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One common factor that can intimidate even the most experienced athlete or workout buff – going to the gym. Gyms are often hailed as safe havens for those who want to keep up a healthy lifestyle, work on their physique, or simply stay active, but in reality, many things can deter people from showing up to their local fitness center. For example, cliques, hardcore weight-lifting enthusiasts, and sculpted Pilates class attendees can contribute to gym anxiety.
Many older adults might initially feel uncomfortable with going to a gym because of age. They might not know how to work the equipment or feel that their fitness center only caters to a younger crowd. But here’s some good news: gym anxiety is common in people of all ages. In fact, a RECENT STUDY showed that about 50% of Americans have some form of gym-timidation that keeps them from developing a workout routine around other people.
HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING understands the importance of a fitness routine. Our communities focus on healthy aging and feature amenities, programs, and classes designed to give residents the tools they need to feel their best and stay active! Here are our top five tips for overcoming gym anxiety:
1. Remember Why You’re There
Firstly, it’s important to take an introspective look at why you might feel anxious about going to the gym.
Are you uncomfortable going into a new environment?
Are you unsure how to use gym equipment and don’t want to look foolish?
Are you unhappy with the way your physique might look compared to other gym-goers?
“Irrespective of body size, there can be a sense of self-consciousness or vulnerability in fitness facilities,” says NATASHA SCHVEY, an assistant professor of medicine and clinical psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Working out in a public setting can be an exposing experience. While you might feel susceptible to the opinions of others (or even negative opinions of yourself), try to remind yourself why you want to start working out in the first place.
When you remind yourself why you’re committing to this fitness journey, you’ll soon realize that everyone else at your gym is there for the same reasons!
2. Get Familiar with Your Surroundings
If you’re new to a fitness facility, ask for a tour or speak to one of their team members. This exposure will allow you to feel more comfortable in these new surroundings, and gym employees can help you better understand what to do and how to use the equipment.
Some gyms even offer sessions with personal trainers or fitness classes for members. This is another great way to find a routine or exercise you enjoy while giving you an option for a more private experience.
3. Workout with a Friend
Studies have shown that motivation is an excellent key to healthy habits and healthy aging, regardless of your fitness end goal. Bringing a friend is an excellent way to keep each other motivated. In addition, creating a sense of community, even amongst two friends, can do wonders for your accountability.
For instance, it can be easy to stay home and avoid your workout routine if you go to the gym alone. However, if you plan on going to the gym on specific days with a friend, it is harder to break any plans. Plus, you’ll have a support system to help increase your self-confidence and give you some company to get through your workout.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
We’ve all been in this situation; you see someone effortlessly completing a task or a hobby, and you instantly begin harboring feelings of jealousy or insecurity. At the gym, perhaps the person on the treadmill next to you starts to increase their speed or incline and seamlessly transitions into an intense cardio workout.
When it comes to physical fitness, we tend to be very hard on ourselves, especially when it feels like those around us are on higher levels of physical ability than ourselves. However, it’s crucial not to get caught up in the workouts of others: not only is it detrimental to your self-confidence, but it can lead to dangerous fitness behavior.
Comparing yourself to others might cause you to attempt high-intensity workouts that are too strenuous on your body, leading to injury.
5. Don’t Rush Yourself
Gym anxiety won’t disappear overnight; it can take time to feel comfortable and confident in your routine and abilities. If you aren’t sure where to begin with a fitness routine at the gym, try taking small steps at first. These steps create healthy mental habits and get your body used to being active in small increments, eventually making way for more extended periods of activity.
Here’s an idea: if you get to the gym and begin to feel anxious, start with ten minutes of walking on the treadmill. After ten minutes, you might decide that you want to walk for ten more minutes, or you can start again tomorrow with another ten.
By giving yourself realistic goals, it becomes easier to achieve your objectives. This is a great way to feel accomplished without putting too much pressure on yourself, especially when you begin to see your results.
At HarborChase Senior Living, our communities provide the tools needed to enrich your body, mind, and soul. Our fitness classes and wellness programs are designed to promote healthy aging and improve your heart health, serotonin functions, and cardio to reap all the benefits – physically and mentally. From YOGA to chair exercises, there is a fitness class for everyone!
Spring is a season of transition, and as the weather changes, so should your wardrobe. For seniors, dressing for changing spring weather can be a challenge. Its important to find the right balance between comfort and style while still dressing appropriately for the weather.Here are some tips for seniors on how to dress for changing spring weather:Layering is keySpring weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Layering is the best way to ensure that you stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings. Start with a lightweight, breathable base layer such as a cotton or linen shirt, and add a cardigan or sweater for warmth. If its chilly in the morning but warms up later in the day, you can easily remove a layer to stay cool.Choose breathable fabricsAs the weather gets warmer, its important to choose fabrics that are breathable and lightweight. Cotton, linen, and bamboo are all great options that will help keep you cool and comfortable. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and make you feel hot and uncomfortable.Dont forget a raincoat or umbrellaSpring is notorious for its rain showers, so its important to be prepared. Invest in a lightweight raincoat or a compact umbrella that you can easily carry with you. Look for a raincoat that is breathable and waterproof, so you stay dry without getting too hot.Opt for comfortable footwearAs the weather warms up, you may be tempted to break out your sandals or flip-flops. While these are great for the beach, they may not be the most practical option for everyday wear. Instead, opt for comfortable shoes that provide good support and protect your feet. Sneakers, loafers, and slip-on shoes are all great options.Choose bright colors and printsSpring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, so dont be afraid to add some color to your wardrobe. Bright colors and fun prints can help lift your mood and add some fun to your outfits. Just be sure to choose colors that complement your skin tone and hair color.Dressing for changing spring weather can be a challenge, but with a little planning, you can stay comfortable and stylish no matter what the weather brings. By layering, choosing breathable fabrics, investing in a raincoat or umbrella, opting for comfortable footwear, and adding some fun colors and prints to your wardrobe, you can make the most of the spring season.We care for you and about you.At Senior LIFE, we believe in caring for you in all that you need. Our care plans take a holistic view that are individualized to exactly what you need. We focus on your well-being, working to meet your medical, social, and mental health.And theres no need to worry about medical costs when your enrolled in Senior LIFE and live in the community on Medicaid all services are covered, at no out-of-pocket costs to you.To see if we could help you or a loved one, contact us today.
It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic put everyones social lives in a tailspin. We all remember it well online concerts and birthday parties were lackluster substitutes for the real thing, but we were grateful for the option. In a cruel strike of irony, the people whose social lives were upended the most also had the most difficulties accessing these alternatives: older adults.Now, there are older people who use technology just as skillfully as younger people. But a significant number didnt have the devices, knowledge, or internet access needed to take advantage of the digital world during the pandemic. Organizations mobilized during this period to create opportunities for them, which remain as relevant as technology always will be. But as restrictions have lifted, were increasingly grateful for the role in-person gatherings play in reducing isolation in older adults.Aging brings significant life transitions that contribute to loneliness. This includes retirement, loss of loved ones, and potential moves to senior living facilities. These changes can create a sense of disconnection that goes beyond physical separation. Senior and community centers have emerged as critical lifelines, offering diverse programming that helps older adults engage socially, pursue hobbies, and stay connected to their communities.The impact of social isolation on senior health cannot be overstated. Research demonstrates that lack of social interaction can be as detrimental to health as serious chronic conditions, potentially increasing risks of cognitive decline, depression, and other health challenges. Community centers provide much-needed opportunities for seniors to interact, with centers like those run by and affiliated with Senior Community Services seeing nearly 9,000 visitors in 2024, demonstrating the strong desire for meaningful social connections.Senior centers play a crucial role in supporting older adults, and there are meaningful ways to contribute to their mission. Individuals can make a big impact by volunteering or donating to local senior and community centers, directly supporting programs that combat social isolation and provide essential services for older adults. Senior Community Services, a non-profit which has been instrumental in establishing over 15 Minnesota senior centers throughout its history, is hosting its 75th Anniversary Celebration on May 15th. By participating in this event, community members can help raise funds that will help support continued partnerships with senior centers, ensuring these vital community resources remain strong and accessible. For more information, see seniorcommunity.org.By: Deb Taylor, CEO, Senior Community ServicesSenior Community services is a non-profit with a mission to empower people as they age by serving compassionately, connecting communities, and supporting independence.
If you're considering moving into a senior living facility, you're looking for a more structured and protected environment where you can continue to live the way you want. Security is an important part of that.The residents of a senior living facility can be more vulnerable in several ways, and the number of people at most senior living facilities can present challenges. A robust set of security features and protocols ensures that the facility you choose will keep you and your fellow residents safe and secure over the years.Key Security Features to Look ForThe following are some of the most crucial security features for a senior living facility. Keep in mind that this is a general list intended for the average resident, so if there's something about your personal circumstances that might require special care, you might have other features to add to the list.A Perimeter Access Control SystemYou don't want unknown and unauthorized people entering the facility, which is why a perimeter access control system is a must. These systems usually take the form of key cards or biometric access to various parts of the facility.This protects not only the well-being and property of the residents but also their privacy. Even if a visitor is authorized to be at the facility, a good access control system will keep them out of areas they shouldn't be in.A Remote Surveillance SystemStaff and supervisors can't be everywhere all the time. This is why a video camera system is of vital importance. Video surveillance allows for remote monitoring, and can allow staff to quickly intervene to assist or protect the residents.However, there's a trade-off between security and privacy. A senior living facility should at least have video surveillance in public areas. Whether you'd want a facility where rooms are monitored is a personal choice. Room monitoring allows for staff to quickly help a resident in distress, but may be too intrusive for some residents.An Emergency Response SystemIn the event that a resident experiencing a medical event needing immediate response, it's crucial that there be a way for that resident or others nearby to quickly alert staff. Frequently, this will be a button or object that each person wears or carries, a device or pendant.Technological advances have led to automated emergency response systems as well. For example, some senior living facilities have automated fall detection software that can alert staff to a resident who has fallen and may be unable to communicate at the time.Strong Emergency Preparedness and Response ProtocolSenior residents often time have mobility issues, which means that emergencies that require evacuation are extra challenging. In addition, some residents may have cognitive issues that can further complicate those situations. It's important that a facility have strong plans in place for these circumstances.A senior living facility should have a robust plan in place for dealing with any emergencies that require evacuation or quarantine. Residents should have gone through drills to help them understand in advance how to act, and the facility should have extensive lists highlighting all residents who may need extra assistance for any reason.Proper Background Checks and Training For StaffThis can sometimes be overlooked compared with more visible forms of security like video cameras or door access controls. But making sure that the staff of a senior living facility is vetted and trained is absolutely vital.The majority of senior living facility staff are attentive, conscientious workers. But some bad apples do exist. Senior residents are a vulnerable population in many ways, and an unscrupulous staff member can steal from or abuse residents if not weeded out.Training is also important, as even well-meaning staff can fail to properly help and support residents if not given proper training. A number of certifications and accreditations exist that demonstrate a facility and staff are properly trained.Other Important Features to Look for in a Senior Living FacilitySecurity is of utmost importance when choosing a facility. But there are other considerations that may weigh just as heavily in your decision-making. Some other key factors might include:Independence LevelsFacilities run the spectrum from those that allow a great deal of freedom to residents to those that emphasize protection and supervision. Knowing the type of experience you're looking for will lead to a happier time there.Programs and ActivitiesSome facilities have a wide range of activities and programs for their residents, creating opportunities for friendships with other residents to form and for residents to find constructive and pleasant ways to fill their days. If that type of engagement is important to you, make sure to pick out a facility that emphasizes this aspect.Expert Medical CareIf you have a particular medical condition that might necessitate special care, be sure to look into the medical care these facilities offer. Some facilities have specialized equipment and licensed staff on hand to treat certain conditions, which might be critical for you.Amenities and Quality of FacilitiesSome facilities can be luxurious and heavy on amenities, including technology, leisure activities and fitness options. Others are more reserved and offer less in the way of bonus features. Depending on how important such things are to you, this could be a key factor in your decision. Frequently, amenities and high quality go hand in hand with price, which is the next consideration.PricingThe reality is that everyone has a budget, and senior living facilities span a wide range of prices. You'll need to weigh your financial means and calculate how long you'd be able to afford to stay in a given facility with your current assets. Most senior residents aren't going to be able to increase their earning power or assets in a significant way, so determining whether a facility fits your budget is crucial.Choosing a senior living facility is a life-changing decision, and it's important to know what to look for before investigating your options. Security is one of the foremost elements of a good facility, and understanding how to evaluate a facility's security level and features will put you in a position to make the best choice possible when choosing your next home.
HarborChase of Sarasota offers assisted living services that prioritize both care and independence, providing support for residents who may need assistance with daily tasks and activities. Here's what sets our assisted living community apart:Respectful assistance: Our dedicated care partners are highly trained to provide assistance with a variety of needs while ensuring dignity and respect for each resident. They offer personalized care tailored to individual preferences and goals, fostering a sense of comfort and value for every resident.Personalized care: Upon arrival, each new resident undergoes a personalized assessment to create a profile detailing their specific needs, preferences, and goals. This profile guides our care partners in delivering customized care that meets the unique needs of each resident, ensuring their comfort and well-being."Best Day Ever" approach: We strive to create the "Best Day Ever" for each resident by curating activities and programs based on their favorite pastimes, foods, and memories. This personalized approach enhances residents' quality of life and promotes engagement and fulfillment.Life Enrichment Program: Our assisted living community offers a vibrant Life Enrichment Program that hosts a variety of activities and events focused on the mind, body, and soul. These activities provide residents with opportunities for growth, socialization, and enjoyment, enriching their overall experience at HarborChase of Sarasota.At HarborChase of Sarasota, we are dedicated to providing compassionate assisted living services that empower residents to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. Our personalized approach, combined with a diverse range of activities and programs, ensures that residents enjoy a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in our Sarasota community.
HarborChase of Sarasota's memory care program, The Cove, offers a nurturing environment designed to provide optimal care and support for individuals facing memory loss challenges. Here's what sets our memory care community apart:Tranquil environment: The Cove provides a soothing and peaceful setting where residents can feel comfortable and secure. Our intimate memory care neighborhood is specifically designed to promote health, dignity, and spiritual well-being, ensuring residents and their families experience true peace of mind.Dedicated and compassionate care: Our care partners are specially trained in the latest memory care therapies and techniques, providing personalized attention to each resident. They deliver meaningful and nurturing care that goes above and beyond expectations, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for residents.Focus on individualized care: Memory care at HarborChase of Sarasota emphasizes personalized care plans tailored to each resident's unique needs and preferences. Our care team works closely with residents to honor their life story and sense of self, creating a "Silhouette of My Life" profile upon arrival to ensure their wants, needs, and desires are met.Engaging activities and programs: We offer a variety of daily activities and programs designed to stimulate residents physically, mentally, and spiritually. These activities are based on residents' favorite pastimes, foods, and memories, promoting growth, confidence, and respect while enhancing overall wellness.At HarborChase of Sarasota, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive memory care that enhances the quality of life for each resident. Our focus on individualized care, engaging activities, and nurturing environment sets us apart as a trusted provider of memory care services in Sarasota, Florida.