Cognitive Fitness for Older Adults

Regular physical activity isn't just about staying fit; it's also about managing chronic illnesses and maintaining independence. We want to help seniors incorporate exercise into their daily routines for a healthier life. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any new forms of exercise. The Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Illness ManagementExercise offers various benefits, especially for those living with chronic conditions. Regular physical activity can improve seniors' heart health, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease. Staying active can also increase mobility and flexibility, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of injuries and falls.Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can help combat depression and anxiety, offering a sense of accomplishment and boosting overall well-being. Perhaps most importantly, engaging in physical activities can help seniors maintain their independence. The ability to perform daily tasks without assistance enhances their quality of life significantly.Tips for Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily RoutinesIncorporating exercise into a daily routine doesn't have to be hard. Start slow and build up gradually, beginning with light exercises and gradually increasing the intensity. This helps the body adjust and prevents burnout. Set small, achievable goals to stay motivated. Whether it's a short walk or a set of stretches, each step counts towards better health.Choose activities that are fun. Dancing, gardening, or playing with grandchildren can be excellent ways to stay active without it feeling like a chore. Consistency is key, so use reminders, calendars, or alarms to establish a routine and make exercise a regular part of the day.Selecting Appropriate Exercises Based on Individual Needs and AbilitiesChoosing the right exercises depends on individual needs and any existing health conditions. Here are some options to consider:Low-Impact Exercises for Joint Health: Walking, swimming, or cycling are gentle on the joints while still providing significant health benefits. These activities are perfect for those with arthritis or joint pain.Strength Training for Muscle Maintenance: Simple strength training exercises, such as lifting light weights or using resistance bands, can help preserve muscle mass and strength.Balance Exercises to Prevent Falls: Activities like standing on one foot or practicing Tai Chi improve stability and prevent falls, reducing the risk of injuries.Flexibility Exercises for Improved Range of Motion: Stretching exercises like yoga or simple daily stretches can enhance the range of motion, making everyday tasks easier.Need Caregiving Services for Seniors With Chronic Conditions?Exercise can help manage chronic conditions and improve the quality of life for seniors. It's never too late to start, but you should consult healthcare providers before beginning any new exercise regimen. At Senior Helpers Greeley, we are dedicated to helping seniors in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, and Longmont incorporate exercise into their chronic care plans. Contact us today for personalized support to ensure a healthier, more active lifestyle for your loved ones.

Around this time of year, virtually all religions celebrate significant events of birth, new beginnings, festivals of everlasting light and sacred histories, our identity as a people who we are. Also universal is the tradition of gift-giving to one another. The tradition may symbolize the spiritual gifts we all enjoy without condition. One of these is Independence. As the founders expressed it in our Declaration of Independence, we are endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable Rights, meaning they are given to us at birth.  Independence is at the very core of our identity as human beings, whatever our cultural origins. To be deprived of it is to take away our identity. To get it back is one of the greatest gifts we can get. We made Independence the core of our mission at Legend Senior Living. Its the first word in our three key values for a seniors quality of life: Independence, Dignity and Purpose. Independence was also the cornerstone principle when Legend founder Tim Buchanan pioneered the very concept of Assisted Living more than 30 years ago. At the time, seniors and their families just could not reconcile the love of their lifelong homes, and their personal freedom and dignity with living in a place that seemed opposed to the very notion of independence: the nursing home. It took a fiercely independent entrepreneur to say, Youre right. Thats just not good enough. There has to be a way. And if there was no way, then we would make one.But what would this look like? We had to throw out all of the conventional notions about aging and write a new history that provided for the particular needs of seniors and independent senior lifestyles where the necessary care or new solutions for memory-related disease and cognitive challenges could be provided for by modern, effective, compassionate methods.The first innovation was private apartment living, but as part of a residence that saw to all of the requirements of the complete individual lifestyle. The very idea of the Individuality of aging was a revelation. Before this, the organization was designed to serve the facility, not the resident. No matter ones level of mobility or cognitive functioning, everyone lived in the same, sterile surroundings. No wonder seniors compared it to warehousing. Who cares what the merchandise feels like?This history is important because it tells the story of how the proper mission with the right innovations can grow and evolve. The more we know about medical science and cognitive functioning, the more we can apply that knowledge to assisted living and memory care. And weve seen those innovations at Legend. They have shaped our architecture, our therapy, our hiring and training, even our management structure. When you look at Legend and any other senior living company, youre looking at two very different approaches inside and out. And the difference all begins with the concept of Independence.Physical IndependenceWhen you hear the two words together, the mind may leap to being able to get around. We tend to think of that as the measurement of the end of independence. Moms not able to get around on her own anymore. Mobility is one aspect of physical independence, one that plays a big part in the purposeful design of our residences. Wider halls, numerous resting and conversation places, handrails, strategically designed apartments, abundant natural light and well-designed color schemes all aid mobility.Mental IndependenceSome people seem born to be caregivers. Others acquire a sensitivity and understanding over years of paying attention. Youve known these people. They always know what to say. They put you at ease. They seem to be able to calm and heal with a look. If we were not making the most of having more than thirty years of experience in caregiving and senior living, wed be ignoring one our greatest assets, the rich insight into how we live as we age and how we cope with loss and change, what simply keeps us going and what truly brings us joy.We thrive as a senior living provider on our dedication to the science of aging and cognitive research. The difference that human understanding brings sets us apart. We look for and cultivate this innate talent in our Legend Associates, who earn their status as Legend Experts in Senior Living and Legend Experts in Memory Care with training, mentorship and through a work culture that encourages friendship and love of community.So, what does all that have to do with mental independence? Ironically, mental independence relies greatly on others. The first thing to understand is that being independent does not mean being alone. A caring, skilled Associate can tell that someone may still be dealing with the loss of a spouse not long before theyve made the move to a senior living residence. They can tell the difference between someone who thrives in privacy with their reading or crafts and shares the experience and another who is more socially active.  For either resident, we always work to draw the person out into the broader community. Naturally, Legend is endowed with entertainment and exercise amenities, theaters and game spaces, but we also dedicate a management professional to Life Enrichment. The single focus of this position is growth, socially, culturally and spiritually. Residents choose their interests and explore them in activities, outings and events.They live their independence through expression, communication, volunteerism and by simply being recognized for who they are.Legend Senior Living owns and operates over 40 Legend and Windsor senior living residences in six states. This article may have been an unusual way to describe them. We havent described a single piece of furniture or told you about the patios and bistros, after all. But that would not be describing what Legend is. Not at our heart. Every residence has its own character and is reflective of the locale and the culture, whether its Jacksonville, Florida or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In that, were a lot like the individuals who make their homes here. You should meet them. The description should come from them. It will be as individual as their own happiness, their own experience of Dignity, Purpose and Independence.Independence is not a decoration to hang on a tree, a keepsake we take out once a year and look at with nostalgia. It is the shining light of individuality we are endowed with at birth, that which makes us who we are, and that shines on, everlasting. It should grow brighter with age, and never dim. That is life at Legend. Visit the living room just off the entrance at any Legend residence this time of year. There, next to the glowing fireplace, a towering tree stretches its branches heavenward, populated with many shining lights. Many lights, one tree, a perfect symbol of Independent, happy individuals coming together as a community. May your season be as bright as our hearts this year.

As we age, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important. One way to do this is by walking more. In fact, research suggests that taking just 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health.Health Benefits of WalkingWalking is a low-impact form of exercise that can have numerous health benefits, especially for older adults. It can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, walking can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.The Benefits of 500 Extra StepsTaking just 500 extra steps per day may not seem like much, but it can have a significant impact on senior health. Research suggests that taking an extra 500 steps per day can lead to a decrease in the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and increased energy levels.A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that for people ages 70 and older who walked an additional 500 steps per day, or an additional quarter mile of walking, experienced a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. Also, compared to adults who took less than 2,000 steps per day, adults who took about 4,500 steps per day had a 77% lower observed risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event.Strategies for Walking MoreTaking an extra 500 steps per day may sound like a daunting task, but there are many strategies that can help seniors achieve this goal. Here are a few tips:Take multiple short walks throughout the day: This can help add up to 500 extra steps without requiring a lot of time commitment.Use a pedometer or fitness tracker: Tracking steps can help seniors stay motivated and monitor their progress.Find a walking partner: Walking with a friend or family member can make it more enjoyable and provide social interaction.Set achievable goals: Start small and gradually increase the number of steps taken each day.Choose scenic routes: Walking in a park or nature trail can make it more enjoyable and provide additional health benefits.In conclusion, taking 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health, and its an achievable goal for most people. Walking can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic conditions, and improve mental health and overall well-being. By incorporating walking into their daily routine, seniors can help maintain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life.Senior LIFE can help you with your goalsAt Senior LIFE, our goals align with the goals of many seniors to stay in the comfort of their homes, and out of a nursing home. We work with seniors and their caregivers to help seniors maintain independence by providing medical and supportive services including physician and nursing services, medication management, in-home care, and so more more! For a full list of services, please visit us online at: Senior LIFE ServicesSenior LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) is state and federally funded Medicare and Medicaid Program that provides long-term care for seniors, 55 years of age or older, so that they can remain living at home and out of a nursing facility.Senior LIFE Services are provided at NO COST to those on Medicaid who live in the community.To speak with a Senior LIFE representative about the program, and to learn if you or a family member may be eligible, please contact us via our website or email us at info@SeniorLIFEPA.