The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

Older adults often desire to “age in place,” remaining in their homes until end of life. However, many overlook the physical, medical and emotional costs of aging in place, says Brandt Ross, a resident at an Arbor Company senior living community.

The senior care industry is full of acronyms and phrases that you only learn as you begin to age. Maybe you heard the common phrase “aging in place” and became curious about what it meant. In general, aging in place means getting older in one location — typically the family home — by using resources and support services. Though this concept sounds lovely, it is not always the safest or best option for remaining as healthy as possible.

As you age, it becomes extremely important to fully consider the senior living option that works best for you. While many seniors want to believe staying in their own home is best, they often don’t examine the physical, medical and emotional costs of aging in place. 

The global coronavirus pandemic has pushed most of us into our homes, making connecting with others a bit more difficult than it was just a few months ago. For older adults who are living at home, this time can feel especially isolating. Fortunately, technology offers plenty of ways to combat loneliness. You just have to know where to look and what to download.

Dangers of Isolation and Loneliness

Right now, the safest thing for all of us to do is to practice social distancing. Some states are also encouraging residents to shelter in place, leaving their homes only for exercise and essential travel. However, even though it is the safest thing to do, isolation can get lonely awfully fast.

Older adults are especially vulnerable to the dangers of social isolation, even before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. Research from the National Institute on Aging has demonstrated that socially isolated seniors are at a higher risk for conditions like anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The good news? Though you may be at home alone or with a partner, you don’t have to be socially isolated. You can continue to connect with your friends and loved ones via phone calls, text messages, video chats, and online games. Here are a few of our favorite online games you can use to play with friends, family, and strangers that will keep your mind sharp.

Information regarding the COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, is everywhere, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or confused. However, one thing is certain: The risk of developing severe and dangerous complications due to the virus increases with age. This means that senior care and senior living professionals have been paying especially close attention to the science and research surrounding COVID-19.

If you have merely thought of turning on the news or picking up a newspaper lately, 

you have undoubtedly seen tons of stories about COVID-19, the viral disease also known as the “novel coronavirus.” If you’re like me, these stories have quickly caused you to think about your family and loved ones and how this coronavirus might impact you.

What does your ideal retirement look like? A chance to reflect on the life you’ve built? New adventures? Mastering new skills? Or perhaps you’re hoping for a little romance. Whether it’s your first shot at love or your 50th, a blossoming romance in your senior years can be uniquely sweet. You’ll have more time to spend with your beloved, and can benefit from a lifetime of romantic wins and losses. For seniors who want a life partner or just a chance to date, senior living communities offer plenty of chances to find someone.

Popular accounts of dementia in the media often fail to capture its sheer brutality. The pain of dementia extends far beyond the person suffering from it, affecting entire families and relationships — often for years and even generations. Whereas popular depictions often present dementia as memory loss or forgetfulness, families facing dementia know that dementia can be much more.

Whether you’ve been waiting for a break from the summer heat for months or dreading the end of planting season and endless flowers, winter cold is inevitable. Flu shots, plenty of hand-washing, and a hefty dose of holiday cheer and time with family can help you stay healthy and happy this season. But what about your diet? Nutrition is fuel for your body, so fill up with premium fuel and stay healthy all winter. These winter nutrition tips for seniors can help you enjoy the holidays, spend plenty of time with family, and avoid spending time in a doctor’s waiting room.