Six Ways to Declutter Your Mind Mentally and Emotionally

As our loved ones grow older, the physical and mental benefits of companionship become more important than ever. It isnt a surprise that isolation and loneliness can lead to negative effects on one's health and that the positive impacts of staying social for seniors is significant. Companionship for seniors prevents cognitive decline and provides helpful support during their retirement years so they do not feel alone. The dawning of a new year is a busy time for everyone between new resolutions, designating new priorities, and all of the fun activities that tend to keep us preoccupied. With all of these exciting distractions, it is important to remember your senior loved ones and provide them the companionship they need to stay mentally and socially engaged. Here are some cognitive and emotional benefits of senior companionship that will make your loved one live a happier life during their golden years!Enjoy a longer, healthier lifeBeing around family and friends helps seniors feel connected as they continue to age and prevents the negative physical and emotional effects of social isolation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) points out that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation was associated with about 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions. Senior living communities like Harmony Senior Services, allow senior residents to have the positive social aspect with associates, fellow residents, and visiting family and friends. Having that daily companionship in several different forms can prolong and enhance an individual's aging timeline.Creating weekly routinesRoutine companionship helps seniors consistently engage in social activities in their environment. Maintaining routines can create healthy patterns with events and responsibilities for seniors to plan and look forward to. Routines are known to change during the transition into a new year and can be confusing for seniors. It is important to establish new routines and activities that are focused on their interests! The more events a senior has on their social calendar with other residents or family, the more they will feel connected to their community. At Harmony Senior Services, senior residents have a full calendar of activities to keep them busy and build relationships with other residents. Staying safe in your spaceAs we age, the risk of falls, missed medications, lack of proper diet, and depression increase. More accidents and emergencies will start to arise and it is important for seniors to be safe in their home. In a senior living community, the benefits of companionship and daily support provide solutions to the risks of living alone and potentially needing additional assistance when scheduled in-home care may not be available. With Harmony Senior Services continuum of care, seniors are provided with care options that cater to their changing needs. Sense of belonging Senior living communities provide a sense of belonging and community that often get lost when seniors become isolated in their home. Harmony Senior Services is designed to connect residents with social interactions and a variety of group activities throughout the day. There are plenty of shared social spaces such as movie theaters, exercise areas, and activity rooms for friendships to grow. Residents can make new friends at a planned community event, during mealtime in the dining room, or outside on a relaxing walk. Seniors who live in assisted living communities do not have to feel isolated or alone!There are plenty of opportunities for companionship at Harmony Senior Services. If your senior loved one is feeling isolated and needs help in this next transition of life, Harmony is here for you. Start the new year right with Harmony Senior Services and contact us today to learn more.Sources:https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.htmlhttps://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the

The journey of aging looks different on everyone. People worldwide are living longer thanks to modern solutions that werent provided years ago. While we all dread the wrinkles and joint pains that are doomed to come, theres a myriad of preventative steps we can take in the journey to aging well. Aging gracefully is possible for everyone and you can approach it in whatever way is best for you. It is the time to embrace your golden years while making sure you have the physical and mental health to enjoy it all. Remember, beauty is not just about your physical appearance, but even more so about how you feel. So invest in your wellness both inside and out!Stay Active It is important to exercise regularly to lower your risk of disease as you continue to age. A little bit of movement each day goes a long way and will also help lower stress, improve sleep, and benefit your skin and bone health. The four types of exercises that you should do as you age are activities focused on aerobic, flexibility, strength, and balance according to the National Institute of Aging. By rotating through these fitness focuses, youll be able to stay active and independent for longer. Aerobic activity is very important for older adults to help burn off calories, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain joint movement, and improve heart health. Some examples of aerobic exercises for seniors that are low impact are walking, stationary cycling, chair yoga, and swimming. Upgrade your Skincare RoutineIt is no secret that our skin changes as we age and the same skincare routine that we did twenty years ago might not get the job done like it used to. While we cant prevent our skin from aging, we can protect it against the effects of the environment through an effective skincare routine. There are so many new products out on the market specific for aging skin that can help you through your journey of aging well.Here are some smart beauty tips for seniors:Protect your skin from the sun: The sun's harmful rays can cause skin damage, age spots, and wrinkles. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear sun protective clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Even on cloudy days, you can still get sun damage so a daily SPF moisturizer is always a good idea. Keep your skin moisturized: As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so it's essential to use an effective moisturizer to keep it hydrated. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural active  ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is a classic health tip and will keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant and is an excellent source of vitamins needed for joint and gut health.Practice Positivity and Mindfulness as a Priority  Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Many seniors fear they will become lonely and separated from loved ones if they move into a senior living community. However, more often than not, the opposite occurs, as there are plenty of other residents and activities going on throughout retirement communities. Meaningful relationships and engaging activities improve mental well-being and longevity so make sure to take the time to schedule lunch-dates or a walk in the park with your loved ones! In addition to keeping your mental health and mood elevated, make sure to do things you enjoy and engage in activities that will fuel your happiness. Try to take up a new hobby or give a furry friend a new home! There are dozens of resources for seniors available through the phone or online for mental health. You can visit the National Institute of Mental Health website to learn more. Mindfulness benefits everyone, especially seniors, who make it a part of their daily routine. Practicing mindfulness and being in the moment has proven health benefits that will help you appreciate life and aging. Some of these benefits include improved focus, better memory, lower stress, increased sleep quality, and better mental health. There are plenty of modern-day practices that are offered for seniors who want to focus on mindfulness. You can practice mindfulness with a variety of different types of exercises such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and coloring. A more modern solution to practicing mindfulness is to download a mindfulness app, available on most smartphones, as a way to receive information and practice meditation when its most convenient for you. The journey of aging is more about being healthy and happy than keeping the wrinkles away. It is natural to anticipate what is next, so dont hesitate to use the resources available. Surround yourself with the ones you love, take care of your skin, hydrate, sleep, and live your best life!Sources:How older adults and caregivers can practice mindfulness to improve well-being - Care.com Resources National Institute of Mental Health

Embracing Friendship: A Guide to Making Connections Later in LifeWhen we were young, it was easy to make friends. No matter where we went, it was an opportunity to connect with others. But as we journey through life, the landscape of our social circles begins to undergo significant changes. Whether it's due to career moves, life transitions, or the natural ebb and flow of relationships, finding new friends can become a bit more challenging as we get older. But fear not! Making friends in your later years is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you navigate the waters of adult friendship and build meaningful connections.Embrace Your HobbiesOne of the best ways to meet like-minded individuals is by engaging in activities you love. Whether it's joining a local book club, taking up a new hobby like painting or photography, or participating in community events, pursuing your passions can lead you to people who share your interests. Conversations flow more naturally when you're discussing something you love, providing a solid foundation for friendship.Attend Social EventsMany communities host social events that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Attend local gatherings, festivals, or workshops to meet new people. This creates an organic environment for striking up conversations and finding common ground. Don't be shy to initiate discussions or join group activities. Remember, everyone is there to connect and make friends!Leverage TechnologyIn our digitally connected world, technology can be a powerful tool for forging new friendships. Join online communities and social media groups, or use apps designed to connect people with similar interests. Attend virtual events or participate in online forums related to your hobbies or passions. You might be surprised by the genuine connections that can blossom through these platforms.Volunteer Your TimeGiving back to the community is not only a fulfilling experience but also an excellent way to meet new people. Plus, its been proven that its good for your health! Another little perk. Volunteer at local charities, community centers, or events, and you'll likely encounter individuals who share your commitment to making a positive impact. Shared values can be a strong foundation for lasting friendships and relationships.Be Open and ApproachableFriendships often begin with a simple smile or a friendly greeting. Practice being open and approachable, even in everyday situations like at the grocery store or in your neighborhood. Small talk can lead to deeper conversations, and you never know when a chance encounter might turn into a meaningful connection.Reconnect with Old AcquaintancesLife gets busy, and people often lose touch with friends from their past. Take the initiative to reach out to old acquaintances or classmates. Rekindling old connections can be a delightful way to expand your social circle, and you may find that you have more in common now than you did before. Not to mention, its always fun to reminiscence on the past. Join Classes or WorkshopsLearning something new can be a fantastic way to meet people. Enroll in classes or workshops that interest you, whether it's a language course, dance class, or cooking workshop. The shared learning experience can foster a sense of camaraderie, making it easier to strike up conversations and build friendships.Attend Meetup GroupsPlatforms like Meetup.com offer a plethora of groups centered around various interests and activities. Whether you're into hiking, board games, or meditation, there's likely a meetup group in your area that caters to your preferences. Attend events hosted by these groups to meet individuals who share your hobbies.Remember, making friends at any age is about being genuine, open-minded, and patient. Building meaningful connections takes time, but the journey is well worth the effort. So, embrace the opportunities around you, be true to yourself, and watch as your circle of friends blossoms with kindred spirits. After all, friendship knows no age limits, and the joy of companionship is a treasure that can be discovered at any stage of life.This article was submitted by VIPCare Senior Primary Care.