Service Spotlight: GoGoGrandparentBenefits for Seniors and Families: GoGoGrandparent is a lifeline for seniors and their families, providing safe and reliable transportation services. It allows seniors to maintain their independence by easily booking rides to medical appointments, social outings, or anywhere they need to go.Why It Matters: Mobility is essential for seniors' quality of life. GOGO GRANDPARENT ensures that seniors can access the services and activities they need to stay active and engaged in their communities.At Seniors Blue Book, we're proud to connect you with services like GOGO GRANDPARENT, making senior care more accessible and convenient. Discover how this service can benefit you or your loved ones.

Winter Wellness for SeniorsBy Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCSBalancing the 8 Pillars of Wellness for Seniors in Winter: Evidence-Based Insights Introduction As winter descends, the well-being of seniors becomes a paramount concern. Aging individuals must navigate the unique challenges that colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours bring. This article delves into the intricacies of balancing the 8 pillars of wellness for seniors during the winter season, substantiating insights with scholarly references. Physical Wellness Physical wellness, a cornerstone of senior health, demands careful attention during winter. Maintaining physical activity is essential for avoiding the adverse effects of inactivity and cold weather. A study by de Rezende et al. (2014) emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity for seniors, citing its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Indoor exercises like yoga and chair exercises, as recommended by the American Heart Association (2021), offer viable options to stay active during winter. Mental Wellness The winter months often usher in feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A study by Melrose (2015) underscores the prevalence of SAD among older adults. Engaging in cognitive stimulation activities can alleviate symptoms. Seniors can find solace in local clubs, virtual classes, and community events, as advocated by Forrester (2017), who highlights the significance of social engagement in mitigating SAD symptoms. Emotional WellnessEmotional wellness hinges on effective emotional regulation. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are integral components of emotional wellness. A systematic review by Rusch et al. (2019) supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and anxiety. Seniors can access mindfulness resources and guidance on emotional wellness through organizations such as Seniors Blue Book Utah. Social WellnessMaintaining an active social life is pivotal for seniors. The adverse effects of social isolation on senior well-being have been extensively documented (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Seniors are encouraged to participate in local clubs and community events, as promoted by Senior Expos, to foster social connections. Intellectual Wellness Intellectual wellness necessitates ongoing learning and mental stimulation. Seniors can embrace hobbies like reading and learning new languages to foster intellectual growth. A study by Verghese et al. (2003) associates intellectual engagement with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in aging individuals. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness transcends traditional work and relates to engaging in purposeful activities. Volunteering, as explored in a study by Okun et al. (2016), offers seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can explore volunteer opportunities through organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah. Environmental Wellness Winter introduces environmental challenges, such as slippery sidewalks and heating concerns. Seniors must ensure their living environments are safe and comfortable. The National Institute on Aging (2021) provides valuable tips for creating senior-friendly environments. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, can provide solace and inner peace. A study by Carlson et al. (2016) explores the positive effects of mindfulness-based spiritual practices on well-being. Conclusion Balancing the 8 pillars of wellness is paramount for senior well-being, especially during the winter months. Evidence-based insights emphasize the need for regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional regulation. Seniors can access resources and information from reputable organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah and Senior Expos to aid in their pursuit of wellness. By integrating these scholarly insights into their winter routines, seniors can not only survive but thrive during this season, enjoying a life marked by health, happiness, and purpose. References: American Heart Association. (2021). Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-older-adults Carlson, L. E., et al. (2016). Mindfulness-based interventions for coping with cancer. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 5-12.de Rezende, L. F. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil. Journal of Public Health, 36(3), 514-522. Forrester, A. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder in older adults: improving mood and well-being through leisure interventions. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 41(1), 39-53. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1-6.National Institute on Aging. (2021). Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/infographics/winter-safety-tips-older-adults Okun, M. A., et al. (2016). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), 634-645. Rusch, H. L., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic growth among survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(6), 936-946. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516.Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS

Youve always taken great pride in being able to get yourself to where you want to go, whether its picking up the grandkids from school or walking to the grocery store with your neighbor. When needs change and its harder to access reliable transportation, though, its important to find new ways to get around so you can stay on the go. Maybe youve hung up the car keys and started asking family members to shuttle you to appointments. You may feel like youre losing your independence, but with senior transportation options, it doesnt have to be that way.In fact, the change offers the chance to experience getting around with an ease, freedom and dependability you may not have had before. With senior transportation, an essential aspect of active senior living, you can continue to do the things you love and live life to your fullest. Here are five ways senior transportation can help you do just that:More freedom and flexibilityLosing access to transportation can lead to feelings of loneliness since you may not be able to participate in activities, or see friends, as easily as you once did. With the ease of scheduling and access to local destinations senior transportation provides, though, you can take care of errands, make that doctors appointment and meet your pals out for dinner on your time. Having the freedom to leave the home when you choose is crucial to a fulfilling quality of life and the flexibility of senior transportation can help get you there.Safe, accessible service you can count onHealth issues may mean you need to stop driving, but that doesnt mean you have to slow down your active lifestyle. Senior transportation provides a safe, accessible way to get around thanks to experienced drivers and special accommodations for those using wheelchairs.Affordable and reliableCar maintenance can get expensive, and it sure doesnt help that gas prices are higher these days. No need to worry about car breakdowns or trips to the auto shop with senior transportation, though. Plus, senior transport services are often included in the cost of senior living communities so you can keep more of that money in your pocket instead of spending it on filling the tank.Less reliance on family caregiversLosing access to transportation often leads to leaning on family members for rides, particularly if youve moved into their home. Senior transportation can alleviate that need by providing a way for you to take control of your own schedule and get around when loved ones arent available.Reduced isolation and a more connected senior lifestyleIsolation and feelings of loneliness are common in older adults, especially those who live alone or have lost a spouse. Not being able to easily visit friends and family due to immobility can compound those feelings. Thats why senior transportation doesnt just provide an option for getting to necessities like doctors appointments, but also gatherings like a grandchilds piano recital, a walking group at the park or a Christmas tree lighting downtown with friends that give your life meaning and joy.Stay connected and independent with Five Star transportationAt Five Star Senior Living, we know that having the freedom to access the world outside our communities with safe, dependable transportation is key to a happy, healthy and connected lifestyle. Thats why our residents can take advantage of our shuttle service for errands, appointments, and outings to local destinations and events. With so many amenities available inside our communities, though, including dining, fitness classes, beauty parlors, chapels, movie theaters and more, you may find you can get much of what you need without hopping on a shuttle to get there. The best part? Its included in the cost of senior living, so you wont see any added fees on your one, simple monthly payment. Find a community near you to learn more about how Five Star can get you where you need to go from a community that feels just like home.