Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Seniors

Making Valentine’s Day Extra Special for Your Senior in Assisted Living

Seniors moving into assisted living for the first time are often afraid of being forgotten. This is especially true around holidays. The best way to alleviate those fears and make sure your loved one knows that you care about them is to remember them during these special occasions.

Valentine’s Day is a time for love and companionship. It isn’t limited to romantic relationships, although it’s also a great time to celebrate those bonds as well.

If you have a parent or grandparent in assisted living, make sure you do something fun for them in February. Let them know that you are thinking about them and that they are still an important part of your life.

The social benefits of living in an assisted living community are many, but they don’t override a senior’s need to feel loved by family and friends outside of the facility. Find out what you can do to help make this Valentine’s Day special for your aging loved one.

Plan to Visit on the Holiday or Close to It

Schedule a time to visit your loved one in assisted living on or around Valentine’s Day. Most people do not get a day off work for this holiday, so if you can’t go that day, try to stop by as close as possible. The best thing you can do for your loved one is to be there.

You should also check out the event calendar at the assisted living community to see what activities and gatherings might be scheduled for the day you visit. Some may host special Valentine’s Day luncheons or dinners. Being at these events with your loved one will encourage them to socialize and engage with their senior community. This can be especially important for seniors who recently moved into assisted living.

Decorate Their Room for Valentine’s Day

Help your senior loved one decorate for Valentine’s Day. This can also serve as another reason to stop by for a visit! Bring store-bought decorations or plan an afternoon to get together and craft some of your own.

Valentine’s Day décor is easy to make. You can chain together hearts to make garland or cut out construction paper hearts to hang on windows and doors. Inexpensive silk flowers and embellishments can make your decorations really pop! Sit down with your loved one and create decorations together and then find fun places to hang them up in their assisted living room.

Exchange Valentine’s Day Cards and Candy

Do you remember how much fun it was to make special boxes and exchange Valentine’s Day cards in school? You can do the same with your loved one.

The boxes are optional, but make sure you bring a special card just for them. It’s a meaningful gesture and can spruce up their room for the holiday. You can even turn it into a social activity by giving cards and candy to your loved one’s neighbors.

Buy cards or make them together for each neighbor and then hand them out on Valentine’s Day. It will brighten your loved one’s day as well as those of their fellow seniors in the assisted living community.

Bring Them a Bouquet or a Teddy Bear

Floral bouquets and stuffed animals are among the most common and popular Valentine’s Day gifts. Consider bringing one or both to the senior living home for your loved one.

Ideally, choose something that will fit comfortably in their room. A small room may not be the best place for an oversized teddy bear or enormous bouquet. Make sure they can safely and comfortably display whatever gift you bring so they get the most out of it.

Organize Love-Themed Activities Together

Our luxury assisted living community organizes events through February, but that doesn’t mean you can plan your own activities as well. There are plenty of games and activities for seniors that are easy to enjoy. Some good examples include:

• Bingo
• Card games
• Board games
• Puzzles
• Sudoku

Give whatever you choose a Valentine’s Day twist! You can add hearts to Bingo cards or choose puzzles with love or romantic themed imagery. Gather multiple family members or friends to come and play or invite your loved one’s neighbors to make the activity more exciting and fun!

Watch Their Favorite Movie with a Love Theme

Find a movie that your senior loves and enjoy it with them on Valentine’s Day. While romance flicks are a popular choice for this occasion, not everyone is into that genre. Look for something with any kind of love theme (even if it isn’t the focus of the film) or stick with a movie that you both enjoy.

If you want to take it a step further, bring popcorn and put it in red and white striped boxes like they use in movie theaters.

Ask your loved one for their movie recommendations beforehand. Getting them involved in organizing the occasion will make them feel more included. It will also ensure that you choose something you both will love to watch together!

Host a Valentine’s Day Tea Party

An elegant tea party is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Bring small teacups and saucers and a selection of delicious teas. You can also add finger sandwiches, biscuits, or other small desserts like mini cupcakes or petit fours.

You can both wear your finest for the party. Offer to help your loved one get ready, so they feel dressed up for the occasion.

A Valentine’s Day to Remember in Senior Living

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s a Valentine’s Day to remember for your loved one! Find activities and ideas that appeal to their interests. Also keep in mind that many seniors have lost spouses, friends, and family, which can make it difficult to get into the mood to celebrate. Remember to make time for them and be present, even if they just want company on what may be a difficult day.

Seniors who recently moved into assisted living may also struggle with holidays. Keep this in mind if you notice the 10 signs that your loved one is ready for assisted living and are trying to convince a senior to make the move. Reassure them that you will still be a part of their life and they will be a part of yours, especially during these special occasions.

Not only will this help build confidence and improve their mental and emotional wellness, but it will also bring you closer together as a family.

How to Support a Grieving Senior

How to Support an Elderly Parent Who is Coping with Grief

The loss of a loved one is never easy at any age. Older adults tend to face more losses as they age and friends and family pass away over the years. No matter how many times a person has dealt with this situation, it is still difficult and emotionally taxing.

A close loss, like that of a spouse, can be extremely devastating. You will likely also be navigating grief if the departed was a loved one. Juggling your own emotions and needs as well as those of a parent can be a challenge.

Sometimes, elderly parents face losses that don’t directly affect you. For example, a friend in their assisted living community may pass away. This can also cause a spiral into depression and isolation.

Being supportive of a grieving senior requires patience, understanding, and love.

How to Recognize When a Senior Is Struggling with Grief

Everyone copes with grief in different ways. Some people show it more and some less. Some people will openly discuss what they are going through while others may bottle up emotions.

Healing from a loss takes time. You cannot rush it. However, it’s important to learn to recognize the signs that a senior is struggling with grief. Ignoring the problem can lead to bigger mental and physical health concerns. It can also affect their quality of life and even longevity.

Some of the most common signs that a senior is struggling with grief include:

• Withdrawn behavior and avoiding social interactions
• Not participating in hobbies and activities that they enjoy
• Neglecting personal health
• Poor hygiene and grooming habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

Seniors who do not live in an assisted living community may also have trouble paying bills on time and keeping their homes maintained. These activities are typically handled for residents in assisted living.

What Can I Do to Be Supportive of a Grieving Parent?

Most adult children want to be supportive of a grieving parent but also don’t want to overstep or push them to heal too fast. What can you do to provide support while protecting your senior loved one’s health, safety, and wellbeing?

• Be Open About Discussing Your Feelings and Theirs

If you are also experiencing a loss along with your senior parent, be open about discussing your feelings as well as theirs. Talking about what you are going through can help your parent open up.

When something triggers a memory of the departed loved one, don’t be afraid to share that memory. Talk about the things that person did or how they made you feel. Sharing will help your elderly parent feel less alone.

It isn’t easy reliving memories and dealing with outbursts of grief, but it is better to get it out into the open. This will bring both of you comfort as you learn to navigate life after a loss.

• Ask Direct Questions That Require Specific Answers

One of the most common questions that are asked when someone experiences a loss is: “How are you?”

It’s a well-meaning question, but it is not easy to answer. The grieving person may not know the appropriate way to respond. Does the person asking really want details or is it only meant as a polite greeting?

Asking direct questions that require specific answers can help a senior parent communicate. You can ask things like if they tend to miss their loved one more during a certain time of day or if a certain season makes grieving harder.

This tells your parent that you truly care and want to be there for them. It also indicates that you are looking for a deeper answer than a polite “I’m fine.”

Some people won’t discuss the loss or anything about the person who passed away to avoid upsetting loved ones. The reality is that, for most people, the loss is always on their minds. Discussing the departed can be beneficial, even if it is accompanied by sadness.

• Be Aware of Sudden Personality Changes

Grief is a powerful emotion that can lead to worrying personality changes. A senior coping with a loss may become more forgetful, disorganized, and have poor concentration.

These changes may remain for weeks or even months after the loss. If you are concerned that something more is going on, make sure your parent sees a medical or mental health professional. In the meantime, be patient and provide support to help get them back on their feet when they are ready.

• Encourage Good Health and Hygiene Habits

Health and hygiene can be affected when a senior is working through grief. Some may neglect self-care and medical needs. This will make them feel worse and can start to have a significant impact on their wellness.

Encourage good health and hygiene habits. If your parent is not receptive to your suggestions or assistance, then it may be time to talk to a professional. Grief counseling can get them in touch with someone who can provide the type of support they need or direct them to other care providers who can.

• Help Your Parent Rebuild Their Social Circle

Isolation is a serious problem for elderly people. Many start to lose friends and family as they go through life, shrinking their support network.

Rebuilding a person’s social circle can become harder as they age. Some develop medical conditions or mobility limitations that make it difficult to go out and meet new people. Many seniors don’t know where to go to meet their peers.

Learning how to build your social circle in assisted living can help a senior cope with grief. New connections provide human interaction and improve mental health.

• Plan Ahead for Gatherings, Events, and Holidays

Gatherings, events, and holidays can be especially difficult for a grieving parent. Not only are these occasions reminders that their loved one is gone, but they can also bring up discussions and questions that are difficult to answer.

Planning ahead can make these events easier. Ask your parent if there is anything they would like to do to honor the departed, like reading a special poem, displaying a photograph, or lighting a candle.

• Acknowledge Important Days Over the Years

The initial loss of a loved one weighs heavy. Learning to do things without them during the first year can feel like climbing a mountain. However, many discover that the second year after a loss is even harder.

This is primarily because others stop discussing the loss. They are putting less or no effort into providing support and comfort. Many people go back to their daily lives and stop checking in as much as they did.

Some people assume that the second year gets easier, which often isn’t the case. They may be more reluctant to ask for help since time has passed since the loss.

Grief also tends to change over time, which means your loved one may need to find different ways to manage it during the second year.

One thing you can do to help them is to continue acknowledging important days, even years after the loss. Taking time to visit, make a phone call, or send a letter or greeting card can make a difference.

• Be Patient and Help Your Parent Form Connections

Be patient and help your parent form connections with those around them. Show support and be prepared to talk about the loss. If your parent lives independently, it may be time to consider senior care. These 5 ways that assisted living helps families of seniors is a good start.

There is no quick and easy way around grief. It’s something we all face, no matter our age. If you are also experiencing a loss, make sure you take care of yourself as well as your parent. Together, you can face the days ahead and rediscover life with joy, happiness, and love.

10 Things Seniors Can Do to Improve Their Nutritional Health

Every senior should care about their nutrition. While this is something that applies to all people, it is especially important for older adults.

Our bodies change as we age. That includes the processes and systems within our bodies. Elderly adults tend to have a slower metabolic rate. They may also experience decreased appetite. The risk of several diseases that are affected by nutrition also increases, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Seniors who are diagnosed with cognitive decline may have difficulty keeping up with daily meal preparation and eating, which will eventually impact their health.

Sticking to a nutritious diet can significantly improve overall wellbeing and slow or prevent disease. What can seniors do now to improve their nutritional health?

Include Varied Protein Sources

Include a variety of protein sources in your diet. Poultry, fish, and lean meats are great choices. Also include sources of vegetarian protein. These are beneficial because they supply your body with protein without the saturated fats. Some good options include:

• Peas
• Lentils
• Beans
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Artichokes
• Brussel sprouts

If you live in a retirement community, then you may have access to a healthy eating menu already. One of the things many seniors find when debunking the myths about assisted living is that the food is delicious using fresh ingredients and homemade recipes. It tastes like something you would make at home rather than bland hospital food, and it’s good for you!

Eat Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods are usually low in calories and rich in fiber and nutrients. You can include frozen or canned versions, but fresh is usually the best both in taste and nutrition.

Seniors with arthritis or mobility limitations can look for pre-sliced fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. These provide the same nutritional value but without the extra prep work.

Choose Whole Grains

Fiber is essential to senior health. It helps with digestion, prevents constipation, and helps the stomach feel full. Eating enough fiber can also lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Including fiber in your diet has also been shown to reduce inflammation.

Whole grains are an ideal source of fiber. It’s easy to include this in your diet because so many foods have a whole grain alternative. You can shop for pasta, bread, and cereal made with whole grains.

Reduce Salt Intake

Too much salt is detrimental to the human body. If your intake is high, you could end up increasing your blood pressure which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis has also been linked to high salt intake.

Seniors who have low activity levels can gain cognitive benefits from low-salt diets.

If you tend to use salt to flavor many of your meals, consider switching to spices instead. There are many options, each offering its own unique flavor, including:

• Basil
• Chives
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Nutmeg
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Ginger
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Saffron
• Tarragon
• Thyme

Experiment to see which spices offer the best flavor with your favorite foods.

Drink Enough Water

The older we get, the less efficient our bodies become at retaining water. This makes seniors more susceptible to dehydration. Those experiencing dehydration will notice concerning symptoms like:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fatigue

Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. More may be needed on hot days or on days when you are doing more physical activity or spending time outdoors in the heat. Remember to spread your water intake out across the entire day. Bringing a water bottle when traveling can help.

Use Meal Planning

It is difficult to know what you’re eating and how much without having a plan. Meal planning is a good way to make sure you stick to a healthy diet. It can also help to have a record of what you have been eating in case your doctor needs that information.

Luxury assisted living communities offer meal services and more. If you are already a resident, get in touch with staff to learn more about nutrition and meal services.

Eat Less Refined Sugar

Eating a lot of refined sugar can be very bad for seniors. It contributes to insulin resistance and increases the risk of diabetes.

Refined sugar has also been shown to contribute to cognitive decline in seniors. It can cause or worsen attention problems and memory loss. It also causes damage to blood vessels, which can further cognitive decline.

Instead of refined sugar, try:

• Pureed fruits
• Dates
• Monk fruit sweetener
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Molasses

Keep in mind that while these alternatives may be better, some should still be enjoyed in moderation. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to learn more about which sugar substitutes might work best for you.

Be Mindful of Food Safety

A healthy diet should also include food safety. Foodborne illness is bad for people of all ages, but seniors are more vulnerable. This can occur when food isn’t prepared or stored properly. Seniors should also avoid raw meats and unpasteurized dairy products.

Any food that is old or looks or smells off should be thrown away. It’s not worth the risk of eating it and potentially developing a serious illness. Adults over age 65 are more likely to end up in the hospital due to foodborne illness than younger people.

Skip Processed Foods

Processed foods tend to be high in fats, sugar, or sodium. All of these can be difficult to digest. It’s best to stick with foods that are closer to the source, like fresh vegetables, fish, and meats.

Seniors should check labels to see which foods have the most nutritional value with less sugar or sodium. Many canned soups, processed cheeses, cereals, chips, and condiments can be problematic. Pre-packaged and frozen meals can also fall into this category due to preservatives and high sodium content.

Move to Assisted Living

Seniors who struggle with food shopping and preparation should consider a move to a luxury senior care facility. The nutritional and social benefits of living in an assisted living community are many and can help you stay comfortable and healthy.

These communities include meal plans with menus designed for older adults. They can also accommodate individual dietary needs, like allergies or diabetes. The staff ensures that all residents have access to food and are eating properly. They also serve as an early alert system when something changes in a senior’s diet or eating behaviors.

Senior nutrition is essential to quality of life and longevity. Taking positive steps now can help you enjoy more of your years.

How to Build Your Social Circle in Assisted Living

Seniors have much to gain from a move to assisted living. There’s staff to provide support in a secure environment built with the needs of the elderly in mind. One of the biggest benefits of assisted living comes in the form of friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness and isolation are connected to serious health problems. A national Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report found that nearly one-fourth of people over age 65 are socially isolated.

The risk increases the older we get because elderly people are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, hearing loss, and the loss of loved ones. All these factors impact socialization.

Seniors who are isolated or lonely have a significantly increased risk of premature death. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Suicide rates are higher in this demographic as well.

Heart failure patients who are experiencing loneliness are nearly four times more likely to pass away and have a 68% increased risk of hospitalization. They are also 57% more likely to need to visit the emergency room.

You can learn about 10 reasons why seniors need to have an active social life to better understand why friends and family are essential to good health.

The best way to combat these concerning issues is to build a thriving social circle and stay active. Vista Living Senior Care welcomes new residents with many opportunities to meet new people. What can a senior who just moved into assisted living do to start building their social circle?

• Be Friendly and Approachable

If you want to welcome new people into your life, you have to give them an open door to enter through. That means being friendly and approachable.

Moving into assisted living can lift many of the burdens that come with aging and independent living. Some seniors have been dealing with their own struggles for a long time, so it can be difficult to adopt a more positive mindset.

If you struggle with this, it may be helpful to schedule time with a therapist. They can help you adapt to assisted living and find ways to be more approachable. Not only will it help you connect with more people, but it can also guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

• Get to Know the Staff

The staff may be there because it is their job, but they also care about you. Many form friendships with the people they support. Getting to know the staff will make it easier to go to them when you need help or have questions.

The staff may also be able to direct you to social opportunities or introduce you to other residents who share your interests or experiences.

• Mingle in Common Areas

Assisted living communities tend to have common areas. These are great places to meet your peers. Chances are good that others will also visit these spaces.

Many times, common areas in assisted living include lounges, TV rooms, or game rooms. Here, you will likely find something to do together that can help you connect with others. Join in a game of cards, watch a movie, or hang around and see who shows up.

• Check Out the Events Calendar

Assisted living communities tend to have busy events calendars. These can include everything from book clubs to art classes or group workout sessions. Find something that you enjoy and join in.

Vista Living Senior Care provides many opportunities for fun and engagement among residents. Our recent gatherings include a Sunday BBQ hosted by a resident’s daughter as well as spring crafts, and a live musical performance by a mother-son duo.

• Try Something New or Learn a Skill

New things seem scary sometimes, but they can push us to learn more about ourselves. Being open to new experiences also helps us reach out to more people.

Try a new activity or learn a new skill to enrich yourself and extend your social circle. Many colleges offer perks for senior citizens. In some cases, you could get free tuition. Check out local schools or look for online classes.

Even if you attend class remotely, learning something new could help you connect with the people you see in person. You may convince a neighbor to enroll in a class with you, so you can learn together.

• Eat Meals with Your Neighbors

Human beings have used meals as a reason to socialize for thousands of years – and it still works well today! That’s why you should make a point to join your neighbors for meal times as often as you can.

Being able to eat together is one of the social benefits of living in an assisted living community.

• Plan a Housewarming Party

Organize a gathering in your new home. This is also one way loved ones can help seniors build their social circle. Plan a housewarming party and invite your closest neighbors. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. Create a place where you and your fellow residents can gather and get to know one another.

You can also look for icebreaker games that will help you ease into conversation and find common interests.

• Connect with Other New Residents

Find other new residents within your assisted living community and get to know them. You will already have some common ground being new arrivals. You can learn and explore the facility together, and possibly bond over these shared experiences.

As you become more acquainted with the community, staff, and amenities, you can use this knowledge to help seniors who move in after you. You may not be the newest person anymore, but you can help support others and make new friends in the process. This can also help you feel a sense of purpose, which is an essential component of good mental health.

• Be Patient with Yourself and Others

Remember to be patient with yourself and others. Building a strong social circle isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time to find compatible people and form a bond of friendship.

Moving into assisted living may seem overwhelming at first, so be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to adapt and be open to making friends, but don’t rush it.

Be patient and understanding with others as well. You may find that some of your neighbors are struggling to do the same thing you are – which gives you something in common right away.

Socialization is the key to preventing isolation and loneliness in senior citizens. Family should take on an active role to help their loved one adapt and meet new people. While it’s good to continue to interact with family members, it’s also important to build connections with peers.

Is Fresh Air and Sunshine Good for Senior Health?

Health problems and limited mobility can make it difficult for a person to go outside as they age. There are many risks out in the world, which means extra caution has to be taken when someone faces frailty and age-related conditions.

That doesn’t mean that an elderly person should never step food outside. Fresh air and sunshine can have a profound effect on senior health. It’s something that human beings need at all ages. However, this is especially true for older adults who may face different physical and mental health challenges.

Vista Living Senior Care believes in a holistic approach to wellness. We encourage residents to live life as fully as possible. Here’s why we believe that you or your loved one should make time to enjoy nature as much as possible.

• Helps Fight Feelings of Isolation

Isolation is a big concern for seniors, especially those that live on their own. Isolation can lead to depression and increases the risk of illness and injury. Going outdoors can help break the cycle of isolation some seniors experience each day.

Spending time outside also promotes social interactions. That’s because it can be done with a friend or family member or just going out in the community to meet neighbors. Moving to an assisted living home like Vista Living Senior Care is another great way to avoid isolation and enjoy the outdoors safely.

• Reduces Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions among senior populations. This stems from aging and the life changes that can come with growing older, like losing loved ones. Out of around 34 million U.S. citizens who are over age 65, more than two million experience depression.

If left unchecked, depression and anxiety can lower quality of life and reduce longevity. It’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of senior depression and what you can do to help.

One of the easiest ways to support a senior with depression or anxiety is to get them outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise can significantly improve mood and wellness.

A study found that a walk through a forest lowered anxiety. Another study reported that walks in nature had the potential to be “useful clinically as a supplement to existing treatments” when dealing with major depressive disorder.

• Helps Avoid Mental Fatigue

Many seniors suffer from mental fatigue. This can happen when brain function slows down, making it harder to process information.

Going outside is a good way to avoid mental fatigue. Nature elicits positive feelings. It has a powerful restorative effect. One study reported that just looking at photos of nature scenes helped restore mental energy in participants.

• Great Source of Vitamin D

The sun is our greatest source of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential to prevent cancer, depression, and osteoporosis.

Vitamin D helps you stay strong by supporting the absorption of calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones, muscles, nails, and teeth. You still get vitamin D when wearing sunscreen, so make sure you protect your skin while soaking up the sunshine.

• Encourages Physical Fitness

Going outside requires movement, which is good for senior citizens. Working muscles, deep breathing, and getting your heart pumping are good ways to stay fit. Even stepping out for a quick walk or moving from an indoor space to a lawn chair or picnic table is beneficial for seniors.

Regular motion is also a good way to reduce arthritis symptoms. Seniors who maintain a healthy body weight lower their risk of many medical conditions. Spending time outdoors helps seniors burn calories and build muscle. Physical status is a key component in assessing fall risk and preventing injury.

• Fortifies the Immune System

Being outside can increase your white blood cell count, which boosts your immune system, so it is better able to fight off colds and the flu. This effect is reported to last for several days, so going outside once every few days can have lasting benefits.

• Helps with Recovery

Most people notice that as their age increases, so does the amount of time needed to recover from illness, surgery, or an injury. Going outside won’t instantly cure you, but it will help you get better sooner.

Harvard Health Publishing reported that seniors recovering from spinal injuries who spent time outdoors had less painful symptoms compared to those who stayed inside.

• Green Spaces Increase Longevity

Living close to a green space can increase your lifespan, according to multiple studies. Environmental Health Perspectives published a 2016 study that found that people with increased exposure to green areas had a 12% lower mortality rate. This was due in part to a reduced risk of lung disease, kidney disease, and cancer.

Arizona Climate is Perfect for Outdoor Senior Living

Arizona is a retirement-friendly state partly because of its comfortable climate. The region experiences mild winters. It also has low humidity, so warm summers feel cooler compared to high-humidity areas.

For seniors, that means the outdoors is accessible all year round. Vista Living Senior Care has gorgeous outdoor areas with breathtaking views of nature. Our Arcadia community has a walking path that passes through our garden bed. The living room and dining room at Camelback look out on majestic Camelback Mountain.

The natural beauty of Arizona surrounds our communities. Residents can enjoy it all right from the comfort and safety of our assisted living home.