Its a New Year, and the tradition of making some positive resolutions is at the top of everyones mind. Yes, it is important to stay healthy, to eat well and set goals but it is also important to exercise the mind just as much as the body. Some enjoyable ways to keeping a happy and healthy mind in 2021 are to indulge in activities such as reading, writing, solving puzzles and so much more! Here are some fun ways to keep an active mind for the upcoming year.Reading, Writing and SmilingReading is an engaging way to not only pass time but to also keep your mind sharp. There are so many great new book releases that have recently come out which provide an exciting escape for people of all ages. Most books even come in a large print option for those challenged with reading up close, or those who just like having a larger font size. Reading strengthens the brain, helps reduce stress levels and has even been told to increase longevity. Mental health is such an important aspect of todays society, and reading a good book to be able to escape reality is one of the best ways to spend the day!Along with reading and its positive stimulation on the brain, writing your own stories is a great way to keep an active mind and to help set personal goals for the New Year. Many of our communities have a full-time Activities Director that tailor toward peoples special interests in areas such as these for reading and writing, along with other areas like cooking, crafts and much more. A fun New Years resolution to pursue this year could be something such as striving to write a different short story a day or other type of narrative. Then, you can share it with friends and family, a great way to maintain these valuable personal relationships and of course, show off your creativity!Games, Puzzles and MorePuzzles come in a wide variety of forms that are fun for everyone. There are so many different options to keep you occupied in the New Year like crosswords, word searches, Sudoku and even your traditional jigsaw puzzles. Your brains health is just as important as your bodys, especially during these unprecedented times. Doing just one type of puzzle a day will help keep a sharp mind, since it exercises both sides of the brain and improves spatial reasoning. Something similar to puzzles that is also fun and an efficient way to pass time is playing cards. Games such as Go Fish and Solitaire help enhance your memory and mood all great things when starting off fresh for a New Year. You can always take a look at our Celebrations Activities and Events program to see all the different, diverse and fun recreation that is offered on a daily basis.In all, do your part to experience life to the fullest, and make sure to set daily goals for yourself even if they are small. The key to having a happy New Year is staying busy and exercising the mind throughout the day. Just a few minutes of taking care of your brain makes a world of a difference!

The winter months can present unique challenges to seniors. From poor weather conditions that may aggravate medical conditions or prevent seniors from spending much time outside to potential dangers created by having to walk or drive in wet or icy weather, winter often means taking a different approach to daily life for seniors.If you or your loved one are a senior who is trying to cope with the winter months, we want to provide you with a list of safe and fun activities that can make these times a little more bearable.Indoor exercisesBecause poor weather can make it dangerous to go outside for a walk or for a breath of fresh air, indoor exercises can be a healthy and safer alternative. These include chair exercises, using a treadmill, hand strength and coordination activities, low-impact games on Wii, and gentle stretching. You can determine whats safe for you, speak with a doctor about exercise suggestions.GamesThere are numerous games that provide an excellent opportunity for fun and leisure indoors, as well as mental stimulation that becomes increasingly important as we age. Play your favorite board game, solve a jigsaw puzzle, attend a Bingo event, or even use a Wii to play electronic puzzle and math games. These fun activities can help keep the mind sharp and defend against seasonal and wintertime depression that affects people of all ages.Learn a skill or hobbyWith additional time indoors, seniors may find that they can use their time productively to learn a new craft or skill, such as knitting, crocheting, playing an instrument, cooking, or woodworking by reading a How-To book, learning online, or watching an instructional video. Seniors may also choose to take classes that can teach them new skills, encourage social interaction, and offer an opportunity to get outside the house, or invite others over to enjoy a hobby together or to teach the skill itself.ReadReading is a great activity any time of year, but it can be especially enjoyable when you cozy up with a good book or magazine during winter months. Seniors can also join a local book club, which can provide more interaction with friends and the opportunity to discuss what they have read.Spend time with friendsSpending time with friends and family can help pass the time and open up the world for a senior who may spend a lot of time at home. Inviting friends over for a weekly or even monthly event night can be a great way to catch up and enjoy a game or hobby as a group. Seniors may also hold book clubs or classes in their own home, where they can share their thoughts and skills with others.The winter months can be tough for everyone, not just seniors. By being creative and making the effort to use time indoors productively and enjoyably, seniors and anyone else who may be homebound can fend off boredom, improve their physical and mental health, and have fun.PRO-TIPWhile journaling is enjoyed by people of all ages, it can be a particularly beneficial activity for seniors. Regardless of what subjects are addressed, or even the quality of writing, journaling can contribute significantly to mental and emotional health.The good news is that its not difficult to get started with this activity. All you or your loved one need are a notebook, writing utensils, and dedication to jotting down at least a few sentences on a regular basis.Contact your local care advisor at Assisted Living Locators if you have questions about these ideas or how we can be of assistance, contact us today.For more information on how to prepare your family and your elderly loved ones for the holidays, please reach out to your local Assisted Living Locators senior care advisor today! 

Planning a funeral for your parents is a difficult and emotional process. It can be overwhelming and confusing, with so many decisions needing to be made. However, by being organized and methodical in your approach, you can ensure that the funeral is a meaningful and respectful celebration of their lives.Choose a funeral home.The first step in planning a funeral is to choose a funeral home. While this can be a difficult decision, it's important to find a funeral home that you trust and feel comfortable with. Look for a funeral home that is reputable and has experience in planning funerals. You may also want to consider the location, price, and accommodations offered by each funeral home.Notify family and friends.Once you have chosen a funeral home, it's important to notify family and friends about the funeral arrangements. You may want to send out an email or phone call to let people know about the funeral date, time, and location. This will give people plenty of time to make travel arrangements and plan accordingly.Plan the funeral service.The funeral service is an important part of the funeral, as it provides an opportunity to honor and remember your parents. When planning the service, you may want to include music, readings, and personal anecdotes about your parents. You may also want to consider hiring a minister or celebrant to lead the service.Choose the burial or cremation option.Another important decision to make is whether to have a traditional burial or cremation. Consider your parents' wishes and religious beliefs when making this decision. If you choose burial, you will need to select a cemetery and purchase a burial plot. If you choose cremation, you will need to select an urn for their remains.Consider other services.In addition to the funeral service and burial or cremation, there may be other services that you need to consider. For example, you may want to have a wake or visitation period to allow friends and family to pay their respects. You may also need to arrange transportation for the remains, as well as flowers and other funeral decorations.Deal with financial matters.Finally, you will need to deal with any financial matters related to the funeral. This may include paying for the funeral home services, burial or cremation, and other related expenses. You may also need to file any insurance claims or arrange for payment from your parents' estate.In conclusion, planning a funeral for your parents can be a difficult and emotional process, but by following these steps, you can ensure that it is a meaningful and respectful celebration of their lives. Remember to take your time, be organized, and seek support from loved ones throughout the process.Article Written By: Seniors Blue Book