Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when the body’s bone mass decreases or doesn’t make enough bone – or both – resulting in the bones becoming brittle and weak. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), osteoporosis is responsible for close to nine million bone fractures every year, and affects 200 million women worldwide. In the United States alone, around 54 million Americans currently have osteoporosis or low bone mass, known as osteopenia, which puts them at higher risk for developing osteoporosis.

Because there are very few symptoms to the disease, those with osteoporosis may not be aware they have it until they suffer a fracture. When you have osteoporosis, you not only have a greater chance at breaking a bone from incidents like falling and tripping, but also from lesser events like bumping into furniture.

World Osteoporosis Day 2017

Organized by the IOF, World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated every year on October 20. This year-long campaign is dedicated to raising worldwide awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

The theme of 2017 World Osteoporosis Day is Love Your Bones – Protect Your Future. You’re encouraged to wear white on October 20 to embrace better bone health, as well as take action for osteoporosis prevention.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Because you can’t actually feel your bones weakening, osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease.” This is why it’s important to know if you possess any of the factors that could put you at a higher risk, such as:

• Your age. While it’s possible to get osteoporosis at any age, older adults are more at risk than younger people.
• Your family history. Your parents may have gone undiagnosed, but if you’re aware they had conditions like a curved spine or suffered broken bones, those are signs they most likely had osteoporosis. This means it’s more likely that you will have it, too.
• Your gender. Men over the age of 50 are more likely to break a bone from osteoporosis than to get prostate cancer, but females make up 80% of the people who have osteoporosis.
• Your body type. Any body type can get osteoporosis, but being small and thin puts you more at risk.
• Your lifestyle. You’re more at risk for osteoporosis if you live a sedentary lifestyle, smoke cigarettes and drink an excessive amount of alcohol.
• Your medications and current health. Talk to your doctor about your medications and health issues to see if you might be more at risk. Certain medicines like steroids that are used to treat asthma, allergies or arthritis can cause osteoporosis, as well as other medical conditions like celiac disease or diabetes.

Tips to Prevent Osteoporosis from Slowing You Down

There’s no cure for osteoporosis at this time, but there are things you can do to prevent it and improve your bone health. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) offers these five tips:

• Your bones get stronger when you make them work, so be sure to spend 30 minutes every day exercising. Focus on weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
• Ensure you’re getting the correct daily amount of vitamin D and calcium. Eat a well-balanced diet and if necessary, ask your doctor if you should take a calcium supplement.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
• If you are a woman who has reached menopause or a man age 50 or older, get a bone mineral density test.
• Take the osteoporosis medication prescribed for you when the time comes to help prevent broken bones.

Holistic Wellness and Meaningful Living at Immanuel Living

Immanuel Living encourages a meaningful lifestyle by focusing on senior wellness activities in all six dimensions. From daily fitness classes for strength training to line dancing classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be active, ensuring your bones are staying as strong as possible. Learn more about vibrant senior living in Kalispell at Immanuel Living by contacting us today.

Joint replacement surgeries have helped millions of people by relieving their chronic pain and restoring function and mobility. If you’re experiencing daily hip pain from arthritis or an injury, studies show that 90 percent of those who have hip replacement surgery enjoy a higher quality of life with less stiffness or pain, and they are able to get back to enjoying activities they may have been avoiding.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 320,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed every year, making this procedure one of the most commonly-performed elective surgeries in the country.

Hip Replacement Recovery: What to Expect

After consulting with your physician and deciding that hip replacement surgery could be beneficial to your individual situation, you may be concerned about your recovery. Although immediately following surgery there may be some initial discomfort while walking or exercising, most patients are able to get up out of bed and move about the same day as the operation!

Sure, you will be sore from the operation, but the chronic pain you experienced prior to surgery should be completely gone. Here’s what to expect and a few tips to ensure your recovery time from hip replacement surgery goes smoothly and is as successful as possible:

Take part in a rehabilitation program. Physical therapy will start in the hospital as soon as the day after your surgery, and you may be required to recover for a few days in a rehabilitation center before you return home. You’ll learn how to utilize assistive devices and will perform exercises designed specifically for hip replacements that will strengthen your muscles and keep your blood flowing.

Make the proper modifications to your home. Before leaving the hospital or rehabilitation center, you should be able to get in and out of bed independently, walk safely with your walker or cane, be able to move your joint a bit and manage your pain with the proper medications. When you return home, make sure the environment is as safe as possible by removing low furniture, throw rugs or cords that could cause a fall. You could also consider adding features like grab bars in the bathroom and a shower chair to make life a little easier.

Adjust your lifestyle. Make healthy choices throughout your hip replacement recovery by staying as active as possible to build your endurance and increase mobility. Also, make sure to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Being a few pounds overweight could make your recovery time slower and add to excess pressure on your new joint.

Follow your aftercare instructions. Keep up on your exercises, therapy and any instructions your physician or physical therapist provided for the weeks following your hip replacement surgery. If you experience any significant pain or discomfort, contact your medical team immediately.

Recover Successfully with Short-Term Rehabilitation at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, our short-term rehabilitation program at The Retreat provides long-term contentment. With a resort-like feel, unmatched hospitality and a variety of innovative therapy amenities, you’ll recover comfortably and successfully. Contact us to learn more about short-term rehabilitation offered at our Kalispell retirement community, located in the beautiful Flathead Valley.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine has countless benefits for people of all ages, such as a healthier heart, stronger bones, improved flexibility and maintaining an ideal weight. For older adults, exercise offers even more long-term health benefits. For instance, seniors who stay physically active feel more energetic, experience less chronic pain, have a decreased risk for falls and even enjoy improved mental and emotional health.

The Importance of Leading a Physically Active Lifestyle

By the time adults enter their forties they can expect to lose three-to-five percent of their overall muscle mass with each subsequent decade of life. It’s common to lose flexibility and range of motion, as well as endure pain from chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.

Plus, recent studies suggest that around 67 percent of people age 65 and older tend to live a sedentary lifestyle, with periods of inactivity throughout the day lasting as long as eight hours. Sitting in one spot for these long lengths of time only further weakens muscles and bones.

Exercising regularly is key to preserving your health and independence. Exercise helps you manage and even alleviates pain from many chronic conditions, decreases the need to take a variety of medications, and improves the quality of your sleep – all of which contributes to better quality of life.

Get Moving! Exercises for Seniors that Improve Overall Wellness

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore! And, it’s never too late to get active. Talk to your doctor first to get clearance before getting started, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions that could threaten your health. Once you find an activity or a senior fitness program that’s right for you, you may find yourself looking forward to your daily workout. There are activities seniors of all ability levels can enjoy, from swimming and walking to chair yoga and more.

In general, the following exercises for seniors are recommended most often:

Balance Exercises
Falls are the number one cause of injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, in older adults. Incorporating balance exercises into your daily routine can reduce risk of those falls caused by arthritis, low or high blood pressure, heart disease or medication side effects.

Stretching Exercises
Daily stretching can improve flexibility, decrease the amount of energy needed to complete movement and help prevent future injury. Staying limber and flexible as you age can help increase your range of motion and make everyday tasks easier.

Strength Exercises
Strength-training exercises focus on building and retaining muscle mass while also reducing chronic pain. When practicing strength exercises, it is important to work different muscle groups each day. For example, if you begin with legs one day, you should move to arm or core exercises the next day to avoid overworking any one muscle group.

Core Exercises
Every movement you make is generated from your core. This includes the muscles in your back, abdomen, and along your spine, hip and pelvis. Incorporating core exercises into your workout routine is key to avoiding injuries from falls, poor balance or limited mobility.

Chair Exercises
If you have limited mobility, chair exercises offer a perfect way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. All the exercises listed above can be modified into seated exercises. Chair exercises can build and tone muscle, lubricate joints and increase blood circulation by working the legs, arms and core.

Experience Whole-Person Wellness at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, we focus on all six dimensions of wellness through a variety of healthy activities for residents. For your physical health, you’ll enjoy access to daily fitness classes designed with the specific needs of seniors in mind. Improve your strength and balance, try yoga or even dance your cares away in a line dancing class. Contact us to learn more about our Kalispell retirement community located in the beautiful Flathead Valley, or view our floor plans to start planning for your future today.

The Importance of Having a Plan for Your Future

The average American today is expected to live to the age of 78, which means people are living longer than ever before. These older adults stay engaged in the workforce longer or within their communities, from volunteering and mentoring to spending more time with loved ones.

The term “aging in place” means different things to different people. Often, it’s defined as living out your life in the home you’ve lived in for many years – only receiving in-home assistance from family members or medical professionals as it becomes necessary. While this is an option some seniors prefer, it’s important to consider the physical changes that aging can have on your body and overall health. For instance, it’s common for seniors to experience issues such as:

• Worsening vision or decreased hearing
• Memory loss
• Chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis
• Mobility issues due to reduced strength, flexibility or balance
• Increasing risk for illness due to weakened immune systems
• Social isolation and loneliness that lead to depression

All of the above can have a significant impact on your quality of life. For that reason, it’s so important to have a plan ready for your future; as your body and health needs change, you can be sure you’ll be well cared for in any situation.

What it Truly Means to Age in Place

Older adults approaching their retirement years often begin thinking about how they would like to spend their post-working years. Maybe you plan to travel the country for a while, or perhaps you want to sit down and write your memoir. However, while you’re considering your short-term future, it’s also important to plan ahead for the longer term.

Many seniors today are recognizing the benefits a life plan community, or continuing care retirement community (CCRC), can offer to them. If you’re starting to think about downsizing your home and moving to a smaller, more manageable and maintenance-free living space, life plan communities offer senior independent living options like comfortable villas or apartment homes. The added benefit? Should your health needs change, the level of care provided changes with you. Assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services and memory support are all provided on the same convenient campus, offering a true way to age in place.

Plus, life plan communities address more than just your physical health needs. Because numerous studies reveal a connection between an active social life and improved physical, emotional and mental health, residents are encouraged to stay engaged through a wide variety of activities, events, committees, volunteer opportunities and more.

Age in Place at Immanuel Living

Live life on your own terms at Kalispell’s only life plan community, Immanuel Living. You’ll rest easy know you have a plan for all of life’s “what-ifs” while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle that includes everything you need to continue socializing, learning, relaxing and growing. Contact us to learn more about our Kalispell retirement community, or view our floor plans to start planning for your future today.

Why Should You Consider Downsizing

For many people, saying goodbye to a long-term home and moving away from all the memories created there can be an emotional or stressful time. However, for those seniors looking to live more independent, carefree lifestyles, downsizing a home can present many benefits.

Why should you consider downsizing your home? First, it is important to recognize when a home no longer fits your needs. There may be rooms you no longer use, a large yard which requires time-consuming weekly maintenance, or the home utilities and repairs have simply become too much of a financial strain.

Today, seniors are learning that less really is more when it comes to enjoying an active retirement lifestyle. Downsizing or moving into an independent living community can reduce stress and increase the time you have to do the things you enjoy most. Whether you pick up a new hobby, expand your mind by taking some continuing education classes or simply spend more time with those who have shared interests, retirement communities can give you the independence you are seeking.

Downsizing Your Home: How to Get Started

Once you have made the decision to downsize your home and start living a maintenance-free, easy lifestyle, it’s time to start preparing for your move to an independent living community. Here are some downsizing tips to get you started:

• Allow yourself plenty of time. Downsizing is not an overnight decision, nor is it a process you can tackle in just one day. Take the time to let the decision settle in before beginning to go through your home. Be sure to set time aside to properly sort the belongings you wish to keep from the items that are no longer needed.
• Design your personal moving plan. Make a list to help keep you organized for your move. If you have access to the floorplan of your new living space, you’ll have a better idea of how many belongings you will be able to take with you. Figure out what day you will be moving and what steps you will need to take to safely get you and your belongings to your new home.
• Pack small spaces first. As you begin to downsize your home, start small. According to statistics, we wear 20 percent of our clothes majority of the time. It makes sense to begin with smaller storage spaces like your closet, sorting the clothes that you have not worn in a long time out and making room for the clothes you’ll be keeping. Move on to other spaces like your linen closet, coat closet and attic after finishing the bedroom closet.
• Donate unwanted items. As you are packing, designate a box of useful items you can give to family, friends or a local charity. Consider handing down cherished items to your children such as china sets, meaningful ceramics or photo albums that may require more space than your new home offers.
• Enlist help from loved ones. Moving is a stressful process for anyone, and you shouldn’t feel guilty asking for help from family and friends. Have your loved ones over to share stories as you sort through your memories and declutter or ask them to help with boxes on moving day.
• Waste not, want not. Start using up perishable items in the days or weeks leading up to your move. This way, you will have less to pack and the food in your fridge and pantry does not go to waste.
• Keep it tidy. As you are going through rooms packing, take a few extra minutes to clean as you clear out the spaces. Dust or vacuum each room as you go rather than cleaning the entire home from top to bottom before you move.
• Fill a box of essentials. Avoid digging through boxes your first night in the new home by creating one box with all the essentials. Include toiletries such as your toothbrush, comb or brush, any contacts or denture solution you may need, bed linens and towels, paper plates and cutlery, as well as other items such as a spare set of clothes and some healthy snacks.

Enjoy a Vibrant, Independent Lifestyle with Immanuel Living

Immanuel Living in Kalispell, Montana gives you the opportunity to live life on your own terms. Discover on-campus services and activities that give you everything you need for socializing, learning, relaxing and growing. To learn more about independent living with Immanuel Living contact us today, or view our floor plans to start planning for downsizing your home.

Your lifestyle can have a major impact on your health as you age. In fact, although scientists have yet to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research has shown that various lifestyle changes can reduce the risk for the disease and combat cognitive decline. Managing a healthy sleep schedule, maintaining low stress levels, exercising on a regular basis and eating nutritious foods can all help boost memory and cognition as you age.

In addition to creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself, studies have discovered certain vitamins and minerals can help protect brain cells and reduce the risk of developing dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The Relationship Between Vitamins and Brain Health

With an estimated 1 in 8 people over the age of 65 living with dementia and the aging population growing, seniors are looking for new ways to help boost cognitive function and maintain a healthy brain longer. In today’s world of tempting and tasteful foods filled with sugar and caffeine it can be nearly impossible to get the proper nutrition needed from a regular diet, especially as we get older. Taking the right vitamins can help your brain work now and protect it from mental decline in the future. Some of the most common vitamin supplements for brain health include:

Vitamin B6: As an essential part of brain development, vitamin B6 helps produce neurotransmitters, or chemicals that help the brain and nerve cells communicate with each other, as well as increase red cell production.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been a proven mineral for brain development throughout every stage of life. Women who are pregnant need vitamin D to promote proper brain development for the baby. As children, we need vitamin D for continued brain development. Then as adults, new studies have shown the connection between vitamin D levels and the prevention of cognitive decline. According to research, adults over the age of 65 with low levels of vitamin D have four times the risk of cognitive impairment compared to adults who maintain optimal vitamin D levels. This is linked to the function of vitamin D receptors found in the central nervous system and the hippocampus (memory center of the brain). Additionally, vitamin D has been proven to promote nerve growth in the brain.

Vitamins C and E: Adults already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia have been found to have vitamin C and E deficiencies. Although there is no proven connection demonstrating that having low levels of Vitamins C and E is a cause for the disease, one study did find that the combination of these two minerals together helped reduce the risk of dementia by nearly 60%. Vitamin C, in particular, assists in detoxifying the brain by removing heavy metals found in the blood.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12: The combination of these two vitamins is used to combat elevation in homocysteine and methylmalonic acid that can impair brain function in aging adults. It has been proven that a high elevation in these two components can lead to significant cognitive decline and in some cases, Alzheimer’s disease. Increasing levels of B12 and folic acid can reduce the risk of brain shrinkage and dementia or Alzheimer’s in older adults.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral with many benefits for human health, including fighting cancer, improving skin, aiding in wound recovery and shortening the length of the common cold. Brain health is another major benefit of Zinc. Scientists have found that proper levels of zinc can create stronger communication between neurons and the hippocampus, improving memory and cognitive learning capabilities.

Phosphatidylserine: This super vitamin is a natural type of fat that occurs in the body. Over half of the body’s phosphatidylserine lives in the brain, where it acts as a gatekeeper, regulating the flow of what gets in and out. By keeping toxins and pathogens out of the brain and filtering nutrients, water and oxygen into the brain, Phosphatidylserine supplements can protect aging adults nerve cells from degenerating.

Healthy Aging at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living our goal is to create good nutrition, tastefully. We encourage our residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle through meal planning, social activities and wellness programs tailored to meet each individual resident’s needs. Learn more about our Life Plan Community or contact us today for more information.

What is a Life Plan Community?

No matter which name you personally prefer, the definition of a Life Plan Community or a CCRC remains the same. In this type of senior living community, residents are offered various levels of living options and health care services in which they can transition seamlessly as their needs change. For instance, seniors can move into an independent living villa and enjoy priority access to assisted living care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services without ever needing to set foot off campus. This means there’s no need to uproot the life you’ve built for yourself or lose any of the relationships you’ve grown in the community. And, you’ll still have the opportunity to enjoy all the various amenities the community offers, like social activities and wellness programs.

Senior Living with Peace of Mind for the Future

You’re probably familiar with the phrase “aging in place.” But, what often comes to mind when one thinks about what it means to age in place is never leaving one’s home, and only receiving assistance with daily tasks or health care needs as it becomes necessary.

Life Plan Communities, however, offer a true way to age in place. It’s been reported that many residents of CCRCs remain active and healthier longer than those who live alone. They provide a comprehensive solution to aging that provides a variety of benefits to seniors, including:

• An emphasis on overall wellness. Life Plan Communities recognize that healthy living is a key component to successful aging, and they provide programs that ensure wellness in all six dimensions: physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually and occupationally. Most campuses have fitness centers on-site and offer a variety of events, activities and nutritious dining options to ensure residents are healthy in mind, body and spirit.
• Easing the concerns of friends and family members. Often, the adult child will become the primary caregiver to an aging parent. Or, for those who don’t live geographically close, adult children feel guilty they can’t be there to assist their parent as much as they may need. Moving into a continuing care retirement community provides loved ones with the comfort of knowing any of their aging parents’ healthcare needs will be met through a comprehensive continuum of care.
• Spouses with differing needs can remain close. At a Life Plan Community, couples who have varying health care needs can still live together in close proximity on the same campus and spend time together daily, all while receiving just the right level of care. For instance, perhaps one spouse is still mostly independent and needs no assistance with daily activities, yet the other spouse needs some help with bathing or dressing. The staff will provide services to ensure both spouses are enjoying the highest quality of life possible.
• Residents stay connected to the world. It’s been proven that continuing to build and maintain relationships with your peers offers a variety of health benefits, such as an improved memory, decreasing the impact and risk of many chronic conditions, and reducing the risk for depression. Continuing Care Retirement Communities recognize that social wellness is crucial to a healthy lifestyle, and they make social activities a priority.
• Worry-free living with a variety of services and amenities. Not only do residents enjoy private, personalized living spaces without having to worry about any of the maintenance involved with home ownership, but they also have access to transportation, daily meals and 24-hour security. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy living life on your own terms.

Kalispell’s Only Life Plan Community – Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, we offer residential living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and post-acute care, and memory care, all on one beautiful campus in Kalispell, Montana. You’ll find the choices, care and the integrity you deserve, in an environment where you’ll feel right at home. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour.

Kalispell Attractions for the Whole Family

Keeping the kids occupied throughout the lazy, hazy summer months can pose some challenges. We all know how the attention spans of the youth are; one minute they can be fully engaged in an activity, and the next minute dramatically declare they’ve never been so bored in their entire lives. Luckily, there is no shortage of things to do in Kalispell to keep the kids- and the adults- having fun and enjoying the summertime ahead.

We’ve rounded up some of the top Kalispell attractions for families to check out and keep the kids occupied and enthused over their summer breaks!

Visit Glacier National Park. A true gem of Montana, Glacier National Park is located just 45 minutes outside of Kalispell. From hiking, biking, taking a guided tour, fishing, boating and camping, there’s such an amazing variety of family-oriented activities to enjoy. Make sure to plan on driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park – it’s known as a quintessential part of any visit.

Head to Flathead Lake State Park. For those days when the kids need to beat the heat, head to Big Arm, located on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. You’ll find a long, pebble beach just perfect for mom and dad to enjoy sunbathing while the kids enjoying swimming in the refreshing waters. Plus, there’s plenty of other things to do in the park, like picnicking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and even scuba diving!

Take a riding lesson at Bowser Creek Farm. Do the kids need a new hobby, by chance? Bowser Creek Farm offers horseback riding lessons for beginners and seasoned equestrians alike.

Go horseback riding along the High Country Trails. If and when your family gets comfortable on the back of a horse, take them on a guided tour of the High Country Trails, located just six miles southwest of Kalispell in the heart of the Flathead Valley. Along the tour of the 800-acre family ranch you’ll find countless opportunities to take photos of wildlife, nature and the panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Cool down at Woodland Water Park. The 2017 season at Woodland Water Park starts on June 10 and runs through August 20. Not only can the family enjoy a day of splashing in the pools, floating along the lazy river, and sliding down the two water slides, but the park also offers swimming lessons to children of all ages.

Learn some local history at the Museum at Central School. Since opening in 1984, the Museum at Central School helps preserve and present local history to residents and visitors of the area. The school operated for almost 100 years, serving as a high school, junior high, grade school and housed classes for Flathead Valley Community College. Exhibitions include historic items and photographs from FVCC’s five decades, plus historic films and more.

Enjoy some sweet treats at Norm’s News. Norm’s News has been a Kalispell staple since 1938, and stepping into the restaurant is like stepping back into the 1950s. Part soda shop, part candy shop and part magazine store, you can also enjoy burgers, fries and ice cream – even phosphates! No matter how much Kalispell grows and changes, Norm’s will be there, offering a gathering place and classic diner fare for all families to enjoy.

Vibrant Senior Living in Kalispell at Immanuel Living

Enjoy living life to the fullest and a variety of new adventures waiting to be had at Immanuel Living, offering vibrant senior living in Kalispell. From gracious, comfortable independent living options to the assistance you need with daily activities, you’ll feel right at home with our staff that treats you like family. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour.

Avoiding Social Isolation as You Age

Throughout our lives, the way we learn to interact with others and build relationships has a major impact on not only our social lives, but our physical, mental, and emotional health as well. For seniors, some of the main benefits of social interactions are similar to those of physical exercise: a boosted mood and less risk for depression, a sharper mind, and reduced risk for chronic conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular problems, and even some cancers.

Several recent studies reveal that seniors who engage in regular social activities are less likely to experience cognitive decline that sometimes leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Avoiding social isolation can even help you live longer, with a higher overall quality of life. For instance, seniors tend to make better food choices and eat more when dining together, leading to improved nutrition habits. You’ll sleep more soundly, as loneliness can make it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. Plus, you’ll enjoy a boosted immune system, which helps ward off illnesses like the flu or common cold.

Plus, aside from the health benefits, staying socially engaged with others as you age gives you a sense of belonging and keeps you connected to the world.

The Best Social Activities for Seniors

Enjoy a longer, healthier life by getting involved with others! There are plenty of ways seniors can continue to build and maintain relationships as they age, including:

Do some volunteer work. Volunteering at a local hospital, animal shelter or offering consulting services not only allows for meaningful social interactions but also provides a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment.

Try out a gym. Since staying physically active is also vital to healthy aging, find a local gym or fitness center that offers equipment or classes designed for seniors.

Find a club that matches your interests. Enjoy reading? Golfing? Going for long walks in the park? Joining a club or group is a great way to meet others and share experiences with those who have similar interests.

Explore lifelong learning opportunities. Local colleges or community centers often offer classes for seniors, and these are a great way to expand your mind and creativity. Take a writing class, art class, history class – anything to keep that brain engaged while spending time with your peers.

Head back to work. If you’re able, find a part-time job at a place you’d enjoy working. This will not only keep your mind stimulated and provide the chance to talk with others on a regular basis, but it will also put a little extra money in your pocket every month!

Spend time with family. Adult children often lead busy, hectic lives, so reach out and offer to watch the grandkids for a weekend. Or, invite them all over for lunch on a weekly basis.

Connect with others through technology. The internet has been an important tool in keeping people connected. And, more seniors are using technology than ever before! When friends and family don’t live nearby, you can stay in touch through email, social media or even Skype.

The benefits of social interactions will last well into your later years, enhancing your daily life and giving meaning to your days.

A Full Calendar of Social Activities at Immanuel Living

Find whole-person wellness at Immanuel Living! We understand how important it is for our residents to stay socially active and engaged, and you’ll find a wide variety of regularly scheduled on-site and off-site events to allow you to continue to build relationships in your retirement years. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour.

Technology for Seniors: Making Life Easier

While seniors may be known as being notoriously late to adopting the latest technology, over the past few years, older adults have started catching up with their younger counterparts. For instance, a study from the Pew Research Center revealed that compared to the year 2000, when 86 percent of adults age 65 and older never used the internet, that figure today has been cut in half. Seventy-seven percent of these seniors also report that they have cell phones, and 47 percent have a high-speed broadband internet connection at home.

The internet itself has been an important element in reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can often lead to depression in seniors. While technology can’t replace in-person interaction, going online regularly provides a way to stay in touch with family and friends who may not live nearby.

Technology can not only improve mental health, but physical health, too. Video games played on a system like Nintendo’s Wii help keep the mind and body active, plus offer some much-needed social interaction when enjoyed in a group setting. Plus, wearable fitness trackers help monitor activity levels, keeping seniors healthy by encouraging nutritious eating and regular exercise.

How Seniors Stay Connected and Safe with Technology

The Pew study also revealed that although more seniors are utilizing technology than ever before, many still feel slightly hesitant when it comes to learning how to properly use their new devices. In fact, almost 80% of these older adults think they would need someone to help walk them through the process. However, once they’re comfortable using these laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more, the technology becomes an important part of their daily lives.

Technology is continually changing the way seniors live, keeping them healthier, living longer and more engaged with loved ones and their communities. Some of the ways seniors utilize technology include:

Keeping in touch with loved ones. Email, Skype and social media allows seniors to connect with loved ones no matter their geographical locations. The number of older adults going online to visit websites like Facebook has increased in the past few years, rising from 43 percent to 56 percent from 2013 to 2014.

Joining online community groups. Online community groups offer a perfect way to connect with others who share their interests, or who even share similar health conditions. Seniors can discuss their personal experiences, challenges or thoughts on everything from their favorite books and television shows, crafts and hobbies, or health-related issues.

Seeking the latest news and events. While many seniors still seek news and information in the traditional manner – through the newspaper or nightly TV news – more older adults are turning to the internet to get daily news. Online news tends to be more timely, offering immediate coverage about events going on in the world.

Improving brain health. Technology for seniors also provides a great way to improve cognition and memory through online “brain games.” The AARP’s website offers a variety of fun games that can be played with others online, allowing for some friendly competition and social interaction.

Providing safety in the event of an emergency. Wireless systems like monitoring devices, surveillance cameras, door and window alarms all help provide peace of mind for older adults should an emergency situation arise. For instance, if a senior suffers a fall, he or she can simply push a button on a monitoring device to get help immediately.

An Engaging Environment at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, residents live life on their own terms, enjoying everything they need for socializing, learning and growing. As Kalispell’s only life plan community, we offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing services, rehabilitation and post-acute care in a beautiful, comfortable setting. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour.