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The journey of aging looks different on everyone. People worldwide are living longer thanks to modern solutions that weren’t provided years ago. While we all dread the wrinkles and joint pains that are doomed to come, there’s 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, you’ll 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 Routine
It 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 can’t 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 it’s 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 don’t 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
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Hot summer days are a good time for everyone to think about staying hydrated. For older adults the topic of hydration is a year-round discussion that never goes away. Its a serious issue for most seniors but doesnt get resolved because it needs to be addressed every day and cant be solved with a pill.Seniors have a very high risk for dehydration, which is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after the age of 65. They have a greater risk of dehydration for many reasons, including the fact that as we age, our kidneys become less efficient at conserving fluids, our sense of thirst weakens, and we are less able to adjust to changes in temperature. Some medications like diuretics, sedatives, and laxatives can also cause increased fluid loss.Dehydration can cause temporary symptoms that mimic symptoms of Alzheimers. If dementia-like symptoms seem to appear suddenly, it could be dehydration which is easily curable.Symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, confusion, lethargy, increased heart rate, sunken eyes, dry mouth, dark colored urine. Urine should be clear to pale yellow. I tell my clients that if their urine is darker than pale yellow, they should head straight to the kitchen from the bathroom and drink a full glass of water. Keeping a glass of water beside you all day to sip on rarely results in someone drinking enough fluids. Its more effective to drink the entire glass, even if its a small glass. Seniors cant rely on their sense of thirst to tell them when to drink water. Scheduling a glass at each meal and/or after a bathroom visit, making sure to drink the full glass, is the best way to make sure youve gotten your full daily amount.If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Comfort. Easy elegance. Irresistible cuisine. Friends and family. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge. Our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities, perfect for those who are ready to expand their horizons. Our friendly community offers residents unrivaled access to everything our picturesque city has to offer, from a short drive to The Mall at Robinson or enjoy an afternoon at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Within our spacious community, spend the day your way with morning yoga and afternoon art classes followed by an evening conversation with friends over wine and cheese. Come see all that good living can be.Senior Living Apartments in Moon TownshipMaking a change is never easy, but we think you will love life in our stunning senior living community, Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Our Independent Living community features gorgeous one bedroom apartments sized from 670 to 890 square feet and two bedroom apartments ranging in size from 940 to 1,310 square feet. Featuring full-size kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and chic granite countertops, our sunny apartments are bathed in light and feature breathtaking mountain views. The Harmony at Diamond Ridge Dining ExperienceDining at Harmony at Diamond Ridge provides a delicious journey into the bounty of fresh ingredients available to us year-round. Our executive chef and culinary team prepares elegant meals every day, filled with flavor, enjoyable and nutritious. Enjoy a lovely dinner in our sophisticated dining room or grab a snack in the bistro after your morning exercise class. Great dining experiences play an essential role in our community, offering opportunities to get to know your neighbors, share the news of the day and celebrate special occasions. What could be more enticing than catching the aroma of freshly baked cookies or the intoxicating whiff of a holiday meal as you relax in front of the fire? Nothing says home better than a fine meal among friends and family.Our chef designs each menu to celebrate new flavors while honoring the favorite recipes our residents have come to know and love, helping delight even the most selective diners. Residents of Personal Care enjoy three chef-inspired meals per day along with an in-home kitchenette, perfect for preparing a quiet snack or a cup of morning coffee. Residents of our Independent Living enjoy one chef-inspired meal daily included in their rent, as well as their own full-size kitchen designed for daily cooking. Residents are welcome to add more meals to their plan as needed. Peruse our sample menu, and join us for brunch or a special event at Harmony at Diamond Ridge.Services & Amenities at Harmony at Diamond RidgeBeautifully designed accommodations set the bar high for distinctive senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge in , Pennsylvania, but its our services and amenities that really set us apart. The advantages begin with our stunning location, close to the natural beauty of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the superior health care services of the PAM medical system, and go-to shopping destinations like ALDI, Target Grocery, and The Mall at Robinson. Our community offers amenities reminiscent of a fine resort, with an onsite fitness center, restaurant-style dining, organized activities, and a friendly team available around the clock to answer your call. Scroll down our long list of advantages and get in touch for a tour.Independent LivingAir Conditioning Move In Assistance Wi-Fi Available Custom Lighting Private Balcony Laundry Service High Ceilings Smoke-Free Private Patio Garbage DisposalTrash ServiceIn-Home Washer and Dryer Weekly Housekeeping Dishwasher Microwave Ceiling FansRefrigerator Full KitchenStainless-Steel AppliancesEnergy Efficient AppliancesKitchenette You have earned every moment of your free time, and at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we want to make sure you can spend it exactly as you wish. Our monthly calendar of events and activities offers so much more than a way to pass the time. Residents and our Life Enrichment Director work together to create diverse, engaging, and stimulating opportunities for physical wellbeing, intellectual vigor, and pure, simple fun. Take part in seminars offering the latest and most relevant wisdom regarding senior health, join discussions of current events, enjoy cooking demonstrations, arts exploration, and so much more. You or your loved one will also enjoy a variety of off-campus activities. Dip into the local arts scene, sample the latest hot spot for lunch, or visit the Clever Park for a stroll. There is a lot to love about life in and Harmony at Diamond Ridge is the ideal home base.Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour!
Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Comfort. Easy elegance. Irresistible cuisine. Friends and family. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge. Our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities, perfect for those who are ready to expand their horizons. Our friendly community offers residents unrivaled access to everything our picturesque city has to offer, from a short drive to The Mall at Robinson or enjoy an afternoon at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Within our spacious community, spend the day your way with morning yoga and afternoon art classes followed by an evening conversation with friends over wine and cheese. Come see all that good living can be.Personal Care Harmony at Diamond RidgeTheres a lot to experience at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, and our Personal Care community in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to helping you and your loved one find the most joy in what each day has to offer. Our caring staff works together with you and your family to create an individualized service plan based on a comprehensive assessment. We cater to the whole person, meeting such needs as assistance with medications, scheduling health care appointments, or offering a friendly escort to meals and activities.Spacious, Comfortable ApartmentsThe Personal Care apartments and companion suites at Harmony at Diamond Ridge are sized to fit your unique lifestyle, ranging from cozy, sunlit studios to airy two bedroom apartments. The living is easy and comfortable with large bathrooms, generous storage, and available kitchenettes. Best of all, we take care of the housekeeping and laundry, so you can spend your time doing the things you really love, surrounded by the people who most make you happy. One monthly fee covers rent for your living space, delicious restaurant-style dining, an exciting calendar of events, and the support needed to enjoy it all. View our gallery to take a closer look at Harmony at Diamond Ridge. In our Personal Care neighborhood at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, comfort reigns with charming studio suites sized from 330 to 350 square feet, one bedroom apartments from 450 to 730 square feet, and two bedroom apartments up to 950 square feet. The Harmony at Diamond Ridge Dining ExperienceDining at Harmony at Diamond Ridge provides a delicious journey into the bounty of fresh ingredients available to us year-round. Our executive chef and culinary team prepares elegant meals every day, filled with flavor, enjoyable and nutritious. Enjoy a lovely dinner in our sophisticated dining room or grab a snack in the bistro after your morning exercise class. Great dining experiences play an essential role in our community, offering opportunities to get to know your neighbors, share the news of the day and celebrate special occasions. What could be more enticing than catching the aroma of freshly baked cookies or the intoxicating whiff of a holiday meal as you relax in front of the fire? Nothing says home better than a fine meal among friends and family.Our chef designs each menu to celebrate new flavors while honoring the favorite recipes our residents have come to know and love, helping delight even the most selective diners. Residents of Personal Care enjoy three chef-inspired meals per day along with an in-home kitchenette, perfect for preparing a quiet snack or a cup of morning coffee. Residents of our Independent Living enjoy one chef-inspired meal daily included in their rent, as well as their own full-size kitchen designed for daily cooking. Residents are welcome to add more meals to their plan as needed. Peruse our sample menu, and join us for brunch or a special event at Harmony at Diamond Ridge.Services & Amenities at Harmony at Diamond RidgeBeautifully designed accommodations set the bar high for distinctive senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge but its our services and amenities that really set us apart. The advantages begin with our stunning location, close to the natural beauty of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the superior health care services of the PAM medical system, and go-to shopping destinations like ALDI, Target Grocery, and The Mall at Robinson. Our community offers amenities reminiscent of a fine resort, with an onsite fitness center, restaurant-style dining, organized activities, and a friendly team available around the clock to answer your call. Scroll down our long list of advantages and get in touch for a tour.Personal CareBeautiful, Spacious ApartmentsMultiple Floor Plan OptionsAssistance with Activities of Daily LivingDelicious & Nutritious Meals Prepared by an Executive ChefRestaurant-Style DiningHousekeeping & Laundry ServicesTransportation to Shopping & Medical Appointments You have earned every moment of your free time, and at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we want to make sure you can spend it exactly as you wish. Our monthly calendar of events and activities offers so much more than a way to pass the time. Residents and our Life Enrichment Director work together to create diverse, engaging, and stimulating opportunities for physical wellbeing, intellectual vigor, and pure, simple fun. Take part in seminars offering the latest and most relevant wisdom regarding senior health, join discussions of current events, enjoy cooking demonstrations, arts exploration, and so much more. You or your loved one will also enjoy a variety of off-campus activities. Dip into the local arts scene, sample the latest hot spot for lunch, or visit the Clever Park for a stroll. There is a lot to love about life and Harmony at Diamond Ridge is the ideal home base.Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour!
Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Memory Care Harmony at Diamond RidgeCaring for a loved one living with Alzheimers Disease or another form of dementia can be overwhelming and have a profound effect on everyone in your family. Our Memory Care neighborhood in Harmony at Diamond Ridge features all the best elements of home, combined with the 24/7 support of our highly trained, compassionate family of caregivers. And because we know that people live happier, more fulfilled lives when they are recognized and celebrated for the individuals they are, we make sure every resident gets the specialized attention they deserve. Our industry-leading caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures that every senior who makes Harmony at Diamond Ridge their home is continually supported in an environment created to bring warmth, light, and connection to every moment. In our Memory Care neighborhood residents enjoy a private, home-like atmosphere with warm finishes and large, easy-to-navigate bathrooms. Senior Living, EnrichedOur Harmony Square Memory Care neighborhood blossoms in a loving environment, exemplified by our Signature Memory Care Program Reflections. Reflections is a Family-Focused Art and Music Centered Memory Care Program that engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. Caring for our memory care residents like they truly are our family sets our memory care apart.Reflections - 5 Key ComponentsFamily FocusedWellnessReflections Program- Echoes in Time - Art Therapy- Rhythms Music TherapyDining with DignityHarmony Square NeighborhoodThe peace of mind, comfort, and convenience that come with individualized support and services provided by loving and caring staff are the foundation of our Personal Care and Memory Care programs. Its amazing how a little bit of help can restore energy and improve wellbeing. At Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we appreciate the importance of family and look forward to bringing our families together. Feel engaged, relaxed, and safe as a member of our vibrant community.Contact us today to learn more.