The holidays are often a festive and joyous time of year, but for seniors who have just suffered a loss, they can be anything but. The season is often full of reminders of the past that bring out nostalgic emotions, which themselves can trigger strong feelings of grief.
In retirement communities in Phoenix, seniors who are dealing with loss generally need extra support and care around the holidays, so it’s important to understand how grief and the aftermath of a loss work to better support your older loved ones. With that said, here are some of the best ways to care for a senior who has recently lost someone they love: Give Them a Safe Space to Talk About the Person They Lost Where people prefer not to talk about the loved ones they’ve lost, others do, and if that is the case, it’s crucial that you provide a safe and open space for them to talk about the person they love. Discussing the loss can help ease some of the feelings of depression and help seniors move through the more complex stages of grief. Whether you visit them at one of the retirement communities in Phoenix or invite them to your house, make sure you offer a listening ear. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is there to hear what they have to say can be a great remedy for those going through complex grief. Encourage a Sense of Community Seniors who have recently lost someone they loved need to be able to fall back on their friends or others who can lift their spirits, and thankfully, in retirement communities in Phoenix, there are plenty of other residents who can help offer support. A strong sense of community can act as a buffer against some of the negative effects of loss, like depression and hopelessness. Encourage the person suffering to reach out whenever they need support and participate in community activities when they feel ready to do so. Support Their Nutrition and Physical Health Seniors going through grief and depression may need help prioritizing their physical needs, including sleep, regular meals, and hydration. Make these activities as easy and convenient as possible for them so they can protect their physical and mental health during this challenging time. While eating a healthy diet won’t cure someone’s grief, it can help with the smaller side effects, such as a loss of appetite and unhealthy weight loss. As their support person, you can encourage them to eat nutritious meals and move their body as they see fit. Gift Them Photos and Keepsakes of Their Lost Loved One Keep the memory of a grieving senior’s lost loved one alive by gifting photographs and other keepsakes. Since the holidays often involve lots of gifts, it’s best to stay sentimental with yours this year. Doing so will help them carry the person they lost in their heart, no matter what time of year it is. Navigating the Complex Process of Senior Grief Grieving isn’t easy at any age, but it can be especially tough for a senior after retirement, so offer your support in ways that are sympathetic and authentic. Remind them that you’re always there to listen and care for them when they need it.
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Everyone knows how important it is to follow a healthy diet. But what many people forget is that it’s even more important for seniors to eat healthily, especially in retirement communities. So where do you start? How do you make the most of what your program has to offer?
Thankfully, many retirement communities in Phoenix have premium nutrition services and healthy dining options. Use this as a guide to learn the best tips for healthy eating after retirement. 1. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants that help combat tissue damage. This is key when it comes to aging gracefully and maintaining good brain health. So load your plate with colorful fruits and veggies every time you eat to make the most of your meals. While indulging in treats is okay occasionally, you should strongly focus on getting your fruits and vegetables each day. 2. Make Healthy Eating Fun and Enjoyable While they may have a reputation for being particularly healthy choices, you don’t have to force down Brussels sprouts or spinach if you don’t like them. Healthy eating can still be enjoyable and tasty. For example, if you find out which whole grains, vegetables, and fruits you like the best, you can add them to your meals each day. Learn which ingredients make you feel the most satisfied while still delighting your taste buds. Opt for dishes with flavors and textures that bring you happiness instead of making you feel restricted. This way, you’re more likely to stick to a healthy diet. 3. Watch Out for Hidden Sugar Some foods and drinks contain a surprising amount of hidden sugars that are damaging to your mental and physical health. So always ask for a menu that includes ingredients if you have diabetes or are sensitive to blood sugar spikes. Some foods and drinks that contain more sugar than you’d think include:
If you know what to look out for, you can avoid consuming too much sugar and protect your long-term health. 4. Research the Community’s Dining Options Retirement communities in Phoenix offer a wide range of dining options, from cafeteria-style meals to independent restaurants onsite. You may already have settled into a routine in your community, but you may not be aware of all the available options that can help you maintain good health. You might even have access to extra services like nutrition counseling. If so, find out how to sign up and get expert meal guidance. Eating Healthy for Seniors Made Easy Keep these tips in mind, and you can do a better job of eating right and aging gracefully while living in one of the retirement communities in Phoenix. Finally, as you navigate your new post-retirement eating habits, remember that most things can be enjoyed in moderation. There is an epidemic of loneliness among many Americans, particularly older adults. Seniors may find themselves feeling isolated and cut off from the world, spending most of their time on their own. This makes socialization a crucial element of aging well and feeling like the best version of oneself.
The following factors emphasize the importance of socialization for older adults: Supports Emotional Well-Being Perhaps the biggest benefit of socialization is that it supports emotional well-being. Too many seniors struggle with feelings of isolation because of a lack of social interaction. Older adults who spend more time with their peers, family members, and neighbors may lead happier lives and experience less stress, depression, or anxiety. Having frequent and meaningful socialization can combat these feelings and promote more positive emotions. Maintains Mental Acuity A profound concern among older adults is cognitive decline and memory loss. While this is largely unpreventable for most people, there are ways to slow the progression and maintain some level of mental acuity. One of these ways is ongoing socialization. Daily interaction with other people can help seniors retain a stronger memory and enhance mental clarity when compared to those who spend most of their time alone. Provides a Sense of Purpose Some seniors struggle with a lack of purpose, especially after retirement. Without having a job or daily tasks to attend to, they may feel like there is nothing for them to do each day. Spending time with friends or family members can provide many older adults with the sense of purpose they long for. Having scheduled social endeavors or regular outings gives seniors something to look forward to each week. Improves Physical Health Serious health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain are all prevalent among aging adults. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for preventing or reducing the symptoms of these conditions, another effective tool for improving physical health can be socialization. Going out with friends and family can help otherwise sedentary seniors lead a more active lifestyle. It can also promote positive, uplifting feelings that help them maintain their overall health and well-being. Socialization in Senior Living in Phoenix Chatting with a friend or having dinner with family are things that can benefit all of us, but they are particularly beneficial to older adults. Since seniors often struggle with loneliness or isolation, it is important to prioritize peer relationships and connections between family members. Maintaining a social lifestyle has a number of advantages for seniors in senior living in Phoenix, including improved health and better emotional wellness. If you have a loved one in a retirement community, make sure to remain present in their life and encourage interactions with others. As the golden years approach, many seniors seek a community that provides comprehensive care and a vibrant lifestyle supporting their evolving needs with age. MorningStar Sparks, located in the beautiful city of Reno, Nevada, offers individuals and continuous care for seniors looking for senior living or assisted living in Nevada. Being a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), MorningStar Sparks presents many advantages for seniors, such as promoting an enriching and fulfilling retirement experience through many options, independence, and socialization.
A CCRC, or a Continuing Care Retirement Community, is a residential community that provides a continuum of care services for seniors as they age and their healthcare needs change. This means that senior living communities, like MorningStar in Sparks, Nevada, offer seniors different options in their care regime and the ability to change that regimen later on down the line, without having to move to a completely new facility for assisted living or memory care. This model allows residents to age in place and receive the appropriate level of care within the same community, ensuring continuity and convenience, while maintaining comfort and friendships. MorningStar is a Continuous Care Community in Nevada that offers peace of mind to seniors and their families. Seniors that move into a MorningStar senior living community with the appropriate level of care they need to remain healthy and happy. In our traditional senior living arrangements, retirement years are just made simpler by our community handling chores, having executive chefs for meal cooking, and offering amenities and social activities daily. As residents age, their need levels may change. By providing care for changing needs, MorningStar provides a sense of security and eliminates uncertainties associated with aging and potential future healthcare needs. Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. To learn more about MorningStar’s Senior Living in Reno, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see the most exceptional and dependable senior living Sparks, Nevada offers. |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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