Every September, the world comes together to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around dementia and its most common form: Alzheimers. According to the Alzheimers Association, more than 6 million people are living with the disease in the U.S. and over 500,000 in Canada. Alzheimers is a degenerative brain disease with its causes not fully known, affecting memory, thinking and behavior. Early SignsThere are six main early signs of Alzheimers disease to be aware of, check them out here. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, please discuss them with a medical professional. Eventually, symptoms grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. How We HelpWe understand how important it is to support the dementia and Alzheimers community. Our memory care communities offer a safe, supervised, and caring environment for seniors with Alzheimers disease or other dementias. 

With the holidays around the corner, youre most likely scrambling to check people off your gift shopping list. And if you have a senior on your list, you may be struggling to find an item theyll actually use. Dont worry, we know seniors and weve got a list of items we think any older adult would love to receive and, better yet, love to use. Ember Temperature Control Mug For the senior in your life who loves spending some time enjoying a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa but prefers it piping hot rather than room temperature. The Ember Temperature Control Mug can keep drinks hot for almost two hours when fully charged and comes with a convenient charging coaster to help keep it warm for longer. Shop HereAcupressure Foot Massage Slippers It might sound silly, but its the little things that matter when you reach a certain age. Besides, who couldnt use a little foot massage? These slippers and ones like them help improve nerve sensitivity, blood flow and circulation and can help decrease general tensionall in a convenient slipper package. Shop HereWeighted Heated Blanket Talk about double duty! This is the perfect gift to keep warm but also help combat anxiety and loneliness. Weighted blankets have become popular for their ability to alleviate anxiety, decrease insomnia and can even help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome. With the added benefit of heat, it makes for the perfect gift that any older adult would love to use all winter long. Shop HereCustom Recipe Cutting BoardFor the grandmother or grandfather on your list that was famous for their apple pie or was the one you called when you needed a soup to make you feel better, this gift is perfect. There are a variety of artisans that can create a custom cutting board that features your favorite recipe from your loved one. Not only can it be used for cooking and serving, but it makes for a great decorative memento to remind them how much you love and appreciate them. Shop HereFacebook Portal Or Other Video Calling DeviceKeeping in touch with loved ones can be invaluable for many older adults. And what better way to stay in touch than over a video call. Devices like Facebooks Portal allow for easy, seamless video calls. The device can be set up somewhere convenient for your loved one and are touchscreen to make it an easy, hassle-free way to stay connected. 

As children, we are encouraged to be creative to play instruments, craft, paint and dance. But as the pressures of adult life begin to pile up, many find themselves gradually letting go of their creative side. Once in retirement, seniors have ample free time and an opportunity to rediscover their artistic nature, reaping the benefits of exploring their natural talents.Ongoing research suggests that creativity may be key to healthy aging. Studies have shown that participating in activities such as singing, theater performance and artistry can support the well-being of older adults, and that creativity can lead to greater longevity.At Hawthorn Senior Living, our teams are always dreaming up ways to inspire creativity, engage minds within our communities and provide unique activities for seniors.Every day offers a variety of activities and events to choose from that promote physical activity, lifelong learning, social connection and overall wellness. Our intellectual and cultural activities like art projects, writing classes and discussion groups offer stimulating socialization and help residents get in touch with their creative side.Benefits of Creative Activities for SeniorsCreative activities have been shown to have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. Research has found that creative expression gives seniors a sense of purpose, maintains their coordination and concentration, and improves their mental health. And for those seniors with dementia, Parkinsons disease and other chronic degenerative diseases, participating in creative activities can reduce anxiety and depression.Living a creative life can help older adults in multiple ways, including being part of the six aspects of successful aging that researchers have identified:Having a sense of purposeInteracting with othersPersonal growthSelf-acceptanceBeing independent and retaining autonomyOverall health Activities at Hawthorn communities incorporate all six aspects of successful aging through creative and other types of pursuits. Residents are provided a well-rounded and robust wellness plan to ensure an engaging and fulfilled retirement.Creative Expression at Hawthorn Senior Living CommunitiesAt all 79 Hawthorn Senior Living communities, residents can explore the diverse activities calendars, which change monthly and are curated based on resident feedback. Examples of activities include painting, sketching, photography, clay modeling, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, flower arranging, wreath making and scrapbooking, just to name a few. These activities are also used in several outreach projects at Hawthornmaking wreaths for local firefighters, decorating and filling Christmas boxes for children in need around the world, and hand-sewing masks for community residents and team members.While some programs are available at all Hawthorn communities, others may currently be available at only those locations where residents have expressed interest. The Hawthorn Senior Living teams survey residents as well as organize resident-led committees to inspire and drive the activity choices we offer.For example, at Summit Glen in Colorado Springs, Colorado, residents have been busy making jewelry, stained glass art and their very own paper spring flower bouquets. This months activity calendar gives residents the opportunity to plant spring flowers, join the community choir and make cards.Residents at Olympus Ranch in Murray, Utah, have been learning about Chinese culture and painted Chinese calligraphy on canvas a perfect example of combining mind-stimulating activities and creative arts. This month, residents can bake challah with the head chef, create personalized fragrances, and write and share their own poetry.Get Creative at a Hawthorn Senior Living Near YouCreative activities help us discover new strengths because of our age, not despite it. They bring a sense of meaning, purpose and joy to our lives. And Hawthorn Senior Living communities provide an unmatched array of creative activities for seniors. In fact, creativity and lifelong learning are woven into the tapestry of Hawthorn life.

Few concepts resonate with seniors as much as the word independence. Before retirement, many yearn for independence from the 9-to-5 workday, but then find independence is much more than not working. What are the benefits of moving to an independent senior living community? From expanding your social circle and enjoying chef-prepared meals to saying goodbye to home maintenance and living your days the way you want, the name independent says it all.What are the pros and cons of senior living communities? Research consistently shows that seniors who move into independent senior living are happier, have an increased sense of well-being and may even live longer. At Hawthorn Senior Living, older adults can enjoy an engaging lifestyle that includes personalized amenities and five-star services that encourage multidimensional wellness. Independent living at Hawthorn brings a new perspective to senior living, and its where active seniors searching for an all-inclusive, stress-free lifestyle can thrive. Hawthorn also provides benefits that offer a fulfilling retirement with opportunities to enjoy hobbies, pursue new passions and embrace a healthy lifestyle, as well as a place to call home.For many adults 55 and older, making the transition from home ownership to independent living is often the first conversation. As you start your journey, you may be asking yourself these questions: Why is independent living important for seniors? Why should I consider independent living? What are the benefits of independent living facilities for seniors? Lets dive deeper into how you can benefit from independent senior living.Independent Living Can Be a Cure for LonelinessNearly one third of seniors live by themselves, and most find it difficult to stay socially active. Making plans, ensuring you have a way to get to events and finding new things to do can be difficult as we age. Staying connected is crucial to a healthy life, and senior isolation poses a very real threat to older adults. Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation put older adults at heightened risk for serious health problems, including depression and cognitive decline.What are the advantages of living retirement communities? Independent living at a senior living community like Alexis Estates offers the opportunity to be social without the difficulty of arranging transportation or making plans. Alexis Estates and all Hawthorn independent senior living communities  offers a wide variety of recreational activities that encourage residents to socialize and connect with one another. Whether playing a spirited game of cards, listening to live entertainment or trying a new restaurant for lunch, the goal is to develop friendships, enjoy an active lifestyle and live each day with purpose.Goodbye to Home Maintenance and Hello to Peace of MindMaintaining a household is hard work, and after decades of scrubbing floors, clearing gutters and doing laundry, youre probably ready to get help with it all. Independent living communities trade the worries of homeownership like basic utilities, maintenance and landscaping for the comforts of home.When you move into a Hawthorn community like Maple Ridge, the on-site staff handles everything from linen services to groundskeeping and housekeeping, allowing residents to spend their time pursuing their passions. No need to search for a handyman and possibly spend hundreds of dollars for a simple repair weve got it covered.The Lifestyle Includes a Complete Culinary ExperienceA homemade gourmet meal is a treat at any age. However, it becomes even more delicious when you dont have to prepare it or clean it up. Many independent living communities provide on-site, restaurant-style dining that offers fresh, nutritious options that cater to residents unique dietary needs.Dining at Hawthorn is more than just eating three meals a day. Its a full culinary experience with delicious, freshly made food and engaging company. At Sanford Estates, the culinary experience features healthy foods and homemade meals, all catered to you. Three unique chef-prepared meals are served daily restaurant-style, so you never have to worry about cooking or cleaning unless you want to! Our menu offers options and a variety of nutritional choices at every meal, and snacks and beverages are available 24/7.Seniors Can Pursue New and Old PassionsIndependent living communities are experts on the health and wellness needs of older adults. From activities coordinators to fitness instructors, a network of professionals is there to offer vibrant lifestyle options. Those choices allow you to try new things alongside old favorites.If youre interested in trying out yoga, starting a book club or maybe getting your hands dirty by planting a new garden, independent living at Hawthorn has what you are looking for and what you didnt even know you needed. Our calendar of events changes monthly and offers a bright spectrum of opportunities designed to inspire curiosity, encourage participation and infuse joy into every day. Whatever you are looking for, there are activities, outings, on-site fitness classes, educational seminars and social clubs that cater to all.Do you love to travel? Part of successful aging is engaging in new life experiences and traveling is a great way to indulge in new experiences, meet new people and find a new sense of self. As a Hawthorn resident, if you want to explore new places, our Resident Travel Program gives you this opportunity. With over 70 Hawthorn senior living communities across the US, you can travel to any Hawthorn community and indulge in their culture all at no additional cost.Pursue Your Independence at a Hawthorn CommunityIf youre an active senior who wants to elevate your lifestyle and make the most of each day, our independent living option near you offers a warm and engaging environment that caters to your needs and preferences. You can be who you want to be and live how you want to live; we take care of the rest. If you think you may be ready to explore independent living, reach out to learn more or find a Hawthorn community near you.

Theres a special feeling you get when exploring a garden. From the scent of fresh flowers and the warmth of the sun to the texture of soil between your fingers, its hard not to feel happiness in a garden. In the spring and summer months, many people enjoy spending time outdoors and feeling accomplished when growing their own flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables. But gardening is more than a fun hobby; it can also provide mental, physical and emotional health benefits that enhance overall well-being, especially as we get older.Since April is National Garden Month, why not stop to smell the roses and perhaps plant a few of your own? Learn more about the benefits of gardening for seniors and how it can promote a happier, healthier retirement.Stress ReliefA study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can lower levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Increased levels of stress over time can cause depression, heart problems and cognitive decline. Just 30 minutes a day working in the garden can also increase the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two hormones are considered happy hormones, and high levels improve mood and encourage happiness, resulting in less stress.Promotes Overall Health and WellnessPulling weeds, planting seeds and digging in the dirt all of which require the use of the hands and arms can help seniors improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination, keeping the brain and body in sync. Gardening also stimulates the rest of the body by encouraging seniors to squat, bend, stretch, push and pull. This increases blood circulation and activates sedentary muscles, strengthening them to help aging adults maintain their mobility and physical health. Only a few hours of gardening each week provides seniors with a healthy, low-intensity workout. According to a recent study, tending to a garden regularly can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, colon cancer and osteoporosis.Dose of Vitamin DVitamin D, which the body manufactures when exposed to sunlight, is vital for senior health. Vitamin D helps regulate mood and supports a healthy immune system as well as bone health. Maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system is a concern for many seniors, and sun exposure from gardening can help. While enjoying time outside in the sun does have its benefits, make sure to guard against overlong exposure to harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat while gardening.Reduces Risk of DementiaGardening has both physical and mental demands. It requires critical thinking and problem solving. This keeps an aging mind active, which in turn can reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers disease. Gardening also helps those already suffering from dementia, as it stimulates multiple senses at once, helping patients connect to their current physical environment.Gardening at Hawthorn Senior Living Hawthorn Senior Living knows the benefits of gardening for older adults and has incorporated gardening into our daily enrichment programs. We offer several opportunities for you to cultivate your passion, whether you enjoy getting your hands in the soil or simply sharing your gardening knowhow.While it may be too early in the year for most of our communities to start their community gardens, a few of our southern communities are already getting started.Spring is in the air at Carolina Estates in Greensboro, North Carolina. This year, the community gardening club has a plan that will benefit all residents. Their goal is to plant and harvest vegetables and produce that can be used in the kitchen for sustainable, garden-to-table dining. The resident-led group will grow lettuce, tomatoes and peppers, as well as herbs, carrots and kale.At The Oaks in Georgetown, Texas, residents are starting their own spring garden boxes, in which they can plant whatever flower, herb or vegetable they would like. Residents are also lending a hand in cleaning up various gardens around the community to prepare the landscape for spring gardening.Pursue an Active Retirement at Hawthorn Senior LivingCreating and supporting an active retirement is a top priority at Hawthorn Senior Living. We look to enrich the lifestyles of our residents by providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy life including through gardening. To learn more about how Hawthorn residents are living and thriving in retirement, find a community near you and schedule a tour today!