We live longer, healthier lives than ever before, which has upended many stereotypes about what it means to be over 60. More seniors are engaged and active well into their 80s and beyond. With so many more years ahead of us, its no surprise that dating among the senior set has also increased. Whether you have already dipped a toe into the senior dating scene or are curious about getting started, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind on your journey. Be ConfidentSocial norms are always changing. Today, its perfectly acceptable for you to make the first move and ask someone on a date, regardless of your background or gender. Whether you are using a smartphone dating app or website- LinkOpens in New Tab or chatting up a neighbor, having confidence in yourself is key. Keep an Open MindDont be too quick to judge, keep an open mind, and be an attentive listener. Ask questions. Be present in each conversation. This will make your date more engaging and enjoyable. Remember that those you are dating, like you, will have lived full lives of love, loss, hard work, and joy. This can all seem overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be. It can be truly thrilling to discover more about another person with a rich, full life.   Be Upfront With Your ExpectationsWhat are you looking to get out of a new relationship? Are there certain things that are absolutely off the table? Maybe you are seeking long-term commitment over a more casual situation. While you dont want to rule out a potential partner right away, it can be helpful to have these conversations early on to avoid hurt feelings.Dont Dwell on the PastWhile it can be fun to reminisce about certain moments in time, try not to dwell too much on the past- LinkOpens in New Tab on your first couple of dates. This should be time spent getting to know each other and your likes and interests. While your past informs who you are today, its not all that there is to enjoy. Dont fail to mention your current hobbies and interests. Sharing them can be a lot of fun!Be Respectful and KindMost first dates can be pleasant if you approach someone with kindness and respect. Youll no doubt be nervous, but dont forget the power of a positive attitude and a cheerful smile. Pay attention to your date and how they react to the way a conversation is going. Dont take offense if they dont respond how you might expect them to. A little bit of kindness can go a long way, whether you are seeking friendship or romance.Explore New Connections at Friendship VillageFriendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), is an exceptional place to pursue your passions and make new connections. Join a club, sign up for a group exercise class, or socialize over a nice meal or glass of wine. Here, every day is full of opportunity and the excitement of new adventure awaits around every corner.Contact us to learn more! 

Are Senior Housing Communities the Secret to Longevity? NORC Study Indicates Senior Housing Residents Live LongerDallas, TX (March 5, 2024) A groundbreaking study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago has shed light on the positive relationship between senior housing communities and the longevity and well-being of older adults. The research, supported by a grant from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), compares the health outcomes of older adults residing in senior housing communities to those living independently in the community.The study, spanning two years and analyzing various health measures, unveils compelling evidence in favor of senior housing. Key findings indicate that older adults who move into senior housing communities not only live longer but also receive more home health services and benefit from greater rehabilitative and preventive care compared to their counterparts in the community.The six measures analyzed include mortality, days alive, days away from home due to adverse health events, days receiving home health care, preventative and rehabilitative health services days, and days on anti-psychotics. The results paint a vivid picture of the advantages senior housing offers:Increased Longevity: On average, older adults who move into senior housing live more than one week longer than those living in the community, showcasing a lower mortality rate among senior housing residents.Enhanced Home Health Care: Senior housing residents receive an additional 10 days of home health care services compared to older adults living independently in the community.Greater Preventative/Rehabilitative Services: Older adults in senior housing receive four more days of preventative and rehabilitative services at home, contributing to a comprehensive approach to healthcare within these communities.Reduced Anti-psychotic Medication Use: Senior housing residents spend three fewer days on anti-psychotics than their counterparts in the community, highlighting a potential decrease in the need for such medications in a senior housing environment.Furthermore, the study breaks down the variations across different types of private-pay senior housing communities, including continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), independent living communities (IL), assisted living communities (AL), and memory care communities (MC). Notably, residents in the top 25% of communities live 70 days longer than those in the bottom 25%, emphasizing the importance of quality care within senior housing settings.Ray Braun, CEO and president of NIC, emphasizes the opportunity for senior living sectors to integrate healthcare and housing, meeting consumer preferences and potentially reducing the overall cost of care over time. Lisa McCracken, NIC's head of research and analytics, points out that while the research demonstrates the overall value of housing and care, there is still much to learn from consistently top-performing communities.The study, the third part of a four-part project supported by NIC, aims to assess the health and well-being of senior housing and care residents. It builds upon previous studies that explored the vulnerability of senior housing residents, access to healthcare providers, and will culminate in assessing the overall health outcomes of residents in senior living settings.As the demand for comprehensive health and wellness support within senior housing grows, Dianne Munevar, vice president of health care strategy at NORC, suggests that senior housing operators can capitalize on this trend by differentiating the scope of preventative health services available in their communities.The NORC study provides compelling evidence that senior housing communities play a crucial role in extending and enhancing the lives of older adults, offering a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond traditional housing models. As the aging population continues to grow, understanding and implementing best practices from top-performing communities will be key to improving the overall health and well-being of residents in senior housing settings.

The main difference between independent living, assisted living, and skilled care is the level of support and assistance each type of facility provides. Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who are still relatively independent and do not need much help with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities provide a higher level of support and assistance, and skilled care facilities provide the highest level of care, including 24-hour nursing care.Determining what level of care you or your family member needs can be difficult however, our team is here to help you navigate this transition and we have resources like the Continuum of Care Quiz to help you decide which level is care is right for you or your loved one.We recommend exploring our care service pages, taking our care quiz, and scheduling a free consult before choosing which is right for you. In the meantime, here are some key differences between our care services all in one place.Independent LivingIndependent living residents dont need help with their activities of daily living but have chosen to simplify their lives so they can focus on whats most important to them and leave burdensome everyday tasks to the trusted staff.Residents are provided laundry and housekeeping services, creative and chef-prepared meals and snacks, cozy libraries with fireplaces, books, and puzzles, and beautifully landscaped grounds and patios.Independent living at Grace Pointe allows residents to maintain independence with private apartments, assuring them a strong sense of peace of mind through security features, nearby medical experts, and 24-hour emergency response systems.Grace Pointe offers a social atmosphere where residents can participate in group and individual activities and wellness classes, host their own gatherings in the common room and kitchen, meet with friends or family at the coffee bar & bistro or pamper themselves at the full-service salon and barbershop!Learn more about Independent Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Assisted LivingAssisted living residents are still fairly independent, but may find it challenging to accomplish daily tasks, and may have mobility issues, special dietary needs, medication management concerns, or require help with bathing and dressing.As a full-service assisted living facility, Grace Pointe can provide medical transportation, assistance with medications, exercise and wellness programs, basic health status monitoring, assistance with toilet use and bathing, and nursing supervision or monitoring.Residents in assisted living may require some help with their daily tasks but dont require extensive medical care.Seniors moving into assisted living at Grace Pointe do so for the security of knowing that we have 24-hour staffing, for the socialization that a community provides, and for oversight and assistance when and if it becomes necessary.Learn more about Assisted Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Skilled NursingSkilled Nursing at Grace Pointe includes 24-hour monitoring for residents with extensive medical needs and assistance by nurses and CNAs trained to address the everyday needs of residents in an elegant, home-like setting.Grace Pointes Skilled Nursing neighborhood has private units, each with comfortable adjustable beds, European showers, elegant dining and living room, chef-prepared meals, and a nurse call system.Learn more about Skilled Nursing at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.We have neighborhoods for Independent Living, Assisted Living and Long Term Care providing a comfortable home for you or your family member no matter the life stage.