The Fieldstone Feed

Editors Note: This article was originally posted in February 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and you should be celebrating love for everyone. February is the month for love! While we hope you spread love and joy all year long, we know February holds an extra special place in all of our hearts. While you are showering your significant other or your kids with Valentine’s goodies, don’t forget the seniors in your life.

As you consider senior living options, it is helpful to familiarize with some commonly used terms that will help you make an informed decision for you or your loved one. While the senior living glossary of terms is quite extensive, to get you started, we have outlined five of the most commonly used expressions below.

We all feel lonely from time to time, but seniors are especially susceptible to chronic loneliness. In fact, it affects 1 in 5 seniors. Isolation and loneliness can cause symptoms such as cognitive decline, depression, increased stress levels, high blood pressure and in some cases an early death. Thankfully, these side effects are entirely preventable by taking measures to ensure a high level of social wellness and regular activity.

We all know pets make us feel better, but studies show us it is not just a feeling – it is a fact. Having regular exposure to animals is known to improve a variety of different conditions for children, adults, and seniors alike. We have seen the impact firsthand as we’ve welcomed our furry friends into our Fieldstone Communities.

February is the month of love! While we hope you spread love and joy all year long, we know February holds an extra special place in all of our hearts. While you are showering your significant other or your kids with Valentine’s goodies, don’t forget the seniors in your life.

It doesn't matter how old you are; Christmas time often brings out the kid in all of us. Seniors are no different. While the holidays are not about money or gifts, it's rewarding to see other people's faces light up with joy when they open a gift they love. If you are stuck on what to buy the loved ones in your life, check out our suggestions based on the type of gift you'd like to give. 

As your loved one ages you may face the tough decision of whether or not it’s time for them to transition into an alternative living situation. This decision may come when it becomes no longer safe for them to live on their own or if the option for a family caregiver is not there. Your first thought may be that it is time for a nursing home, but that simply isn’t the case.

While previously nursing home may have been your only choice, depending on your situation your loved one may be a candidate for independent living or assisted living. Let’s explore the differences in care: 

Winter officially starts December 21st, so it’s not too early to make travel plans. Holiday time can be busy, filled with celebrations and family times, but it also is a fabulous time to plan a getaway. Depending on your desired activity level and whether you are trying to see snow or leave it behind, here are some of the top travel destinations for seniors!

Save the date for August 21st and make plans to celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day! Back in 1988, Ronald Reagan officiated this day as a way to honor and recognize our nation’s seniors. Since then, this day has been deemed an official way to recognize this generation’s lifetime of achievements, sacrifices, and contributions they have made to their communities, families, and country. Although every day is a reason to acknowledge the seniors in your lives, think ahead and do something special on August 21st to go above and beyond for these special individuals.

It’s uncharted territory for all of us, and unlike that time when you were really excited to turn 18 or 21, birthdays aren’t always so fun. Your back may hurt, you don’t remember where you left your keys and your metabolism just isn’t what it used to be.

Happiness isn’t a guarantee, and many seniors experience depression as they age. In fact, it’s estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65 suffer from depression. The good news is that simple changes in lifestyle can make huge leaps in a person’s state of mind. So how can seniors age happily?