Quite a few seniors struggle with health challenges post-retirement. In addition to run-of-the-mill aches and pains, many develop chronic health conditions like diabetes. It doesnt help that it takes a significant amount of extra work to be fit when youre older its easier to just sit on the couch and watch TV! Being in poor shape makes it hard to have a happy, rewarding life. If youd like to improve the quality of your life, you must take control of your health. Good health gives you the energy you need to pursue fun activities and, generally, lead the life youve always wanted. Following are some practical suggestions on how seniors can take control of their health for a better quality of life: Exercise more Exercise offers incredible benefits. As Everyday Health can confirm, exercisemakes you happierreduces stressmakes you look youngerreduces risk of diseases and strokehelps you digest food betterimproves your quality of sleepYou dont need to exercise hard to enjoy these benefits either. Try low-key activities like walking, gardening, cycling, and playing golf! Do whatever you enjoy and youll do more simply because you are having fun.Maintain a beautiful living space Your living space has a massive impact on your mood and overall health. Living in a dirty or cluttered home may increase stress and unhappiness, not to mention make it harder for you to look after yourself. On the other hand, living in a well-maintained space is good for your mental wellbeing and makes it easier to look after yourself. If your home needs work, you can clean, declutter, and redecorate. Downsizing for easier maintenance is also an option.  Start an enjoyable hobby Hobbies are much more than fun pastimes they can teach you things, bust stress, keep your brain in top shape, and some can even be great exercise. Everydays offers 40 hobby ideas for seniors. Some interesting options include bird watching, metal detecting, dancing, getting a pet, photography, fishing, volunteering, and bicycling.  Find some that interest you and a group for some companionship.Eat better They say you are what you eat and theyre not wrong! According to Harvard Business Review, food fuels your body and also impacts your mood. Switching to healthier foods ones high in protein, vitamins, calcium, minerals, and dietary fibers can go a long way toward keeping you in good shape. Some examples of foods you may want to consider adding into the mix include oatmeal, nuts, mushrooms, kiwis, and greek yogurt.  Stay connected to your family and community Humans are highly social creatures needing a significant amount of social interaction to remain healthy. Spending time with your family and members of your community, whenever you can, is a great way to tune up your mental and emotional health. There are several ways to get the socialization you need  joining senior groups, finding a hobby, volunteering, playing group sports, taking classes, participating in family activities, and more. Organize your lifeA well-organized life can help you feel emotionally secure and stable. This involves several things having a financial plan for the future, having chronic health conditions (if applicable) under control, and having a healthy routine to follow. Estate planning and making a will are also things you should look into knowing your affairs are in order and your loved ones taken care of can give you peace of mind. You can reach out to Stone Law  for convenient estate planning. Starting a business to stay busy Many seniors start their own businesses these days. It keeps them busy, makes for a constructive way to pass the time, and can be very fulfilling. If youre interested in starting a business, its a good idea to know what youre getting into. When you have an idea, think about how youll get started, and how youll operate. Writing a business plan can help you stay organized. Once you have a plan, check with an attorney at Stone Law to ensure you get everything set up correctly from the start. One of the most common ways to set up a business is by registering as an Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC limits your personal liability as business assets are separate from personal assets. If your business is ever sued, only business assets are at stake. Other benefits include easier paperwork and organizational flexibility. While you can file the paperwork yourself, getting help from Stone Law you can be confident your business is set up correctly with all the proper paperwork in place from the beginning. You can rest assured that we know all the legal ins and outs of setting up an LLC or other business so you dont have to worry.Good health is your ticket to a happy, rewarding life post-retirement. When youre in good mental and physical shape, you have the enthusiasm and the energy you need to live life to the fullest. Following a self-care schedule, staying connected to loved ones, and staying busy can all help you remain in top shape. 

Staying physically active is crucial for people of all ages. As we grow older it becomes even more essential. Being active in a routine exercise program can have many benefits including flexibility, emotional well-being, and heart, bone, and joint health.  As we age it may become more difficult to find physical activities that are enjoyable and appropriate for our physical limitations. Especially those with limited mobility or chronic conditions. Here are a few exercise ideas for seniors that may be of interest and accessible for everyone to stay active and healthy at any age.  WalkingWalking doesnt require expensive equipment or fancy clothes.  It can be done anywhere, anytime.   You can walk at the local senior center with friends, in the neighborhood with your family or on your own around a park. Starting slow and knowing your limits is key.  Building distance and intensity can increase in time or just remain the same. It is your exercise program, your choice.  Balance and Exercise ClassBalance and Exercise classes have been known to show to improvement in balance, flexibility, and even mental health. Joining a low-impact exercise class is a great way to be surrounded by those also interested in improvement and in a safe, supervised environment.   You can join these classes in a group setting at the local Senior Center, on video from the library or online in the comfort of your own home.  Most of these classes take into consideration all levels of functional abilities. SwimmingSwimming is another low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and muscles. Many recreation and senior centers offer water exercise classes for movement such as aerobics specifically designed for seniors.Dancing and Movement ClassDancing may seem like something difficult if you have limitations or chronic illness but there are specially designed classes to consider all individual needs.  Dancing is a great way to move and have fun at the same time. It can be ballroom, line dancing, or just movement to your favorite music, it all can improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. Many community centers and senior centers offer dance classes specifically tailored for seniors. It is never too late for anyone of any age to start moving.Starting out slow and small can build to make a great impact.   Before you get started it is always best to consult with your physician first.  They will let you know areas of limitations and signs to watch for specific to you and your medical conditions.  For more information about the exercise programs and activities hosted at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community contact us today.    

The journey of Alzheimers and dementia is not only a medical challenge but a profound emotional experience that impacts not only the individuals affected but also their loved ones. At the heart of this journey lies the art of communication, a skill that gradually slips away as the conditions progress. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of communication in the realm of Alzheimers and dementia, understand the challenges faced, and uncover strategies that can help bridge the gap and bring comfort to our senior loved ones.Alzheimers and dementia are neurodegenerative disorders that cast a shadow over memory, cognition, and communication. These conditions affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties in processing and understanding information. As caregivers and loved ones, understanding the landscape of these conditions is essential to provide appropriate care and support.Challenges in CommunicationCommunication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, but Alzheimers and dementia disrupt this crucial channel of connection. Seniors battling these conditions often face various challenges that hinder their ability to express themselves and engage in meaningful conversations. These challenges include:Word-Finding Difficulties: The gradual decline in vocabulary leads to pauses and hesitations as seniors struggle to recall and articulate words.Limited Vocabulary: Over time, the richness of their vocabulary diminishes, leaving them with a limited range of words to express themselves.Impaired Comprehension: Understanding spoken and written language becomes increasingly challenging, making it difficult for them to follow instructions or engage in discussions.Repetitive Speech: Memory lapses can lead to the repetition of phrases, questions, or stories, reflecting their frustration and need for reassurance.Non-Verbal Communication Issues: The ability to interpret facial expressions, gestures, and body language diminishes, causing misunderstandings and frustration.Navigating the Effects on Language and MemoryThe impact of Alzheimers and dementia goes beyond communication challenges, affecting memory and cognitive abilities:Memory Loss: Both short-term and long-term memories are compromised, making it difficult to remember recent events or even recognize loved ones.Language Comprehension: The ability to understand complex sentences and abstract concepts becomes progressively challenging, contributing to the breakdown in communication.Reading and Writing Difficulties: Declining linguistic abilities can lead to struggles in reading and understanding written material, and in some cases, even writing coherent sentences.Speech Changes: The rhythm and fluency of speech are disrupted, leading to fragmented sentences and pauses, which can be frustrating for both the individual and their caregivers.Social Isolation: Communication difficulties often result in seniors withdrawing from social interactions due to embarrassment or frustration, leading to increased isolation and potentially exacerbating cognitive decline.Strategies for Effective CommunicationAs caregivers and loved ones, it is our responsibility to adapt our communication strategies to better connect with seniors battling Alzheimers and dementia. Here are some proven strategies to enhance communication:Patience and Empathy: Practicing patience and showing empathy are foundational to effective communication. Taking the time to understand their emotions and being present with them can create a sense of security.Simple Language: Using clear and concise language reduces confusion. Break down complex ideas into smaller, understandable pieces to facilitate smoother conversations.Non-Verbal Cues: Engaging in non-verbal communication through touch, eye contact, and gestures can convey emotions and provide a bridge when words fall short.Offering Choices: Providing choices empowers individuals and fosters engagement. It also simplifies decision-making and encourages their participation in conversations.Visual Aids: Visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, or objects can help convey messages and ideas, transcending language barriers and making communication more accessible.Validation: Acknowledging their feelings and experiences validates their reality. By responding empathetically, you build trust and strengthen the connection.Dealing with Challenging BehaviorsCaring for seniors with Alzheimers and dementia requires understanding and addressing challenging behaviors:Responding with Understanding: Challenging behaviors often stem from frustration or confusion. Responding with patience and understanding rather than confrontation can defuse tense situations.Redirection: Gently redirecting their attention from the behavior to a more positive activity can help shift their focus and reduce agitation.Managing Sundowning: Seniors with Alzheimers may experience increased confusion and agitation during the evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning. Establishing calming routines and minimizing stimuli can ease this transition.Addressing Wandering: Wandering is another common behavior associated with Alzheimers and dementia. Minimize safety hazards, use visual cues, and engage them in purposeful activities to curb this behavior.Empowering Communication with Tools and ResourcesEnhancing communication also involves utilizing various tools and resources:Assistive Technologies: Speech-generating devices, augmentative and alternative communication apps, and text-to-speech software offer alternative means of expression, empowering seniors to communicate effectively.Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges in support groups provides a sense of community, validation, and shared experiences.Professional Guidance: Speech-language pathologists and healthcare professionals offer expertise in developing personalized communication strategies tailored to the individuals needs.Recommended Reading: Exploring literature on effective communication techniques, active listening, and understanding cognitive disorders equips caregivers with valuable insights and strategies.In the midst of the challenges posed by Alzheimers and dementia, effective communication becomes a beacon of hope. By understanding the unique hurdles seniors face, adopting empathetic communication strategies, and harnessing the power of assistive technologies and resources, we can bridge the gap between the world of words and the world of emotions. In doing so, we illuminate the path for our loved ones, enriching their lives and fostering connections that endure beyond the shadows cast by these conditions.