No Baking Required, Peppermint Pie

We confess we are big fans of the no-bake desserts. Who needs to deal with the oven anyway?! No-bake treats are perfect for anyone to make: kids, adults, and seniors. Better yet, they are delicious for everyone to eat as well! This no-bake peppermint pie is as easy as it gets and just might become a new holiday tradition for your family.

Ingredients and Tools to Make Peppermint Pie

Filling & Topping:

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
• 1 cup white candy melts, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Peppermint crunch sprinkles

Crust:

• 30 chocolate wafer cookies
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted.

Tools:

• Pie pan
• Food processor
• 2 large bowls
• Electric mixer

Let’s Get Started!

First things first, we have to make the crust. Combine the cookies and sugar in the food processor and grind until they are completely broken down. Add the melted butter and pulse the mixture until it is fully combined. Empty the mixture into your pie plate and press into the bottom and sides to form the crust. Once this is done, refrigerate the crust while starting to work on the filling.

To prepare the filling and topping, combine heavy whipping cream and confectioners sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form.

In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth, then add in the melted candy melts and beat together until combined and smooth. Optional: Add in red food coloring for a little more holiday spirit.

Spread the cream cheese mixture into the pie crust and top with the whipped cream mixture. Refrigerate to set for at least 1 hour.

Once set, add your toppings. We recommend crushed candy canes and peppermint crunch sprinkles. Let the pie chill in the fridge until a few minutes before serving.

Happy Holidays from UMC at Bristol Glen

On behalf of our team in Sussex County, we’d like to wish all of our residents and their families a happy and healthy holiday season! We look forward to spending more time together and taking part in fun holiday activities like baking cookies, watching the classics in our Christmas PJs, and maybe even some friendly decorating competitions.

To find out more about how we are spending the holidays in our independent living community in Newton, NJ, please call us today or visit us at: https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/no-baking-required-peppermint-pie/

Breast Cancer Risks for Senior Women

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an important time to shed light on the risks senior women face when it comes to this invasive form of cancer. Did you know it’s the second most common type of cancer among women? And that women over the age of 70 are at the highest risk of developing breast cancer? Our long-term care team has compiled a list of breast cancer risks for older women and different ways to lower those risks.

Genetic and Lifestyle Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Risk factors for breast cancer can be categorized in two ways: Genetic and Lifestyle. Genetic risk factors are ones you can’t change because they have to do with your gender, age, race, and family history. On the other hand, lifestyle risk factors can be changed because you can always change your habits and the environment you choose to be in. Here are some examples of each risk type, as well as some ways to lower your risk (if possible):

Genetic Risk Factors:

• This is one of the most significant risk factors because 2 out of 3 women diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer receive their diagnosis after the age of 55. While you can’t change your age, you can change how often you screen for breast cancer. Early detection is key. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is found and diagnosed in the early stages. Some ways you can be proactive in detecting breast cancer early is through monthly self-checks and scheduling regular mammograms.
• Gender and Race. Statistically, women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men – and Caucasian women in the particular contract it more than women of other races.
• Family History. If your parents or siblings have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, your risk of contracting breast cancer in the future is higher.
• Menstrual and Reproductive History. Whether or not you have given birth or have taken birth control pills affects your risk level. For example, having your first child at an older age increases your risk. Not giving birth at all also increases your risk. The age at which you had your first menstruation, as well as the age you entered menopause also affects your chances of contracting this form of cancer.
• Gene Mutations. Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, put you at a higher risk for breast cancer. It’s important to do genetic testing to find out if you have this gene mutation, as it can be passed onto your children.
• Dense Breast Tissue. Having breast tissue that is denser makes it harder to detect lumps. If you are planning to have a mammogram done soon, make sure to ask your doctor to disclose whether or not you have denser breast tissue. This will help you to be more proactive in checking for breast cancer.

Lifestyle Risk Factors:

• Little to No Exercise. A more sedentary lifestyle puts you at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Fortunately, women who prioritize working out on a regular basis are able to decrease their chances by up to 20%! If you are currently residing in an independent living community, make sure to ask a director onsite about weekly exercise classes or other physical activities like nature walks.
• Overconsumption of Alcohol. To be frank, the more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk. Senior women who have 2-3 drinks per day have increased their risk by approximately 20%. Cutting back or cutting alcohol out of your diet completely will reduce the risk. Try to replace the drink with something that is equally exciting for you to drink, like a nice hot cup of coffee or specialty tea.
• Eating Unhealthily. Senior women who have a diet that consists of a lot of saturated fats and little to no fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk. One way to improve your diet is to opt for meal preparation or dining services in your assisted living community. Chefs in the senior living realm are used to making modifications to recipes in order to satisfy low carb, low fat, and low sugar preferences.

Long term care for seniors in Camden County

At UMC at Collingswood, a medical professional is available on-site 24/7 in case of emergency, and to closely monitor and make modifications to treatment plans as needed, or to refer residents to qualified medical specialists.

Further good news is that if you live at UMC at Collingswood and your needs increase, you don’t have to move. Our community is equipped to deal with almost anything in our long-term care neighbourhoods, including post-operative wounds, stroke, injuries, diabetes, certain types of cancers, and more. Whatever medical condition your senior loved one has, the long-term care team in Collingswood is prepared to treat them with the utmost attention, compassion, and respect for their quality of life.

To find out more about long-term care in Camden County, NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/breast-cancer-risks-for-senior-women/

How Assisted Living Socialization Can Improve Your Health

 

Socializing is fun for most extroverted people, but did you know it’s a necessity as we grow older? Making time to be social has been proven to have positive effects on both our mental and physical health. Socializing also reduces negative feelings that are all too common to the senior population, like loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression. However, being social can be hard if you’re living away from family and are not a part of a senior community filled with individuals with like-minded interests. If you or a loved one are contemplating a move into assisted living, here are some ways socializing in assisted living can have a positive impact on your health.

Less stress. Seniors who are socially active in assisted living handle stress better and actually experience fewer stressors in general. In assisted living communities like UMC at Pitman, associates are onsite 24/7 to help residents with daily activities like cleaning, meal preparation, and getting ready for the day. With daily chores taken care of and the relinquishing of homeowner responsibilities, seniors in assisted living have less to worry about and more time to relax and do the things they enjoy.

Improved diet. As we briefly mentioned, staff members in assisted living are available to help residents with meal preparation. It’s also important to note that most progressive assisted living communities offer nutritious meal plans, meaning residents have the opportunity to eat three square meals a day in a community dining area. Sharing a meal with friends not only boosts morale but also motivates seniors to eat better.

More opportunities to workout. Assisted living communities often have spaces dedicated to working out. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art fitness center or a room designated for group classes like yoga, a thriving community knows the importance fitness has on a senior’s physical and mental health. UMC in particular offers fun classes residents can take as a group, such as Zumba, chair yoga, and mindfulness. We find that these group classes are also essential for socialization. Senior residents keep each other accountable by making sure their friends come to weekly classes and even make plans to grab something to eat together after the class ends.

Better state of mind. Mental health issues in seniors are not something to be taken lightly. Older adults who are not socially active often experience cognitive decline and depression. Consistent social interaction helps keep dementia, depression, and anxiety symptoms at bay. Despite some seniors’ initial resistance, assisted living communities are actually the best place to find consistent socialization due to their heavy emphasis on activity calendars. For example, UMC at Pitman offers daily fitness classes, fun themed days, arts and crafts, live outdoor entertainment, and clubs dedicated to specific interests like reading. With so many opportunities to socialize, it becomes easier for seniors to establish a social routine they love and more importantly – to stick with it.

Active Community Life in Gloucester County, NJ

Making the transition to assisted living can be an adjustment, but when you retire in a great town like Pitman, NJ, you’ll be sure to find that making new friends comes easily with all the fun activities available onsite. Our assisted living residents also have access to all the activities the surrounding community offers, through onsite transportation options.

If you’d like to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Gloucester County, New Jersey, or would like more information about our active community life, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/how-assisted-living-socialization-can-improve-your-health/

Best Holiday Gifts for Seniors with Mobility Issues

“Spending time with you is the best gift,” is usually the response we get when we ask our senior loved ones what they want for the holidays. Although this sentiment might be true, you still want to get them a thoughtful and useful gift. Perhaps, even one that will help them to move around easier? With that said, our assisted living team in Collingswood, NJ has put together a list of the best holiday gifts for seniors who may have mobility issues.

Food delivery subscription. The best gift of all? Food! And who doesn’t need groceries? Let your senior loved one with limited mobility skip traveling to the grocery store and having to lug around a heavy cart. Register them with their local grocery store for weekly or biweekly food deliveries.

Uber or Lyft gift card. This gift requires a bit of a learning curve. Set aside time with mom or dad and teach them how to download and use ride-share services like Uber and Lyft on their smartphone. Once they have it down-pat, show them how to redeem gift cards so they are able to get from destination to destination more easily. 

Heated mattress pad. Not only an ideal solution for stiff muscles and joints but also a cozy gift to help your senior loved one sleep better. This is a great gift for mom or dad because it is something they will not likely buy for themselves.

Non-slip shoes or slippers. Everyone with mobility issues should have a set of non-slip shoes and slippers. Non-slip shoes have sturdier soles with better traction to reduce the risk of slipping and falling on slick surfaces. They are a must-have gift, especially for seniors who may still be living at home alone.

Offset cane. An offset cane differs from the standard cane in the best way possible. The offset shape of the cane provides more support to the wrist, ideal for seniors who suffer from arthritis. The soft grip of the cane provides added comfort and the attached strap ensures an extra measure of safety for seniors with limited mobility. Offset canes are available in a wide variety of colors and designs to suit your loved one’s unique style! 

Celebrate the holidays in Collingswood

If your loved one with mobility issues doesn’t feel comfortable leaving assisted living for the holidays, bring the holidays to them! At UMC at Collingswood, we encourage visitation from family and friends during this joyful season and will have some festive activities planned on-site! Our specialized caregivers will also be available 24/7 to assist you and your loved one, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday visit at UMC. 

To find out more about our fall activities for seniors in Camden County, please call us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/best-holiday-gifts-for-seniors-with-mobility-issues/

5 Ways for Seniors to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

We all have a routine or ritual we follow before going to bed every night. Some of us wash our faces, brush our teeth, and go straight to bed. Others need more stimulation like light reading, meditation, or settling into a comfortable TV show before drifting off to dreamland. Whatever your routine is, we hope you have found something that works for you as getting a good night’s sleep has many health benefits – especially for older adults. If your bedtime routine could use a little work, our assisted living associates in Pitman, NJ have put together 5 strategies for seniors to get a better night’s sleep.

1. Make your bedroom a prime sleeping environment. Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable. Some tips to make this possible include using earplugs, a sleep mask, and extra blankets, while turning down the thermostat to a cooler temperature. It’s also important to designate your bedroom for sleep only. By not watching Netflix or using an Ereader in bed, your brain will start to associate the bedroom with just sleeping.
2. Perfect your sleeping schedule. Settle into bed at a reasonable hour. On top of this, try to stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on the weekends. We all have a tendency to stay up later on weekends, which can derail any prior progress you made to consistently upgrade your sleep.
3. Block out electronic and noise distractions. We often become more sensitive to noise, light, and heat as we age. It’s important to eliminate those sensitivities from impeding our beauty sleep by making modifications such as removing nightlights, space heaters, and noisy or bright clocks from view.
4. Find your new, soothing bedtime ritual. Instead of getting hooked on a TV show that might keep you up and reeling at night, look into an activity that promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation. Some examples are taking a warm bubble bath, listening to calming music, or performing meditative yoga before winding down for bed.
5. Don’t resort to sleeping medications or aids. Did you know that many sleep aids are not meant for long-term, permanent use due to their side effects? Sleeping medications also only provide temporary relief as they do not directly address and remediate the root cause of insomnia in older adults. Common root causes of insomnia include poor sleep environment, lack of exercise, stress, menopause, and painful medical conditions. Once you are able to figure out the root cause of your sleep issues, you can then take the proper next steps towards improving your sleep habits.

Prioritizing healthy sleeping habits at Pitman

At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, our residents sleep easier knowing our associates are on-site 24 hours a day, every day to assist in every way. UMC at Pitman can also help residents improve their sleeping schedules by helping them address any emotional issues and daily stresses that may be the root causes of insomnia. By identifying these issues, our associates can then help work towards improving residents’ sleep environments and promoting healthier daytime habits. 

For more information about our assisted living services at UMC at Pitman in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/10/19/5-ways-for-seniors-to-get-a-better-nights-sleep/