Retirement Planning: Why Starting Early Is Key

Retirement planning is key to achieving financial independence and stability in one’s later years. While it might seem far off and unimportant when you’re young, starting early can significantly impact how well your retirement goes. Preparing for retirement goes beyond contributing to a 401K, but if done correctly, you can guarantee a comfortable and rewarding retirement. If you need help figuring out  where to begin, the team at United Methodist Communities in NJ has put together some valuable insight to starting your retirement plan. 

Save. Save. Save. 

Saving is one of the most crucial components of retirement planning. If you start saving early, your money has more time to grow through compound interest. Even modest donations consistently made over time can add up to a sizable nest egg.

Open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or see if your company offers a 401(k) to save for retirement. These accounts provide tax benefits and let you grow your money without paying taxes or deferring them until you receive it in retirement. To maximize your savings, take advantage of any company matching contributions.

Understand Your Retirement Needs

Having a solid understanding of your financial requirements throughout retirement is crucial for making an informed course of action. Estimate your retirement costs, including housing, healthcare, transportation, everyday expenses, and any activities or travel you have in mind. It’s beneficial to factor in anticipated inflation and unforeseen costs. 

Knowing what you need for retirement will help you create attainable saving targets and invest money more wisely. An estate planning attorney’s advice can be quite helpful in developing a unique retirement strategy that also takes your current assets into account. 

Request that Your Employer Start a Retirement Plan

Consider bringing up the idea of adopting a retirement plan if your employer doesn’t currently provide one. Many businesses are open to offering their employees retirement plans like 401(k)s. We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase, “set it and forget it.” Due to the fact that payments are taken out of your paycheck immediately, a retirement plan provided by your company makes it much simpler to save for retirement. 

Discuss the advantages of a retirement plan and how it might help recruit and keep exceptional employees with your HR department or management. Encourage them to investigate several retirement plan alternatives and offer to help pick the one that best satisfies the organization’s and the employees’ requirements.

Contribute Funds to a Retirement Account for Individuals

Open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in addition to your employer’s retirement program. Individuals can open IRAs, which provide tax benefits like 401(k)s. Traditional and Roth IRAs are the two main varieties.

Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax-deductible, and assets grow tax-deferred until withdrawals are made in retirement. A Roth IRA, on the other hand, accepts after-tax contributions but offers tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Select the IRA that is compatible with your present and future tax circumstances.

Early IRA contributions allow you to increase your money over time and give you planning flexibility for retirement. The IRS allows an annual maximum contribution, and individuals 50 years of age or older are eligible for catch-up contributions.

Retirement Planning Can Help You Afford Senior Community Living

We at United Methodist Communities recognize the need for thorough retirement planning. Our dedication to helping seniors of all religions and backgrounds includes offering information and assistance with retirement planning. Someone from our administration team will also take the time to sit down with you and discuss your financial options, should you factor a senior living community into your retirement plan. Nobody knows what the future holds, so it’s important to consider how your health might change in your retirement. We highly recommend including a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)  in your plan to ensure that you can access more comprehensive levels of care if necessary without having to change your address. 

To learn more about community living in your retirement years, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/retirement-planning-start-early/

Downsizing for Senior Living

 

As we enter our senior years, it’s very common to consider downsizing your home. Many of us are now empty nesters, and we don’t need larger homes once our children are grown and out of the house. If you’ve lived in the same home for years and years, the prospect of downsizing and moving to a senior community can seem intimidating because you’ve likely accumulated a lot of belongings over the years. So, how do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of when you downsize?

Does it bring you joy?

If you’ve ever gone through old boxes piled up in your garage, or sorted through storage bins shoved into the back of a closet, you’ve probably discovered items you completely forgot about. One important question to ask yourself when sorting through your possessions is: does this bring me joy? If you’re hanging onto items about which you don’t have any strong feelings, or for “just in case” scenarios, chances are you won’t miss themwhen they’re gone. 

As we age, it’s good to try and live intentionally, and that means only keeping important belongings that bring us joy. You don’t want to drag boxes full of things that don’t make you happy to your next home – you want a fresh start with joyful memories. 

Does it hold memories?

Certain belongings, like photo albums and souvenirs from special events, will always have strong sentimental value. But many of us hold onto items that don’t hold any significant memories for us, like outdated clothes, shoes, or handbags. These things don’t have any meaningful place in our memories, so there’s no reason to keep them when all they do is take up space. 

As you sort through your belongings in preparation for downsizing, ask yourself if the items in question hold any positive or special memories for you. If the answer is yes, consider keeping the item if you have space. If the answer is no, it should be easy to donate or give it away. 

Are you keeping this for your “future” self?

Many of us purchase things we plan to use in the future. For example, we’ll buy expensive baking dishes and tell ourselves that we’ll get into baking, or we spend money on sports equipment like golf bags and say that we’ll get into golfing in the future. But as time passes, we often find that we haven’t used the things we bought for our future self. These things are simply sitting around, unused, and taking up valuable space. 

We recommend donating any items you’re holding onto for your future self and sticking to what you need to be happy and fulfilled in the present. Keeping items for your future self can actually cause you anxiety because you feel pressured to begin these new hobbies, then disappointed when you don’t follow through.

Would a family member have better use for it?

You don’t have to go through the downsizing process alone. Invite your family over and go through your belongings together. We’re certain you’ll find things you don’t want anymore that a family member could use. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sports equipment, cooking utensils, furniture, or something else, donating your things to your family is a great, sustainable way to repurpose them. Plus, giving your belonging to someone you love could be more comforting. 

For more information about downsizing for senior living, or if you’re interested in taking a tour of our senior living communities, please contact our team at UMC today by visiting our website: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/downsizing-for-senior-living/

Adjusting To Life With A Wheelchair

Using a wheelchair for the first time can be a big adjustment at any age, but especially for seniors, who are usually fiercely holding onto their independence. Whether it’s due to an accident, an illness, or just a general loss of mobility as you age, a wheelchair can actually help you regain your freedom and ultimately make your life much easier.

If you’ve recently found yourself living in a wheelchair, our team at UMC has put together a checklist to help you adjust to your new normal. We know this might be an overwhelming time for you, and it is completely normal to experience a range of emotions.  We hope these tips help as you navigate the adjustment period! 

Attitude Is Key

Have you ever heard the expression “the power of positive thinking”? Indeed, thinking positively can be very powerful, but it can be hard work to not let the negative thoughts win. Rather than viewing yourself as “confined” to a wheelchair, instead think of your wheelchair as your gateway to freedom and resuming your life as normal. If you were unable to walk even very short distances before, your wheelchair will open you up to be mobile, and out and about in the world. 

We also recommend joining a local support group for wheelchair users. You’ll make friends who understand what you’re going through, be able to share mental health tips and funny stories, and you form life-long connections in your community. 

Follow A Personalized Exercise Plan

Just because you’re using a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – have you ever seen the Paralympics? Once you feel comfortable in your chair, work with your doctor to develop a personalized exercise plan. It may include arm, chest, core, and shoulder exercises using dumbbells or cable machines at the gym, as well as stretches and mobility exercises to keep your joints healthy, flexible, and strong. 

Some gyms also have personal trainers who specialize in working with people in wheelchairs, so if you want to get serious about fitness, this may be an option for you. 

Give Yourself Time To Adjust 

Repeat this to yourself: patience is key. You can’t expect to adjust to a big life change overnight, and it’s completely normal to cycle through a range of emotions, from frustration to hopefulness to sadness to positivity. Be patient and kind with yourself. While you’re giving yourself time to adjust, it helps to keep yourself busy with activities and hobbies you enjoy. Getting out into the world and living your life in your wheelchair can help you have a smoother adjustment. 

Be Open About When You Need Help And When You Don’t

There is never any shame in asking for help or support. Whether it’s from a family member, a caregiver, or a close friend, we all need help from time to time and as you get used to living with your wheelchair, you’ll probably need some help every once in a while. 

We suggest creating a check-in system with your family if they live close by, where you can text or call to check-in with each other once a day. 

If you’d like more information about how to adjust to life with a wheelchair, or if you have any questions about senior living options that foster independence for adults of all ability levels, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you, and maybe welcoming you soon!

To learn more, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/living-in-a-wheelchair/

Most Useful Apps for Older Adults in Senior Living

What’s up? Or should we say, “what’s app?” If you haven’t heard, it’s National App Day, and here at UMC at Collingswood our residents fully embrace the simple solutions and peace of mind that apps can bring. With that being said, our associates have put together a list of the most useful apps for seniors who would like to live a more independent lifestyle.

K4Community Plus App

K4 is the app we use most often at Collingswood, and for good reason. This resident-facing app keeps seniors not only connected to what’s going on in our community, but also with their family and friends outside of UMC at Collingswood. With K4’s push notifications and live community social feed, residents won’t miss a beat! Some of K4’s other great features include resident and staff directories, activity calendars, apartment maintenance requests, easily integrated family contacts, and updated dining menus.

Dragon Anywhere

This app is ideal for seniors who aren’t the best when it comes to texting or typing, but still need to keep up with their busy schedules. Dragon Anywhere allows users to more easily use their voice to dictate a text or email. It’s more intuitive than the voice to text function that automatically comes with smartphones because the app will automatically adapt to the unique way the user speaks.

Find My Parked Car

It’s happened to everyone and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about: forgetting where you parked the car. With the Find My Parked Car app, you can simply save your parking location and then access it at a later time. All you have to do is open the app after parking, press the park button, and your location will be automatically saved! The app’s other features include alarm notifications for metered parking, ability to share parking locations with others, and viewing past parking history.

Pocket Physio

Ideal for those recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery, Pocket Physio’s intent is to enhance the user’s independence through physiotherapy exercises. The app provides videos and text instructions that help the user establish a strong, daily exercise routine. It’s great to use even in preparation before surgery, and includes sound advice on hip precautions, breathing exercises, pain management, and tips for walking with pain or crutches.

Senior Living and Learning in Collingswood, NJ

We fully understand and embrace how technology can improve the independence of our residents here at UMC at Collingswood. The apps that our residents and associates use keep everyone informed, engaged, and in-sync with what’s going on in our community. Whether it’s the announcement of a new resident moving in, a new event featuring live entertainment, or new safety guidelines, we have the technology and teaching methods in place to ensure everyone is up to date at Collingswood. Besides incorporating the latest in technology, our community also encourages seniors to keep learning through game nights, activity classes, digital museum tours, and book clubs – just to name a few of the many opportunities available.

For more information about senior learning opportunities in Camden County, New Jersey, please contact our team today. Learn about what community life is really like by visiting our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/most-useful-apps-for-older-adults-in-senior-living/

How to Make and Keep Friends as a Senior

 

It’s tough to be the new “kid” on the block, but making friends can be just like riding a bike – if you have the right tools. What your loved one may be missing in their toolbox is opportunity. Do they have access to activities that will help them meet people with similar life experiences? And are these activities easy for them to take part in? If your loved one is new to senior living and is looking to meet new people, here are some refreshers to share with them, so they can make and keep friendships more easily.

Participate in Group Activities. At most thriving senior communities, there are a ton of group activities that residents can do on a weekly (or even daily) basis. At UMC at Pitman, some of our crowd favorites include group meditation, morning yoga, art classes, and themed days like “Root Beer Float Day” and “Pajama Day.” Even if the group activity isn’t your loved one’s cup of tea, encourage them to go anyways. For one, they could laugh with another resident over their mutual dislike of the activity, or they might be surprised at how much they actually like it after giving it a fair shot. Either way, reiterate to your loved one that the opportunity to meet new people in the community is more important than the actual group activity itself.

Join a Club. Once your loved one finds a hobby offered at the community that they enjoy, tell them to join a club. For example, if mom loves to garden, have her join the gardening club. If dad enjoys playing poker, but there is no poker club available at their assisted living community, ask an activities director on site if they can set one up. Since activity directors cultivate great relationships with each resident, they should be able to gather a group of like-minded individuals to join the club more easily.

Make Mealtimes More Social. Food has a way of bringing people together. It’s one of the best ways to bond and connect with someone new – that’s why most first dates take place at a restaurant or coffee shop. Luckily, most senior living communities, like UMC at Pitman, have a spacious shared dining area right on-site where residents can eat together. Next time you talk to your senior parent and see they’re about ready to have lunch, encourage them to share a meal with another resident in the community dining room.

Accompany Them. If your loved one is the shy type, go with them to their next group activity or event. Having you there with them will give them more confidence to talk to new people. You can also break the ice between them and a resident who you think they may have a lot in common with.

Have Patience. Remind mom or dad that it takes time to make friends, and it may take just a little bit longer to make a good friend. While they are still adjusting to their new life in a senior community, it’s important that they don’t put too much pressure on themselves to fit in. There is plenty of time to get involved with group activities, dine with residents and just to stop and have a small chat with someone they pass by in the hallway. Before they know it, those small pleasantries will turn into longer and more meaningful talks with people they truly consider friends.

Socializing at UMC at Pitman

UMC at Pitman, our assisted living community in Gloucester County, provides many opportunities for seniors to make new friends and socialize while receiving the support they need. Our caring associates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support with daily tasks, including getting dressed for the day, cleaning up the apartment, and managing medications for your loved one. They could also recommend the best spots on-site to meet new people, as well as fun activities to participate in!

For more information on our assisted living services and senior events in Pitman, NJ, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/how-to-make-and-keep-friends-as-a-senior/

The Culture of Senior Living at Pitman

When looking for senior living for yourself or a loved one, you’re going to find a wide selection of options for every budget and need. UMC at Pitman, a full-service assisted living community in Gloucester County, offers a wide range of options allowing residents to stay independent, active, and age in a place where they can socialize and live safely. We ensure that all the hassle of owning a home is taken care of by us – here’s how…

Next Level Retirement Living at UMC at Pitman

When making the move to UMC at Pitman, you can choose between multiple floor plans to best fit your needs. Whether it is just you or you and your loved one, you will be able to find a space that feels like home. There is even a unit available with a kitchenette, living space, and private bedroom. All living options are designed to feel just like home, you can personalize your own private space as you wish. 

You’ll no longer have to worry about keeping up with all the tasks that come with home ownership, like cleaning the gutters, mowing the lawn, shoveling the driveway, etc. Rest assured, the perks of senior living at Pitman don’t stop on the outside. Not only do you not have to worry about keeping up with housecleaning, but all meals are provided, and you can count on them being both delicious and nutritious! You can eat in your room, or in our dining room with your new friends, or even take a ride to town and have a delicious informal vegan lunch at the Gentle Giant Cafe or a home cooked Italian dinner at Manino’s Cucina Italiana!

Social Opportunities for Senior Abound at UMC at Pitman

At UMC at Pitman, you get to enjoy a busy schedule with lots of options provided for you to choose from. Some of these activities include exercise classes, bible study, continued education, arts and crafts classes, musical events, movies, and resident-run clubs like the much-loved book club. UMC at Pitman is within walking distance of downtown Pitman, so there are also plenty of trips to local stores and restaurants. 

It’s a Free Senior Lifestyle, with Support When You Need It.

At UMC at Pitman, we believe in freedom and independence – that’s why we offer you the choice of how much or how little support you need from us. If you’re just tired of dealing with maintenance and upkeep in your home, a move to UMC at Pitman will ensure you don’t ever have to worry about that again. If you need a little more support, like managing medicines or help bathing, we can provide that as well. The beautiful thing is you only pay for the level of support you need, and as your needs change you will always have the option to have extra support.

If you’re looking to keep your independent lifestyle but would also like to say goodbye to some of those tiring responsibilities, UMC at Pitman could be the perfect place for you. Spend your retirement years doing the things you love, living right next to your best friends, enjoying the company of like-minded people while you eat, or attending activities together.

UMC at Pitman is a breath of fresh air to seniors and their families. Call us today to take a tour and find out more. Visit https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2022/05/06/the-culture-of-senior-living-at-pitman/

4 Handmade Craft Ideas for Seniors

It’s National Handmade Day – and what better way to celebrate than with your crafty senior loved one. Whether it’s baked goods, beauty products, or home decor, those who create handmade gifts do so with an artistic eye. And for anyone who has ever received a homemade gift, you know how special it is to receive a one-of-a-kind treasure from someone you love! If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 4 handmade craft ideas for you and your senior to take part in.

1. Homemade heating pads. These can be great for aches and pains, but also make great handmade gifts that are simple to create. The materials can be found around your house unless of course, you want to buy something specifically for it.  You don’t need to be an expert sewer or even need a sewing machine; anyone can make these.
2. 4  ingredient sugar cookies. This is for all of our seniors who love to bake! As you know, baking from scratch can be a lot of work and can also make a large mess. This recipe has only four ingredients so you get that homemade feeling without a drawn-out recipe or a big mess to clean up!
3. Make some homemade play dough with the grandkids. Most of these ingredients are around the house. It only takes about fifteen minutes or less to make and, if stored properly, it will last about three months. This is a great activity for when the grandkids come to visit or even a stress reliever for you. Because really, who doesn’t love play dough?
4. No sew fleece blanket This project does require going out to get the fabric unless you happen to have a few yards of fleece fabric on hand at home. We promise the finished product is so worth the trip, though! You can make this for yourself or to give it as gifts for holidays and birthdays.

When making something handmade, remember that it’s not always about the finished product but rather about the process of making it. If you’re trying something new, remember that it can take a few times before you get good at it, it’s all a part of the experience. Working with your hands is peaceful to the mind and allows you to get out of your head and into a creative flow. This is very important for seniors as it can reduce stress. Not to mention some of the things you make can be great gifts, or even a sweet treat to enjoy with others…and that is priceless.

Independent living at UMC Pitman

You are never short of opportunities to get creative at UMC Pitman! Caregivers are always willing to help when needed or you can always attend regularly scheduled arts and craft classes. This way not only do you get to get the creative juices flowing, but you can also do so with your friends! If you have any questions about UMC Pitman’s regularly scheduled classes please contact us today. Visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2022/04/26/4-handmade-craft-ideas-for-seniors/

5 Communication Tactics to Help your Parent Move to Assisted Living

As our parents age, their physical abilities and overall well being often change, especially if they have certain medical issues or mobility limitations. While it would be great if we could care for our elderly parents full-time, the reality is that most of us don’t have the medical expertise or time required to provide the level of care they need.

If you think it’s time to have the conversation about moving your parent into an assisted living community, we’ve put together this list of five helpful communication tactics to support you in the process. It’s normal to receive some resistance from your parent when first bringing up the idea. However, with love, patience, and a little bit of advice from our team of experts, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your loved one and your family.

Plant the seed early.

We recommend having the assisted living conversation with your elderly parent well ahead of when the need arises. It’s an emotional topic for many of us, and normalizing it through family discussions will make the transition easier when the time comes. Don’t position it as if you’ve already made the decision on their behalf – it’s important for your mom or dad to feel as if they’re in control of their own choices.

Do your research.

Make a list of assisted living communities in your area, and ask your loved one if they’d like to join you for some tours. It’s likely they’ll be resistant at first, and if that’s the case, don’t get discouraged. Pushing them will likely result in them growing even more resistant to the idea, so simply wait a few weeks then suggest it again.

Highlight the benefits.

Many older adults feel that moving into assisted living means losing their independence, when in fact the opposite is true. Many of the benefits your parent will enjoy, like help with cleaning, chores, and meal preparation, will leave them more time to focus on hobbies they love. They’ll also have assistance with their medications, more time to themselves or to socialize with fellow residents, and around-the-clock access to nurses and medical care if needed. 

Let it all sink in.

As the old saying goes, “time heals all wounds.” People need time to reflect on big changes in their lives, especially emotional decisions like this. Give them time to process their feelings. Also, make it clear that you’re always there if they want to talk things through again in order to feel more secure with the decision. 

Arrange a family meeting.

While we don’t recommend anything serious like an intervention, we do think it can be beneficial to have a casual family get-together where everyone can talk through the decision together. Give your parent a chance to express their concerns, and be empathetic to their worries. Allow your other family members to share their opinions, as well. Hearing their children’s thoughts, and learning how much better they’d feel if they knew mom or dad was in a safe assisted living community instead of living on their own, can help your mom or dad adjust to the idea. 

Having peace of mind is essential, and your parent’s well-being is of the utmost importance. If you need support to foster the assisted living conversation with mom or dad, please contact our team at UMC today. 

To learn more about our assisted living communities across New Jersey, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-communication-tactics-to-help-your-parent-move-to-assisted-living/

4 Tactics for Discussing the Benefits of Senior Living with Parents

If you have aging parents, then you know that conversations about their health and well-being may be a challenge. When was the last time you talked to your elderly parent about going to their doctor for a check-up, or had to coax them into getting routine blood work done?

If you’re thinking that your parents might benefit from living in a senior community like Bristol Glen’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), the thought of this conversation with them might feel overwhelming! Commonly, aging parents can be more than a bit resistant when it comes time to discuss the possibility of senior living. However, for the benefit of their health, safety, and happiness, these conversations are important and absolutely worth having.

What should you do when you want to discuss senior living with your elderly parents and they just won’t listen?

• Observe and listen. You may think you know what your parents need, but there’s a chance that you might not be offering the right solution. Everyone wants what is best for their parents’ safety, but before you can offer your opinion on what that is, you need to fully understand their day-to-day struggles. Offering suggestions without listening to what they want will put parents off and make them even more resistant to change.
  Instead, do your best to observe their day-to-day routine and note where their struggles occur. This way, your parents will appreciate the fact that you’ve taken an interest in their side of the story, and you’ll build trust.
  
  
• Recalculate the risk. It’s easy to immediately think of worst-case scenarios and to let yourself feel anxious, worried, and nervous about your aging parents. Instead of allowing your imagination to get the best of you, assess the current risks and have an honest discussion with your parents about available options. Perhaps a home health aide who visits a few hours a day is a better option, or perhaps your parents require around-the-clock care – it’s a decision you must make together.
  
  
• This is a process. As one of New Jersey’s premier senior living and care organizations, UMC associates talk to thousands of concerned children every year about how to approach these conversations. Don’t expect that it’s a “one and done” type deal. Often these conversations happen dozens of times and often the decision takes months of repeated conversations.
  
  
• Frame your suggestions carefully. It’s crucial to be sensitive when discussing senior living with your parents, and it’s necessary to look at it from their point of view. Their independence is important to them and your suggestions may be seen as a threat.
  
  
• Be honest. If you find the ideal CCRC for your parents, be aware that they may not share your enthusiasm. Discuss the positive aspects with them but also make it clear that you’re willing to discuss the details they find not-so-positive. Only highlighting the good may make them feel like you aren’t taking their concerns seriously.
  
  

Help them make the transition to senior living

We understand the difficulties people face when having discussions with their elderly parents about their health and their living circumstances. If you’re struggling to get through to your parent, we’ve created a helpful video entitled Having the conversation that offers some support and guidance. It can take some time for older adults to get over their initial fears, which commonly include loss of independence, a change of environment, and having their routines changed entirely.

If you feel it’s time for your parents to consider a CCRC or assisted living but they aren’t receptive to hearing what you have to say, it may be beneficial to involve a professional. Our staff is experienced in diplomatically discussing sensitive topics such as this.

Giving back to your parents in their older years is a privilege and we want to support you in your ongoing conversations about their safety, and wellbeing. If you need assistance having these difficult conversations, please call a UMC associate today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/4-tactics-for-discussing-the-benefits-of-senior-living-with-parents/

What is Sitting Disease?

Unlike its name, Sitting Disease isn’t an actual disease – it’s a term used to cover the more than 30 chronic health conditions associated with sedentary behavior, like sitting.

Statistics from the Mayo Clinic show that Americans are spending more and more time indulging these behaviors, with 50% to 70% of people spending more than 6 hours a day in a sitting position and 20% to 35% of people spending more than 4 hours a day in front of the television. The study found direct links between a sedentary lifestyle and a shortened lifespan – in fact, by reducing your TV time to less than two hours a day, you can add 1.4 years onto your lifespan!

These concerns are even more serious for sedentary elderly people, as they are more at risk than ever before of developing serious health conditions, including diabetes, physical disabilities, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, heart disease and even certain cancers.

Staying active through your senior years 

Walking is great for your health and by far the most popular low-impact exercise for older adults.

While the best way to prevent Sitting Disease is to live a more active life throughout your adult years, there is still much that you can do to reduce your risks as a senior. With the help of a specialist, you can determine how much exercise you need and how vigorously you need to exercise in order to gain a good fitness level. It’s also important to remember that ‘exercise’ doesn’t only mean going for a run – there are plenty of alternative physical activities for seniors that are safe and fun, for example:

• Dance classes
• Gardening
• Aerobics
• Yoga
• Nature walks

When it comes to fighting Sitting Disease, it’s also the little things that matter, from taking the stairs instead of waiting for the lift to choosing a walk to the shops over an hour in front of the television.

By getting into a routine of regular exercise, seniors also benefit from healthy weight loss, muscle development and even stress reduction, all bringing a better quality of life.

Community-based independent living residences for seniors 

At United Methodist Communities, we offer a wide range of tailored support services for the elderly in an environment that delivers the highest quality of life. Our assisted living facilities and senior living residential facilities are designed to assist your loved one only where they require it, and to scale these services at any point if they require a higher level of long-term care. In addition to catering for independent seniors, we are also able to provide expert memory care services for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information, please contact United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen in Sussex County today and ask about our continuing care retirement community.

This content was originally posted at http://umcommunities.org/blog/what-is-sitting-disease/

A senior healthcare guide to osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of the most common health conditions facing seniors, with the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimating that 52 million Americans are currently affected. This condition carries significant risks as it makes bones more brittle and easily broken or damaged, increasing the risk of serious slip and fall injuries for seniors. Here is a health care guide to this common condition from senior living service providers in Sussex County.

What is osteoporosis? 

The bones in your skeleton are made up of living tissue that, like the tissue in the rest of your body, is continuously replaced with new cells in order to stay strong and healthy. Osteoporosis occurs when the body is unable to replace bone tissue at the same rate that old cells are removed, making bones weaker, more brittle and prone to breaking.

Osteoporosis can be preceded by osteopenia, a condition characterized by low bone density. Treatment can vary for the different conditions, but common treatments and lifestyle changes can benefit patients with either of these health issues.

What causes osteoporosis?

This health condition doesn’t have a specific cause and is not a result of a disease – rather, it occurs in people who either suffer from a preexisting bone mass issue or as a result of low bone mass due to age and other risk factors.

Our bone mass peaks in youth and starts to decline as we age. The more bone mass you acquire during your youth, the less likely you are to be affected by osteoporosis.

The most important risk factors for acquiring this condition include:

• Gender - women are more likely to be affected than men
• Age – the older you get, the more likely you are to be affected
• Race – osteoporosis is more common in people of Caucasian and Asian descent
• Family history – you are more at risk if direct family members suffer from low bone mass or osteoporosis
• Small body frame – the smaller your body frame, the more likely you are to develop the condition
• Thyroid hormone overproduction and low sex hormones
• Low calcium intake and eating disorders
• Long-term steroid use
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Excessive consumption of alcohol

How is osteoporosis treated?

Your doctor will perform a bone mass test to measure the severity of the osteoporosis and how quickly it is advancing. This will help determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

The most commonly prescribed medication for this condition is administering bisphosphonates either intravenously or in pill form. Often, these are scheduled in a quarterly or weekly injection or as a weekly or monthly pill according to what best suits the patient’s needs.

Other forms of treatment for osteoporosis include hormone-related therapy and other medications for people intolerant of bisphosphonates.

Patients can also make certain lifestyle changes to try and slow the progression of the condition, including quitting smoking and participating in weight-bearing exercise routines.

Preventing osteoporosis

Keeping bones healthy is a priority for seniors as it prevents serious injuries and fractures that can be slow to heal and difficult to treat. The best ways to prevent this condition include:

• Increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D. According to the Mayo Clinic, after 50 years-of-age, your calcium intake should increase to 1,200 milligrams a day. This can be done through supplements and dairy products or by eating dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, soy products and orange juice.
• Getting regular exercise as recommended by your doctor. This could include walking, jogging, gardening, aerobics, yoga, or dancing. It’s important that these exercises are weight-bearing whichaffects your joints, and stimulates bone health.

Community-based senior living solutions for an independent lifestyle 

United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, offers a wide range of tailored support services for older adults in an environment that delivers the highest quality of life. Designed to enhance independence, our independent senior living facilities are designed to assist your loved one only when they require it, and to scale these services at any point if they require a higher level of care. In addition to catering to independent seniors, we are also able to provide expert memory support services and care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, as well as patients with conditions such as osteoporosis.

For more information, please contact UMC Bristol Glen in Sussex County today and ask about our continuing care retirement communities.

This content was originally posted at http://umcommunities.org/blog/a-senior-healthcare-guide-to-osteoporosis/