For more information on Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh, Click Here.Zumba has become one of the most common exercise programs that is available to the masses. More importantly, it has begun to catch the interest of older adults as well. If you are considering signing up for a Zumba program, here is some information that might help you before your session.What Is Zumba?Surprisingly, Zumba is actually not a recent invention. Having been around since the 1990s, it is a dance-based workout program that is heavily based on Latin American dance music and techniques. Its appeal is largely based on the idea that it allows participants to stay active without having to go through the conventional movements associated with workouts and exercise. In other words, it engages the community by creating interest and fun movements.Despite not seeming like a workout routine, it actually works with interval training and resistance training techniques that do help people get fit and stay fit.Benefits of ZumbaThere are many different benefits of Zumba. The most obvious benefit is that it is, at the end of the day, a type of exercise. This helps older adults stay active and get in some physical exercise regularly. More importantly, it can be easily catered towards different physical abilities by matching the moves and effort level to the individuals competence.On top of the workout, Zumba also helps with increasing flexibility and improving cognitive abilities. Maintaining coordination is important to getting better at Zumba and this will help participants maintain optimal levels of brain activity.On top of this, as a dance-based program, music is an essential part of the experience. Moving and interacting with music that appeals to individuals can improve moods and decrease anxiety in the same way that music therapy helps.Zumba is also a social exercise where participants will have to interact with each other. This helps the exercise program to avoid becoming stagnant and will also allow participants to form meaningful friendships with one another. A large number of older adults that live alone will experience social isolation that can affect their mental health. Having accessible Zumba sessions regularly can help to alleviate these concerns and allow people to be part of a community.Some Considerations Before You StartBefore you settle on an instructor, it is important to get a licensed Zumba instructor. This is because regular Zumba can be intense and confusing for first-timers, and it is important to have an instructor that can guide you and modify movements if necessary.Enjoy Senior-Centric Fitness Options at Aston Gardens At Pelican MarshAs we grow older, there is a myth that it is necessary to slow down and become more sedentary. However, just because it is harder to keep up with what we did in our younger days does'nt mean that older adults have to give up on living an active and fulfilling life. This is why it is important to have accessible senior-centric activities and programs to engage older adults.Our team at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh achieves this by offering various exclusive senior living programs to meet the unique needs of our residents. Whether it is enjoying community activities or special activities, there are many opportunities to look forward to and live each day with purpose.For more information on our senior living options and the programs offered to our residents, contact us today!

For more information on Aston Gardens, Click Here.Prior to making the move to any one of our Florida senior living communities or any other, a major undertaking must occur downsizing. And a mission it is. While some downsize in stages and have already moved to smaller homes in the recent years before moving to an independent living community, others come from homes they have lived in for 30-40 years.Downsizing is a huge transformation that involves a massive course of action to de-clutter followed by a major shift in the way of thinking. To assist in the process, here are some tips for helping your parents downsize.Take Small StepsRather than trying to have your parents (primarily your mom) wrap their minds around the entire house, take small steps by tackling a room. By limiting the time you spend and taking a room that is relatively easy to de-clutter (see below), you can get your parents into the groove of getting rid of the stuff in the house. After a couple of rooms are cleaned out, a sudden change in thinking takes place and everyone is often on board. More than likely, one parent will embrace the whole idea and help you bring the other parent into the fold.De-ClutterBefore you can think about downsizing, you need to de-clutter. If you have ever performed a good spring cleaning or even cleaned out a junk drawer, you know how to create three piles keep, throw away and give away. When you de-clutter, you realize just how much junk you have accumulated over the years think about how much junk after 30-40 years! Once this is accomplished, you have a better idea of how to proceed. FYI you don't have to wait until your parents decide to move to de-clutter.Have a Plan for Furniture and BelongingsIt helps to select a new residence in a senior living community where you want to live so that you can have a plan for furniture and belongings. As adult children, you have ideas of what you want (you know you do) from your parents home you probably have even had discussions about how to divvy everything up. By deciding on a senior living community and particular residence there, you can help your parents decide what furniture works the best. You may even stand inside the apartment and mentally place furniture in each room with your parents. Then you can take what you want but be nice and share. Oh and once everything is decided, make sure those who take stuff are there to collect their stash by a certain date and time.Pare Down the StuffOnce you have a plan, it is time to pare down the stuff. Your parents no longer need as much so get them to think in terms of what they NEED versus what they WANT. For example, they no longer need 24 place settings of dishes and flatware; instead, make a suggestion to keep four or six place settings. The same goes with any collections your mother has accumulated over the years by proposing she keep two to three favorite pieces as d'cor in their new residence. For the mementos that belong to your parents, take it with you so you can take pictures and make a memory book of everything as a gift.Handle the Keepsakes with Kid GlovesIf your mother is like most, there are boxes upon boxes of art projects from school as well as favorite outfits, old baseball gloves and, the clay ash trays that you made in kindergarten. Your parents (mainly your mom) love these so handle the keepsakes with kid gloves. You may want to give each adult child and let each one of you take his or her own stash.Consult ProfessionalsIf you think you need help, you may want to consult professionals consultants who work exclusively with people to help them de-clutter and downsize. Sometimes they have the ability to help your parents get rid of what they do not need so that moving is easier and way less stressful. Plus, they are objective about everything there is no emotional attachment to anything from their perspective.The best tip we can offer you is to be patient and understanding. There is a lot of emotion wrapped up in the process of downsizing. Not only are your parents giving up what they know as normal to move to a community full people in the later years of their lives as well.

Aging can be difficult. As we grow older, we may not be as capable of managing our lives, experience more aches and pains, and have limited mobility. This is why retirement communities can be a great option for older adults to live their retirement to the fullest with the help of committed team members who can assist them with their needs. But what if your aging parent refuses to do whats best for them by insisting on aging in place? Here are five strategies you can use to convince your parent into an assisted living community in Fort Myers, FL.Mix up Your ApproachIf what you are doing has not been working, it is perhaps time to change your approach. If you have been expressing your fear and frustrations in hopes that it will resonate with your parent, perhaps try expressing love and concern instead. Your parent might still feel in control and that your worries are unfounded so try approaching it from a positive angle. Highlight the benefits of assisted living, like the amenities and activities they can take advantage of and the responsibilities they would be free of like maintaining a home. Give Them TimeWhen even a gentle approach does not work, consider dropping the subject for a while. When pushed into doing something they do not want, its easy for anyone to feel like they no longer have control of their lives and push back even more. Give your loved one a couple of weeks to think about it and evaluate the situation and you might be surprised to find out that they are open to the idea!Show How You FeelIf you have a good relationship with your aging parents, let them know how you feel. They care about you and your feelings. Rather than making it about them, talk to them about how their move would be beneficial for you. Perhaps you would love to care for them but are not able to juggle other commitments like work and children alongside. Let them know that you love them and want to care for them but are unable to do all of it together. Let them know that you want to find a way to help both you and them. However, be wary of your words and ensure that they are not misconstrued to make your parent feel like a burden. Get Help from OthersSometimes the person delivering the message matters. By involving others, you also make the message more compelling. If you feel like you are not getting through to your parents, you can try enlisting the help of some other trusted members of their life like their priest or pastor, physician, or another family member. Sources of authority such as a pastor or a doctor are more likely to sway your loved ones decision.Talking about senior living does not have to be difficult or painful. We hope these tips help the discussion and that both you and your aging parent come to an agreement about moving into assisted living.

For more information on Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh, Click Here.Do you have a loved one who struggles with memory issues? If so, you want them to receive the best care and treatment. You need someone who is nationally recognized for their approach to memory. You need to search no further than Aston Garden At Pelican Marsh for memory care in Naples, Florida.People with dementia face specific challenges. No one understands those challenges better than our caring professionals at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh. Well known throughout the nation, we use a person-centered approach that prioritizes each individuals unique needs. We pride ourselves on being a premier memory care community.SHINE Memory CareA leading nonprofit health organization in this nation, the Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to Alzheimer's research and care. They have specially acknowledged, with a National Certificate of Recognition, the SHINE Memory Care program curriculum at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh. Only an elite, small group of memory care providers in the United States shares this distinction.Our program is centered around scientific principles and uses an approach tailored particularly for each individual. This includes encouraging the following:Quality of lifeParticipation in appropriate socialization activitiesAnd general encouragement for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory affecting conditionsTo assist residents to focus on various life aspects, we engage a highly skilled team of professionals. We specially train our nurses on how to better serve residents and instill knowledge regarding diseases associated with memory care. Memory issues take a little piece of life from the individual who deals with them on a daily basis. Our mission is to help them recondition what they've lost through our SHINE Memory Care program.At Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh, everything your loved one needs can be found in one place. They receive high-quality medical care and will be well taken care of giving you peace of mind.Improve Self-Esteem, Boost Confidence, and Explore IndependenceThrough our SHINE Memory Care program, we give our residents the tools they need to improve self-esteem, boost confidence, and explore independence. Your loved one will make new friends and experience a sense of belonging. We encourage interactive activities to help them deal with stress, emotions, and more. We encourage good overall wellness with nutrient-rich meals and a fine dining atmosphere.Through our memory care program, we strive to achieve the following:In all aspects of daily living, promote active participationRather than concentrating on weaknesses, center treatment around each persons strengthsActively encourage stimulating mental activities, maintaining regular interactions, and physical exerciseWhenever needed, celebrate small successesTreatment PlansWith specially tailored treatment plans and holistic development, programs center on the needs of your loved one. Here are some examples:To maintain the happiness and health of your loved ones and to maintain safety, we are located in well-protected neighborhoods.To help residents unwind enjoyably, we offer activities with rich sensory experiences.Using science to encourage participation, awareness, and interaction, and to improve appetite, we employ well-decorated dining facilities.Each resident receives a My Story book that is custom-made.Our staff is constantly provided opportunities for regular training.With residents and families, we encourage extensive communication.Your Loved One Can Benefit from SHINE Memory Care at Aston Gardens At Pelican MarshAt our Naples, Florida location, Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh features SHINE memory care, and independent/assisted senior living. Our exclusive programs consist of Expressions concierge, Dimensions health and fitness, Impressions housekeeping and maintenance, Connections transportation, Celebrations activities and events, Sensations dining, Ambassadors Club, and more.Why not schedule a free tour of Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh? Wed love to show you around.