Tips for Staying Happy and Healthy as you Age

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.

Here is your chance to live in a historically designated building two blocks from bustling Union Station.  Built in 1882, The Barth Hotel was originally a liquor warehouse, but it was soon converted into an upscale hotel. While the Barth Hotel Assisted Living is historic, it provides a home with tall ceilings, large and expansive windows, and beautiful features throughout the building Senior Housing Options (SHO) purchased the property in 1980 to help solve the problem of older adults being displaced in downtown Denver due to gentrification. SHO continues that mission today providing residential communities and caring services to enrich the lives of older adults in Colorado.  The Barth Hotel accepts Medicaid and private pay for a studio unit and is all-inclusive starting at just $4,000 a month.  All SHO Assisted Living properties provide three home cooked meals a day, snacks, medication administration, 24/7-person centered care, housekeeping and on-site maintenance and life enrichment activities that are included in the all-inclusive rate.  Call today for more information at 303- 534-7142 or plan to attend our open house on August 15, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 1510 17th Street Denver, CO 80202. If a quiet, park-like setting is more to your liking, come visit our Park Hill Residence half a mile east of City Park near the Denver Zoo.  Park Hill Residence was converted from a convent and still possesses its original charm.  There are recently renovated rooms available with the same all-inclusive benefits listed above.  These quaint rooms start at $4,000, Medicaid and private pay accepted.  Another development at Park Hill is the addition of an Adult Day Program beginning Fall 2024 for people 60+ with dementia.  If you would like Information about living at Park Hill or the Adult Day Program, they can be reached at 303-993-5049. Cinnamon Park is our beautiful, assisted living community in Longmont.  Founded by a group of physicians in 1984, Cinnamon Park became a SHO community in 1992.  We currently have availability that includes the same benefits all our residents at SHO assisted living communities enjoy with unit rates beginning at $4,000.  Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood, they share the campus with our affordable living senior community and enjoy many shared activities. We also have open waitlists for many of our affordable housing units too, including hard-to-find two-bedroom units at September House or Decatur in Denver.  If interested, please contact our main number at 303-595-4464. Senior Housing Options is celebrating 45 years of following our vision to assure Colorados older adults live and thrive in a safe, caring community regardless of their financial means.  Please save the date to attend our anniversary celebration on Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00pm 8:00pm at the Space Gallery located in the Denver Arts District.  Industry experts have been invited to speak and a buffet dinner will be served.  More information to follow.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.  Please contact Christine at 303-523-3362 if interested. Senior Housing Options, Inc. (SHO) is a nonprofit organization that serves low- and moderate-income older adults and adults with disabling conditions. SHO is unique in that we provide affordable housing in both the assisted living and more independent settings to those who need it most. We are one of Colorados most long-standing nonprofits in the affordable housing sector, providing the best options for older adults and those with disabilities. Please visit SeniorHousingOptions.org and subscribe to our newsletter, to learn more and keep in touch our phone number is 303-595-4464 and email is info@SeniorHousingOptions.org.