Graceful Aging Really is a State of Mind

They say, “Age is just a number!” or “You’re as young as you feel,” but is this really true? Research suggests that our state of mind directly impacts our mental and physical well-being. If you believe you’ll decline in health as you grow older, you will. Conversely, if you don’t let the common stereotypes of aging hold you back, you’ll continue to feel healthy well into your retirement years. Here’s the science behind this phenomenon and how you can tap into it.

As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our bodies will inevitably deteriorate and our minds will become foggy. Society bombards us with images of frail, elderly individuals who need constant care and assistance. However, there is research to support the notion that our beliefs about aging play a significant role in shaping our actual experience of it.

One particular study has found that seniors with mild cognitive impairment who think more positively were 30% more likely to regain normal cognition than those holding onto negative ideologies! Another study suggests older adults who have a more positive outlook on aging have lower rates of disability and longer life spans compared to those who hold negative stereotypes about aging.

But how can we keep our attitude around aging optimistic? One way is by embracing an independent lifestyle and surrounding ourselves with a community that supports our mind, body, and soul.

Community Living Helps Seniors Age in Place

UMC at Pitman helps seniors age gracefully by providing a range of amenities and services specifically tailored to meet each resident’s wants and needs. Living in this vibrant community allows residents to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle, while receiving the proper support. Let’s take a closer look at how an independent lifestyle community like UMC at Pitman can contribute to graceful aging:

1. Social Connection. One of the key components of aging well is maintaining strong social connections. At UMC at Pitman, residents have ample opportunities to engage with peers and participate in group activities like yoga, meditation, dance, trivia, bingo, bible study, gardening, and more. Building and maintaining relationships with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of belonging while reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
2. Active Lifestyle. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and mobility as we age. Our senior community offers a range of fitness programs and wellness initiatives designed to keep residents moving and engaged. From group exercise classes to walking trails and a fitness center, seniors can more easily embrace an active lifestyle.
3. Lifelong Learning. Keeping the mind sharp is essential for maintaining a positive attitude about aging. We recognize the importance of lifelong learning and offer educational programs and classes to residents. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities like painting, playing an instrument, and memory games can enhance cognitive function, strengthen memory, and promote strong mental health.
4. Supportive Environment. Our NJ assisted living community provides a safe and supportive space where residents can age with dignity and peace of mind. With different levels of care available, seniors can access the daily assistance they need while still maintaining independence. This continuum of care ensures that residents can age in place, knowing that their changing needs will be met.

Seniors living independently in Pitman, NJ

Seniors can challenge the negative stereotypes of aging and adopt a positive mindset at Pitman. This shift in attitude, combined with the support and resources provided by our community, can contribute to graceful aging and a higher quality of life.

Pitman also encourages independence by eliminating daily burdens like cooking, cleaning, chores, and home maintenance, making room for things that seniors actually want to do. They can take advantage of long-lost interests they’ve put on hold, like yoga, bible club, gardening, arts and crafts, and so much more.

For more information about our independent lifestyle community with support in Gloucester County, please give us a call and visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/graceful-aging-really-is-a-state-of-mind/

Senior Women Who Just Get It Right

 

In honor of International Women’s Day on the 8th, our senior living advisors will shed light on some senior women who are role models in their field and to those who know them. While some of these women might not be “famous,” they absolutely deserve recognition for their accomplishments. One similarity you’ll see with all of these women, and most people who have chased their dreams, is that they never stopped. While some original plans or goals might not have worked out for them, they continued on their journey and paved their own path.

Joy Behar, 80 years old.

You might recognize the name from the popular daytime TV show “The View.” Joy started her career as an English teacher, but the school administration did not approve of her outspoken ways. She left to start her career in show business, claiming she was “still teaching, only now I have a bigger audience.” As a divorced single mother at 40, she picked herself up and decided to pursue stand-up comedy. By 1997, she gained national fame when she joined “The View.” She went on to co-host the show for twenty years! Now she guest hosts, has had a few shows of her own, and shows no sign of slowing down at the ripe age of 80 years old.

Ernestine Shepherd, 86 years old.

Ernestine is a mother, grandmother, and retired school teacher, but she also holds the title of the world’s oldest competitive female bodybuilder! If you’ve never heard of Ernestine before, you’ll be surprised to know she started her bodybuilding journey at 71 years old! Before the age of 56, she had never exercised or played any sports at all, until she decided she wanted to lose some weight. She started slowly with walking and aerobics, then she hired a personal trainer at 71. Seven months later, she won her first bodybuilding show. Ernestine doesn’t compete anymore, but instead leads senior fitness classes and marathons. You may have seen Ernestine’s cameo appearance in Beyonce’s hit visual “Black is King” in 2020.

Iris Apfel, 101 years old.

Iris Apfel is an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon who is still working at age 101! She began her career as an art student in 1921 and went on to start a textile company with her husband called “Old World Weavers.” She led the “jeans” revolution for women in the 1930s (thank you, Iris) when neither men nor women wore them. In 2005, she was asked to help save a failing show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While there, she displayed the jewelry and clothing collection that ended up launching her mainstream fashion career. Since then, she has been a visiting professor teaching students how to build a fashion career, made a documentary, and even signed her first modeling contract in 2019. Over her career, she has also written three books about fashion and design. Iris is still working today and has no plans to retire!

Inspirational Seniors in Cape May County, NJ

While all of these women have very different stories, all followed their passions one way or another and never gave up. While some did not discover these passions until much later in their lives, they never let the factor of their age hold them back. We urge you to remember the same. You can still pursue your dreams, no matter how old you think you feel! At our independent lifestyle community for seniors, UMC at The Shores, we take away the day-to-day responsibilities, creating time for seniors to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Our goal has and will always remain the same: to help seniors live the most abundant life possible.

For more information about our inspirational seniors living in Cape May County, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/senior-women-who-just-get-it-right/

Mental Health Awareness: 4 Ways to Improve Senior Well Being

 

World Mental Health Day falls on the tenth of this month and there’s no time like the present to draw awareness to senior mental health. In particular, seniors face mental health issues like anxiety, loneliness, and even depression more often. A lot of the time this is due to a lack of support, socialization, and activities in their current living situation. Fortunately, there are many ways that seniors can improve their mental well-being. We’ll start with this list compiled by our senior living associates from South Jersey.

#1. Spend more time with someone you love. Having something to look forward to is reason enough for seniors to get out of bed in the morning. Especially if that “something” includes someone they truly care about. If you see your senior loved one becoming a little more isolated, reach out and make plans with them, even if it’s just to go on an hour walk. Even better, make this a weekly tradition. It’s a great way to catch up and boost your senior loved one’s mental health.

#2. Become “one” with nature. Spending time in nature has been proven to strengthen mental health and even sharpen cognitive abilities. Being in nature improves your mood, memory, and stress level. Think about it, how many times has someone told you to take a beat and step outside when you’re stressing out? More times than we could count. Easy ways for seniors to spend more time in nature, include going on a scenic walk each day, taking up gardening or setting up bird feeders outside, and seeing what feathery friends come to visit!

#3. Learn something new or revisit an old pastime. One surefire way to lift your spirits is to spend more time doing something you actually love to do. It can be understandably intimidating to get back into a pastime you put on hold. You might hold yourself to a certain standard – however, it’s important to remember that this is for enjoyment only! Painting, playing an instrument or writing are all great outlets to tap into your creativity. Or you could always try something new – learning a new skill has been linked to a decreased risk of dementia in conjunction with boosting mental health.

#4. Play more games that challenge your brain. Did you know that puzzles and word games exercise both sides of the brain? The right side of the brain is responsible for creativity, while the left side controls logical and analytical thinking. Making it a point to exercise both sides of the brain on a weekly or even daily basis will help improve mental health and even short-term memory. Social connections also stimulate mental health boosts, which is just another great excuse to plan a weekly game night tradition with loved ones.

Seniors living happily in Collingswood, NJ

At UMC at Collingswood, our assisted living residents continue to live a full, independent, and happy life among people who share like-minded interests. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment in which residents can pursue their hobbies, while receiving the care they need. Both our associates and residents at Collingswood love to take part in “Movie Days,” weekly zumba sessions, art classes, and other fun activities that boost mental health and promote socialization within our community.

For more information about how we promote senior wellbeing at our community in Camden County, please call us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/mental-health-awareness-4-ways-to-improve-senior-well-being/