The Benefit of Wellness and Exercise for People with Parkinson's Disease

Safe Summer Activities For SeniorsStroll in the ParkA gentle walk in the park is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. Parks often have well-maintained paths that are easy on the joints and provide a scenic backdrop. Walking helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mood. Dont forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the summer sun!GardeningGardening is both a relaxing and rewarding outdoor activity. Whether its planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs, getting your hands dirty in the soil can be very therapeutic. It also offers light physical exercise and a sense of accomplishment as you watch your plants grow. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.Tai Chi or Yoga in the ParkMany parks offer Tai Chi or yoga classes designed for seniors. These activities are excellent for enhancing flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. Plus, doing them outdoors adds an extra layer of tranquility. Check with local community centers or senior groups for schedules.Bird WatchingBird watching is a peaceful and educational way to connect with nature. All you need is a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook. Many parks and nature reserves have designated bird-watching areas where you can spot various species. This activity sharpens the mind and encourages patience and observation skills.FishingFishing is a timeless activity that combines relaxation with the thrill of the catch. Many local lakes and rivers are well-stocked and have areas easily accessible for seniors. Ensure you have the appropriate fishing license and gear, and dont forget your hat and sunscreen!Safety Tips For Seniors Enjoying The OutdoorsWhile enjoying National Play Outside Day, keeping safety in mind, especially during the hot summer months is essential. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and pleasant outdoor experience:Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your activities to stay hydrated.Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and supportive footwear.Time Your Activities: Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.Buddy System: If possible, engage in outdoor activities with a friend or family member for added safety and companionship.Know Your Limits: Listen to your body and dont overexert yourself. Take breaks as needed and seek shade to cool down.National Play Outside Day is a splendid reminder of the joys and benefits of spending time outdoors. By choosing activities that are both fun and safe, seniors can enhance their physical health, boost their mental well-being, and relish the simple pleasures of nature. So, put on your walking shoes, grab your hat, and lets celebrate the great outdoors!

The Link Between Social Connection And Physical HealthNumerous studies have highlighted the strong correlation between social interaction and physical health. Older adults who maintain active social lives tend to have lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and stronger immune systems. This is partly because social activities often encourage physical activities, whether its a brisk walk with friends, a dance class, or a game of tennis. Moreover, having a robust social network can improve adherence to medical advice and encourage proactive health behaviors, such as regular check-ups and adherence to medication schedules. Mental And Cognitive BenefitsStaying socially connected is equally crucial for mental health. Social interaction can stimulate cognitive functions, keeping the brain active and engaged. Older adults who participate in social activities often exhibit better memory retention and slower cognitive decline. Engaging in conversations, playing strategic games like chess or bridge, and even participating in group discussions can enhance cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimers disease. Furthermore, social interaction provides emotional support, which is vital for mental health. Loneliness and isolation are significant risk factors for depression and anxiety in older adults. Regular contact with friends and family can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing feelings of loneliness and boosting overall mood. Emotional Well-Being And Quality Of LifeHuman beings are inherently social creatures. We thrive on connections and interactions. For older adults, maintaining these connections can vastly improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Being part of a community or social group can provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, which are crucial for emotional stability. Sharing experiences, laughter, and even challenges with others can foster a sense of companionship and support, which is essential for emotional health.Practical Steps To Stay Socially Connected Join Clubs and Groups: Whether its a book club, gardening group, or exercise class, these activities provide regular opportunities for social interaction. Volunteer: Volunteering not only benefits the community but also provides a sense of purpose and an opportunity to meet new people. Many organizations welcome volunteers for their experience and wisdom. Use Technology: For those with mobility issues or who live far from family, technology can be a lifesaver. Video calls, social media, and online forums can help older adults stay connected with loved ones and make new friends. Attend Community Events: Many communities offer events specifically geared toward older adults, such as dances, luncheons, and cultural activities. Participating in these events can be a fun way to meet new people and stay active. Maintain Family Connections: Regular visits, phone calls, and family gatherings can strengthen bonds and ensure that older adults feel connected and valued. Stay Connected For Better HealthThey key to healthy aging is not just about maintaining physical health; its about nurturing the mind and soul as well. Social connections play a pivotal role in ensuring that older adults not only live longer but also enjoy a higher quality of life. By fostering relationships and staying engaged with the community, seniors can enhance their physical health, stimulate their minds, and maintain emotional well-being. As society evolves, it is essential to recognize and support the social needs of our aging population.

In the realm of senior living, Grand Living stands as a beacon of holistic wellnessa sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit converge in harmony. Today, its not just about providing comfortable accommodations; its about fostering vibrant lifestyles that encompass health, wellness, and joy. Grand Living stands at the forefront of this evolution, offering a variety of fitness programs to enhance the lives of its residents. At the heart of this oasis lies not just a state-of-the-art gym, but a group of dedicated  Fitness Directors and Coordinatorsvisionaries of vitality, architects of well-being.These full-time stewards are more than instructors; they are mentors, guides, and companions on each residents fitness journey. Well-trained, knowledgeable, and deeply engaged, these  Fitness gurus possess an innate understanding of residents needs, crafting tailored experiences that elevate and enrich. From Makenna Hendrickson, Fitness Coordinator of Grand Living at Bridgewater  (Coralville, Iowa), At Grand Living, our fitness programs cater to all, regardless of fitness level. Each class is thoughtfully crafted to individual abilities, ensuring everyone is appropriately challenged. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where residents feel comfortable and inspired to improve their health while having fun working out alongside others. Makenna Hendrickson, Fitness Coordinator at Grand Living at Bridgewater (Coralville, IA) teaches Ladies Boxing.Within the Grand Spa and Fitness Center, residents embark on journeys of self-discovery, guided by these luminaries of vitality. As Shayda  Landi, Fitness Director of Grand Living at Riverstone (Sugar Land, TX) says, I passionately believe in the transformative power of staying active and healthy, regardless of age or stage in life. Witnessing residents increased drive and enthusiasm for fitness classes and observing their enhanced happiness and well-being from the outcomes, fuels my motivation to continually elevate their experience.Here, amidst a tapestry of fitness programs, the foundation of wellness is laid.Core Fitness Offerings: Strength, Balance, and Beyond*Lucas Malaguez, Grand Living at Tower Place (West Des Moines, IA) Fitness Director guides a resident with strength training.Tai Chi: An ancient art finds modern expression, as residents engage in slow, graceful movements to enhance balance, circulation, and mood.Balance Mastery: Empowering residents to embrace lifes every step with confidence, with targeted exercises designed for strength and fall prevention.Cardio Strength: A fusion of cardio and strength exercises, tailored for all fitness levels, igniting muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness.Core Strength: Strengthening the bodys stabilizers for balance, posture, and strength, whether seated or on the floor.Grand Living residents enjoy a fun fitness routine to maintain their health and well-being.Gentle Yoga Flow: A multi-level yoga class is designed to teach yoga basics offering modifications with mindful transitions. Breathwork and balance poses are incorporated to stretch and strengthen the body, calm, and center the mind.Yet, the canvas of well-being at Grand Living is vast, and our Fitness leaders offer more than the average exercise routines. Like all our Fitness Directors, Myra O Coin (Grand Living at Naples, FL, with over 30 years of master personal trainer and elite fitness instructor), can effectively develop customized wellness programs, some of which are outlined below. Beyond the Basics: Elevating Wellness, One Step at a Time*Mark Marron, Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota, FL) Fitness Director teaches Dynamic Drumming.Fitness Dynamic Drumming: A symphony of rhythm and motion, where drumsticks become wands of empowerment, unlocking hidden reserves of strength and joy.  Mark Marron, Lakewood Ranch Fitness Director regularly has Dynamic Drumming classes. He says, The best part of my job is being with the residents. There is never a day I am not excited to come to work. I take pride in my ability to not only make fitness fun for the residents but make the classes fun for me to teach!Daniel Tirado, Fitness Director at Grand Living at Tamaya (Jacksonville, FL)  demonstrates Rock  Steady Boxing.Rock Steady Boxing: A unique exercise program, based on training used by boxing pros, and adapted to people with Parkinsons disease. It involves stretching, cardiovascular exercises, gait and posture training, balance and strength work, and lots of shadow and bag boxing. Daniel Tirado, Fitness Director at Grand Living at Tamaya likes to teach Rock Steady Boxing.  He says, The best part of my job is the relationships Ive built with the residents and their families. To be entrusted with the well-being of their loved ones is an awesome privilege.Jaylon Carter, Fitness Director at Grand Living at Indian Creek (Cedar Rapids, IA)  says seeing how happy the residents are,  and hearing how much these classes have impacted their lives is worth doing his job.Pedal the World: A virtual expedition through distant lands, beckoning residents to explore, dream, and discoverall from the saddle of their stationary pedals.Aqua Fitness: More than just splashes in the pool, this water resistance cardio and weight-bearing exercise program transcends boundaries, engaging muscles and spirits alike in the gentle embrace of buoyancy.Chair Sports: The sports rotate based on the week, but all sports encourage fun competition and work on hand-eye coordination and range of motion in legs and arms.Grand Living residents enjoy and learn using SMARTfit Technology.SMARTfit Technology: The Path to Cognitive VitalityAt the heart of Grand Livings fitness arsenal lies SMARTfit technologya beacon of cognitive vitality. Through gamified neuro-rehab and brain health programs, residents engage in activities designed to enhance memory, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. Whether embarking on solo quests or joining small groups, residents unlock the keys to sharper minds and agile bodies.Outdoor Adventures: Embracing Natures BountyResidents at Grand Living playing pickleballHowever,  fitness at Grand Living isnt confined to four wallsit spills beyond, into the open embrace of nature. Residents are encouraged to breathe the fresh air, to feel the suns warmth upon their faces, and to revel in the beauty of shared experiences. Group walking, cycling, pickleballthe options are endless, limited only by the bounds of imagination.Grand Living resident enjoy the outdoors.At Grand Living, fitness isnt just about reps and routines; its about keeping the mind, body, and spirit connected and thriving every day. Its about fostering a community where wellness isnt a destination, but a way of lifea journey of self-discovery, shared laughter, and boundless possibility. Together, we embark on this odyssey, charting courses unknown, as we sculpt the masterpiece of our collective well-beingone step, one breath, one heartbeat at a time. Welcome to Grand Livingwhere wellness knows no bounds, and every day is an adventure in vitality.*Grand Living Fitness programs vary by each community and may change at any time. Visit any Grand Living community to see our Grand Spa and Fitness Centers and all the rich amenities we offer. To schedule your exclusive and Grand Tour, click here.