Caring Connections: Building Strong Bonds in Senior Communities

Pickleball has emerged as a beloved sport for seniors, offering many benefits for their physical, social, and cognitive well-being. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking for a new hobby, consider embracing pickleball as a game-changer for your overall health and happiness in your golden years.As we age, staying physically active becomes essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and enjoying more vitality and well-being. Fortunately, there is a sport that has gained popularity among seniors in recent yearspickleball. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offering numerous benefits for older adults. From improving cardiovascular health to fostering social connections, this low-impact sport has proven to be a game-changer for seniors seeking an enjoyable and accessible way to stay fit. Let's delve into the world of pickleball and explore the benefits for older individuals. Low-Impact Exercise One of the most significant advantages of pickleball for seniors is its low-impact nature. Unlike high-impact sports like running or basketball, pickleball places less stress on joints, reducing the risk of injuries and joint pain. The game is played on a smaller court, requiring less lateral movement and putting less strain on the knees, hips, and ankles. The low-impact nature of the game makes pickleball an ideal choice for seniors with arthritis or those recovering from joint-related surgeries.Furthermore, the game's slower pace allows seniors to build endurance gradually while engaging in a moderate-intensity workout. Combining aerobic and anaerobic movements in pickleball enhances cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. Regular sessions help seniors improve their overall fitness levels, stamina, and balance, reducing the likelihood of falls and enhancing their independence. Social Interaction and CommunityPickleball is more than just a sport; it's a social activity that fosters connections among seniors. Many communities and retirement centers now offer pickleball facilities, bringing people together to play and socialize. The game's doubles format encourages teamwork, communication, and camaraderie, making it an excellent opportunity for seniors to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. Playing pickleball promotes a sense of belonging and community involvement, which can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seniors who participate in pickleball leagues or join clubs often report increased happiness and improved overall quality of life. Cognitive BenefitsPickleball isn't just a physical workout; it also offers numerous cognitive benefits for seniors. The game requires strategy, quick thinking, and hand-eye coordination, stimulating the brain and promoting mental agility. Regular pickleball play can enhance cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills, reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, pickleball provides a unique opportunity for seniors to engage in continuous learning. Whether learning new techniques, refining their shots, or adapting their gameplay, seniors can continuously challenge themselves and expand their skill set. This mental stimulation contributes to maintaining a sharp mind and a sense of accomplishment. Pickleball has emerged as a beloved sport for seniors, offering many benefits for their physical, social, and cognitive well-being. The low-impact nature of the game allows seniors to remain active without putting excessive strain on their bodies. The social aspect of pickleball fosters a sense of community and combats social isolation. Additionally, the cognitive demands of the game help seniors stay mentally sharp and agile. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking for a new hobby, consider embracing pickleball as a game-changer for your overall health and happiness in your golden years. Get on the court and start experiencing the remarkable advantages of pickleball today! Comfort Keepers Can HelpCaring for others and ourselves can take a lot of thought and preparation as we age. Our Comfort Keeperscan help encourage seniors to meet activity guidelines, recommend ways to add more physical activity to their day, and can help to motivate a senior to stay active. Our trained caregivers can provide transportation to a local park, a trail, or greenways to enjoy a walk together or watch a pickleball game. Caregivers can drive clients to scheduled doctor appointments, provide mobility assistance and meal preparation, and help with activities of daily living. We believe in Elevating the Human Spirit by providing our clients with practical assistance and daily moments of joy. By giving equal parts compassion, attention, and comfort, our goal is to help seniors feel independent again while promoting good health to enjoy their days. ResourcesNational Library of Medicine (NIH): Pickleball: Injury Considerations in an Increasingly Popular SportAmerican Institute for Preventive Medicine: What can the Well-Being Industry Learn from Pickleball?Medical University of South Carolina: Pickleball: Fastest Growing Sport Especially for Seniors

Some of the best time spent together is simply talking and connecting. Whether its chatting over a board game, making dinner, or watching a favorite movie together, having go-to activities are great fool-proof ideas to spend time with loved ones. But it can also be refreshing and fun to shake up your routine by incorporating new ideas. These fun ideas for caregivers and families focus on activities to do with seniors. Some are free or affordable, others may require some planning ahead, but all ideas can be done at home, together or apart, to bring joy and make new memories.Have a spelling bee; really challenge yourselfRead suspense or romance novels out loudOrder an herb garden online, and watch it growOrder supplies to garden in a potOrder supplies from an online crafts store for your loved ones favorite hobby or something fun and newHave your senior narrate parts of their life for you. Write down the memories and create a booklet with photos for you all to cherish.Picnic in the backyard or insideFashion show at homeWatch favorite classic moviesWatch classic TV shows from childhood together and talk about itHave fun with adult coloring booksPaint by numbers Read your horoscope every dayMake a Sundae bar at homeGather items to donateOrganize a room, a drawer or closetPhone or video calls with familyLook at old albums and yearbooksTry scrap bookingWatching the Travel Channel or History Channel Voice journalingCreate a recipe book for the familyHave fun with Snapchat filtersWatch documentariesHave a culture day. Watch a foreign film and cook a meal Play online BingoPut together a collagePlay CharadesHave a formal teaMake origamiPress flowersMake greeting cardsOrder supplies and paint rocksTry a new food or restaurantWatch old music videosStart corresponding with a pen palListen to music favorites; make a playlistDownload a new podcast or audiobookMake a family treeMake a time capsule

GrandFriends Adult Day Program Provides Compassionate Care for Adults Living with Dementia The Grandfriends Adult Day Program, housed within the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, is an adult day program for adults living with dementia. Our mission is to provide older adults who need supervision and daily care with opportunities to stay mentally and physically healthy and avoid being placed in a nursing home. Last year we were approved as a provider through the Department of Veteran Affairs Community Care Network. This means veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system are now eligible for adult day care services at Via at no cost to them through their VA benefits.Adult day programs promote improved health by offering older adults a place to go each day to receive care, nutritious meals, mental and physical stimulation, and companionship. Benefits to seniors in adult daycare include:         Helps preserve independence.         Provides an opportunity to socialize, resulting in increased alertness and activity.         Activities provide more structure, giving older adults something to anticipate and look forward to.         Physical exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety, improves stamina, health and balance and improves sleep. Caring for loved ones with dementia while managing work and family obligations is challenging. GrandFriends provides respite, allowing caregivers to continue life knowing their loved one is in a safe and caring environment. The program provides health and socialization benefits to clients living with dementia, including group fitness activities, games and activities that stimulate mental health, and socialization with peers.The program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the work schedule of caregivers. The cost is $55 a day for one day a week or $50 a day for two or more days. This fee covers breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as most activity supplies. Transportation to and from the program within a 15-mile radius of The Via Center which is is also available at $3.00 for a one-way trip.The Via Center is centrally located at 1717 Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama. To schedule a tour and assessment of your loved one, contact our GrandFriends Supervisor, Christy Harvison, at 251-470-5228 or charvison@viamobile.org.