Less than half of adults have a will in place and even fewer have set up advanced directives. A will dictates what happens after you die with your possessions; advanced directives dictate your wishes for end-of-life care.Having end of life documentation in place ensures your wishes will be honored, and it takes 3 basic steps. The first is knowing what you want. How you want to be remembered, to be cared for, and what you want done with your remains and possessions, are the basics of what to consider. This step should take some introspection and research. The second step is to have conversations with those you want, and need involved. This can be a difficult step but start the conversation and keep having it. Its difficult to think about dying, or think about living without someone, but these conversations are vital. The final step is to document. Put your financial and medical POAs in place, document your advanced directives, write up a will, and draft a trust if needed. Documentation is a gift to all involved. If you aren't sure where to start, talk to an end-of-life doula, doctor, or elder law attorney.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lucy Crandall, End of Life Doula and owner of Good Mournings. She can be reached at 719-61-6850

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare and aging, the emergence of a network of senior organizations stands as a beacon for fostering connectivity and well-being among the elderly. This network acknowledges the vital role of social bonds in the health of seniors, recognizing that isolation and loneliness can have severe repercussions on both mental and physical health. By actively promoting health education, facilitating social interaction, providing advocacy and support services, and creating a sense of community, these organizations offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique needs of seniors. Through workshops, social events, and support services, they empower seniors to make informed decisions about their health, combat loneliness, and navigate the challenges that come with aging.Successful initiatives within this network further amplify its impact. Digital literacy programs bridge the technological gap, enabling seniors to stay connected with loved ones and access essential resources. Transportation services address mobility challenges, ensuring that seniors can participate in community activities and access vital services. As we look ahead, the continued growth and support of this network promise to enhance the quality of life for seniors, creating an environment where they can age gracefully with dignity, purpose, and a strong sense of community.

Whats the key to aging well? Its just one factor of many, but engaging with spirituality and religion consistently improves quality of life for seniors, leading to several positive effects. At Amira Choice, strongly believe in the value of spiritual support. With that in mind, here are five benefits to embracing spirituality later in life.PurposeAs we age, transitioning out of our careers and moving past the years when were most needed as parents, it becomes extremely important to find new ways of engaging, exploring, and encouraging others. Research is showing that spirituality can play a part in helping seniors with healthy, positive aging by providing a sense of structure and understanding for our lives. Connecting to something larger than ourselves, serving others, and thinking beyond our own situation can truly improve the quality of our days.CommunitySeniors with spiritual support gain access to the rich community that characterizes faith groups. Pursuing connections and investing in relationships, new and old, makes every day worth celebrating. By attending worship services, joining book or Bible studies, and sharing open conversations with other members of our faith, we form and strengthen relationships that enhance our lives and when a senior living community supports and encourages religious involvement, the social benefits spread throughout the community.HopeSeeing challenges arise in our life and the lives of the people we love can be difficult to manage. How we handle those challenges, and maintain a sense of hope in the face of them, has big implications for our health in later years. Spirituality and religion can provide a strong support, lifting our spirits when we need it most. Connecting to faith gives seniors a mental boost to cope with illness and loss and helps them maintain the positivity that leads to recovery and new beginnings.BrainpowerKeeping our brains active and engaged as we age is hugely important, and spirituality provides a jolt to our brainpower. Studies have shown that practicing religion helps to slow cognitive decline, and for seniors living with dementia and other forms of memory loss, it can help reduce or stabilize cognitive disorders. Improving our mental capacity means improving every aspect of our life, from our health to our relationships and our daily activities.HealthAlong with increasing brain function and offering an outlet for personal connection, religion and spirituality provide real psychological benefits that help improve health outcomes overall. Seniors who rely on faith enjoy a more positive and hopeful attitude about life and illness, which actually predicts better health outcomes. They are less likely to develop depression and anxiety, and because of their renewed sense of purpose, they tend to have healthier habits and relationships. In short, belief, positivity, and hope lead to tangible improvements in our health and wellness.At Amira Choice, our faith-based programming is ecumenically diverse, and were blessed to have residents and staff from a variety of religious traditions. Visit the Amira Choice community near you and ask about the spiritual programing we provide transportation to, or offer in-house.