The Fieldstone Feed

Do you remember the feeling you had as a child, getting lost in play—hours going by until suddenly dusk was falling? Maybe you rode bikes or built elaborate make-believe worlds. Maybe you collected rocks or climbed trees. When children play, they make sense of the world in creative, experimental ways. Science now shows playing is a catalyst for learning, helping to organize concepts, develop motor skills, and test ideas. As we grow older, school life tends to take primary focus, and we tend to think of “play” as something people “grow out of.” Rather than considering play a basic mode of being human, we think it’s merely the antics of youth.

When do we experience joy? Love? Connection? You may be scanning your memories trying to recall your best moments, but we’ll tell you the shortest answer: in the present moment. We can only live life right now. So, the joys and possibilities of life can only be experienced in the here and now. At Fieldstone Communities, our mission statement is Together we create joyful and vibrant communities. In every community, from independent and assisted living to specialized memory care, we are actively seeking ways to foster connection and enjoyment. When can our residents and staff experience joy and vibrance together? Yes, the present moment—that is where joyful and vibrant living really takes place!

When it comes to considering a move to a senior living setting, most families want to know that their loved ones are receiving exceptional care for their particular needs. Ensuring your peace of mind is a critical factor to a successful community-resident-family relationship. Teepa Snow, world-renowned educator and trainer of the Positive Approach to Care, asks “Can we experience the person as an amazing gem of great value, and give them the right setting and the right care so they can shine?”  Exceptional care embraces this approach and incorporates it into all levels of resident care, staff training and business practices.

Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. - Brené Brown

It’s no secret that relationships can sustain us, but what does it really mean for seniors to have social support? It makes sense that being socially engaged with others can help us be our best selves. But it’s more than just a feeling. The science is clear—social support is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Positive, high quality social support is linked to stress resilience and better health outcomes. Considering that fact, it might not surprise you to learn that social isolation has been linked to increased cognitive decline.

Staying Fit as You Age

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

We all know that we need to exercise to stay healthy. And for seniors, the benefits of exercise are particularly significant. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or bodybuilder to exercise—there are many types of exercise that fit all abilities. A little bit of exercise will reward you with results beyond just toned muscles.

Did you know that a little sunshine each day can do more than just boost your mood? Even a few minutes of sun exposure a day can help increase your levels of vitamin D, which has been known to help fight off osteoporosis, certain types of cancer, and depression. As we age, our body’s ability to make vitamin D lessens—that’s why vitamin D deficiency is common among seniors.

This Father’s Day, we encourage you to spend time with family and friends to celebrate dads together. Though time and age can change each of us, the things that are unshakeable are our ties to one another.

According to Mental Health America, “between 3% and 14% of older adults meet the criteria for a diagnosable anxiety disorder, and a recent study from the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that more than 27% of older adults… have symptoms of anxiety that may not amount to a diagnosis of a disorder, but significantly impact their functioning. 

Significant life changes that occur as we age can change the way we feel about ourselves both physically and mentally. Although it may seem trivial, your self-worth can impact several aspects of your life, such as your confidence level, ability to make life decisions effectively, or your ability to build honest and lasting relationships.

 Speaking to your aging parents about assisted living can be an emotional experience for the whole family. It marks a transition and the beginning of a new chapter for your parents. Maybe you’ve decided to start this conversation because you noticed your parents need or because have expressed being lonely. Whatever the reason, having an open dialogue from the research stage through the decision-making process can assist in ensuring this is a positive experience.