The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

The aging process can make it difficult to continue pursuing activities a person once loved. It’s normal to slow down a bit with age, but many caregivers mistakenly assume that apathy and disconnection are normal parts of aging. According to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry, apathy is actually a significant health risk factor that doubles the risk of developing dementia.

According to 2017 Pew Research Center data, about a third of seniors over 65 use social media. Among seniors with a college education, that figure is 56%.

Seniors report that social media helps them stay in touch with their family, learn about news in their community, communicate more effectively with loved ones, and reach out to people from their past. Many young people rely solely or primarily on social media to communicate about their lives, so seniors may have better luck chatting with grandchildren and children through social media than through more traditional methods.

Life can be stressful. Busy jobs, financial woes, family obligations, the ups and downs of married life, and so much more mean the reality is that few of us make it to old age without facing a heaping pile of stress.

There’s a common misconception that people with dementia can’t maintain meaningful relationships. But 80 percent of people with dementia can effectively communicate, and approximately one-third of them can make important decisions, one study found. The best books on dementia break down barriers and provide helpful strategies to make those types of meaningful engagements possible.  

Independent seniors looking to move into a retirement community may feel daunted in choosing someplace that is appealing, comfortable, and affordable. Often, these active seniors are more concerned with amenities and environment and less with care. After all, their move to a senior community is to facilitate and continue their full lives, not to take a giant step back.

So which factors should you consider when choosing a retirement community? There are several, but first, you must fully understand what independent senior living entails.

Valentine’s Day is on its way, with all of its chocolate and glitter glory. No matter how you may feel about the holiday, it is certainly a day to take time to celebrate those we love. If you have a special senior on your love list this year, check out a few of our unique and useful Valentine’s Day gifts for seniors. We tried to incorporate a variety of ideas so that you can find a perfect fit for the senior you love.

For many older adults, few things can perk them up like being involved in meaningful hobbies and activities. And the need to keep stimulated and engaged doesn’t stop just because someone’s physical ability declines. It may take a little research and creativity to find accessible activities for seniors with a disability, but it’s well worth the effort -- sleeping the day away should not be an option for anyone.

There’s no doubt about it, kids and grandparents have a special relationship, and spending quality time with them can only strengthen the bond.

It pays to put a little thought into ways to pass the time with the younger generation. Sometimes, though, finding activities for seniors and kids to do together can seem daunting. If you’re short on ideas, we’ve got a few suggestions to start you off.

Terms like ‘active’ and ‘successful’ are increasingly used to describe aging, especially with Baby Boomers refusing to ride off into the proverbial sunset in a wheelchair like their parents did. Instead, aging is being viewed as a privilege and an opportunity to truly enjoy the Golden Years. But with health concerns and memory loss anxieties looming in the back of many seniors’ minds, it can be hard to age gracefully without a bit of worry. However, with just a few lifestyle habits and hobbies, you can thrive in your senior years, making 70 the new 50.

Here are our best tips and tricks for life enrichment activities that can help you stay young no matter how old you are.