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Your Brain Activity: How to Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement

Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement The role of mental health and longevity is well documented. Just as we need to exercise our bodies to protect cardiovascular and bone health, working out our brains is essential to preserving our mental, social, and emotional health. Mental Stimulation and Combating Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease is very common today. It’s characterized by mild memory loss in the early stages and can progress to include a

3 Ways to Avoid Loneliness in Retirement

Retire Happy While retirement can be a wonderful period of life, it may come with the challenge of loneliness for some. In this article, Baywoods of Annapolis provides some ways that technology, activities, and a sense of community can help you or your loved ones avoid loneliness in retirement and feel healthier too! Stay Connected Humans are, generally speaking, social beings. So, it’s important to maintain social connections. Many studies show that these social interactions with family and friends may help reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related illnesses. While some seniors like to explore online platforms, there is nothing that replaces live interactions with real human beings. Even a phone call with a friend can be uplifting, so stay connected! Stay Busy A wise man once said, “Don’t be afraid of getting older – be afraid of getting boring!” Many people adopt a “why bother” mentality. They may say, “I’m so old, why bother,” but the real question is, “why not?” If you’re retired, you probably have some time on your hands, so why not take a class, learn to play an instrument, or start writing your life story? Staying busy often keeps your mind from dwelling on

How Families Can Prepare for Senior Care

Senior Care Preparation According to the AARP, “Today, 30 million households are providing care for an adult over the age of 50—and that number is expected to double over the next 25 years.” Those 30 million caregivers are often still balancing their own life, their children’s lives, and sometimes even grandchildren. But, a little preparation goes a long way. So, we’ve compiled 4 things you need to do to develop a care-giving plan for your loved ones. Start a conversation. It’s never too late to start the conversation about a care-giving plan, but many families wait until a crisis occurs. At this point, the options may be more limited or decisions rushed due to the circumstances. So, it’s important to start the conversation sooner rather than later. Identify the team of resources. Family, friends, neighbors, religious organizations, and community support centers can all play a role in the care-giving process. Understand who is available and what types of support they can provide. By splitting up the responsibilities, the tasks won’t seem as overwhelming. Establish a team leader and talk through the responsibilities with all family members, including the person who will be receiving the care. Try to get everyone on

Making the Most of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Continuing Care Retirement Communities Moving to a senior living community is an important step toward gaining independence and enjoying the everyday pleasures that retirement living can bring. Make the most out of your time in a senior living environment by following these tips. Get Involved In a Continuing Care Retirement community, there’s always something to do! Join a club or a fitness class, learn how to do something new by taking a class, or hit the links on a putting green. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we have many activities and programs to cater to any interest. We offer monthly trips, St. Johns College lectures and exclusive access to the Fitness Center to keep you living your best. For more information on our program offerings, get in touch with us. Take Advantage of Outside Offerings There are fewer things more relaxing than taking in the sights of the sailboats on the Bay, but it’s also beneficial to get away. BayWoods of Annapolis offers ample opportunity to explore our historic city by coordinating outings. With access to our parking garage, you’re free to come and go as you please. Check out the Orchestra at the Naval Academy, visit various museums, or take

Senior Living Lifestyles

Senior Living Lifestyles Having the amenities you enjoy and the social environment that fosters engagement are key factors to making the most of your senior living lifestyle. In this article, we explore tips to help you transition and make the most of your new life! Do you remember the first day of school? You were probably anxious, unsure of what was to come and perhaps wondering how you would fit in and how you would get to know your way around your new school. Many of us face the same challenges when moving to a new way of life in retirement. So the first step is to acknowledge those fears and begin to take small steps to put them behind you. Establish a new routine or hobby. Whether you read the newspaper first thing every day, take a morning stroll, or just relax and perhaps meditate by the water, find something that can help you create a new routine that you enjoy. Try something new! Most senior living communities have plenty of activities and events scheduled throughout the day. Why not try something new? This will keep you busy, meeting new people, and may even provide some daily exercise. Get

Three Things to Consider in Your Short-Term Rehabilitation Facility

An illness or injury can prevent your family members or loved ones from effectively participating in their activities of daily live. When an incident prevents your family member or loved one from performing everyday tasks and self-care, a doctor may order physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Here’s what to look for in a high-quality rehab institution. Look for a track record of success Ask what percentage of their Rehab patients /residents go home from their short-term Program. Top quality programs are known to produce a rate of 92-96% patients return home from a short-term stay. That’s your goal is to be in a very high results driven program. All outcomes are measured in healthcare and this produces a more accurate picture of the success of the Rehab program. At BayWoods of Annapolis, we work diligently to provide a 96% return rate to home. We work hard to make residents well prepared for their return home by doing a home visit with the resident making sure that they are returning to a safe environment. What are the accommodations like? Does the Rehab program have private rooms, adequate staffing and Credentialed staff? Look carefully at the staff’s credentials and make sure that the environment

Turning Back The Clock: It’s Not Too Late to Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle

Senior Health Tips According to the American Journal of Medicine, “Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston found that people 45 to 64 years of age who added healthy lifestyle behaviors could substantially reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reduce their death rate.” So, it goes without saying that as we grow older, living a heart-healthy lifestyle is smart. But, here are the 4 things you can do today to dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating Fruits & Vegetables Daily Eating a balanced diet is important; eating at least five fruits and vegetables a day is key. Today, there are a variety of ways to do this. Make a protein-packed smoothie with fresh strawberries and a bit of spinach. You won’t even know there are vegetables in it but you’ll still get all the benefits! Throw in a few veggies with your morning omelet or scrambled eggs – a great way to make an ordinary breakfast extraordinary! Exercising 2.5 Hours Per Week Take the dog for a 30-minute walk each day and you will have accomplished the mission! It’s that easy! No dog? Go to the gym, take a yoga class, or walk around

3 Ways to Age Wisely and Live Longer

Aging Wisely Depending on who you ask, some would say that age is just a number while other will say it’s all about your state of mind. Either way, we are all “growing older and wiser” each day. But, what can you do now to help prepare your body, mind, soul, and family for the inevitability of aging? In this article, we will highlight a few tips to help you age wisely and plan for the best life possible! Positive Attitudes Go A Long Way The Journal of American Medicine published a research letter showing that people who felt three or more years younger than their actual age had a lower mortality rate than those who felt older than their actual age. We all know that stress has a very negative impact on the body, so keeping a positive outlook can help lead to a longer, healthier, happier life. People who maintain a positive outlook are much more likely to participate in activities that help them stay healthier. The Harvard Medical School published a report, Positive Psychology: Harnessing the power of happiness, mindfulness, and inner strength that provides self-assessment tests, advice, and exercises to help you maximize the positive emotion

When Should I Consider a Move to a Retirement Community?

Why should I consider a Continuing Care Community We all wonder when are we ready to consider a Continuing Care Retirement Community? Many of us have considered a move to a retirement community, but many people are not sure when we should make the transition. If you are able to maintain your independence while still living in your own home and do not feel that your home and its upkeep is overwhelming for you this is a great time to start the search. Yes, start thinking about the retirement lifestyle, and just how that will simplify your life. If you are requiring assistance for your activities of daily living, a move to a cooperative living environment will be the best option for you before it’s too late to enjoy all of the amenities and various activities that take place in an active community. For more information about our active Community and many related services, talk to us. Use this as a guide to make your move. Eliminate Retirement Stereotypes Some people think of retirement communities as the option to turn to when outside services coming into the home for become too much to manage. While retirement living communities often offer

Why Retirement Communities Extend Lives Over Living Alone

Retirement Community Living As humans, we are naturally social creatures. As we grow older, the opportunities to socialize may be inhibited by health, mobility, and other factors. Let’s explore how retirement communities enhance social environments and potentially extend life expectancy. Unlike the nursing home that your grandmother went to, today’s retirement communities have been reinvented to provide a wide range of activities, services, and amenities. Still, many people have the impression that moving to a retirement community will require them to give up their independence and therefore, many people postpone or resist the decision. However, not only are today’s communities driven to help you maintain independence, the services offered on-site typically allow you to regain your independence much quicker, after an illness or accident. But, the social factors of living in a retirement community cannot be overlooked. Here are a few reasons why: Socialization. Socialization is important at every stage of our life. As babies and toddlers, socialization helps us to develop communication skills and learn from those around us. In our later years, socialization is just as important and even helps to maintain these skills. In addition, opportunities to socialize help reduce loneliness, establish friendships, relate and interact with

Five Things Your Retirement Living Community Should Have

Choosing a retirement community is a big decision. How do you know you’re making a choice that will make you or your loved one happy? Use this checklist to ensure your retirement community has all the amenities that will allow you to live a happy, healthy lifestyle. 1. Continuing Care levels Available: Having additional levels of care available when you need is a must. After all, you made the move to a Retirement Community so that you will not have to be burdened with additional moves. You should have the support there when you need it. 2. Fitness Center and Indoor Pool: Fitness facilities/activities such as water aerobics provide the cardiovascular and mental health benefits associated with regular exercise in a low-impact environment. A refreshing exercise class in a warm pool is a perfect way for retirees to get appropriate exercise without risking injury. BayWoods of Annapolis residents love the option of swimming in the pool and taking instructor led fitness classes. 3. Putting Green Hitting the links may not be such an attractive option anymore, as long days on the course can be physically exhausting. BayWoods of Annapolis putting green overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and the Bay Bridge is

NEWS & ARTICLES

Your Brain Activity: How to Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement

3 Ways to Avoid Loneliness in Retirement

How Families Can Prepare for Senior Care

Making the Most of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Senior Living Lifestyles

Three Things to Consider in Your Short-Term Rehabilitation Facility

Turning Back The Clock: It’s Not Too Late to Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle

3 Ways to Age Wisely and Live Longer

When Should I Consider a Move to a Retirement Community?

Why Retirement Communities Extend Lives Over Living Alone

Five Things Your Retirement Living Community Should Have

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