NEWS & ARTICLES

4 Reasons Assisted Living Provides A Better Lifestyle Than Living Alone

Assisted Living Benefits Many seniors desire to live in their family home as long as possible.  Often, seniors are concerned that they will have to sacrifice a certain level of independence as time goes on.  At Baywoods of Annapolis, we have worked with seniors of all ages to provide them as much (or as little) support as they need.  In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common ways that

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Considering Program Options in Senior Living Communities

Senior Program Options When considering senior living options, the programming available can make a large difference in a senior citizen’s quality of life. Do the programs offer options that encourage a vital, healthy lifestyle? At BayWoods of Annapolis quality of life is very important, and we strive to offer our residents with a vast array of Senior Program Options.  We picked a few of our favorite programs for enriching a senior’s life to share with you below. Fitness Programs A good senior living arrangement offers a large variety of active programming that is suitable for all fitness levels. Some seniors may prefer the soothing benefits of low-impact water aerobics, while others may love a brisk walk in the open air. The quality of a living facility’s fitness schedule directly impacts a senior’s longevity, as participating in regular fitness activities promotes cardiovascular and mental health. Learning Options Just as it’s essential to participate in regular fitness, exercising our brains is an important aspect of remaining vital as we age. Senior living communities that offer top-quality learning options give residents a chance to maintain their mental health, while getting a chance to learn something new. BayWoods residents have the option of attending

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Easy Ways to Prevent Falls for Elderly Persons

Prevent Elderly Falls It’s estimated that over 250,000 Americans are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, according to the CDC.  More than 95% of these are as a result of a fall.  There are many risk factors that increase the chances that someone will fall, which include: balance, poor vision, decreased muscle strength, taking more than four medications and more.  In this article, Baywoods of Annapolis shares some ways to prevent falls from happening in the first place. If you or a member of your family is still living at home, it’s important to create a safe living space.  Some items to consider: Cleaning up clutter and ensuring floors, hallways, and staircases have a clear, unobstructed path. Evaluate floors and remove or repair loose carpet and area rugs which can pose tripping hazards. Add grab bars and handrails, especially in bathroom areas where surfaces can be slippery. Ensure there is bright lighting in the home and night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms. One level living is ideal. Move furniture and other daily living items to the first floor of the home so that stairways can be avoided. Of course, if you live in a retirement community like Baywoods of Annapolis, most

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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

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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

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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

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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 decreased ability to make decisions or participate in activities of daily living. Starting at age 65, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. To minimize your risk, experts in the field suggest that following a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and exercising your brain with activities can be beneficial. BayWoods of Annapolis residents enjoy a well rounded daily schedule of activities offering both mental and physical stimulation. contact us for more information. Staving Off Dementia Dementia is an umbrella term for all forms of cognitive impairment. Dementia is most commonly associated with memory loss, but it can also manifest as a loss of language skills, motor activity, or ability to plan and make decisions. Vascular dementia, for example, can be the result of a stroke. There’s

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Physical Activity May Be the Fountain of Youth

Senior Citizen Exercises With as little as 30 minutes per day, you can stay fit and feel younger too!  A variety of low-impact physical activity can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.  In this article, Baywoods of Annapolis takes a look at some of the most common and innovative ways seniors can stay fit! According to the National Institute on Aging, “exercise and physical activity… can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions affecting older adults.”  Below we’ve listed the four main types of exercise and physical activity that are recommended for seniors.  Many of these can be done from the comfort of your own living room!   As always, check with your physician before starting any exercise program.  Ok, here we go! Endurance exercise is aimed at increasing your endurance through low impact activities that make you breathe faster, speed up your heart rate, and burn off calories. These kinds of activities may include brisk walking or jogging, dancing, tennis, and more! Strength training is vital to preserving muscle mass, controlling weight, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and decreases injury risk. You can begin strength training right at home with light weights, resistance bands, or by using your

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Promote Longevity With These 5 Senior Fitness Trends

Senior Fitness Trends There’s always a new fitness craze: Gurus are combining the latest health techniques to invent classes that keep participants coming back for more. Seniors may not have the strength for trampoline aerobics or Yogalates, but regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your retiree to participate in these gentle low-impact fitness trends that are both good for the body and easy on the joints. Sit and Be Fit This class is conducted from a chair and focuses on improving functionality and mobility. Depending on an individual’s fitness level, participants may use weights, resistance bands, and medicine balls to strengthen their cores to improve balance. Water Aerobics Aqatic exercise provides a low-impact option that’s beneficial for anyone with limited mobility. Using water for natural resistance, water aerobics provides cardiovascular and strengthening benefits in a virtually risk-free environment. BayWoods of Annapolis proudly offers water aerobics classes for residents – contact us for further questions. Silver Sneakers This nationwide program offers free or low-cost fitness activities in conjunction with Medicare plans. Silver Sneaker classes vary by location but focus on improving balance and strengthening major muscle groups to encourage ease of movement and to alleviate symptoms

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Brainteasers: 4 Ways to Exercise Your Brain

Brain Health Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs stimulation and activity to prevent atrophy and maintain mental health.  In this article, we’ll highlight five ways you can exercise your brain for optimal results! Exercise. There are many studies that show that exercising actually promotes brain health.  One study published in the journal Neurology, showed that physical activity could slow brain aging by as much as 10 years!  This doesn’t mean that you need to be an athlete but activities such as walking, gardening, yoga, or simply being active during the day can also have major benefits to your cognitive abilities, so get that body moving! Diet. Eating foods that are rich in anti-oxidants help neutralize free radicals.  Nutrition is good for the mind and body.  Following the guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) will help ensure you’re eating balanced. Brain Exercises. There are a variety of brain fitness programs that help your brain process language, hearing, speed, and accuracy.  Some of these programs are games while others are more instructional.   You can also exercise your brain with puzzles, learning a new card game, or other activity that challenges you. Sleep On It. There is no

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Farm To Table: More Than Just Good Nutrition

Healthy Retirement Living The movement to acquire fresh, local, organic foods is a part of a growing trend called Farm-to-Table.  We will review the nutritional and socioeconomic impacts that are driving this trend. Organic Foods Are In! You don’t have to go far to realize that processed foods are out and natural, organic foods are in!  With so much increased awareness about food safety, food freshness, and even the growing controversial use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), it seems everyone is ready to start eating more healthy. Sourcing & Local Food The farm to table initiative promotes sourcing and serving local food, preferably by acquiring it directly from the producer (farmer, winery, fishery, etc.).  This growing trend not only helps to support local businesses, but it eliminates the need for the products to be filled with preservatives to extend shelf life or shipped nationally or globally which helps to reduce costs and carbon footprint. Socioeconomic Impact The socioeconomic impact of Farm to Table goes one step further.  Farmer’s markets have made a dramatic comeback, helping many farms to survive and even expand.   America’s growing immigrant population flock to the markets to buy food the way they were accustomed to buying

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