The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

Senior living communities in Texas aren’t what they used to be. Many seniors contemplating senior living envision quiet retirement homes filled with rocking chairs and not much else. Today’s senior living communities boast a robust variety of activities, community events, and outings. As the home to some of America’s most rapidly aging cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, Texas has remained ahead of the senior living curve.

For decades, most older adults have said they wanted to age in place, remaining in their homes for as long as possible. One AARP survey found that about 90 percent of seniors hope to stay at home as they age. According to a new study published in The Gerontologist, that trend may be changing. Researchers found a roughly equal preference for assisted living and for various aging in place options. This may be due in part to changing perceptions of senior living.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both frightening and heart-wrenching. A senior who initially struggled with mundane tasks like remembering keys may eventually forget family members’ names and need extensive help with daily tasks such as bathing and getting dressed. Rest assured, your loved one is still in there. They just need some help to identify and assert their needs, occupy their minds and cope with the stress of living with dementia. A memory care community offers dementia care for people who need extensive help.

Seniors are just as diverse as any other demographic group, with different goals, different passions, and different concerns about the future. Yet as a society, we’ve long talked about seniors as if they’re all the same. This ageist notion rightly triggers a number of fears in seniors. They worry about being put away, about being abandoned, about being treated like an “old person.” And when it comes to senior living decisions, many seniors operate from a place of fear rather than one of hope.

Growing older can be scary. After all, it’s something new and unfamiliar. Old age is also shrouded in secrecy, myth, and a hefty dose of stereotypes about older people. The reality of getting older stands in stark contrast to many myths. Seniors are living happier, healthier, longer lives than ever before. Consequently, many hope to age in place, remaining in their beloved homes for the rest of their lives. When this becomes difficult or impossible, seniors may fear being locked away and forgotten about in a “home.”

Food is the body’s fuel. And just like a car, the body needs quality fuel to sustain excellent performance. Unfortunately, malnourishment is common in seniors. One literature review found that 15 percent of seniors who live at home are malnourished. Among hospitalized seniors, the figure rises to an astonishing 23-62 percent. Healthy eating is critical to healthy aging. Here are six important facts you might not know about senior nutrition.

Many seniors say they want to remain in their homes as they grow old. But life is full of surprises. Sometimes the perfect retirement plan looks much different than you anticipated. Many seniors find that aging in place is difficult, isolating, and even dangerous. As you age, it can be challenging to explore new activities and hobbies, stay in touch with friends, and keep up with the seemingly endless demands of home maintenance.

Seniors in Northeast New Jersey have access to some of the best senior communities in the country, as well as a bevy of community resources, senior-friendly activities, restaurants, and shopping. Whether you’re planning a move, hoping to entertain friends and family, or just eager to embrace a more active lifestyle, check out these excellent resources for senior activities in Northeast New Jersey.