Seniors in assisted living often feel depressed because of isolation and lack of mobility. Those who traveled extensively when they were younger can feel particularly trapped in one place. Virtual reality (VR) promises to help with that by allowing seniors to travel, engage in interactive fitness, communicate with others, and meditate. Can virtual reality in assisted living help people thrive? What are the benefits of a virtual reality program?

Your memories are a beautiful story, and a gift you can give to future generations. Your children, grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and even people outside your family tree will find enrichment and delight in the unique life you’ve lived and the adventures you have to share. As you relax during your golden years, now is the perfect time to preserve your stories and build them into your legacy.

One of the wonderful things about modern life is that you don’t have to put pen to paper to craft your memories into stories. There are many different ways to tell your story using digital tools that can unlock the mysteries of the past for current and future generations.

Your stories matter. From the most mundane experiences to your grand adventures, each one can become an inspirational lesson for young story-lovers as they immerse themselves into the tales of your past. Let’s tour the ways you can easily share the history of your life in today’s digital world.

Each year, you enjoy your body and create a harmony of nutrition and fitness. How you eat, move, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle will shape your experiences in later life.  Elders in our community can benefit from maintaining a healthy diet and gentle exercise program, which helps the body remain vital, flexible, and strong.

Social isolation can affect our health, and seniors are particularly prone to it. Those living in residential care may have the advantage of a built-in society but the disadvantage of being further from family. Staying connected can lower the risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and even conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This is where embracing technology for seniors comes in.

Modern technology can help seniors reduce social isolation and increase connection with family and friends in several ways.

Flu season is officially upon us, and we must be knowledgeable to make the best possible decisions. Seniors face higher flu risks, so they must plan carefully and take proactive steps to protect their health. Influenza—or, more simply—the flu, is highly contagious and can have serious consequences, especially in older adults. Everyone must have effective strategies for prevention, recognizing symptoms early, and managing health effectively.

Let’s discuss how older adults can take essential steps to care for themselves and how others can gain the knowledge to support the seniors that we love.

What does assisted living emergency preparedness mean, and why is it important? Assisted living means providing mature adults with a lifestyle that allows them to maintain independence in a secure environment. At Silverbell Homestead, there’s around-the-clock care. We provide physical activities and healthy options. We manage caregiver aid and medication management. Our facilities offer lifelong learning to stave off cognitive decline. The staff promotes social engagement. Silverbell team members take residents shopping at malls and to local attractions and religious services. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, etc., as a family.

However, the priority is safety. Like any homeowner, we prepare for the worst. Ever hopeful for the best, our communities are ready for the worst. You can’t avoid a storm or a local power outage. However, you can do your best to minimize the chaos with essential emergency planning and preparedness.

When a disaster happens, it affects everyone. Some effects are direct — injury, loss of life, and property — but others are less so. The emotional impact of a disaster is felt not just by those in the disaster zone but, in our connected world, by everyone. Elders’ emotions can be impacted particularly strongly. While many seniors are more resilient simply because they have lived through so many disasters, big and small, others are more vulnerable. People with cognitive challenges may also feel the impact because they might not understand what is happening around them.

How can you help your loved one deal with the emotions? Here are some things older adults are particularly prone to — and how you can help them get through it.

Your parents have always been a supporting pillar in your life. You want to see them as strong, capable, and independent. Even in their senior years, it’s nice when parents can still live on their own and enjoy independence, even with the help of family or caregivers. However, there may come a time when your parents can no longer live at home safely. Signs of dementia are common in the very elderly, and a little forgetfulness can be handled with routine. But at what point does your parent need memory care?

Memory care is a residential solution that helps seniors live safely when they can no longer care for themselves. These five signs can tell you when memory care is the right answer for your aging parents.

Caring for a family member is the right thing to do. You know it deep in your heart and dedicate your time to care because you love your relative. However, many family caregivers struggle to maintain themselves and their loved ones without a complete support structure. You need assistance, personal time for self-care, social connections, and care resources to ensure that you and your family remain healthy and positive in the act of caregiving.

How can you identify these challenges, when should you seek support, and what kind of support is available for family caregivers? Silverbell Homestead is here to help you answer these questions and more.