Bayshore Memory Care

Chris Casey, Director of Life Enrichment at Bayshore Memory Care in Naples, Florida, has been with the community since it opened in November, 2015. Chris has an extensive background in recreation, activities and fitness, working with youth and seniors for over thirty years.Chris has the honor of managing and coordinating the Life Enrichment department at Bayshore Memory Care, including the Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program. According to Chris, the Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program is one of the most exciting programs he has been a part of. The unique aspect of the HeartFelt Connections program is the way it celebrates each residents remaining abilities and offers a person-centered, activity focused continuum-of-care, creating success stories one small step at a time Chris stated. One of the daily activities that the program features is exercise. No matter the ability of the residents, we try to focus on the things the residents can do rather than the things they cant do. My staff and I gear the exercises so that everyone can participate, even if it means just moving one body part or helping to keep count throughout the exercise routine. Just being part of the group and socializing is very important to the residents wellbeing said Chris. Other program highlights include painting, creating with clay, Tai Chi and music. We have a variety of live entertainers perform music several times each month and more often than not a dance party breaks out! exclaimed Chris.Another unique life enrichment approach that Bayshore Memory Care offers is the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program features specialized outings and trips that take place at least once a week. Not only do we take trips to the beach, the parks and ice cream shop, but we take residents on more customized trips as well. Some of the places we have visited recently include a Ft. Myers Miracle baseball game, the Baker Museum at Artis-Naples and the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.I am so blessed to be able to work with the residents at Bayshore Memory Care as they have given me as much, if not more, than I have given to them. To get to know each resident on a personal level is such a pleasure. It brings me great fulfillment to be able to serve and care for my residents and do all I can to make each day special for them. Here at Bayshore Memory Care we Live in the Moment and we promise to make each moment better than the next said Chris.

For centuries now, meditation has been used to help people feel more at peace. And in recent years, meditation has increased in popularity due to its scientifically-proven benefits. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, the number of adults practicing meditation more than tripled in five years, from 4.1% to 14.2%Meditation involves training your mind to focus, relax and redirect your thoughts. This mindfulness training can increase awareness and self-reflection, along with improving self-care habits and relationships, according to a study in BMC Geriatrics.The most common types of meditation include:Loving-kindness meditationMantra meditationMindfulness meditationMovement meditation (Yoga)Spiritual meditationTranscendental meditationAll of these meditation styles are helpful for your mental health. Because these practices require different skills and mindsets, you should consider your needs and personality to find the one that works best for your lifestyle.Find out more about meditation for senior citizens and how it can help your health in this stage of life.

Sudoku, which has gained in popularity in the past dozen or so years, actually originates long before that, and not from where you might expect.Although sudoku is a Japanese word (meaning digit single), it got that name only around 1986. Variations of the puzzle first appeared in the 19th century, then reappeared again in 2004 in The Times of London, where it enjoyed a renaissance as a fun brain game.>> Read Fun Handheld and Video Games for SeniorsFind out more about how to play sudoku for beginners, why its a great game for seniors, some tips for playing it, and more you should know.Why Sudoku Puzzles Are Good for SeniorsSudoku is a memory-training activity. Like chess, it encourages you to think a few steps ahead to your next move, which is a good exercise for the brain. When people over 50 engage in thought games like sudoku and crossword puzzles, their brains function better, according to a study in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. In fact, study participants who worked such puzzles more than once a day had superior cognitive performance in key areas, such as reasoning, attention and memory.Here are four areas in which sudoku can help seniors:Concentration  Sudoku makes you think critically, which requires concentration. Since it requires careful thought, you will zero in on what youre doing.Learning  As you work more puzzles, your speed will increase, which indicates that youre learning more about the game. The brain enjoys learning, so this may help with other tasks.Memory  Sudoku is all about memory, keeping track of numbers and their location. As you work these puzzles, it will help you sharpen your memory.Relaxation  Taking even 10 minutes to tackle a sudoku puzzle helps pull you away from the other concerns of the day. A short break combined with brain work can help with stress.5 Best Tips for Playing SudokuThe rules for sudoku are simple. A 99 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically. To challenge you more, there are 33 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares cant have any repeat numbers either. The puzzles will help you get started by providing some correct numbers the fewer numbers provided, the more difficult the puzzle.Here are a few tips that can help beginners solve sudoku puzzles:1. Look for the Easy SolutionsMany puzzles will leave one or two blanks either in a line or in a box. A line might be missing a 5 and a 6, but a box along that line will already have a 6 in it, so you know this blank must be a 5, and the other blank must be the 6. The same may be the case for one or two missing numbers in the smaller boxes. Filling these blanks will get you on your way to a solution.2. Seek the Missing NumbersAs you fill in the easy solutions, you may start to find other missing numbers that are easy to place. In the above example, the box now has a 5, and that may help you solve that 33 area, or might help you solve the lines that cross that area. 3. Keep Scanning the Entire PuzzleIf you get stuck, dont concentrate too hard on one part of the grid. Let your eye scan the puzzle to find another place on the grid with new possibilities. You may find another quick solution.4. Constantly Re-Evaluate the GridWhenever you place a new number, see if that opens up a new row or box. It might narrow down the possibilities or make another number obvious. If you keep asking yourself which numbers youre missing in a line or grid, you might find it more quickly.5. Be Patient and Enjoy the HuntRemember that although you want to finish a puzzle, the point is to enjoy the challenge and work your brain as you relax. If you find yourself getting frustrated, walk away. Let your mind clear and try again later. The most important thing is to have fun.Where To Find Sudoku GamesThere are many books with sudoku puzzles available at your neighborhood bookstore or at the supermarket. You can also order these books through sites like Amazon.There are three other types of sudoku games: online playables, printables and phone or tablet apps. Online PlayablesThere are a number of sites online that will offer playable, easy sudoku puzzles for seniors. Here are a few:AARP  This site for seniors offers several different sudoku games, along with other playable online games like solitaire, arcade games and word games Seniors Guide  This site has timed puzzles available, with new ones daily. The puzzles are also printable.Seniors Online VIctoria  A website of the government of Victoria, Australia, offers puzzles in Easy, Mild, Hard and Difficult levels.Sudoku.com  This site is from Easybrain, a developer of scores of game apps available for download to a phone or tablet.WebSudoku  This no-frills site offers a new puzzle each day. These are also printable.PrintablesIf you cant have your tablet or laptop with you all the time or your phone screen is too small, or if you just feel more comfortable with paper and pencil, these sites offer free printable sudoku puzzles for seniors.Memory Improvement Tips  This site says it has 100 free sudoku puzzles of various difficulty ready to print out.Puzzles.ca  This Canadian site offers dozens of printable sudoku puzzles. More are added periodically. Readers Digest  This magazine site offers 20 puzzles to print out and try.Seniors Guide  These online puzzles are also printable so you can take them with you.WebSudoku  This site lets you print out new puzzles each day.Phone or Tablet AppsDownloading sudoku apps to your phone or tablet can make puzzle solving easier. These apps usually will offer hints or tell you whether your guess is correct so you dont get off track. Sudoku by Brainium Studios  This app offers five levels of difficulty. Available for Android or Apple.Web Sudoku  This developer offers different levels for iPad or Android. Sudoku by Beetles Studio This developer has sudoku apps for Android or Apple devices. Find Time To Have Fun at a Senior Lifestyle CommunitySenior Lifestyle communities take care of the everyday tasks of cleaning, washing and cooking, so you have time to relax and enjoy life. We offer care to fit your needs, whether Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care.Find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a tour today.

Podcasts keep growing in popularity among all ages. According to DemandSage, there are more than 5 million podcasts available, with more than 460 million listeners globally. But which ones are the best for seniors, and why should they listen anyway?Find out about podcasts, some of the best for seniors, and how to listen to them.Why Seniors Should Listen to PodcastsSeniors can benefit from listening to podcasts for various reasons, as they offer a wide range of outlooks that can enhance your life and well-being. Here are some reasons why you should consider listening to podcasts:Entertainment and enjoyment  Podcasts offer a diverse selection of entertaining shows, including comedy, storytelling and interviews. They can bring joy and laughter, making leisure time more enjoyable and fulfilling.Flexibility and accessibility  Podcasts are accessible on various devices like smartphones, tablets and computers. Seniors can listen at their convenience, whether its during walks, while cooking, or simply relaxing at home.Keeping informed  Podcasts can cover news, current events and discussions on societal topics, helping seniors stay informed and engaged in the world around them.Learning and education  Podcasts cover a vast array of topics, from history and science to personal development and language learning. Seniors can continue to engage their minds, learn new things, and stay intellectually active through podcast content.Social connection  Listening to podcasts on shared interests can provide seniors with topics for discussion, fostering social connections with friends, family, or fellow enthusiasts.12 of the Top Podcasts for Seniors1. 70 Over 7070 Over 70 is filled with the wisdom of elders. Host Max Linsky talks to 70 people over the age of 70 in these archived episodes. Celebrities such as Norman Lear and Dan Rather, along with everyday people, talk about their lives and how theyre making the most of their time right now.2. 99% InvisibleHost Roman Mars discusses design, architecture and other things you dont think about in the world in 99% Invisible. Recent episodes cover the player piano, creating shade in the public, and religious tracts. An outgrowth of this series is the book The 99% Invisible City. You can also subscribe to a newsletter.3. Better Health While AgingThis podcast for seniors and family caregivers gives practical information from a geriatrician and other experts. Better Health While Aging, hosted by Dr. Leslie Kernisan, has covered memory loss, senior decision making and what to know about COVID. She also speaks about hearing loss, estate planning and other topics of interest.4. BirdNoteBird watching is a growing interest for older Americans, and BirdNote is a quick podcast filled with facts and sounds about birds. In just two minutes, you can learn about bird nests, the Great Blue Heron, or architecture for birds, along with hearing the calming sounds of birds in the wild.5. Criminal Crime podcasts are one of the biggest categories, and Criminal is a podcast for any senior who may be interested. Real interviews of victims and criminals are featured, along with tales of manhunts. Recent podcasts talk about the Unabomber, the Tylenol murders, Clevelands Torso Murder, and more.6. Freakonomics RadioConsistently one of the top-rated podcasts, Freakonomics Radio is a simple discussion of economics and how it plays a role in our everyday lives. For example, some of the episodes include whaling, stolen art and taxes.7. Good Job, Brain!This fun podcast is part trivia and part quiz show. Each episode of Good Job, Brain! features a theme, such as road trip, summer and youthfulness. Hosts, guests and listeners all try their luck at the answers, and in the end learn something new.8. The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogans show is the most popular podcast and streaming show in the world. The controversial figure is a standup comic, television host and purveyor of the unusual. The Joe Rogan Experience has featured comedians, political figures, scientists and actors. This is the show that famously showed Elon Musk smoking marijuana.9. Relic RadioPure nostalgia, Relic Radio features rebroadcasts of old-time radio shows from the Golden Age in their entirety. From horror to sci-fi, mysteries to comedy to Orson Welles On the Air. Relic Radio has several different podcasts to choose from.10. Retirement WisdomTheres more to retirement than finances. Retirement Wisdom talks about living your life after work. Episodes focus on where you should live, Medicare, hobbies, wellness and becoming a consultant after you quit the day-to-day work world.11. Stuff You Should KnowA compendium of interesting facts, Stuff You Should Know will tell you about just about everything youd ever wonder about. Recent episodes covered learning a foreign language, insomnia, how police lineups work, the facts about birth order and more. Youll get lost in the long-form episodes (around 45 minutes to an hour) and the Short Stuff quicker episodes (10 to 15 minutes).12. This American LifeProduced by National Public Radio, This American Life shares real stories about real people. Sometimes humorous, sometimes shocking, this is a very popular podcast. Recent episodes featured stories from a fertility clinic, ghosts, the necessity of rats and more.How to Play These Podcasts and OthersYoull need to do a few things to settle into a good podcast. You dont need any special equipment, just what you probably already have.>> Read Best Tablets for SeniorsFind a podcast app  First, download a podcast app on your smartphone or tablet. Popular podcast apps include Apple Podcasts (for iOS devices), Google Podcasts (for Android devices), Spotify, and Stitcher.Search for podcasts  Once the app is installed, you can search for podcasts on topics you are interested in. Use keywords or browse through categories to find shows. The 12 examples above have links to each shows website, but youll need to select the correct podcast app to save and play them.Subscribe to podcasts  After finding a podcast you like, subscribe to it. Subscribing means that new episodes will automatically download or appear in your apps library when they are released.Listen to episodes  Once subscribed, you can listen to episodes by clicking on the shows title and selecting the episode you want to hear. Listen using headphones or through the devices speakers.Playback controls  Podcast apps typically have playback controls, allowing you to play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward through episodes.Downloading vs. streaming  Some apps allow users to download episodes for offline listening, which is useful when internet access is limited. Alternatively, you can stream episodes if you have a reliable internet connection.Explore recommendations  Podcast apps often provide personalized recommendations based on listening history, helping you discover new shows that match your interests.Overall, podcasts are an accessible, informative and enjoyable way for seniors to stay engaged, informed and entertained.

Keeping mentally active with various games is a good strategy for senior health. A number of studies and findings acknowledge that brain games can help maintain and even strengthen such areas as memory, reasoning and speed of processing, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other studies confirm that brain games for seniors can encourage independence, lower the risk of dementia and even prevent falls. Playing these games in groups also encourages social interaction, which can help stave off loneliness, another risk for seniors. So, what are the best brain games for seniors?>> Read The Mental Health Benefits of Socializing for SeniorsFind out more about why brain and memory games for seniors bolster health and learn about some of the best brain games for senior citizens and older adults. 6 Ways Brain Games Can Be Beneficial for SeniorsStimulating the brain with games can help senior health in a variety of ways. Among the ways brain games help are:Connecting with loved ones  Playing games with family or grandchildren can help seniors maintain a connection with them. Many games can be played online, enabling interaction with those who live far away.Exercising the mind  Brain games stimulate different brain memory functions in seniors, such as executive function and processing speed.Giving a feeling of control  Brain exercises can help seniors get and maintain a positive outlook. Learning and mastering a new game gives these seniors a sense of accomplishment.Making new brain connections  Challenging your mind with new activities will, in theory, develop new connections in your brain, strengthening memory.Preventing isolation  Playing games with others has the benefit of companionship. Seniors can join a chess club, have a card night with friends, or work on a jigsaw puzzle with a group. Sharpening thinking skills  Games can prevent age-related mental decline just like exercising prevents loss of bone strength and muscle. Brain games can re-engage the mind and improve thinking skills. The 10 Best Brain Games for Seniors1. Bingo Bingo is a fun, social game offered at many Senior Lifestyle communities and some senior centers and libraries. It encourages social interaction and memory challenges. Bingo also offers health benefits from participation in the games activities, such as hearing when numbers are called out, sight when searching for numbers on the bingo card, and touch when using pieces, markers or daubers to mark the cards.2. Checkers This is an easy-to-learn board game for seniors. This game is less about strategy and more about the process of logic and simple hand-eye coordination. Game sets are in many sizes, including ones with large boards and pieces, which can help seniors with arthritis or vision challenges.3. Chess Chess is a more complex game of strategy, beneficial for strengthening problem solving and reasoning. Chess can seem complicated at first, but the work is worth it because it can increase brain use and focus. Chess can be played in person or online with other players or alone.4. Crossword PuzzlesCrossword puzzles are everywhere, from daily newspapers to free online sites to books you can purchase at the grocery store or dollar store. These puzzles are a challenge either alone or sitting with a group, everyone helping each other out. If crosswords arent appealing, other free word games for seniors can be tried, such as word searches.5. Jigsaw Puzzles Working on jigsaw puzzles is a wonderful way to fill the hours, either alone or with friends helping out. Jigsaw puzzles involve strategy and problem-solving skills, and they can grow in complexity depending on the number of pieces, the picture design or even the puzzle shape. They are also inexpensive, widely available in dollar stores.6. Online GamesThere are dozens of games available online for seniors. Memory games, skill games, word games and more are available in online versions. You can find word searches, jigsaw puzzles and more, many for free, and in multiplayer mode for a social version.7. Scrabble This is a true classic board game for seniors and all ages. Scrabble can be entertaining while exercising memory, and can help build your vocabulary. Since its a game for at least two people, it is a social game, too.8. Solitaire Solitaire and other card games help keep brains sharp. As one of the most popular card games, solitaire can be played in person or online. Other simple card games, which involve others, include bridge, gin rummy, go fish and hearts.9. Sudoku Sudoku puzzles challenge logic skills and mental abilities, which makes them perfect for seniors looking to stay sharp. Finishing a sudoku puzzle gives a senior a sense of accomplishment. There are many sudoku resources available, from inexpensive books to online sites to apps.>> Read 5 Tips for Sudoku Beginners10. Trivia Quizzes Trivia games, such as Trivial Pursuit, are a great stimulator of minds and memories. Played in teams, these games are fun and social, and can spark great conversations about shared experiences.

Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity among people of all ages, with almost 9 million players in the U.S., according to The Pickleball Player. But the game has always held a strong appeal for seniors. One-third of all core pickleball players who play more than eight times a year are over age 65. This fast-paced, low-impact sport offers an excellent opportunity for seniors to stay active, socialize and improve their overall health and well-being. Find out more about pickleball and why seniors should consider playing it.What Is Pickleball?Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis into its own unique sport. It is played on a surface slightly smaller than a tennis court, with a modified tennis net and specialized paddles.In the game, a perforated plastic ball is volleyed back and forth over a net. The rules are simple, whether played in singles or doubles, which makes it accessible for players of all skill levels, including seniors.Seniors are flocking to the game because its not necessary to run a lot to play, especially if youre playing doubles, which is common. That encourages socialization and fun matches.How to Play PickleballEquipmentTo play pickleball, seniors will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller and lighter than a tennis racket, and a pickleball, which is hollow and larger than a traditional tennis ball and has holes. These can be easily purchased at sports stores or online.Finding a CourtPickleball courts are increasingly available in parks, recreational centers and senior living communities. Seniors can check their local community centers or online directories to find a nearby court.The pickleball players site Pickleheads offers a court finder. Just put in your location and it will find public and private courts.Learning the BasicsWhile the game is easy to learn, it is beneficial for seniors to understand the basic rules, scoring system and proper techniques. Online tutorials, local classes, or playing with experienced players can help seniors quickly grasp the essentials.One good resource for pickleball rules and tips is USA Pickleball. Here, youll find out more about the basics, how to improve your game, health and safety, and more.Health Benefits of Pickleball for SeniorsThere are many reasons pickleball offers great health benefits for seniors. There are only a few of them.Balance and AgilityPickleball involves quick movements, changes in direction and rapid reflexes. These actions challenge balance and agility, which are essential for preventing falls and maintaining mobility. Regular play can improve seniors proprioception (awareness of body position) and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall stability.>> Read Elderly Falls and How to Prevent ThemCardiovascular HealthPickleball involves continuous movement, including brisk walking, jogging and quick lateral movements. These activities increase heart rate, improve blood circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Regular pickleball play can help seniors maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Cognitive FunctionPhysical activities that require mental engagement, such as pickleball, have been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function. The strategic thinking, decision-making and quick reactions involved in pickleball stimulate the brain and enhance mental acuity. Regular participation in the game can help improve memory, concentration and overall cognitive abilities.Joint Health and FlexibilityThe low-impact nature of pickleball is particularly beneficial for seniors with joint issues, such as arthritis. Compared to higher-impact sports like tennis, pickleball puts less stress on the joints, making it easier for seniors to participate without exacerbating existing joint pain. The dynamic movements in pickleball also contribute to joint flexibility and range of motion, helping seniors maintain joint health and reduce stiffness.Mood and Mental Well-BeingParticipating in any form of exercise releases endorphins, the bodys natural mood-boosting chemicals. Pickleballs combination of physical activity, social interaction and enjoyment can have a positive impact on seniors mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression, promoting a sense of happiness and overall psychological health.Muscular Strength and EndurancePlaying pickleball requires using various muscle groups, including those in the legs, arms, shoulders and core. The repetitive nature of swinging the paddle and moving around the court helps build muscular strength and endurance. Seniors who regularly play pickleball can experience improved overall muscle tone and strength, enhancing their ability to perform daily activities with ease.Social EngagementLoneliness and isolation are common challenges among seniors. Pickleball provides an excellent avenue for social interaction and building connections with others. Playing with friends, joining local pickleball clubs, or participating in organized tournaments can foster a sense of community, belonging and social support, contributing to improved mental and emotional well-being.>> Read The Mental Health Benefits of Socializing for SeniorsRemember, before starting any new exercise program, seniors should consult with their health care provider to ensure that it is suitable for their individual health condition and abilities.