.

Learn more about our premier independent living community where you’ll thrive in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes and enjoy connecting with friends in our stunning common areas. Come home to Waterstone of Westchester.

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Westchester

Five Stages of Retirement

We often hear that we need to prepare for retirement in a financial sense. However, did you know that it is also important to prepare for the emotional stages of retirement?

We’re here to help you prepare by:

  • Identifying the stages of retirement you may face
  • Sharing what you can do to make the most of your retirement journey
  • Ensuring you’re ready for the emotions each step can bring

1 | Before Retirement

As adults approach retirement, they often experience a sense of euphoria. This is due to the possibilities that lay outside of their current daily life. In these retirement planning stages, seniors may be:

  • Considering where to retire
  • Researching their senior living options
  • Touring senior living communities
  • Daydreaming about how they’ll spend their time
  • Imaging day-to-day life
  • Assessing their long-term goals

This stage is full of optimism and excitement about everything their retirement life could hold. As they ease into Stage 2, this only heightens.

2 | Early Retirement

Often called the honeymoon phase, pre-retirement, or the vacation stage, seniors stop working their full-time jobs. They begin to make the most of their time. During this stage, seniors:

  • Make new friends
  • Attend classes and clubs
  • Live without any specific routine holding them back
  • Use their time to do what they want

As this excitement begins to fade, seniors enter stage three.

3 | Disillusionment

As retirement progresses to this phase, it becomes evident that financial planning is not the sole factor in preparing for retirement. It’s during the third stage that:

  • Retirement may begin to lose its spark
  • Seniors find themselves missing their routine
  • They start to lose their sense of identity
  • Seniors have trouble finding a new purpose in life
  • Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, may be experienced
  • Applying for part-time jobs is considered
  • Seniors feel like they’re just going through the motions in daily life

The good news is that with the right mindset and attitude, seniors can start to feel like themselves again.

4 | Reinvention, Reassessment and Recovery

This phase of retirement is full of trial and error, recovery, and ultimately, reinvention. Instead of living as they have been, seniors should move forward by:

  • Exploring what fulfills them and what their passions are
  • Letting go of their expectations of what retirement should be
  • Determining what could make life meaningful again
  • Taking time to do what they love to do and what they do well
  • Evaluating what brings them purpose

5 | Routine

During this final stage of retirement, seniors feel happy and fulfilled. They begin to:

  • Re-create their routine
  • Find stability
  • Prioritize self-care
  • Continue learning and growing
  • Define how their retirement moves forward

It’s during this point that many settle into retirement, feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and joyful at the freedom ahead.

Embrace the Stages of Retirement at Waterstone of Westchester

Seniors who choose to retire at Waterstone of Westchester may still go through all the stages of retirement. This is a natural transition. However, we make it easier for older adults to move through these stages and enter the realm of reinvention and routine. In fact, some merely graze through the third retirement stage because they’re so busy enjoying everything life has to offer.

Here, seniors create their ideal retirement routine through our activities and events, robust lifestyle, and wellness opportunities. When all this combines, life at Waterstone of Westchester makes navigating the stages of retirement easier.

We’re Here To Help Through Every Stage

Schedule a visit to learn more about Waterstone of Westchester. Additionally, you can get more resources about preparing for retirement both financially and emotionally by contacting our team today.

COME HOME TO WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER

Learn more about our premier independent living community. Here, you’ll thrive in a beautifully appointed apartment with designer finishes. You’ll also enjoy connecting with friends in our stunning common areas. Come home to Waterstone of Westchester.

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Westchester

Exercise Your Way to Healthy Aging

Creating a Winning Senior Exercise Routine

We all know that getting enough physical activity is a critical component of healthy aging. However, if you don’t know the best techniques for exercising as a senior, we can help.

Check out some of the many benefits of meeting your CDC-recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and techniques to make it safe, simple and fun.

Achieving Healthy Aging Through Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential and provides benefits to our bodies, but the benefits of exercise are more notable with older adults. Here are just a few of the ways that exercising later in life can enhance your overall health, help you stay active, and prevent chronic conditions.

Enhanced Independence

Seniors who exercise regularly are more likely to remain independent longer. Various studies show regular exercise helps older adults maintain the ability to walk, dress, bathe, cook and perform other activities of daily living independently longer.

Improved Balance

Falling is a significant hazard for older adults. It’s estimated that a senior is admitted to the emergency room for a fall-related injury every 11 seconds. Falls generally result in health issues, meaning that avoiding falls is essential for healthy aging. Regular exercise helps improve seniors’ muscle mass, strength and balancing ability.

More Energy

Even though you may feel worn out after a good workout, exercise actually boosts your energy. Any form of movement or physical exertion releases endorphins, boosts metabolism, promotes healthy sleep, reduces pain, and increases one’s sense of well-being.

Lessened Risk of Chronic Conditions

Seniors are more prone to diabetes, heart disease, depression and hypertension. Fortunately, a more active lifestyle is one of the best ways to help prevent or manage these conditions.

Higher Brain Function

A healthy body can, indeed, mean a healthier mind. Seniors who exercise regularly have better cognitive health and a lower risk of developing dementia.

The Best Exercises for Seniors

When building an exercise program, it’s a good rule of thumb to stick to the recommended 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week strategy while focusing on strength training, flexibility, and balance. Depending on your fitness level and doctor’s opinion, see below for some excellent exercise options for you.

Walking

Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a place to walk, and you’re ready to get going. Whether you stroll around the block or do a more challenging hike on a favorite trail, walking is an excellent exercise to help improve your health in every way. A 30-minute walk will get you well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics is a popular form of exercise for older adults – and for good reasons. Exercising while in the water is perfect for individuals who have joint pain or difficulty moving around since water buoyancy lessens the impact on joints. Water also has a natural resistance, which provides strength training without using weights.

Because being in the water is more forgiving than being in the open air, it’s a great way to improve flexibility, balance and strength without stressing your body or worrying about falling.

A sample 30-minute water aerobics routine:

  • Aqua jogging (5 minutes)
  • Flutter kicking (5 minutes)
  • Leg lifts (5 minutes)
  • Standing water pushups (5 minutes)
  • Arm curls (5 minutes)
  • Aqua jogging/cooldown (5 minutes)

Chair Yoga

Yoga is a great low-impact exercise, and chair yoga is even more gentle. Yoga focuses on flexibility, balance and muscle strength in a calm, controlled environment. As an added health benefit, chair yoga has been shown to help reduce the risk of mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression, in older adults.

Try this 30-minute chair yoga routine:

  • Neck rolls (2 minutes)
  • Side stretches (3 minutes)
  • Cat/Cow (2 minutes)
  • Half sun salutations (3 minutes)
  • Forward folds (2 minutes)
  • Ankle rolls (3 minutes)
  • Warrior sequence (One and Two) – (10 minutes)
  • Savasana (5 minutes)

Resistance Bands

These stretchy strips of rubber are an excellent way to add resistance without increased stress. They’re also good for strengthening your core and can be used to increase mobility and balance.

Add these exercises to your 30-minute aerobic activity routine:

  • Lateral raise
  • Triceps overhead press
  • Leg press
  • Band pull-apart
  • Bicep curl

Bodyweight Workouts

Muscle loss can lead to a slew of health issues, such as hormone problems, difficulty walking, and more. Bodyweight workouts use the body’s weight to help strength train naturally and easily – no fancy equipment necessary.

Here are some exercises that use body weight to help safely build muscle and endurance:

  • Squats to chair (Squatting over a chair and then lifting to standing)
  • Step-up
  • Lying hip bridges
  • Side-lying circles

Remember, before starting any exercise routine, be sure to consult with your physician.

WATERSTONE OF WESTCHESTER: A WELLNESS-FOCUSED LIFESTYLE

Waterstone of Westchester provides a lifestyle where overall wellness and healthy aging are always within reach. Our team of professional trainers lead a variety of fitness classes and wellness programs that help our residents reach their goals.

Learn more about our lifestyle and schedule a tour to see what your future holds today.

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