Do you have a love-hate relationship with exercise? As we age, exercise often becomes harder because of the impact on the bones and joints. Physical activities like jogging, aerobics, playing sports, and even walking can be hard on the musculoskeletal system, making you want to avoid exercise all together.

Luckily there are lower-impact exercises like swimming that allow seniors to stay active without putting too much pressure on your bones and joints. Healthy aging is all about the balance of physical, mental and emotional activity, and swimming exercises are a perfect place to start.

Health Benefits of Swimming Exercises for Seniors

Swimming keeps your heart rate up, but the water helps take some of the impact stress off your body. Some swimmers even say it’s soothing and relaxing – a good way to destress and unwind. You should consider taking up swimming because it:

1. Provides a full-body workout.
   Rather than target one part of the body, like your arms, abdomen, or legs, swimming uses nearly all of the muscles of your body. This helps improve muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness, since workouts that use your muscles keep your heart rate up and build endurance.
2. Is good for your heart.
   As mentioned above, swimming is a cardiovascular exercise. It’s like other physical activities like running or aerobics, except it doesn’t put increased pressure on your joints. It gets your heart pumping faster improving your heart strength over time. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age (as much as 70% of people aged 60-79 may have some form of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure), so any type of exercise that strengthens the heart is one to consider.
3. Improves mental health.
   It’s true that physical activity is good for not just your body, but your mind, too. Swimming is no different. If you like being in water, swimming is something you can enjoy with your friends and family. While using your muscles, you’re also building and strengthening relationships, socializing, and increasing oxygen flow to the brain. All of this does wonders for your mental health, helping to lower risk of conditions like depression and anxiety.
4. Lowers risk of osteoporosis.
   Remember how we mentioned swimming is easy on the bone and joints because it’s low impact? Studies have found that swimming reduces the progression of osteoporosis (loss of bone density and strength) because it improves and maintains bone strength. Since osteoporosis risk increases with age, swimming is one way to combat that risk.
5. Increased flexibility and better posture.
   You may not feel like you’re doing much stretching when you swim, but because you’re using your entire body and all of it’s muscles, swimming is actually an ideal way to increase flexibility. Water’s buoyancy and resistance helps make this possible. Why work towards increased flexibility and better posture as you age? Both can help reduce aches and pains, especially back pain.
6. It’s easy to learn.
   You can set your own pace if you decide to give swimming a try. There are many swimming exercises for seniors, including treading water, doing shoulder or calf presses using natural resistance from the water, or slowly swimming from one side of the pool to the other. The beauty of swimming is there are no set rules to follow – you decide what works best for you.

Many continuing care retirement communities offer a variety of features and amenities that help you stay active, including swimming pools, whirlpools, and fitness centers. For seniors, moving to a senior living community is the best way to find endless opportunities to stay active.

Choosing a retirement community is a big decision, and we’re here to help in any way we can. And, with our recent expansion, we now have an indoor heated pool that you can take advantage of to stay active. Senior living should make life easier, not harder. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Living today.

If you’ve done research on senior living communities, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that there are many to choose from. Your list of contenders may have similarities and you may be scratching your head thinking, now which one do I choose? The ultimate question is: how do you know which one is right for you? How do you know if the one you choose will feel like home?

It’s difficult to predict how you will feel after moving into a retirement community, but you can do your due diligence in picking one that best meets your lifestyle needs. There are a few key steps to this process, and we’ll walk you through it below.

Steps to Finding the Right Senior Living Community

Step #1: Assess your needs.
Before you can decide which retirement community meets your needs, you have to understand what those needs are. Think about physical limitations – if your mobility or health should change, does the senior living community offer varying levels of care and amenities that will make your life easier? What about your social and emotional needs? Will you have opportunities for social interaction from activities, events and outings? Or would you prefer to spend more time on your own? Lastly, make sure you consider your financial situation. What is your budget? Does the retirement community offer financial options to help make the cost of senior living more affordable?

Step #2: Determine your must-haves and nice-to-haves.
You may not be able to find retirement communities that satisfy every item on your wish-list. You can, however, make sure to choose a place that satisfies every item on your must-have list. For example, maybe a healthy and safe environment, as well as delicious food and a friendly staff, are all important to you. Eliminate any senior living facility that does not check those boxes right off the bat.

Step #3: See it in person.
Seeing is believing, right? You can research different retirement communities all day long, but until you take a tour and see it for yourself, you won’t truly know if it’s the place for you. What kind of vibe does the atmosphere give you? Did the residents seem happy and content? Was the staff friendly and helpful? All of these questions are crucial to understanding which senior living community fits your needs, as well as if it’ll be a place where you’ll feel at home.

Step #4: Play pretend.
When you visit a retirement community, take some time to “pretend” you’re a resident and join in a social activity or event. This is a perfect way to get a feel for the community as well as the residents and staff that live/work there. You’ll also get a better idea of which activities you will enjoy if you were to choose to live there, and you’ll learn who else might participate in those activities.

Step #5. Ask lots of questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask any question that comes to mind, either while you’re touring the location or after. You should get all of the information you need to make an informed decision about where you’re meant to be. At Immanuel Living, we encourage you to ask anything.

A Vibrant Retirement Lifestyle in Kalispell at Immanuel Living

Choosing a retirement community is no quick or easy decision. It’s a major life change. That’s why we applaud you for taking the time to do your research, check all of your boxes, and ensure the senior living community you choose is the right choice. Senior living should make life easier, not harder. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Living today.

Welcome to the beautiful Flathead Valley in Northwest Montana, a destination surrounded by valleys, mountains and beautiful lakes. In the cradle of the West, there is so much to see and do. Whether you’re lucky enough to be a resident of the area or are just visiting, you can enjoy exploring new places or experiencing something you never had imagined before. Set against some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, there are a variety of interesting stops to make on a senior-friendly walking tour in the Flathead Valley.

Stops to Make Around the Flathead Valley

The best part about a walking tour? You can set out on your own two feet to experience everything you want at your own pace. Here are a few must-see and must-do Flathead Valley attractions to check out before the summer ends:

1. Conrad Mansion: Step back in time by taking a tour of the historic Conrad Mansion. This beautiful house has some deep historical roots, and it’s open to the public through guided tours by an exceptionally knowledgeable staff. Learn all about the innovator/businessman that Mr. Conrad was, all while enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of his 23-room house and original furnishings.
2. Lady of the Lake: Get out on the water and explore Whitefish Lake in style. The Lady of the Lake Tour offers private tours for up to 12 people. You’ll be able to take in all the amazing views while a narrator describes the scenery and the area. This is a perfect pick if you are in the area to celebrate a special occasion.
3. Visit Wild Horse Island: If you’re looking for an adventure and love wildlife, a visit to Wild Horse Island, the largest island on Flathead Lake, is just what you need. Only accessible by boat and home to many different species of animals such as bighorn sheep, fowl, bald eagles, and even wild horses, your experience at the island is sure to have a lasting impression. If it’s not too warm, you can hike around the island or enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore.
4. Visit Bigfork: Bigfork is known for being a leading arts community and his home to many different exhibits, galleries, theatres, and restaurants. You can find a little bit of everything in Bigfork on your walking tour. Along with the various attractions, Bigfork also offers exciting events and activities year-round.
5. Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park is an amazing gem in Montana. Filled with an abundance of trail ranges, and hikes, this is the perfect place to take a senior-friendly walking tour while immersing yourself in natural beauty. While there are many different trails available, older adults can opt for trails like the Trail of the Cedars or Running Eagle falls for a shorter, more relaxed hike.

Vibrant Senior Living in the Flathead Valley

Located in stunning Kalispell, Montana, you can enjoy all the beautiful views within the comfort of our vibrant senior living community. We offer a variety of senior living options, balancing comfort with exciting opportunities to create an engaging lifestyle for all our residents. You’ll find gracious independent living in Buffalo Hill Terrace or The Villas at Buffalo Hill, to supportive services like assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care. Contact us today to schedule your personal tour.

Is an Age-Restricted Community Right for You?

A 55+ retirement community, sometimes referred to as an age-restricted community, active adult community or retirement community, is a residential neighborhood designed for active older adults who can take care of themselves and manage their own affairs. This senior living option is often chosen by older adults looking to downsize. In fact, 51% of retirees who downsized in their last move cite freedom from the financial and maintenance burdens of a larger home as the top reasons to downsize.

55+ communities are generally gated, and the homes are typically located on smaller lots requiring less yard maintenance. Most require all residents to be 55+ years of age (no adult children or grandchildren under the age of 55 allowed as a resident in the home); however, the requirement is often waived when a spouse does not yet meet the age requirement.

A mix of housing types may be found within a 55+ retirement community, including single family homes, townhomes, apartments, condos and mobile homes.

The Benefits of 55+ Communities

Benefits and amenities within the age-restricted community often include:

• With a focus on an active lifestyle, some communities may have well-equipped clubhouses, athletic courts (tennis, basketball and volleyball), golf courses, swimming pool or other amenities
• Calm and peaceful environment
• Most offer a range of recreational, social and educational activities
• Surrounded by similarly-aged people
• Homes are built with the older adult in mind meaning they are usually handicap and wheelchair accessible
• Many have a secure entrance with gates

Other amenities and activities can vary greatly between communities, but may include:

• Walking trails
• Community center and parks
• Lifelong learning classes
• Fitness classes
• Activity- and hobby-based clubs
• Billiard rooms

To determine if an activity or amenity is available in the community you are considering, check their website or speak with a community representative directly.

The Cost of 55+ Retirement Communities

The cost associated with living in a 55+ community varies considerably depending upon whether you are buying to own or renting/leasing, location, housing type and amenities. On average, one can expect to pay between $1,250 to $4,000 per month. This monthly cost would include housing and maintenance fees, plus community amenities and activities. It typically doesn’t cover meals, healthcare or transportation expenses. Also, some communities may have income criteria that must be met to qualify for residence in the community.

As you age, you might find it necessary to make changes in your lifestyle. This could mean making a transition from your home to a senior living community. Although the idea of moving from your home to somewhere unfamiliar may sound daunting, the results of your move can be a great joy and a wonderful step in your life. This can also take the stress off of you and your loved ones who may be struggling to maintain your home, or to adequately care for your changing healthcare needs.

The adjustment period after moving to a senior living community can feel a bit unfamiliar and new, but by preparing yourself for the next step in your life, you can make your new community an amazing home and place filled with amazing experiences.

Getting Adjusted to Your Senior Living Community

There are many different myths that revolve around the idea of a senior living community. Don’t let yourself fall into this sort of trap – understand all the amazing services, amenities, and opportunities these communities can offer you. As you get settled in, you’ll begin to learn all the benefits living in a senior living community can bring. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most out of your stay, and enjoy all that your new home has to offer:

• Make Friends: Introducing yourself to your neighbors, or simply getting involved in an activity, class, or group can help you make friends. Knowing more people and building new friendships and relationships can be an instrumental way to ensure you feel comfortable and happy in your new home.
• Get Involved: There are so many different activity options to take advantage of in your senior living community. Make sure to explore what is available and find some things that interest you. The abundance of options is a perfect way to find something you enjoy doing, or a new favorite activity all while making friends and learning more about your community.
• Bring Familiar Items: A great way to feel settled and relaxed in your new community and home is by bringing in familiar items you cherish. Whether it be your favorite collection of books, a cherished blanket, or family photos, surround yourself with the objects that will make you feel most at home.
• Stay in Contact with Family and Friends: Getting adjusted isn’t just a transition for you, it’s also a transition for your loved ones. Stay in contact with them by having them visit your new home and calling frequently to catch up on each other’s lives. You can even have family and friends participate in some of the senior living community’s activities with you.
• Get to Know the Staff: Being able to get to know the staff and find friendly, familiar faces that are willing to help and accommodate your needs is a great way to make you feel more comfortable. Expect a friendly staff to welcome you, and make sure to direct any question or concerns you may have towards them.

How Immanuel Lutheran Can Help You Feel at Home

Here at Immanuel Lutheran Community, we pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming staff and community filled with tons of opportunities and amenities for all to enjoy. We also have a large array of different living options that could help ensure you get the right level of assistance for your unique needs. We offer everything from assisted living to memory support, skilled nursing, and other beneficial health services. Contact us today to learn more about us or to get more updates on our community.

As you age, many things can change. Driving is one of them. You may need to make small but impactful adjustments to ensure you are staying safe on the roadways and navigating as efficiently and effectively as possible. You can still maintain your independence simply by making slight changes to your driving habits and updating your routine. Understanding the risks and benefits of continuing to drive will help you better assess whether it is right for you.

How to Stay Safe on the Road

Here are a few safe driving tips seniors should keep in mind before getting behind the wheel:

• Avoid driving at night. Driving at night can become more of a hazard as you age. For those who have vision issues or trouble seeing in the dark, this can be a particularly difficult time of day to drive. Try to avoid driving after dusk whenever possible. Additionally, avoid having darkly tinted windows as these can obstruct your view of the roadway.
• Skip driving during high-traffic times. Driving during rush hour or lunch hour can be a stressful experience for anyone. As you age, busy roadways can cause even more stress, and you might experience high levels of anxiety due to the fast cars, tight spaces and condensed traffic. If you get stressed out by heavy traffic, avoid the times during the day where the traffic is at its worst.
• Keep close to home. Limit the amount of long-distance driving that you do. If you can, stay close to home and avoid unfamiliar areas. Driving for long periods of time can increase your risks of experiencing anxiety or getting fatigued, so choose routes that you know and stay in areas that are familiar to you.
•  Pay attention to how many traffic violations you’ve gotten lately. If you have recently received more than one traffic violation, you should consider limiting your driving. This could be an indicator that you are having more trouble focusing on the road and being aware of your surroundings.
•  Don’t drive in poor weather conditions. Snow, rain, or heavy fog can be difficult to navigate in at times. If the weather conditions look poor, avoid heading out, and either take a taxi or wait until conditions have cleared. Never drive if you are feeling very apprehensive about the conditions. It’s better to wait or find another way of transportation than to risk your safety.
•  Understand your conditions and medications. Understanding your personal limitations and things that might affect your ability to drive is an important aspect to consider when you are an aging adult getting behind the wheel. Plus, certain medications may have side effects that lead to drowsiness, causing a dangerous situation for you and others on the road. Consult with your doctor or physician to understand the effects any chronic conditions or medications might have on your driving ability.
• Limit distractions. If you are driving, make sure you limit the amount of distractions you have in the car. You will be able to pay better attention to the roadways if you stash your phone away, turn the radio down, or limit conversations between passengers and drivers.
•  Drive at your best. If you’re feeling under the weather at all, are tired or stressed, it might not be the best time for you to drive. Make sure you are in good health and are not under the influence of any medications that could impair your reaction time.

Enjoy Life on Your Terms at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, we offer a range of amenities and services that will keep you feeling your best! Your safety and health are of great important to us, and we promote senior wellness with a variety of healthy activities for our residents. You can improve overall strength and balance with dance, yoga or fitness classes designed specifically for seniors. Enjoy independent living and peace of mind for your future through our supportive health services. Contact us today and learn more about our community and staff.

Living a healthy lifestyle starts with the food you are eating. Food is the foundation that your health is built on, and getting the proper nutrients and minerals is essential for living well. On the opposite end, eating poorly by consuming non-nutritious foods can slow down your body, deteriorate your health, and lead to a poor quality of life.

This is why as you age, it is important to be conscious of the foods you are putting into your body. Your metabolism slows as you get older and you don’t require as many calories as before. This just means all the more reason to make sure the foods you are eating are nutrient dense and are providing you with all the important vitamins and minerals that you need. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help regulate weight, strengthen your immune system and even increase your energy levels.

Improving Senior Nutrition: The Best Healthy Eating Tips

While change might be difficult at first, you can still learn how to eat healthy even as you age. It’s important to remember that changing your eating habits is a lifestyle change; however, you can constantly adjust your eating habits with your changing tastes. Here are a few healthy eating tips to keep you feeling your best:

• Eat with friends and family. Enjoy a delicious and nutritionally benefiting meal with your friends and family. Making it a social affair can help you stay on track while enjoying some wonderful company from your loved ones.
• Keep a water bottle handy. Keeping your body hydrated is very important in staying healthy. Choose a fun water bottle and try and get at least 2 liters of water a day, the equivalent of half a gallon.
• Learn new recipes. Half the fun of eating right is learning new ways of preparing foods and trying out some new dishes to keep your palate intrigued. Again, get together with friends and family and explore some different nutritious and tasty recipes.
• Snack smart. Sometimes the sneakiest of empty calories come from snacking. Just because you’re not sitting down and eating an unhealthy meal, the unhealthy snacks you’re munching on can still negatively affect your diet. A smart alternate to habitual snacking is preparing pre-made, pre-portioned healthy snacks for your enjoyment. Cut up fruits and vegetables or portion out wheat crackers and popcorn to grab when your stomach starts rumbling in between meals. You’ll find this preparation will really help you from consuming as much junk food.
• Check out the nutrition labels. If you go grocery shopping, make sure to check out the nutrition labels. Sometimes you’ll think that a product will be healthy because they advertise it as “no sugar” or “low-fat,” however the fillers they use to maintain the original taste are just as bad, if not worse.
• Let yourself indulge. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself every once in a while. Let yourself indulge a bit and enjoy a sweet treat or get one of your favorite guilty pleasures while out celebrating a special occasion. Just remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is all about moderation!

Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle at Immanuel Living

At Immanuel Living, we pride ourselves on our senior dining services that have farm-to-table meals prepared every day for residents. Our skilled cooks and executive chef produce locally sourced meals that are both fresh and delicious. Even our Care Center offers dining multiple meal service times and a variety of options to accommodate specific needs, preferences, and allow each individual to decide on their eating schedule. Contact us today to learn how we support better nutrition habits and a healthy future at our vibrant senior living community in Kalispell, Montana.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every 65 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As of 2018, 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, with numbers continually on the rise. As there is currently no cure, it is incredibly important to spread awareness and increase the support base surrounding the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This is why June has been designated Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. 90 percent of what has been discovered about Alzheimer’s disease has been learned over the last 20 years, and strong support can cause even greater action. It’s important to remember that lots of small actions taken by many people can lead towards finding a cure.

Understanding Alzheimer’s – Knowing the Warning Signs

Many times, Alzheimer’s symptoms can be simply mistaken for signs of aging. Although slight memory loss and misplacing items from time to time commonly occur in many older adults , it’s important to be able to recognize and understand the differences between Alzheimer’s and normal aging.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia includes disruptive memory loss and misplacing items. It becomes increasingly easy for those affected by the disease to start forgetting tasks, missing appointments, and having trouble re-tracing their steps. You may also want to watch out for changes in personality or behavior, unprovoked sudden changes in temper or suspicion around other people. People with Alzheimer’s at times can become panicked or scared for no reason, or star withdrawing from social activities. A reason for this is because of problems with speaking and writing. It may become increasingly hard for them to follow conservations or contribute complete thoughts to a conversation, leaving you both frustrated.

Because being able to effectively communicate with your family member with Alzheimer’s is so key to a high quality of life, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be Patient: There will be many changes that happen in regard to communication during the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Your family member might start using different words, be unable to think of what something is called, or even revert to a native language. It is your job to be patient with them, helpful, and never talk down to them.
2. Take Time to Listen: They might struggle with finding the right words to say or communicate complete thoughts. It is important that you don’t rush them and allow them to try and communicate with you as best they can.
3. Be Engaged and Supportive: It might be disheartening for you to have a conversation with a family member who is not able to communicate as well as they used to. It is important for you to stay engaged with them and support them even though it might be difficult. Showing lightheartedness and engagement through conversation can really amplify the experience for both of you and can even help reduce the negative effects the disease has on their communication.

Wear Purple and Get Involved this Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Purple is the official color for Alzheimer’s awareness, so sport the color and support the cause! Spread awareness around your community to inspire action that will lead to a possible end of this disease. Join the conversation, share your stories, celebrate those living with the disease and the amazing caregivers that offer help and relief to their family members.

Additionally, plan to get involved in your area on The Longest Day. Celebrated across the country on the day in which we enjoy the most sunlight, June 21, individuals gather together in harmony to support, volunteer and donate towards finding a cure. To begin, you can select an activity that you would like to participate in and join a team. The Longest Day to learn more about this amazing day and how to get involved. Also visit the The Longest Day to learn about more opportunities closer to you.

Compassionate Memory Support in Kalispell Montana at Immanuel Living

You can find a local resource for compassionate memory support in Immanuel Living. Located in beautiful Kalispell, Montana, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia enjoy amenities like a relaxing memory garden and experience stations that help ease some of the effects of the condition. Contact us to learn more and allow us to share our amazing community with you. You can also schedule a confidential consultation with our staff with any questions you might have about memory care.

Attending summer camp is beneficial to children and teens for a variety of reasons. First, it’s an opportunity for them to disconnect from their hectic schedules and lives –quite literally. Cell phones are rarely allowed, and even if they are, good luck getting a reception in the woods! Secondly, it’s a new adventure just waiting to be experienced. Kids are provided with a variety of daily activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing in a serene lake and much more, all endeavors most usually have never tried before. Plus, summer camp helps children and teens gain confidence, as they are away from their parents, making new friends and experiencing new things.

3 Flathead Valley Faith-Based, Christian Summer Camps for Teens and Kids

Along with the standard adventurous, fun-filled daily activities offered at summer camp, Christian summer camps offer some form of religious programming as well. For example, for younger children, programs may focus on the basics of Christianity, while teen programming centers on reconciling Christian faith with the outside world.

When a child or teen attends a faith-based or Christian summer camp, the benefits increase. Studies show that more than two million youths attend Christian camps in the United States every summer, and these camps are set apart by their focus on the person of Jesus Christ and a steadfast commitment to developing a strong faith in their religion. Surveys of over 1,000 of these campers revealed lasting impacts in happiness and spiritual growth long after the camp experience ended.The Flathead Valley offers several options if you’re looking to send your teen or younger child to a faith-based summer camp this year.These include:

Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp

Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp is owned and operated by 55 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ECLA) congregations and is committed to proclaiming and living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith-based summer camp was founded in 1943 and is situated on the west shore of beautiful Flathead Lake, about 40 miles southwest of Glacier National Park. Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp offers three distinct summer camping programs for youth of all ages, including Montana Youth,Glacier Wilderness Adventures and Day Camps with bible study themes lived out each day through worship, drama, singing, small group bible study, prayer, arts and crafts and more.

Camp Bighorn

Founded by the Columbia Baptist Conference, Camp Bighorn is a Christian adventure camp that got its start back in 1985. It’s a year-round ministry with a mission to steward environments that are conducive to the work of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and developing kingdom leaders.Throughout the summer months, Camp Bighorn offers a variety of youth adventure camps, immersing campers in exciting daily activities, small group discussion and personal reflection, all designed to challenge campers to growing their understanding and practice of godly character.

Big Sky Bible Camp

For those looking for an affordable faith-based summer camp in the Flathead Valley, Big Sky Bible Camp is the value choice in the area. Even though tuition is slightly lower than comparable summer camps, this nondenominational camp is well-appointed, with acres of undeveloped land and lake frontage and offers a wide variety of life-enhancing programming with a strong evangelical Christian focus. Big Sky Bible Camp runs summer camps from June through August and offers a place for youth in grades three through 12.

A Vibrant Retirement Lifestyle in the Flathead Valley at Immanuel Living

As a faith-based senior living community, Immanuel Living serves residents’ religious and spiritual concerns through one-on-one pastoral care, affirming the individual beliefs of all. It’s our mission to enrich lives by providing Christian communities of support and loving care. Our vibrant senior living community in the Flathead Valley, rated a top retirement destination by Where to Retire eMagazine, offers affordable living options that combine the beauty of the area with a relaxed, carefree lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about retirement living in Kalispell at Immanuel Living.

Spring has officially sprung! From the blooming flowers to the chirping birds, there’s just something about spring that rejuvenates the soul. After being cooped up indoors over the winter, those of all ages look forward to getting outside to enjoy some of that warmth and sunshine.

The Best Spring Activities for Seniors

There’s no better way to welcome the spring and warmer temperatures than by heading outdoors for some enriching activities. It’s time to reengage in life and spend some quality time with others, reconnecting with those you may not have been in contact with as much throughout the winter. Studies indicate that social interactions are key to a higher quality of life, boosting your mood, improving your memory and cognition and even reducing your risk for chronic conditions like osteoporosis.

Looking for some spring activities that will boost your social wellness? We have five suggestions to get you involved socially while enjoying the warmer weather:

1. Take a hike. Enjoy a day spent in nature by heading out for an invigorating hike with some friends. With Glacier National Park, named as the best place to backpack in the United States, just down the road from our senior living community, it’s easy to find a variety of hiking trails to suit all interests and abilities.
2. Do some gardening. Plant some color in your yard, flowerboxes or pots to add some vibrancy to your daily view. You can consider joining a gardening club, or simply have the grandkids over for a day of getting their hands dirty in the soil with you.
3. Get help with some spring cleaning tasks. Spring is also the perfect time to dive into some deep cleaning and organization tasks. There’s a good chance you’ve been storing items you haven’t used in years, and it’s time to go through them to do some purging. Invite your children or friends over to help you sort through belongings and make decisions about what to keep, what to donate, what to sell or what to designate to family members. There could be items your family has been coveting for a long time that you can easily hand over to them, freeing up some precious storage space in your home.
4. Eat a meal out on a patio. There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco, enjoying a delicious meal while the sun is shining bright and the breeze blows through your hair. Gather some friends and have lunch or dinner on the patio at your favorite local restaurant this spring.
5. Visit a botanical garden. Take in nature in all its full glory by touring a botanical garden this spring. Right here in Kalispell, you can head to Bibler Gardens for any of their spring events, including guided tours of the spectacular gardens and the beautifully-preserved home.

Social Opportunities for a Vibrant Lifestyle at Immanuel Living

Residents of Immanuel Living enjoy a variety of social activities and events year-round. We offer affordable living with beautiful vistas and outdoor fun, including cultural and social opportunities regularly to keep you living your best life. Learn more about vibrant senior living in Kalispell at Immanuel Living by contacting us today.