Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community

10 Ways to Stay HydratedBeat the Heat with These HacksWe are often dehydrated before we even feel thirsty. We lose water through sweating, urinating, and breathing.  According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink 11.5 cups a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups a day.Does keeping up with your fluid intake feel daunting? Read on for different ways you can stay on track from Registered Dietitian Lila Cornelio.Start Your Day with a Glass of WaterKickstart your hydration first thing in the morning with a glass of water. This can help replenish fluids lost overnight and set a good hydration habit for the day.Carry a Reusable Water BottleHaving a reusable water bottle on hand makes it easier to sip water throughout the day. Choose one that's easy to carry and holds a good amount of water to encourage regular drinking. Infuse Your Water with Fruits and HerbsAdd a burst of flavor to your water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, berries, or herbs like mint and basil. This can make drinking water more enjoyable and encourage you to drink more.Eat Water-Rich FoodsIncorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These can contribute to your overall hydration.Set RemindersUse your phone or a hydration app to set regular reminders to drink water. This can help ensure youre drinking consistently throughout the day.Opt for Hydrating BeveragesWhile water is the best option, other beverages like herbal teas, coconut water, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks can also help maintain hydration levels, especially if youre active.Monitor Your Urine ColorA simple way to check your hydration status is by the color of your urine. Light yellow indicates good hydration, while darker urine suggests you need to drink more fluids.Stay Cool with Ice PopsHomemade ice pops made from water, fruit juice, or blended fruits can be a refreshing way to boost your fluid intake while enjoying a summer treat.Hydrate Before, During, and After ExerciseIf youre engaging in physical activities, especially outdoors, make sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise to replace the fluids lost through sweat.Limit Caffeinated and Alcoholic BeveragesCaffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased fluid loss. Balance these with plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.Hydration is crucial during the summer, as higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports metabolic functions, and maintains overall health, making it essential for enjoying the season safely and energetically.-Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian at our Florida program, Trinity Health PACE of Pensacola. With education and expertise in public health, sports nutrition, and plant based nutrition, her passion lies in educating others how to nourish their body and mind in a fast paced world.   Mercy Life of Alabama is a PACE that offers numerous services for Seniors.  Learn more by visiting their website at: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/alabama/mercy-life-of-alabama/.

Lifes most tender moments often involve the companionship of our beloved pets.   How many of us giggle with delight when we get to pet a rabbit or a horse or hold a bird? From morning walks with our faithful dogs to the comforting purr of a cat in our lap, these interactions bring immeasurable joy. But why should these cherished experiences fade as we age or transition to senior living? At Grand Living, we recognize the importance of preserving these connections, valuing the unique individuals we serve, and their desire for pet experiences.Fostering Bonds Between Seniors and Their PetsRemember the exhilaration of a playful romp with your dog or the contentment of your cat nestled in your lap? These feelings are timeless and transcend age. At Grand Living, we celebrate the magic of pet companionship, whether residents bring their pets or wish to experience the joys of pet interaction.A Profound Impact on Physical and Mental Well-beingThe positive rewards of pet companionship extend far beyond the surface. Studies have revealed the benefits of having a furry friend by your side. Lowered blood pressure, improved mood, reduced depression, enhanced mobility, and increased physical fitness are just a few of the positive outcomes. Remarkably, these effects linger even after the interaction ends. A single daily interaction with a pet can have lasting benefits for hours and days.Grand Living at Tower Place residents enjoy pet therapy.One of the most profound advantages of pet companionship is the sense of purpose it brings. Caring for a pet offers a continuous source of affection and attention, infusing life with meaning. At Grand Living, we understand the significance of this bond in promoting emotional well-being. The simple act of nurturing a pet fosters immeasurable positivity in a persons life.Maintaining Pet Companionship in Memory CareMemory loss can pose challenges to pet care, but at Grand Living, were dedicated to overcoming obstacles. In our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program, we strive to enrich residents minds, bodies, and spirits. Recognizing the benefits of pet companionship, we make many adaptations to penetrate through memory loss to recreate the benefits of owning a pet.Innovative Pet Therapy ProgramsLLamas visit Grand Living at Indian Creek.Our Pet Therapy programs are both diverse and heartwarming. Within our communities, dedicated staff members bring therapy dogs to interact with residents. Beyond traditional cats and dogs, we introduce residents to llamas, therapy horses, and petting zoos featuring adorable baby lambs, goats, and rabbits. Additionally, other Grand Living residents and families bring their dogs to the LUMINATIONS neighborhood for daily visits.In a creative leap, weve introduced animatronic cats and dogs to our neighborhoods. These lifelike companions purr, yap, and play, captivating residents with the same joy as real pets. These interactions create a bridge to the past, allowing residents to relive the joy of caring for and playing with pets.A Life Enriched: Championing the Joys of Senior LivingAs we grow older,  life can sometimes feel like a succession of losses. At Grand Living, we meet this challenge head-on, striving to fill the lives of our residents with warmth, happiness, and fulfillment. The power of pet companionship cannot be underestimated its a connection that transcends time and infuses our days with purpose and delight.Age is no barrier to the profound joys of pet companionship. At Grand Living, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and their desire for pet experiences. Through our innovative programs, we ensure that the benefits of pet companionship are accessible to all, even in the face of challenges like memory loss. The warmth, love, and purpose that pets bring to our lives are boundless, and were committed to keeping that spirit alive in every step of our residents journey.

For many people, the idea of a senior living community includes images of older adults sitting alone in their rooms or napping in a common area. These negative perceptions do not actually reflect the active lifestyle lived by most American seniors. According to a study by the University of Michigan, a growing number of older adults are embracing healthy living, staying physically active and remaining socially engaged.  When a senior and their family begin to consider transitioning to a senior living community, lifestyle, engagement and health are always top considerations. Simply because an older adult may need more daily assistance or support with the activities of daily living, it doesnt mean they will want to stop practicing their hobbies or keeping up with life enrichment activities they love. Many senior living communities help accommodate these pursuits through their life enrichment programs.So, how important is life enrichment for seniors? And what are the benefits of life enrichment programs? What Does Life Enrichment Mean?What does life enrichment mean? Life enrichment programs for seniors include plans and activities that support a seniors social, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. In addition to encouraging creativity and personal growth, life enrichment programs are designed to keep seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community.While senior enrichment programs may seem like perks, they play a much more important role in senior living communities than just fun and games! Activities that suit a seniors active lifestyle and programs that engage their minds add greatly to the quality of life for older adults. Here are a few ways life enrichment programs benefit seniors:Keeping seniors activeAn active lifestyle is a vital part of healthy aging. Remaining active into the golden years of life can help seniors to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, prolong independence and help to manage chronic medical conditions. Life enrichment programs that include physical activity can keep seniors moving. At Anthology of King of Prussia, seniors enjoy access to an indoor pool, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs.Creating social connectionsStrong personal relationships give people comfort and support at any age. Feeling connected to others can help seniors reduce stress and anxiety, while also lowering the risk of depression. For seniors who live alone or who have limited mobility, it can be challenging to stay socially active. Life enrichment programs in senior living communities often have a social focus, which helps seniors to make connections. At Anthology of Farmington Hills, residents enjoy daily social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as thoughtfully designed common areas, including a sunroom.Supporting cognitive healthMany senior enrichment programs include activities that promote cognitive health. Keeping the mind active supports memory and reasoning abilities, while giving seniors an overall sense of achievement. By participating in life enrichment programs, seniors can preserve and sometimes improve their brain health. At Anthology of Plano, residents have a community activity center with game rooms, a library and reading rooms to enjoy books, games and puzzles, all of which promote brain health. Life Enrichment Activities for SeniorsDaily engagement through life enrichment activities for seniors helps to encourage bonds with loved ones, build new relationships and explore new hobbies. Anthology Senior Living designed our Elements of Life Enrichment program around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness. Anthologys six dimensions of wellness include:Physical HealthSocial HealthEmotional HealthIntellectual HealthSpiritual HealthEnvironmental HealthThis unique life enrichment program truly nurtures the full mind, body and spirit. From participating in a group fitness class to joining other residents for a card game or an off-site adventure, the Elements program keeps residents energized and encourages them to make the most of each and every day. Examples of life enrichment activities that are part of the Elements program include:A calendar of daily social, cultural and recreational senior living activities for residents to choose from, such as art classes, happy hours, fitness classes, yoga, dance and walking clubsFitness, exercise and wellness programs designed to engage residentsThoughtfully designed common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces for social gatheringsThe Directors of the Elements Life Enrichment program at Anthology provide opportunities and activities to keep residents engaged, while also improving the balance and functional movement for a better life within the Anthology communities. Our diverse monthly calendars are full of senior living activities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of Anthology residents. At Anthology Senior Living, we also understand that effectively improving seniors everyday experiences means not just customizing their activities to meet their specific preferences and tastes, but also ensuring that their daily routine has some variety.  About Anthology Senior LivingAll of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At Anthology of Boynton Beach, and all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping so residents can focus on fun and enjoyment. Theres so much to do at Anthology Senior Living that you will wish you had moved in sooner! Every day, various organized activities are available to participate in. From art classes to happy hours to brain games and fitness classes, theres something to indulge every taste. At Anthology Senior Living, your time is always your own. Choose as many or as few activities as you desire. View our calendars and see the wide variety that we have to offer.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations. Or contact us today to set up a tour!