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It’s winter and your options for activities are limited. But that doesn’t mean you should stay inside watching TV until birds start chirping again. There’s plenty of indoor activities for seniors in Kalispell.

You may have tried one of these activities years ago, or maybe there’s something on this list you’ve never done before. Either way, why not give it a shot? Snag a significant other or friend to join you, and choose a day over the next few weeks to get out of the house. You’ll be glad you did.

What to Do Indoors in Kalispell

Here are some of our residents’ favorite indoor activities in Kalispell:

Hockaday Museum of Art

Art lovers, where are you? This one is perfect for you. If you’ve never been, you’re missing out! It’s home to numerous works of art by Montana artists, both current and historic. Plus, it’s housed in a stately Carnegie Library building, which is sure to impress.

Conrad Mansion Museum

We’ve recommended Conrad Mansion before, and for good reason. This home is one of the staples of Kalispell and is central to our town’s history. After all, Kalispell’s founder lived here. You can get a tour of the home or visit the museum to see real relics from the 18-1900s displayed much as they were in that time period.

For example, you can see up close and in-person real attire worn as early as the 1890s, and learn about the different uses for such clothing or history buffs, it’s truly fascinating.

Magic Diamond Casino or Windiggers Casino

Play some slot machines or blackjack while having a drink at this hometown casino. It’s a good way to get out of the house, take your mind off things, and kick back with a group of friends. Plus, you’ll be toasty and warm indoors no matter what the winter weather is doing outside.

Kalispell Main Street Historic District

You’ve probably been here before, but it’s so lovely, why not go again? You’ll have to walk outside to get to the quaint, unique shops and cafes, but it’s worth it. Did you know our historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994? We’re proud of our downtown.

Montana Brew Bus

If you love brews, spirits, and food, this activity in Kalispell is perfect for you. This bus will take you and a group of people on a fun tour of area breweries. Your stops may vary depending on the season’s route, but common stops include Sunrift Brewing Company, Brass Tap, and Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits, among others. You’ll love visiting multiple local breweries and distilleries without having to worry about driving yourself.

It’s easy to get cooped up and bored during the wintertime. Let’s cure that with an adventure to somewhere indoors in Kalispell. You’ll see there are plenty of fun memories left to be made for seniors, like yourself, right in your hometown.

Our residents mean the most to us. At Immanuel Lutheran Communities, we always give our honest best to seniors in the Flathead Valley. This is our home, and this is our mission: to enrich lives by providing Christian communities of support and loving care. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

Kalispell is our home, and we’re proud to say it. We love enriching lives by providing a strong Christian community of support and loving care. There’s no other place we’d rather call home.

That being said, we’re also proud of the well-known attractions in the area, because they give our residents fuller, vibrant lives. It’s healthy to get out and about, socialize, try something new, and create memorable experiences. One place our residents rave about is Conrad Mansion.

The Conrad Mansion Museum is located in Kalispell’s eastside residential area. The beautifully maintained property was home to the Conrad family and Kalispell’s founding father, Charles Conrad, beginning in 1895. It features 13,000 square feet, 3 floors, and 26 rooms. Today, the mansion is filled with 90% of the original family furnishings, and is open to the public for guided tours.

Visiting the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell

If you consider visiting the Conrad Mansion this year, keep these tips in mind.

Check out the latest exhibits.

While the 2019 Clothing Exhibit hasn’t been announced yet, the 2018 exhibit was titled “Black in Fashion” and it featured 15 examples of women’s attire, one child’s dress, and one example of men’s formalwear from the 1890s to 1950s.

See up close and in-person real attire worn as early as the 1890s, and learn about the different uses for such clothing. For example, wearing black today means something different than it did one hundred years ago. When worn as formalwear, black conveyed elegance; but when worn by working class and servants, black conveyed plainness.

Call ahead, especially during the offseason.

Did you know anyone can book a private event at the Conrad Mansion? It offers both outdoor and indoor rentals for weddings, private tours, family get-togethers, social luncheons, business meetings, company parties, or other special occasions.

To ensure you can access the entirety of the tour, call in advance. You will want to visit the property when there is no private event. Plus, off-season tours (Oct. 16, 2018 – May 14, 2019) are only available with a minimum of 24-hours notice, so you have to call 406-755-2166 prior to your visit, anyway.

Plan to grab something to eat before or after.

To keep the property, furnishings and interior beautiful, no food or beverages are allowed in the mansion. But you won’t be thinking about food or drinks, anyway, because there’s so much to absorb while touring the grand property.

Did you know tour guides are required to memorize 23 pages of notes before earning the honor of leading tours? You’re sure to hear stories and insights that delight, especially if you appreciate the history of the city of Kalispell.

Plus, adding lunch or dinner to your trip to Conrad Mansion makes for an eventful outing with friends or family. You can discuss your favorite part of the mansion and all the unique facts you learned.

Kalispell is home to many great organizations, activities, and landmarks, but Conrad Mansion is by far the most impressive. The grand property represents the beginning of our town’s legacy, and it represents the thousands of residents who’ve looked upon it all these years. Why not schedule an outing and pay it a visit?

Living Your Retirement to the Fullest at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

Locally based and not-for-profit, we are mission-driven and locally owned and managed. The truth is, we’ve always given our honest best to seniors in the Flathead Valley. This is our home, and this is our mission: to enrich lives by providing Christian communities of support and loving care. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

How’s your clean slate going? The New Year has only just begun, which means you have plenty of time to incorporate good habits into your lifestyle. Staying active is one routine you should definitely consider.

Even if physical activity isn’t on your list of New Year’s Resolutions, it should be on your mind. Benefits of exercise are abundant—you probably know them by heart. But you don’t have to do something major like join an aerobics class or run 5 miles every day to be a healthy, active senior. For example, simply walking for 30 minutes per day is a great foundation. And in the Flathead Valley we have the mountains and plenty of outdoor walking tours to support your active lifestyle.

Make Staying Active a Part of Your Lifestyle 

If you consider the below advice for staying active, you may find that physical activity is a natural part of your life and doesn’t take much extra effort.

Start with one small change.

Quick wins push you towards something attainable. They make you feel proud and accomplished. Start small by making one healthy lifestyle change related to physical activity. Maybe it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Or parking farther from the entrance to the grocery store so you get more steps in. Or taking the dog for a 30-minute walk instead of a 15-minute walk.

Whatever you decide, start with one attainable change. This lowers the likelihood you’ll get overwhelmed from the shock of drastic lifestyle changes.

Remember why you need to stay active.

When the urge to sit on the couch and watch a movie instead of going for a walk creeps in, resist. Think about the reasons you need to stay active. You’ll feel better—physically, mentally and emotionally—after you exercise. If you need a little motivation to work out, try developing better nutrition habits to increase your energy and keep you active. If it helps, jot down a short list of reasons you need to stay active and keep it nearby. Refer to it when temptation sneaks in.

Try something new with a friend.

No matter your age, sometimes new things are more intimidating when you’re alone. Grab a friend or two and scope out a fitness class nearby. Consider beginner level yoga classes, which are perfect for improving flexibility and stretching. Another fun option is Tai Chi classes, which are lively and upbeat – you may not even realize you’re working out!

Ask your loved ones to help keep you on track.

Having a cheerleader in your corner can do wonders for your motivation. Sometimes we all need a little encouragement to keep going. Ask your spouse, close family member, or friends to check on your exercise habits every so often. Tell them how important it is for you to stay active this year, and your reasons for doing so. If you ever fall off-track, you’ll have someone there pulling you back into the race.

Don’t let the weather get you down.

One of the hardest parts about staying active in the New Year is: it’s the middle of winter. Frigid temperatures and snow storms really limit your options for exercise. Don’t use that as an excuse. Be tenacious with your desire to stay active—even if it means pacing the living room while watching your favorite TV show. Or you could consider joining a senior fitness program. Do what you have to do to give your body the physical activity it needs.

Staying active impacts your health in multiple ways. If you want to improve your life, take a look at your physical activity and strive to make positive changes there, first. It doesn’t take much to see a difference in the way you look and feel. You can do this.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities offers a variety of health services when and where our residents need them, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. No matter where you are in life, we’ll be here with professionalism and kindness when you need us. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

Every January marks a clean slate, a new chapter, a fresh start. It’s like turning the page of a cluttered, note-filled journal to a crisp, blank sheet of paper ready to fill up. There’s something refreshing about knowing you can close the door on 2018 and focus on a happy, healthy 2019.

What do you hope for the coming year? If you’re thinking about setting a New Year’s resolution (or a few), the key is maintaining the motivation you feel right now. Don’t let your resolutions glow bright in January, then simmer out come February. Choose a few goals you can actually keep year-round.

New Year’s Resolutions & Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors

Not sure what to work towards this year? Consider one of these top New Year’s resolutions to add to your list for a happy, healthy year:

Resolve to make new friends.

Socialization is so important for health. It’s good for the body, mind, and soul. When you have friends and family who bring you joy, laughter, encouragement, confidence, and motivation, you’ll live a happier life. Isolation has been seen to promote depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in seniors, so set a goal to make a new friend or two this year.

Resolve to try something new.

Making new friends is more likely if you get out of your comfort zone and try something new. For example, why not try the new fitness class you’ve heard about? Even if you don’t like the actual workout, you may hit it off with someone in the class. Or you may find you love the workout and decide to incorporate it into your lifestyle. Both are wonderful outcomes that are worth the extra effort.

Resolve to laugh more.

There are so many reasons laughter is good for you. It can lower blood pressure. It reduces stress hormone levels and releases feel-good hormones. It works your abdominal muscles. It improves your cardiac health. And it produces a general sense of well-being. It may seem simple, but try to be more care-free and joyful this year. You’ll be amazed how good you feel.

Resolve to eat less sugar.

Sugar is overtaking our diets. It’s hidden in so many foods – many that we don’t even realize, like bread. One way you can make a major impact on your health is to cut back on the sugar in your diet. Eating less of the sweet stuff can lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, reduce risk of obesity which reduces risk of heart problems, keep your brain sharp, and even reduce risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression.

Resolve to take care of yourself.

Be selfish this year. What we mean by that is make an extra effort to do what you need to do for your own well-being. Schedule those routine doctor’s appointments and stick to them. Listen to your doctor’s advice and be diligent with your medications. Pay attention to your mental health as well as your physical health. When you need a break mentally or physically, allow yourself to take one. Or focus on staying active over the winter to maintain your health.

Resolve to eliminate stress.

Think about the major stressors in your life. What are they? And can any of them be reduced or eliminated? For example, if maintaining your home or yard are getting more and more difficult, you may want to consider moving to a senior living community where those tasks are taken care of for you. Or if you’re stressed about your parent needing help on a daily basis, consider assisted living facilities for their needs. It’s time to be strategic about what stresses you out and work to resolve it.

Think about all of the positive opportunities for change that await you. This is your year. Make the most of it by making informed, healthy, and wise decisions. And from all of us at Immanuel Lutheran Communities: Happy New Year.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities offers a variety of health services when and where our residents need them, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. No matter where you are in life, we’ll be here with professionalism and kindness when you need us. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

As we age, the more precious and vulnerable our good health becomes. Our bodies are built to endure many years of wear and tear, but eventually that wear and tear can begin to take a toll. And as part of the aging process, we’re faced with naturally-occurring increased risks for a number of health concerns. Despite these risks, it’s important to know that steps can be taken to obtain a healthy lifestyle and help lower the likelihood of suffering from these common health concerns.

Avoid These 5 Health Concerns with Healthy Aging 

Use your knowledge of the below most common senior health concerns to your advantage. Empower yourself to live a healthy retirement today.

1. Chronic diseases

Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are the most common senior health problems. Even though these diseases are serious and can be deadly, they’re also highly preventable. When you focus on a healthy lifestyle, these are the main diseases you are working to prevent.

What you can do: Make healthy choices. Exercise daily, eat a nutritious diet, keep your mind sharp, spend time with loved ones, avoid smoking, limit your alcohol, and be diligent about your medical check-ups. These lifestyle tips will work in your favor.

2. Injuries from falling

Falling as “normal” is just one myth many people have in their minds about seniors and falls: that it’s always going to happen. Actually, falling is not a normal part of aging and injuries from falling can be prevented.

What you can do: The goal is to deter falling, which will deter injuries from falling. Focus on maintaining your balance, flexibility and mobility. Fitness classes geared towards seniors like yoga and Pilates are fun options. Or try stretches you can do at home.

3. Mental health problems & cognitive decline

Seniors are more likely than any other age group to be isolated, which drastically increases risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental problems. Alzhzeimer’s disease and dementia risk increases with age, and the best thing you can do to lower your risk is keep your brain active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mental and cognitive health are just as important as physical health.

What you can do: Make an effort to try new things and socialize with other people regularly. Exercise your brain by continuing to learn as you get older – play new games, take up a new hobby, and read often.

4. Vision and hearing problems

It’s not unusual for the eyes and ears to lose some of their function as we age. Vision problems like glaucoma and cataracts are most common in older adults. The key is to catch these conditions early.

What you can do: Schedule and attend your regular vision and hearing appointments and talk to your doctor about any changes you experience.

5. Malnutrition

Did you know that health problems common to seniors can affect appetite and eating habits? Sometimes older adults won’t feel hungry due to another health problem, which means they don’t eat. Sometimes they don’t feel thirsty, so they don’t drink. Either way, malnutrition can occur and become very dangerous for adults whose bodies need nutrients to thrive.

What you can do: Eat nutritious snacks throughout the day like fruit, vegetables and hummus, protein bars, whole grain crackers, or nuts. Keep a water bottle handy. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day to stay hydrated.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities offers a variety of health services when and where our residents need them, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. No matter where you are in life, we’ll be here with professionalism and kindness when you need us. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

Think about the last time you slipped on a patch of ice. Maybe you fell and hit your shoulder, or your tailbone, or even your head. It startled you, pain shot through your body, and for a moment you wondered if you were seriously injured. Hopefully you weren’t.

Now imagine that happening at the age of 70, 80, or older.

Falling happens. Accidents happen. Injuries happen. But contrary to popular belief, falling down is not a “normal” part of aging. The occasional fall should never be accepted as something that’s bound to happen. Preventing falls in the elderly happens through education and action.

Understanding Common Myths about Falling

Falling as “normal” is just one myth many people have in their minds about seniors and falls: that it’s always going to happen. Let’s review other myths and set the record straight.

  1. You’re better off staying home and limiting your activity if you’re worried about falling.
    False. Staying active and mobile is actually one of the best ways to prevent falling, because mobility helps keep your bones, muscles, and joints limber. People who don’t get up and move often are more likely to have difficulty and potentially fall when they do have to move. Weakness promotes falls, and inactivity promotes weakness.
  2. Medication has no impact on your chances of falling.
    False. Side effects associated with some common medications can play a huge role on a person’s chances of falling. For example, some medicines cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and confusion – all of which can lead to a person falling down. Always read your medication’s label and understand any risks associated with it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
  3. Using a cane or walker makes you dependent, so it’s better to tough it out and risk falling.
    False. What do you think makes you more dependent: using a cane or walker, or being bedridden because of a fractured hip after falling down? You are able to do much more and get around much better with a little assistance compared to not getting around at all. Don’t take the risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people over age 65.
  4. Falls aren’t a big deal.
    False. This one should be obvious by now. Falls are much more dangerous for seniors than they are for younger people, but they’re dangerous all around. Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments every year, and 800,000 of those result in hospital admissions. Falls often result in broken bones, concussions, sprains, strains, and other serious health problems. Falls can also impact quality of life by creating fear and anxiety.
  5. Talking to family about your concerns with falling makes you weak.
    False. Bringing up this topic to your loved ones makes you proactive, strong, and brave. You are taking charge of your health and well-being. You are promoting a higher quality of life for yourself. Every person deserves that. Never feel embarrassed to talk to friends, family, or your doctor about your concerns with falling. It’s better to lay it all on the table so you can work together on a solution.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities offers a variety of health services when and where our residents need them, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. No matter where you are in life, we’ll be here with professionalism and kindness when you need us. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

Ever heard of LTC insurance, or LTCI? These acronyms stand for long term care insurance, which was created to help cover costs associated with health services you might need as you get older. It’s different from traditional health insurance, though, because it can help cover the cost of services like in-home healthcare, assisted living, and more.

Long term care insurance is common. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70 percent of people over age 65 will need some type of insurance to cover their future long term care. People are living much longer lives than in the past, and the need for some type of care as we age is growing.

Understanding Long Term Care Insurance

People are often confused when it comes to choosing any kind of insurance plan. It’s important to understand long term care insurance as you get older and approach retirement age, or if you’re already there. We’ll do our best to explain it.

What does long term care insurance cover?

Long term care insurance covers any type of long-term care. Medicare, on the other hand, pays for the short-term care such as skilled nursing care after you have been hospitalized for at least three days. But when you reach the 21st day of care, Medicare stops paying and long term care insurance kicks in. Of course this varies depending on which type of coverage you’ve chosen. In addition, long term care insurance often covers: