Many older adults choose senior living for its convenience. The maintenance-free lifestyle allows more time for doing the things they love. And with summer in full swing, senior living residents are enjoying their best lives in thriving and supportive environments with so many options for seasonal fun. Keep reading to learn more about how senior living communities like Southview make summertime safe and social for residents.

Summer Safety

For seniors, one of the biggest safety concerns during the summer is sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause a range of issues, including cataracts and premature skin aging.

And it increases the risk of developing skin cancer, which is the most diagnosed cancer for ages 65 and older. This is due to age-related changes to the skin as well as older adults having spent more cumulative time in the sun.

So, we take precautionary steps to ensure our Southview Senior Living residents are safer and better protected in the summer.

Scheduling around peak sun hours. The sun is at its most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When our Southview staff plans outdoor activities, we aim for early morning or late afternoon/early evening to avoid those midday UV rays. We also encourage residents to take advantage of shaded areas to stay cool and shielded from the sun.

Water reminders. When participating in outdoor activities, we make sure residents have access to bottled water. Many bring their own refillable bottles. And the Southview staff reminds residents to stay hydrated, even if they don’t feel thirsty, since the sensation of thirst diminishes with age.

General safety and medication awareness. As always, we recommend residents wear SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply every few hours. For those who need extra sun protection, we always recommend hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers arms and legs.

Additionally, some medications can make residents more sensitive to the sun. Our staff is aware of these instances and makes necessary modifications to ensure resident comfort and safety.

Summertime Socializing

Each one of our Southview properties has an extensive calendar of events, filled with a variety of daily activities. We want to make sure residents have plenty of options to learn, make friends, discover new hobbies or hidden talents, and live their best lives. Above all, we want everyone to feel included, comfortable, and right at home.

And because we understand the importance of social connections, especially for seniors, we ensure residents have plenty of opportunities to build and maintain those bonds.

Resident outings. Many of our residents sign up to go on group outings to grab lunch, go shopping, or take in a stage play. During the warmer months, residents visit places like the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, or local lakes and rivers for pontoon or paddleboat excursions.

Community gardening. Whether they have a green thumb or simply want to try something new, residents have the chance to plant and grow flowers, plants, and vegetables during the summer. Our community gardens incorporate raised beds, so there’s no need to bend or kneel. And these gardens can easily accommodate wheelchairs or rolling walkers for even more convenience and safety.

This activity provides a low-impact workout while allowing residents to connect with nature and one another. And watching flowers bloom or enjoying homegrown vegetables are added rewards.

Summer socials. Since warm weather in Minnesota doesn’t last long enough, we make sure to take advantage of every moment. Our Southview communities host regular barbecue events throughout the summer, treating residents to summertime picnics with grilled burgers and a variety of favorite side dishes.

We also have community celebrations for holidays, birthdays, or just-because days. Residents enjoy ice cream socials, live music, Night to Unite, and other large-scale events that encourage participation and socialization.

And when the weather is too hot and sticky to host outdoor fun, residents take refuge in the climate-controlled comfort of our on-campus amenities. Among other events, we have games and activities in our community room, show favorite films in our movie theater, and host happy hour events in our pub.

Enjoy Summer at Southview

Now that you have an idea of how senior living communities make summertime safe and social for residents, you may want to schedule a tour. We would love to show you around any of our locations throughout the Twin Cities. Contact us today and see for yourself how comfortable and easy life can be in our Southview Senior Communities.

The post How Senior Living Communities Make Summertime Safe & Social appeared first on Arbor Lakes Senior Living Blog.

An estimated 6.9 million people in the United States aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Since June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, it’s the ideal time to talk about this disease and ways to potentially reduce the risk of its development. Keep reading to learn about signs and symptoms, how to spread awareness, and tips for focusing on brain health.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is a disease that initially begins to destroy memory. Over time, it also affects the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and reasoning, language comprehension, and social behavior. People with Alzheimer’s experience changes in personality and lose the ability to carry out simple, daily tasks.

It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, though it’s not a normal part of aging. And while the causes of Alzheimer’s remain unclear, the disease is likely to be the result of a combination of determinants that include genetics, health and lifestyle factors, and age-related changes in the brain.

Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Indicators of Alzheimer’s can vary but often begin with memory issues. Some people may forget recent conversations or events or have difficulty finding the right words when speaking. Other symptoms can include:

• Visual or spatial difficulties
• Repeating questions
• Problems with decision making and reasoning
• Mood or personality changes
• Losing or misplacing items in strange spots
• Increased aggression or anxiety

People with Alzheimer’s may also have difficulty performing everyday tasks like paying bills, handling money, driving, or getting dressed. They are also often confused by simple things and easily get lost.

Tips for Brain Health

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But certain brain-healthy habits and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing the disease or help slow its progression.

Exercise. Research indicates that regular physical activity, particularly aerobic workouts, can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Be social. Spending time with family and friends defends against depression, which can hasten memory loss. Social isolation has also been shown to diminish thinking skills, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Get enough sleep. Quality sleep recharges the body, improves memory, and keeps the mind alert. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.

Prioritize health. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of developing memory problems. Talk to your doctor to learn how to manage any ongoing medical concerns.

Engage your brain. Keep your mind sharp with activities that encourage thinking, memory, and problem solving. Do puzzles and crosswords, read, learn a new hobby or language, or volunteer.

Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people to learn about and talk about Alzheimer’s disease. The more we know about this disease, the more we stay focused on eliminating stigmas and promoting research to find a cure.

Some of the ways you can help include:

• Sharing personal stories on social media of how the disease has affected you, your loved ones, or someone you know.
• Hosting or attending a fundraiser event to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
• Wearing purple during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month to show support for the cause.
• Becoming an advocate by talking to local policymakers or distributing resource materials.

Support in Our Southview Communities

In all our Southview Senior Communities, we provide a host of activities and amenities to ensure residents live their best and most comfortable lives. We offer a variety of fitness classes and dining options while focusing on brain health and social interaction to promote overall wellness for every resident. And we have specialized Memory Care options for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Learn more about what we have to offer by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.

The post Focusing on Brain Health: Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month appeared first on Arbor Lakes Senior Living Blog.

While most common in older adults, arthritis is not an inevitable part of the aging process and can affect people of all ages. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to talk about this chronic condition. And for those affected by arthritis, we also want to highlight some movement and dietary ideas that can help manage joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Facts About Arthritis

Rather than one single ailment, arthritis is a general term for a range of conditions that cause pain in joints and the tissue that surrounds them. As joint tissue or cartilage deteriorates, mobility becomes challenging and increasingly restricted.

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
• About 1 in 4 adults and hundreds of thousands of children have been diagnosed with arthritis.
• There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis.
• Arthritis affects almost half of adults aged 65 and older.

People often think arthritis only affects seniors, which is not always the case. While age is a common risk factor, it’s not the only one. Others include obesity, previous joint injuries, and infections.

Additionally, arthritis symptoms tend to worsen over time and can vary depending on the type of arthritis. Common symptoms include reduced range of motion, headaches, and fatigue as well as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.

Ideas for Managing Arthritis Pain

Though there is no cure for most types of arthritis, many people manage their condition with lifestyle changes, including low-impact exercises. These regular movements help increase range of motion and strengthen the muscle around affected joints.

• Reduce stiffness with simple stretches, shoulder shrugs, and ankle circles.
• Reinforce joint-supporting muscle by using resistance bands or light weights for doing squats or bicep curls.
• Improve balance and stability with single-leg stands, leg raises, and heel-to-toe walking.
• Strengthen hips and knees with simple sit-stand movements.

Walking, water exercises, and cycling also provide effective cardiovascular workouts without putting added stress on already painful joints. It’s recommended to warm up joints beforehand and apply ice as needed afterward to mitigate stiffness and soreness. For added safety, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Foods for Arthritis Management

When it comes to diet, there is no guaranteed cure for arthritis pain. But there are foods that contain properties to boost immunity, strengthen bones and muscles, and soothe or reduce inflammation.

For those diagnosed with arthritis, incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage joint pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

• Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat pasta help lower inflammation.
• Avocados and certain nuts—including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts—contain anti-inflammatory properties.
• Red beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are packed with minerals that promote a healthy immune system.
• Blueberries contain cartilage-protecting properties.
• Tart cherries are a natural remedy for reducing inflammation.
• Fish like tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce stiffness and inflammation.
• Green tea contains antioxidants believed to slow cartilage deterioration.
• Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C promote the formation and maintenance of collagen and cartilage.
• Broccoli is rich in bone-building calcium and contains a compound that may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Resources in Our Communities

Our Southview Senior Communities take steps to ensure health and happiness for every resident, every day. During Arthritis Awareness Month, we call special attention to the ways in which we help residents feel at home and comfortable, considering all needs. We also consider all abilities when designing games and physical activities, allowing everyone to participate in their own way. And our menus provide meals rich in nutrients and minerals for overall well-being.

Learn more about us and what we have to offer by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.

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