Golden West, The Towers

Do you own a pet? If the answer is yes, youre in luck. Pet ownership has been shown to offer physical, psychological and social benefits for all ages, but especially for seniors. This is due to the unique challenges that seniors face due to natural life changes, including decreased mobility, deteriorating health and reduced social contact.According to the2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging, sponsored by AARP and Michigan Medicine, 55 percent of adults ages 50 to 80 have at least one pet (dogs were the most popular; then cats; then, hamsters, birds and fish), and most of these owners reported seeing benefits of some kind.But the reported benefits of owning a pet were even more notable for older adults who live alone or struggle with their health. A total of 72 percent of owners said their pets help them manage their physical or emotional symptoms. Read on to learn more about how pets can help seniors live fuller, happier lives:Physical BenefitsFirst, pets tend to encourage physical activity. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about two-thirds of pet owners said their pets help them stay physically active and stick to a healthy routine. Pets can provide some degree of cardiovascular exercise through walking and grooming, and this mild activity can help stimulate the brain and improve appetite for seniors who struggle with eating.Psychological BenefitsFor seniors, having a pet as your companion will reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nearly eight in 10 owners said their pets help them reduce stress, and nearly nine in 10 owners said they help them enjoy life and feel loved. Additionally, owning a pet can give seniors a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives as their former responsibilities and social contacts begin to fall away.Social BenefitsSome studies have shown that if you already have a strong social network, owning a pet doesnt make a significant difference in your happiness level. However, pet ownership can be vital for older adults, who, as a group, experience a high frequency of loneliness and social isolation.A total of 65 pet owners also reported that having a pet helps them connect with other people. Why? Caring for a pet necessarily requires a level of connection with the outside world, whether that is taking your pet to the vet, groomer, pet store, the dog park or on walks in the neighborhood. Duties like these require owners to leave the house and engage with their environment.What now?If youre interested in adopting a pet and you have confidence in your physical and financial ability to provide the necessary care, then its time to consider what kind of animal to adopt. Some tips: cats are best if you have mobility issues, since you dont have to walk them, and a senior dog or cat tends to require less maintenance than a younger, more energetic pet.If youre interested in the benefits of a pet but not quite comfortable with the cost or the commitment, you might try pet sitting for a friend, or volunteering at a local animal shelter. Pet therapy can also be very beneficial for seniors, so consider reaching out to your local branch of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to set up an appointment.Pets at Golden WestGood news for pet owners! At Golden West Senior Livings independent living apartments, seniors dont have to give up their pets when they move in. For an additional, non-refundable security deposit accompanied by our signed Pet Policy, residents can bring their pets along with them, provided they can care for them on their own. To learn more about Golden Wests pet policy, contact us at (303) 444-3967.

A recent study on the initial months of the pandemic found that older adults were more resilient to the anxiety, depression, and stress-related mental health disorders characteristic of younger populations. While this finding sounds unlikely, a look at past research and the happy, smiling faces of Golden West residents affirms it shouldnt be surprising.A 2019Gallup Global Emotionspoll found that as they got older, people reported less overall life stress, and in his2018 bookThe Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50, Jonathan Rauch highlights a study that found peoples reported happiness levels began rising as they reached their 80s.What is behind such remarkable resiliency, as Golden West residents have shown over this past year? Here are some reasons why we get progressively happier and experience less stress after we hit 50.Our expectations adjustGetting older can help us adjust our expectations for what we can achieve in our lives, and how happy those achievements will make us feel. Realizing that the time left to significantly change our lives is limited, we can choose to focus on the things that mean the most to us, whether its attending church, fly-fishing, volunteering in the community or playing with our grandchildren. In the coming years, knowing we are focusing solely on what makes us happy can be a reassuring feelinWe gain a new perspectiveSociology professor Monika Ardelt defines wisdom in three parts: insight gained over time for living well; the ability to see events from a new perspective; and increased compassion for others. Getting older, we develop insight into what we personally need to achieve contentment, said Ardelt, and we also gain a better understanding of other peoples motivations and personalities, which allows us to feel more sympathy for them.Our brains evolveIt may be surprising to learn that the human brains structure is not fixed and static. In fact, our brains can increase the number of neurons and alter the connections between them, a concept known as neuroplasticity. In Super Brain, physician and bestselling author Deepak Chopra writes that as they age, people can begin to power these biological processes on their own by thinking in a more mindful way; personally, Chopra uses yoga and meditation as his core mindfulness practices.We avoid toxic peopleSocioemotional selectivity theory states that as we age, we become more selective in how we spend our time and with whom. Younger people may spend considerable time and energy dealing with stressful people in their lives, but as we age, we realize we can be more selective about who we socialize with, and that we can remove ourselves from an uncomfortable situation, even if we may appear unfriendly.Life changes cant scare usAs youngsters, many of us imagine every life event as either a tragedy or a success. But over time, people tend to move away from this black-and-white thinking and begin to see that stressful change is part of life. Realizing this, we can change our way of thinking, start focusing on the present, and better manage our emotions as we navigate life changes.

A pandemic is a challenging time to explore your affordable senior housing options, but Golden West has adapted the typical leasing process for the times. According to Golden West Leasing Coordinator Nicole Pilger, nowadays, there is one question most prospective residents ask during the initial phone call.When someone is inquiring about moving in, they always ask, how are you guys handling COVID? How many cases have you had? said Nicole. Those are the biggest concerns, so I try to alleviate those first, and I encourage them to come and see the community for themselves.During the pandemic and the communityscurrent construction project, Nicole is showcasing Golden Wests apartments and amenities in numerous ways, mostly through virtual tours and socially distanced in-person tours, as well as referring prospects to the website for apartment floorplans, sending over sales materials and taking photos of apartments upon request.I can do video calls on my smartphone (using Facebook Live if they have an iPhone and Google Duo if they have an Android). They can call me, and then I can target the tour to them. I show them their move-in ready apartment, the dining room, the gardens, the business center, the views, said Nicole. I can basically walk around and give them a virtual tour that way. A video tour can also help in their planning process. Even if someone doesnt want to move right away, they can still get a taste of what the community is like.If a prospect wants to do an in-person visit, Nicole will explain the communitys safety rules, which adhere to CDC, state and Boulder County Health Department guidelines. Currently, the community requires face coverings in all indoor public areas and social distancing of six feet. Entering the community is restricted to staff and essential care providers, and communal dining, congregating, and non-resident social visits are not permitted.For in-person visits, were very proactive about safety. I have the person meet me at our West Entrance; we ask them a list of questions about symptoms and exposure, and we do a temperature check, said Nicole. I always wait there so I can scoop them up right away and they dont end up feeling lost. I also make sure to send along a parking lot map ahead of time.A lot has changed over the last six months, but what hasnt is what makes Golden West such a great community, Nicole said. The halls and grounds still bustle with activity as residents and staff members interact and socialize, albeit in a safe, socially distanced way.The wonderful things about Golden West the amenities, the people are all still here, said Nicole. When people come in to see an apartment, they are going to feel that warm and welcoming atmosphere. To me, its our people are who make Golden West stand out.

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDCs High Transmission rate and therefore the County is requiring everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West continues to require everyone wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the CDPHE infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has declined for the second week in a row and as of today is 253.7 (274.8 on September 27), but the positivity rate has increased a little, up to 3.7% (3.5% last week).Hopefully the increasing vaccination rates and wearing of masks in indoor public areas will result in continued decreases.We continue surveillance testing of all employees and Mezz residents since we had positive test results back on September 16, with all coming back negative, so there does not appear to have been any spread from those cases! We will test all employees and Mezz residents again this week and if the results are negative, we will be officially out of outbreak status and can stop testing everyone. We will continue to test any employees that are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose) with rapid tests each shift and weekly PCR lab testing.VaccinesOn August 30, the Colorado Board of Health approved emergency regulations requiring all healthcare facilities have 100% of employees be fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021.Assisted living falls under these regulations and therefore Golden West must comply with the regulations. Golden West has finalized our policy and procedures to be in compliance with the new regulations and all employees have gotten at least the first dose or been approved for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. Any staff granted exemptions from the vaccination requirement will have to follow strict infection control procedures to minimize any risk to residents or co-workers. The infection control procedures will include daily COVID rapid tests, and at minimum, weekly COVID PCR tests, masking and distancing requirements.BoostersThe FDA and CDC approved boosters for individuals 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems.We have scheduled the on-site vaccination clinic with Good Day Pharmacy for October 25! Good Day is the pharmacy that serves our assisted living. They will be able to administer flu vaccines as well. We will distribute more information as we finalize the plans.Golden Wests continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.VisitsResidents may only have two visitors at any one time.Visits should take place outside when possible.Visits to Towers residents should be in the residents apartment and not in indoor public areas.Mezzanine visitorsUnvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:Hand HygieneUse hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.Disinfecting Frequently Touched SurfacesResidents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.IllnessResidents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

As we approach the winter holidays during this unprecedented year, many families are eschewing typical traditions family gatherings, dinners, travel and parties in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, especially older relatives and those with pre-existing conditions. While the pandemic makes it inevitable this holiday season will look different from previous ones, that doesnt mean planning around our new normal has to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help you plan a 2020 holiday thats both safe and fun.Scale Back and RelaxAccording to Next Avenue, since this pandemic has practically mandated we decline to gather in each others homes, or travel across the country, or attend parties this year, we should be able to do so without feeling guilty. The same goes for taking a break from holiday preparations and scaling down our traditional decorations, gifts and food. Remember: this year, a simpler holiday is a safer one.Plan for Future Get-TogethersAccordingto the AP, new holiday traditions are popping up all over, with many people calling friends and family and proposing that this year, instead of exchanging gifts in-person, they plan to get together to celebrate once its safe again. In the year of the pandemic, future gatherings, even months from now, can be something hopeful to look forward to.If You Gather, Do It SafelyThese suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control on attending social gatherings are essential for anyone planning to see family and friends over the holidays. First, stay outdoors as much as possible, and if you must remain indoors, make sure the space is ventilated. Remind guests to stay home if sick and to wear masks when social distancing isnt possible. And of course, be vigilant about hand washing. Finally, try elbow bumps instead of hugs!Take Precautions When TravelingIf you are planning on traveling this holiday season, The Washington Post recommends restricting your movements to a short car ride with only people from your household (car travel is safer than plane travel when it comes to the coronavirus) and avoiding stops along the way where you may be exposed to other people. If you must fly, nonstop flights would be a good choice.Be Aware of the RisksIf you do plan on gathering this holiday season, this breakdown from the AARP provides a helpful overview of safety measures. If you dont feel comfortable, consider planning a virtual event like a game night with family over Zoom, connecting with memes over social media, or arranging a video chat with far-flung family. Whether youre celebrating virtually or in-person, we wish you have a healthy, happy holiday!

We all want to age actively and independently. Luckily, as our world becomes more technology-oriented, companies are designing fascinating new tech tools that can help older adults do just that. Whether your goal is keeping in touch with friends, tracking your health goals, staying entertained, or just remaining self-sufficient for as long as possible, this list offers an overview of some helpful tools that are easy for seniors to use every day.For an easier digital experience:Some tech companies make oversized digital tablets designed for seniors. The Grand Pad Senior Tablet runs a version of Android that is easier to use than typical devices, has larger icons and text if you have vision issues and is designed more intuitively for easier navigation.For staying healthy and fit:Companies such as FitBit make wearable technology to track your health and physical fitness, and users can sync their trackers and watches with their phones to monitor fitness, sleep patterns, and more. These devices are especially good for those who need reminders to take their daily walk or keep up other habits, and there are numerous companies making these products specifically for seniors.For keeping on top of medications:Medication reminder devices can be a great resource for tracking your medication schedules. There are a range of offerings available with different services, products and prices. Start your search for the right choice with a third-party reviewer like HealthLine.For overall assistance at home:For older adults who enjoy Amazon AI technology, the Echo Dot is a voice-activated and controlled speaker that uses Alexa technology to play music, control smart home devices, make calls, answer questions, and set timers and alarms. Read a review hereabout some of the latest offerings with good price points.For changing channels with ease:Big-buttoned remote controls are great for helping seniors with poor eyesight, Alzheimers, or dementia control their televisions more easily. Brands like Flipper feature a simpler design with only six buttons: one button for on and off, two for channel-changing, and two for volume, plus the mute button.For keeping in touch with loved ones:Video conferencing platforms like Skype, FaceTime or Zoom calls can be a useful alternative for seniors to keep in touch. Golden West offers Wi-Fi throughout the community, so its easy to use aids like these to stay engaged with friends, enroll in Zoom classes, attend telehealth appointments and more.For tracking down lost items:Some tech companies are selling products that help people find items they use every day that easily go missing. These stick-on GPS devices can be attached to household items like remotes, keys and glasses cases, and employ Bluetooth technology that can be activated via a smartphone app to find an item.For older adults, becoming familiar with technology is essential these days, when it comes to solving a problem or accomplishing a task, sometimes tech is your only option! You can search online to learn more about these product details and price points, but in the meantime, we hope that now youll be more likely to explore new technology when it crosses your path.

The very idea of downsizing from a large home full of furniture and memories can be overwhelming for any of us, including many seniors. The prospect of letting go of possessions and reducing your living space, or living smaller, could be easier if you consider all the benefits it offers in terms of your quality of life.Imagine how much more free time you would have for activities you enjoy if you were not trudging from room to room dusting old dressers and forgotten sports trophies. The reality is too, you dont need the things your children left behind when they moved out for good. If they have not come back for it, its highly unlikely they ever will.  Why not donate unneeded furniture in decent shape to a good cause so it can be useful again?It is incredibly liberating to get rid of old electronics and broken appliances you never got around to fixing. Having them sitting around is a daily reminder of yet another chore, when you could banish that stuff and instead focus on doing things you really enjoy that are more meaningful than fixing an old vacuum.There is plenty of research linking loneliness and isolation to serious health issues. The restrictive nature of home maintenance and housekeeping can shackle you to a life that is no longer meaningful after retiring and becoming empty nesters. It could be keeping you from spending time with family and friends. The mental health benefits of having less stuff and space to care for and more time to spend with others or doing things you enjoy will probably outweigh most sentimentality attached to possessions.If you have considered a move to a senior living community, having already started downsizing and becoming used to living smallerso you can live more fullywill mean a smoother transition into a more carefree lifestyle. You can watch movies with friends on a big screen without having to dust it. You can play games without having to store them. Our community offers space to do arts and crafts, garden, cook and read without the responsibility of maintaining all of it. Better yet, all these things can be done with others who share your interests.Living smaller is not living less. Having less can mean having a lot more; more time for yourself, more time for friends and more time to focus on the activities you truly enjoy.For more information and to schedule a tour please call 303-444-3967.

Todays older adults are living longer, healthier and more active lifestyles. For some, senior living communities are an ideal environment for finding the one. Whether youre just starting to date again or youre a veteran to the single scene, here are a few tips for finding a new partner.Find creative ways to expand your social circle.If youre ready to branch out and build new relationships, start looking for ways to meet new people. Start slowly by joining clubs and attending events within your own community. Join the yoga group, attend the cooking demonstration, or participate in game night.Be open about expectations.Do you have your sights set on true love, or are you looking for a conversation partner at meals? There are so many reasons to meet new people, so its important to make sure your interests align. If you know what type of relationship youre seeking with someone, start a conversation to see if they feel the same way. For example, if someone isnt sharing your passion for romance, be respectful of their wishes and be open to friendship instead.Look ahead, not back, for a new relationship.For widows and widowers, wanting a new relationship can bring mixed emotions. Dating can be a double-edged sword for those who have already found, and lost, their soulmate. Its not uncommon to feel guilt for wanting a partner and its tempting to seek out someone who reminds you of your late companion. If youre feeling uncertainty about new relationships, consider taking it slow and focusing on getting to know potential partners. Instead of trying to recreate a past relationship look for people who intrigue and inspire you in different ways.Be candid about intimacy.Physical relationships promote cardiovascular health, lower stress, and contribute to stronger emotional connections. Its no surprise many seniors, including those in senior living, are intimate with each other. Before starting a physical relationship, have a conversation about expectations and desires.Compatibility is your most attractive quality.Age is just a number and looks arent everything. Most seniors are focused on finding suitors with a lifestyle compatible to their own. Older adults interested in dating tend to be more flexible about a potential partners age or appearance and more invested in finding someone with shared interests.Let your loved ones know your intentions, but dont let them dissuade you if they have some misgivings.Having a support system available to give advice and look out for your best interests will make it easier and more fun to ease into dating. Listen to what your loved ones are saying and respect their advice, especially when it comes to safety and privacy, but be aware that some adult children will not be immediately accepting of a widowed parent reentering the dating scene. They may need time to adjust to the idea. You dont have to rule out dating because a loved one isnt entirely accepting of the idea, though. Instead, be prepared to talk about why you want to date and how you plan to do it safely. When introducing new partners or describing new relationships, take a subtle approach at first and share with your loved ones about how your new partner makes you happy.Golden West Senior Living Community provides lots of activities, events, and opportunities for seniors to meet new friends and potential partners in a safe and fun social setting. With daily events and activities to participate in, a lovely garden path for romantic strolls and a rooftop terrace for a lunch date anyone looking for a special someone will find lots of fun things to do together. Learn more about life at Golden West Senior Living at gwboulder.org.

Golden West Senior Living is a local not-for-profit community that has been providing affordable housing in the city of Boulder for 50+ years. However, unlike many affordable housing options this community provides so much more than just a roof over your head.Deep Ties to the CommunityGolden West was founded in 1965 by the First Christian Church to meet a growing need for senior housing in the Boulder community. While no longer affiliated with the church, the mission remains the same, to give hope to seniors by providing them with an affordable safe home in Boulder with supportive services.Golden West has The Towers, home to independent living residents, and The Mezzanine for those needing assisted living. The Towers was one of the first providers of affordable housing in Boulder and The Mezzanine was one of the first assisted living communities as part of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) pilot program.Today, Golden West provides about 40% of Boulders affordable senior housing.What is Affordable Housing?Affordable housing is defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a home that can be obtained for 30% or less of the total household income. Golden West sets the rents in The Towers so that it is affordable for individuals at 60% and 50% of the median income for Boulder County.  In the Mezzanine, Golden West accepts HCBS Medicaid which helps pay for assisted living based on the individuals income. Housing usually only refers to the apartment, but at Golden West it means more.More Than Just a Place to LiveGolden West offers much more than just housing. It is a community with supportive services most of which are included in the monthly fee.All utilities:Basic cable TV, telephone landline and internet includedSewer, water, and garbage removalMaintenanceFull access to:Shared community indoor and outdoor spacesLibraryMeeting roomsWellness center (gym)Full calendar of activities and eventsResident Services CoordinatorAdditionally, Mezzanine residents are served three meals per day and receive weekly laundry and housekeeping services along with assistance with the tasks of daily living like bathing, dressing, medication management, and trained staff on duty 24 hours a day.Having access to these types of resources and assistance is what makes Golden West such a unique provider of affordable housing.How Do You Qualify for Affordable Housing at Golden West?To qualify for The Towers (independent living) your annual household income must be below 60% of the median income for the Boulder area, which for 2022 is $52,680 for a single person household and $60,240 for a two-person household. The first step is to complete an application for residency on our website and the leasing coordinator will follow up, or schedule a tour and do it in person.There are no income limits for The Mezzanine using private pay. However, the HCBS Medicaid program does have income and asset restrictions, which are currently $30,277.20 for one person with a $2,000 limit on assets and $45,410.75 for a two-person household and $3,000 limit on assets. An application for HCBS Medicaid must be submitted and approved through the State of Colorado. To apply for assisted living with private pay or using Medicaid benefits you can fill out the application on our website or schedule a tour and do it in person.The Golden West DifferenceVery few not-for-profit senior communities work with state and federal agencies to ensure people 62+ have an affordable place to live the way we do. Golden West accepts Section 8 housing vouchers in The Towers and most assisted living communities that accept Medicaid require double occupancy. All assisted living apartments here are single occupancy studios with a private bathroom so no one is forced to live with a roommate if they dont want to or share a communal bathroom.See For YourselfIf you are interested in learning more about the affordable housing options Golden West provides for adults 62+ please contact us at 303-444-3967 or visit our website. Schedule a tour and see for yourself that we are more than a place to live but a community where residents become friends and are free to enjoy their lives in a safe place with support and services to enhance their health and wellbeing.  

The Golden West community celebrates and thanks all of our residents who served in the U.S. military.We currently have more than 20 veteran residents who contribute to our Golden West community every day by sharing their historic life experiences and hard-earned wisdom, whether its with our staff, other residents, fellow veterans or members of the local community. We are grateful for their stories, which teach us history; their attitudes, which teach us respect, and their sacrifices, which teach us the value of service.Of the former and current service members who live in Boulder County, most of them served in the Vietnam Era, according to American Community Survey statistics. To our great fortune, our county is home to numerous resources for veterans, including the Boulder County Veterans Services Office, which submits claims for benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans and their dependents.Whether they fought in World War II, Korea or Vietnam, served domestically or in the reserves, or were members of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, our Golden West community remains deeply grateful to our U.S. veterans. This November, we encourage you to take the time to honor veterans in Boulder County and beyond by:Donating to a veterans organizationMany of the nonprofits which serve U.S. military veterans and/or current service members accept public donations. This list of organizations compiled by the U.S. Defense Department features hundreds of groups that need your support.Volunteering on behalf of veteransThe American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Home Depot Foundation and your local VA hospital always need volunteers for their outreach programs. You can also contact your local VA office to find out how to help local veterans directly or take a day to volunteer at a local soup kitchen that serves homeless veterans.Connecting with a veteranAsk your loved one about their service and listen to their stories. You can also send a veteran you know a letter or email that recognizes their service, or send a note to the closest military base or office, like the U.S. Army recruiting office in Boulder or the Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.At Golden West, our staff strive to honor the service of our veterans every day. If you or someone you know is a U.S. military veteran in search of affordable senior living in Boulder, call (303) 444-3967 to learn more, or visit www.gwboulder.org 

Getting older is unavoidable, but succumbing to the biological effects of aging is not. As we age, our muscle mass and strength begin to decline, and our metabolism slows down. Regular exercise for seniors not only combats the natural effects of aging, but it can also improve overall quality of life. In 2016, researchers from the National Institute of Health found that exercise for seniors could increase life expectancy by almost 10 years. The researchers also found that seniors age 70 to 89 who were at risk for becoming disabled were able to reduce that risk by exercising for 150 minutes a week, which is the recommended guideline for older adults.While 150 minutes of physical activity may seem daunting, there are simple ways seniors can incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from a destination, and walking or biking instead of driving are all simple ways to work up to 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Exercise for seniors should also include a variety of different movements, including activities that focus on balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Balance and flexibility exercises can help prevent falls and decrease the risk of injuries. Yoga and tai chi are low-impact exercise to improve balance and flexibility and help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.Strength exercises can reduce symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes, as well as make daily activities like climbing stairs or bending down to lift something off the ground easier. The recommendation for older adults to engage in strength movements is twice a week.Endurance exercises help seniors maintain a healthy weight, heart, and immune system. Exercises that raise the heart rate and quicken breathing should make up the majority of exercise for seniors. Low-impact endurance exercises like swimming, biking, walking, and hiking are all good options for older adults. At Golden West Senior Living we provide residents with plenty of space and opportunities to get in some physical exercise every day from our walking trails to various fitness classes. To learn more about staying fit and healthy at Golden West visit us online at gwbolder.com.

Its not uncommon for older adults to experience feelings of isolation. Social and support groups are beneficial in many ways to help seniors connect or reconnect with peers and create a sense of belonging to lessen their risk of developing symptoms of depression and dementia.Why Join a Social GroupLoneliness and isolation are a growing health concern among older adults according to an article published by Time that cited a National Poll on Healthy Aging where one-third of the respondents reported feeling lonely. Feeling a lack of companionship and being socially isolated can have major negative health implications for older adults. Those who feel lonely and isolated tend to get less exercise, make poor dietary choices, have trouble sleeping, and are at an increased risk of developing depression and symptoms of dementia. Social groups are important for older adults because they provide a way to spend time with others who share your interests and make new friends.Social groups can benefit the social butterfly and wallflower alike. Sharing a common interest gives the more extroverted individuals a chance to engage with people about something they are both interested in. For those who find making small talk difficult, a social group like a book club or a sewing group makes getting a conversation started much easier with built-in topics to discuss.Social groups provide a sense of belonging and the camaraderie among group members improves our mood, boosts confidence, and keeps us connected and engaged with the world around us.Should I Join a Support Group?Everyone experiences challenges but not having to face them alone helps people cope better with stress and anxiety. Support groups bring together people who understand the complex emotions of dealing with health issues, the loss of a spouse, or being part of a minority group. Different support groups bring people together who are facing similar problems and provide a safe space for them to talk about what they are going through, explore their fears, and vent their frustration.Support groups can help older adults better cope with the struggles they may face on their journey due to illness, a change in the mental or physical health of a loved one, dealing with discrimination, or recovering from a traumatic event. A support group is also a good place for discovering helpful resources, getting tips from others who have faced the same challenges and, most importantly, feeling accepted and understood.Golden West Offers a Variety of Social and Support Groups for ResidentsAs an inclusive community dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for seniors to live life to the fullest, The Towers at Golden West offers a variety of social and support groups to choose from that are conveniently scheduled and meet right on campus.  There is a walking club, theater group, book club, and mens and womens discussion groups. These social groups make finding activities to do with others who share your interests easy and fun. The theater group performs with scripts in hand, so no need to memorize lines, and encourages everyone to share their flair for the dramatic. The book club has built-in conversation starters, and the coloring group is for relaxing and chatting with others or just listening while you express your creativity.Golden West also provides a safe place for support groups to gather and share their experiences and problems and let others experiencing similar issues know they dont have to deal with them alone. Our Affirming Us LGBTQIA group and Parkinsons support group have monthly meetings scheduled on the community calendar and a private space to meet.To learn more about living the high life at The Towers Golden West call 303-444-3967.