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Blog, Memory Care, Senior Care, Six Dimensions of Wellness, social wellness

Precious Memories

Memories are the substance of a life well-lived. Memories are portrayed through musical lyrics, movies, short stories, and many biographical sketches. It is an important part of life. Memories are stored through images, pictures, and digital devices. They are powerful reminders of highlights and struggles; as well as significant reflections of the past and often predictors of the future. Memory is an important function for proper cognitive function. Seniors may often find themselves frustrated at the decline in memory that keeps them from being able to interact at peak social levels. This frustration can lead to isolation and withdrawal from others. Many studies have been done to determine the physiological and psychological effects of cognitive decline on overall health and wellness.

According to the National Library of Medicine, The research results showed that both social isolation and loneliness were associated with poor cognition in ageing, with depression as a possible mediator between loneliness and poor cognition.

The research indicates a correlation between cognitive decline and poor overall health. According to Cacioppo and Hawkley,”health, life and genetic legacy of members of social species are threatened when they find themselves isolated (see  for a review). During the COVID-19 lockdown, for example, we experienced social isolation, and many people suffered the consequences of loneliness. ” Long lasting effects from lockdowns are still being felt in the senior living industry. However, evidence shows that  the human spirit is very resilient. Wellness directors are the agents thatsenior wellness, senior loneliness, senior activities, senior living, memory care programs can offer hope and healing through the services they provide.

Many residents of senior care living facilities thrive in activity settings that are vibrant and diverse. Wellness programs built on physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and occupational dimensions supply a plethora of activities that are beneficial to combat isolation and promote well-being. This stimulates memories from the past and connects to present and future feelings of joy and satisfaction. Often times physical and emotional discomfort bring the natural tendency to isolate and avoid social relationships. The benefits of Lifetime Wellness, Ltd. are far reaching in a community of seniors that are experiencing decline in cognitive capacity and function.

The more immersed in a community—with social connections—the happier, and healthier, people are. Friends tend to act as our social support and are conditional indicators for health quality.

Wellness is a lifestyle that many seniors desire to continue enjoying.  Memories made today or from the past are worth celebrating! Lifetime Wellness, Ltd. would be happy to help you continue to grow and thrive in each season of life. We exist to help you age successfully! Let’s get started with a thriving activity culture in your senior living facility today! Precious memories are waiting to be made!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9995915/

 

Blog, Food, Managing Stress levels in Seniors, Memory Care, Nutrition, Senior Care, Skilled nursing

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 

Gardening is a beautiful way to stay healthy. In the early days of Americans, gardening was a way of life for most. It was commonplace in an Agrarian society for people to grow gardens to sustain large families. There were no grocery stores on every corner. The accessibility to food, that is commonplace for modern society, looked much different a century ago.  For many in senior care, being able to grow sustainable food sources as well as ornate flowers is a beneficial therapy that yields positive results.

According to a study by the Journal of Preventive Medicine Reports, growing plants improves mood, lowers anxiety, and increases wellness. Maintaining a garden, or even caring for a single plant, gives one a sense of control. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Garden guide says that nurturing plants helps maintain existing skills that provide pleasure and confidence at a time when memory loss or physical decline can affect people’s self-esteem.

Gardening may also decrease loneliness. According to a study of nursing home residents in Hong Kong published by the Journal of Clinical Nursing, researchers found a significant drop in loneliness among adults in their 80’s who participated in an eight-week indoor gardening program compared with their peers who did not garden.

Indoor gardening for dementia patients provides sensory and cognitive stimulation that improves the quality of life for many. Including a variety of plants and flowers provides the opportunity for these patients to reminisce, as well. Caring for these gardens gives the dementia patient a sense of responsibility and control at a time when most day-to-day tasks are difficult to maintain.

Caring is an accomplishment.

Caring for plants is especially good for seniors who have been caregivers their entire lives and are now experiencing role reversal and need a sense of purpose. Nurturing plants provides similar satisfaction to caring for another human and is a great way to maintain the physical and emotional benefits of nurturing, according to research compiled by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Lifetime Wellness Ltd provides our partnerships with resources and staff that will assist in growing vegetable and flower gardens. Many of our partnerships are using gardening to enhance the lives of seniors. Seniors can care for and nurture outdoor and indoor gardening spaces while enjoying the home-grown food sources that it provides. Cooking the food that is harvested can be done through our Chef works resources provided in our monthly resource packets. Gardening is a wellness opportunity that provides a sense of purpose while strengthening the body and mind.

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/gardening-benefits

Memory Care, Senior Care, Six Dimensions of Wellness

Let Freedom Ring

Independence Day marks a historical occasion for the United States of America. It is usually celebrated with fireworks, outdoor events, and lots of good food! Vacations and schedules are planned around the historical day. The summer is in full swing and many eagerly await much needed time with family and friends. The wonderful staff of our LifetimeWellness.us partners have planned special events to commemorate this day. Spending time asking our seniors how they spent this holiday as a child will spark conversations that will help them to recall memories. Memory care is a valuable service provided by www.Lifetimewellness.us and is a vital component of our wellness model. This activity is also part of “their story”.  We offer a book called, “My Life Story”, that helps seniors share individual life history through written snapshots of events of their lives.

 

Sharing holiday experiences can create connections with others; helping them to feel valued and loved. Memories from the July 4th holiday may include quotes from past presidents and spokespersons that have placed  a premium on personal freedoms.   Patrick Henry, the great orator of the American Revolution, has often been quoted for his fiery speeches. You may recall this famous quote, when Henry gave a rousing speech to the Virginia legislature in 1775.

 “Give me liberty or give me death!”—Patrick Henry

His influence is still reverberating to this very day. Personal freedoms are valued and highly revered by all. This is the gold standard for the American way of life. Yet, there is often a  tendency to forget the significance of the origins of this day. The significance of  freedom’s cry on this holiday is often lost in the excitement of the fireworks and barbeque. Frances Scott Key penned the words that sum it up best. “ America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.” He wrote this in 1814, and these words have resonated powerfully through the singing of our national anthem.

Famous quotes and musical lyrics capture the essence of our independence. It is a hard fight! Self efficacy and the struggle to preserve one’s core values strikes at the heart of the senior population. Men and women that have experienced the Great Depression, World World II,  Vietnam, and other battles of the last century are well acquainted with the hard fought struggle for independence. Moreover, the battle for many seniors is fought on a different front. Often the battle is to overcome the obstacles in day to day struggles. The ability to make their own decisions. The intense daily conflict to recall memories and the ability to care for themselves. Preservation of independence is something that everyone will go to battle for. Independence is what we strive for.  Depending on others is something most want to avoid. It is the American way to “pull ourselves up from our bootstraps.” Longevity of life can bring an interdependence on others and a lack of personal decision making.

 

Aging well is vital to overcoming the potential factors that deter quality of life. There are many parallels that can be drawn from the subject of freedom. Freedom is hard wired in the DNA of a human being. In the midst of reflections of freedom on July 4th, think of those that are fighting battles of a different kind. Some are fighting to maintain the ability to think, move, or simply tend to a beautiful flower garden. Memory is not often embraced as a freedom when you are young.  Most will not understand this until memories begins to fade. It is important to remember what this nations stands for, to remember those brave men and women who fought tirelessly to rise above tyranny. It creates thankfulness to remember those in our communities and families that have given so much to our country and to remember those that have given their lives, so you may prosper. Take some time to reflect and be thankful for this special holiday, and think of those that are fighting daily to remain independent. The fight for freedom remains alive in all of us. Independence is worth the FIGHT!