Ahh…Autumn in New England. It’s the perfect time of year to fall into the pages of a good story. 

What’s your reading pleasure? Is it a heart-pounding thriller or a poignant romance? A perilous adventure story or a hilarious whodunnit? Maybe you’re one for historical fiction or true crime? 

No matter the genre, stories are a powerful vehicle for transporting you out of real time and into imaginative places and encounters. But there’s more power in reading than just spurring the imagination: Older adults who are avid book readers are doing a lot to support their health—and they may live longer lives as a result! 

Spoiler alert: Don’t miss the book list—featuring dynamic older adult characters, provided at the end of this post!

Book Reading Supports Good Mental and Physical Health

Reading books can enhance both the mental and physical health of older adults in a variety of ways. The benefits presented in the list below come from research that focused on reading books. Magazines and newspapers are a different type of reading experience; while that type of reading has its own benefits, it is not necessarily the same as when reading books. In fact, when comparing people who read books to non-book readers studies show something very interesting:  Book-readers have a 20% lower risk of mortality compared to non-book readers. Essentially, book reading adds years to your life span! Here are some of the other important ways reading supports older adult health:

• Reduces stress. When there’s less stress, your body produces less stress hormones and that has a cascade effect on the entire body. Muscles relax. Tension is released. Heart rate and blood pressure are lower. 
• Promotes a good night’s sleep. Reading within an hour or two of bedtime helps the body settle down and prepare for sleep. Now, you don’t want to be reading on device as screen blue light negatively affects sleep quality. Also, stick with reading something enthralling, which won’t generate worrisome thought. So, keep work-related reading, the daily news, or financial reports off your nighttime reading list.
• Enhances neural activity. Reading helps the brain forge new neural pathways and strengthen existing neural connections. When you are reading, you’re not away of just how highly active your brain is: The brain is building vocabulary, interpreting context, interpreting characters and their relationships, making connections between the storyline and real life, etc. This neural activity produced while reading promotes brain health.
• Protective against cognitive decline. By supporting neuroplasticity, the brain and mind stay healthier that means reading can be protective against brain changes in older adults that lead to cognitive decline.
• Boosts Creativity. Reading is a creative pursuit in itself. It also helps promote your own creativity by way forging new perspective, inspiring new ways to problem solve, or introducing you to a new creative outlet to try. (How often do you read about something before you decide to sign-up for a class or try it out on your own, at home?) 
• Reduces symptoms of mild depression. Reading can promote problem solving, perspective sharing, understanding, and help an individual foster new associations with difficult emotions. As reading helps enhance positive emotions and reduce negative emotions, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of mild depression. 

Reading Books as Therapy: Bibliotherapy

You might have heard from someone, or even stated yourself that reading is therapeutic. Now, there is research to back-up the therapeutic value of book reading. 

Bibliotherapy is a creative arts therapy devoted to helping an adult or child move through challenging emotional and life experiences. Using books, primarily, but also poetry and picture books; fiction and non-fiction alike, bibliotherapy provides therapeutic, educational, and developmental support with the goal to improve wellbeing, both overall, and in specific situations (school, work, home, social situations, etc.). It can be used when people are recovering from illness, surgery, a traumatic event, as well as when learning to cope with changes to emotional or physical health.

Five Types of Bibliotherapy

1. Therapeutic bibliotherapy is used along with psychotherapy and mental health treatment.
2. Developmental bibliotherapy is used in schools, homes, and organizations to teach and guide.
3. Prescriptive bibliotherapy is used in medical and mental health settings to educate, inspire hope, support behavior modification, and help with acquisition of new skills.
4. Creative bibliotherapy is used in groups, such as book clubs or support groups in which literature is discussed for its transformative, educational, or inspirational power.
5. Informal bibliotherapy is what we all do when we choose a book because we believe that reading it will help us learn something new or cope better with a given situation.

You might find yourself engaged in informal bibliotherapy upon learning about a new medical diagnosis, or if you are part of a support group for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, or if you are part of a reading group or other type of interest group in your community.

The benefits of bibliotherapy go beyond the benefits of book reading, in general, including but not limited to: helping to reduce clinical symptoms, improve social functioning, reduce loneliness/isolation, instill hope, foster creativity and problem solving, and support recovery.

Books Featuring Older Adult Characters

Having the opportunity to read books that feature characters similar to ourselves as well as those with life experience different from our own is one of the unique features of the reading experience. We asked a few librarians, and we discovered some terrific online resources, to curate this book list—all featuring older adult protagonists, villains, and sidekicks. 

Happy Reading!

Romance

• Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen Simonson.

An unlikely friendship—and something more—blossoms between the retired Major, a proper Englishman and Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. But can it survive village gossip and the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?  NY Times Book Review

• Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure, by Courtney Milan

Mrs. Bertrice Martin—a widow, some seventy-three years young—has kept her youthful-ish appearance with the most powerful of home remedies: daily doses of spite, regular baths in man-tears, and refusing to give so much as a single damn about her Terrible Nephew. Then proper, correct Miss Violetta Beauchamps, a sprightly young thing of 96 (ahem, “nine and six”), crashes into her life. When you’re of a certain age, your take on life looks a lot different and Mrs. Martin is going to have the adventure of a lifetime doing things and exploring relationships on her own terms. Author’s Website

Comedic

• The League of Pensioners (series), by Catharina Ingelman Sundberg

In this series, Oceans 8 meets The Golden Girls! The Senior League—five residents of the Diamond Retirement Home—Martha, The Genius, The Rake, Christina and Anna-Greta—turn to a life of crime. You’ll be laughing all the way to the end as you follow this cracker-jack gals through three books in the series. Learn More

Suspense

• Before She was Helen, by Caroline B. Cooney 

As the story in this book opens, there’s a retirement-community caper in process. A missing neighbor. A shiny, mysterious object left in place. A photograph that goes viral and an identity long kept hidden faces risk of being exposed. And the dead body pops-up eventually. Things are not always as they seem, and this story quickly evolves into a deceptively dark mystery.
More at Foreward Indie Book Reviews

Horror

• Ghost Story, by Peter Straub

Written by one of the masters of the genre, this gothic-horror tale centers around a single question asked by the four elderly men of the Chowder Society: “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” The question drives the men as they meet to share intensely chilling ghost stories and consume expensive cocktails. But are these stories more than fiction? A chain of mysterious events and death hangs over the Chowder Society. But whose to blame for the suicides and “accidental” deaths that surround them…is something sinister at work? Or is the past finally catching up with the men of the Chowder Society? More books like this at Nightfire 

Mystery

• An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good, by Helene Tursten

There’s no other way to describe this book of connected stories than to repeat what Kirkus Reviews wrote: “Five connected stories about a murderous old Swedish lady.” Each tale of main character, 88-year old Maud’s misdeeds (murder, even!) doles out a dose of “senior justice”. 

• The Senior Sleuths (series), by Laurien Berenson

Dick and Dora Zimmerman from are sixty-something crime solvers, specially those of the murderous type. You know, like when a dead body body turns up in an ice box with a note that says, "contents rotten." The Zimmermans are lovable characters with the time, money, wit, and "chutzpa” to get involved despite warnings from police and criminals to stay away. There’s a cast of characters-- residents of the condos where the Zimmermans live in Manhattan and Vegas, who all to eagerly seek Dick and Dora's help whenever foul-play is suspected. *adapted from the author’s website)

Resources for Finding Books with Older Adult Characters

We were impressed that across these lists there were very few duplicate books, So if you haven’t found a book you love among our resources, be sure to talk to the staff at Everbrook Senior Living Community about their book resources, book clubs, and special interest groups.

25 Books with Older Adult Protagonists. This list encompasses books written by authors from various backgrounds and featuring different cultural settings, storylines, and genres. You’re bound to find a few to suit your interest.

Midlife BookList on Facebook. Books that show what makes older adults get fired-up, ticked-off, and maintain their sest for life. These books (and there are a lot) reveal the many perspectives that seniors have on the second half of life—their hopes, fears and challenges, and all of it is weaved into a wide variety of storylines, settings, and dilemmas. From humorous to horrific, from all-to-close to real life to purely fantastical, there is something for everyone in this book list. 

Must Read Books Featuring Mature Characters. This list features heroes and heroines having incredible adventures that will make you want to celebrate and empathize with them as you reflect on your own life’s journey. From feisty senior ladies and gents to salty old dogs and timeless romantics…there’s a character in these stories for everyone to love!

Learn More about the Health Benefits of Reading

Reading for Stress Relief

Why Reading Books Makes You a Better Person, According to Science. Inc Magazine 

Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life 

Recently, one of our Everbrook Senior Living team members shared a unique encounter she had had while vacationing in southwest Florida. It’s a story we want to share in celebration of National Senior Citizens Day, which has been observed on August 21 every year since 1988 when then President Ronald Regan signed Proclamation 5847 to salute “older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country… throughout their lives and for all they continue to accomplish…” as citizens of the United States.

Upon exiting the beach, she encountered a group of a dozen or so people surrounding an older woman who was telling stories from under the shower, rinsing sand from her silvery hair. She was so animated, it was impossible to just walk past. The 78-year-old shared stories of her youth: She was born in the Philippines and her family of origin hailed from Japan, Hawaii, and other island nations (places where she had lived as a girl and young woman). What caught our staff member’s attention was not only the way this spry older woman spoke about her history and her life now, but the rapt attention from the onlookers. There was a reverence and admiration for her as she spoke about: 

Her “big collection of thousands of shark teeth” found while snorkeling off the coast. Of growing pineapples and tangerines in her backyard; of competing across Florida as a senior champion pickleball player. Of sharing hardships and adventures with her now 80-year-old husband “who I force to retire 15 years ago, or he work both of us to the grave!” Most days, she started her day “playing pickleball for 2 hours before the sun rose to bake the courts” then cooled-off in the Gulf of Mexico followed by bringing treats from her garden to the lifeguards. The rest of the day was for making time to mingle with tourists and locals around the beach town and “doing good deeds.” Fondly known as ‘Granny Kau’i’ (ka-OO-ey), she is living life true to the meaning of her Hawaiian name: ‘the youthful one.’

Thinking Differently About Aging

Kau’i is enjoying a ‘second youth’ in the prime of what we Americans typically refer to as the Golden Years. It’s a time in life that, as one astute teenager in the sandy-toed group observed, “Usually, people my age just ignore older people. Most older folks I know aren’t active like you. You don’t act old. You’ve made me think differently about what being older looks like and can be.” Many of the adults in the group, who hailed from various parts of the U.S., Europe, and Canada nodded agreement and shared similar sentiments.

Sadly, she’s right; phrases like “old man” and “granny” aren’t titles of respect and love in many societies. Instead, they conjure images of older adults who don’t engage much once careers come to an end. This can be for several reasons:

• Lack of preparation for how to use one’s retirement years can lead to getting stuck in simple, yet unfulfilling routine that is devoid of meaningful relationships, community engagement, or ways to feel useful and involved, such as sharing of skills and talents honed during employment.
• Chronic health problems derailing intended plans and an inability to pivot plans or find support for living life differently than anticipated.
• Age related mental decline, grief, and shrinking social outlets as friends and spouses pass on can lead to emotional health problems in the absence of proper supports.

Social & Cultural Factors Behind National Senior Citizen’s Day

Another crucial factor affecting how older adults function in society has to do with social and cultural biases on aging: what it means to grow older and to be a senior citizen. One of President Regan’s intentions with declaring National Senior Citizen’s Day was to combat such misperceptions of older adults and the aging process in our youth-centric American society. 

Regan understood two things about aging and society: 

• scientific data pointed to an exponential growth of the older adult population. By 2060, there will be about 95 million older adults in just the U.S., rapidly outpacing growth in any other age group. 
• There were, and continue to be, stark differences in how Americans perceive old age compared to citizens of many other societies. Older adults are revered and appreciated in many other societies, such as Asian, Pacific Islander, Norwegian, Scandinavian and many parts of the Mediterranean.

National Senior Citizen Day served as a way to draw attention to these issues and to ensure that “our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.” 

From this proclamation, came the growth of organizations, services, and living options (and more legislation) to address the evolving needs of older adults. Since 1988, many more older Americans, like Granny Kau’i, are able to live their best lives in ways that suit their interests, health status, financial resources, and personal preferences. This is the quality of living every older adult deserves and which we, at Everbrook Senior Living, devote ourselves to providing for our residents every day, 365 days a year.

Bringing the Best Solution to Seniors in Later Life.

From your first contact with one of our senior living advisors, you are considered family. We understand that every older adult has unique needs and our living arrangements, programs, and health services are intentionally designed to support those needs from active, independent living to various levels of assisted care. 

Each of the Everbrook Senior Living communities is nestled within a community that affords residents the opportunity to take life at the pace they desire…

• Surrounded by the beauty of nature
• Opportunities to explore sites of historical, cultural, and social interest
• Year-round activities such as gardening, biking, walking, fitness, hobbies, and clubs
  Points of interest within the local community, for exploring when family/grandkids visit
• Ability to travel locally or further afield with easy access to major airports and train stations

Everbrook Senior Living embraces the unique needs and qualities of each of our residents. We are involved in every aspect of the design of exceptional, elegant, and affordable residences. We offer first-in-class recreation and wellness programs that are backed by the latest research. And we have a carefully selected team of professionals who are devoted to older adults, seek to learn from them, and nurture their interests, personal needs, and sense of community. 

At Everbrook, you live among like-minded peers, experience new adventures, and enjoy the simple luxuries of an active, independent ‘second youth’. Come see for yourself: schedule a visit, today.  

Free from the obligations of work and raising a family, older adulthood can be a time to celebrate independence. Let’s explore essential tips to help you (or a loved one) maintain—and celebrate independence in older adulthood.

For some people, the ‘golden years’ present the opportunity to take life at as fast or slow of a pace as one desires. It can be a time to explore hobbies, travel to exciting destinations, rekindle or create new friendships, and spend quality time with beloved family. Maintaining independence throughout older adulthood does take some focus and effort, if one is to stay physically able-bodied and mentally sharp.

Tips for Supporting Older Adult Independence

Stay Socially Connected

Preventing social isolation is crucial for older adults’ physical and emotional wellbeing. As we get older, our social ties can decline because of changes to our health, relocation, and death. It’s important to keep renewing our social connections, which can protect our social emotional health, particularly from depression, anxiety, and memory-loss related conditions such as dementia. Social connections for older adults are kept strong through mutually rewarding activities and interests such as:

• senior center programs (clubs, movie nights, field trips)
• hobbies (golf, swimming, book club, chess club, knitting, etc)
• volunteer work
• frequent visits to and from family, friends, or former colleagues

Living in a senior living community, such as Everbrook Senior Living, makes it simple for older adults to stay young-at-heart. These communities often provide on-site wellness programs, trips, dining clubs, and maintenance-free living so you have the time to enjoy your free time.

The Game is Afoot!

Games are a wonderful way for older adults to keep the mind sharp, connect with others, and have fun with a significant other, grandkids/ family, old friend, or to make new friends. Board games or card game clubs can be found through your local library, senior center, YMCA, or JCC. Such clubs are also present at most senior living communities, and often are peer-led by residents of the community, making it easy to make new friends. Check out these crafts and games designed to celebrate senior independence on Independence Day.

Stay in Motion

Exercising in older adulthood helps to maintain physical strength, stamina, coordination, emotional wellbeing, and mental sharpness. When you feel strong and capable, that supports independence. If you were an athlete earlier in life, you may very well be able to maintain vigorous activity during older adulthood. For other folks, being physically active in older adulthood means changing the intensity or type of activity—if your knees aren’t up for running, switch to power walking or swimming, for example. There are so many types of exercise routines that can be modified for an older adult’s needs, from weight training to yoga. Just check with your doctor before starting an exercise program or switching to a new activity. 

Elegance and Independence at Everbrook Senior Living

When you reside at an Everbrook Senior Living community, you’ll have access to the Wellnes 4 Later Life Program, which addresses all of your physical, social, and emotional needs. You’ll work with an on-site exercise physiologist and have access to physicians to assess and monitor your health. At Everbrook, you can live among like-minded peers, experience new adventures, and enjoy the simple luxuries of active, independent living in your golden years. 

Give us a call today to learn more about all that we have to offer.

When you were a kid, did you have a hobby? Whether you collected stamps, dolls, or comic books, repaired bikes or dabbled in model cars, you can probably recall your hobby ‘getting you in the zone’. Being so fully immersed in what you were doing that it was hard to break away to even eat dinner. When your former hobby comes to mind, it may bring up feelings of joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment. No matter your age, the positive feelings that arise from being engaged in a hobby contribute to emotional and physical well-being. Even if you haven’t had a hobby for many years, it’s never too late to find a new hobby and experience the health benefits.

Hobbies are a simple yet profound way to support an older adult’s health and happiness. A hobby can provide an outlet for creativity, an intellectual challenge, pure fun, and social engagement. When engaged in a hobby, we are immersed in a state of pleasure and detachment from the drama of daily life.

Some of the ways hobbies contribute to an older adult’s well-being include:

• Boost feelings of personal accomplishment, which supports self-esteem
• Foster connections with others, which reduces loneliness
• Reduce stress by providing an outlet for creativity and emotional management
• Mental engagement, which protects brain health
• Lower risk for depression and anxiety
• Contributes to meaning & satisfaction in life

4 Tips for Finding a New Hobby in Older Adulthood

Now that you know hobbies are good for your health—what if you haven’t engaged in a hobby in a while—where do you begin? There are some very simple ways older adults can discover a new hobby. Before we tell you how to find a new hobby, let’s talk about your mindset with starting something new: The key is to not be afraid to experiment or to try new things. Step outside your comfort zone. For example, if you tend to be a homebody, consider a book club to get you out of your home and engaged with new people who share a common interest. Additionally, keep an open mind. Don’t give up after one try—remember that a hobby should be about the process, not the outcome or product (that would make a hobby feel like work!) Finally, don’t put pressure on yourself; give yourself permission to fail, and to start over again. Give it the good ole "college try" before you walk away from a hobby that just doesn’t feel like a good fit for you.

1. Consider the feeling or experience you’re missing in your life. Ask yourself how you want to feel when engaged in your new hobby. Is it a sense of calm, exhilaration, curiosity, mental engagement, or social connection? A combination? Identifying your needs particularly emotional needs, can point you toward your next hobby.
2. Start with simple steps, slowly taken. If you’re on budget, as most older adults, don’t jump into the deep end with a new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to learn to oil paint, don’t invest in the most expensive set of brushes and paints. Take a class where you can use materials, learn about products, and be sure it’s something you really like and can have fun with.
3. Keep a hobby interest list. This can be an index card posted on your fridge or a notebook you carry with you—where you can jot down things that are interesting to you, that you want to learn. Maybe you read an article about
   keeping bonsai trees and add that to your list. Every month check your list—what still interesting to you on that list? Why did you put bonsai tree on that list? Does it still resonate with you? If so, is now a good time to learn what’s involved? Then get started researching online or...
4. Talk to your local librarian. Librarians aren’t just a wealth of knowledge about books. They can help you research new hobbies—from books to online resources to local classes. A librarian can help you take those first small steps on the path to a new hobby.

If you happen to live in an older adult community such as Everbrook Senior Living—or if you are thinking of moving to such a community—you’ll be glad to know there are many resources available to help you discover a new hobby in later life. From board game clubs to yoga classes, art studio to music or film appreciation... you’ll be amazed at the opportunities offered by a senior living community. And, as a bonus, if you’re already proficient with a particular hobby then make sharing your skill your next hobby! Many senior living communities love to have a resident volunteer to introduce and teach a skill to other residents with the same interest.

Are you looking for a senior living community with a robust social community, wellness program, and affordable luxury? Come visit Everbrook Senior Living to see all that we offer—and the sense of belonging our residents experience as they live, play, and thrive in our older adult communities across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Resources

National Institutes of Health: Participate in Activities You Enjoy As You Age

Penn State University, “Social Trends”: How Hobbies Boosty Your Health

Widespread loneliness in the U.S. poses health risks as deadly as smoking, according to new information from the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. According to the report, 50% of U.S. adults are experiencing loneliness that interferes with or otherwise affects their wellbeing. The ill-effects of loneliness can be even more detrimental for older adults.

The social and emotional health effects of loneliness have been well documented. These effects were exacerbated during the isolation periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, new information shows the ill-effects of loneliness carry over to a person’s physical health.

According to the Surgeon General’s report, the “epidemic of loneliness threatens public health”:

• Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30%.
• People with poor social relationships have a 32% higher risk of stroke and 29% higher risk of heart disease.
• Loneliness increases a person’s risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia. Individuals struggling with these conditions tend to be less physically active, thereby affecting their physical health.
• Loneliness can increase risk for accidents and even suicide.

Murthy’s report indicated the increased risk of premature death associated with social disconnection is comparable to smoking. However, the report did not provide any data that illustrates how many people die directly from loneliness or isolation.  

Loneliness Prevalent Among Elderly

Among older adults over age 60, 50% are at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness in later life. Older adults who self-isolate or who experience loneliness as a result of loss of significant relationships have a heightened risk to their mental and physical health. 

Social circles among the elderly tend to shrink due to loss of functional abilities, illness, and death of significant friends and partners. Therefore, it is imperative for older adults to have healthy outlets for connecting with others and maintaining a sense of meaning and purpose for their lives. 

Helpful Tips to Reduce Loneliness Among Older Adults

Stay Active. Whether it’s a walking buddy or group, participating in aqua-exercise classes, or trying chair yoga, physical movement is as good for the mind as it is for the body. For older adults, appropriate intensity exercise boosts mood, strengthens the mind-body connection, and keeps the body physically strong. Physical activity with a partner or group reduces social isolation and reduces risk for mental distress and depression.

Keep Good Company. The old saying is ‘misery loves company’, but the same can be said of positivity! It’s well-known that laughter is good medicine. Choose to spend time with others who make you laugh or whom you make laugh. For those who are home-bound, be sure they have frequent visitors—or consider the benefits of animatronic pet therapy to help an older adult cope with loneliness.

Keep the Mind Sharp. Engage in intellectual activities with others who share the same interest such as chess club, book club, arts and crafts club, board game groups, maybe something more intellectual. Not sure about your interests…be adventurous, try something new… it’s a great way to find a new hobby and new friends! 

Do Good For Others. Helping others through volunteer work is a great way to build and maintain social connections. Plus, doing good for others through volunteerism has lasting beneficial effects on health and wellbeing for older adults. Older adults who volunteer experience better physical health, less depression and anxiety, and have a brighter outlook and sense of purpose for their life.

Senior Living Programs to Reduce Loneliness

Every resident at Everbrook Senior Living Communities has access to the Wellness 4 Later Life programming, which helps older adults maintain good health, independence, connection with like-minded others. Our holistic approach is personalized to the needs of each resident to best support their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. From individualized movement and fitness programs to movie nights and special interest clubs, our residents are inspired as they engage in activities that support living, learning, and laughing throughout the golden years.

We invite you to come see for yourself all that Everbrook Senior Living has to offer. Call today to schedule a tour.    

Further Reading

Healthy Intimacy is Important for Older Adult Wellbeing. https://everbrookseniorliving.com/blog/itemlist/tag/senior%20friendships 

Older Adult ‘Holiday Blues versus Depression: What’s the Difference? https://everbrookseniorliving.com/blog/item/22-is-your-elder-family-member-experiencing-more-than-the-holiday-blues 

One of the best things older adults can do to improve health and vitality is to maintain a walking routine. Many chronic illnesses, diseases, and everyday ailments can be prevented or better managed with moderate-intensity walking. Research also shows that walking has protective benefits for the physical and emotional health of older adults. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits, learn walking safety tips for older adults, and easy ways for older adults to fit a little more walking into their day.

Physical & Emotional Health Benefits of Walking for Seniors

Walking provides the following physical health benefits for older adults:

• Decreases risk of heart disease & stroke
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system
• Helps maintain healthy blood pressure & cholesterol level
• Helps protect bone density
• Supports a healthy body weight 
• Helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes
• Eases arthritis pain & stiffness
• Builds muscle strength
• Strengthens the immune system

Walking also has the following emotional health benefits or older adults:

• Helps with management of stress
• Reduces risk for anxiety
• Reduces risk for depression
• Enhances sleep quality
• Invigorates energy level
• Enhances creativity
• Improves socialization when walking with others
• Supports cognitive function (memory, learning, focus)
• Lowers risk of dementia & Alzheimer’s disease

As you can see, walking improves the older adult’s overall quality of life!

How to Walk for Wellness

When walking for wellness, older adults have a few options for how to proceed. First, always begin with a check-up with your personal physician. Once you’ve got the ‘go ahead,’ you’ll want to wear proper footwear and attire (see Tips, below). 

To reap the wellness benefits of walking, older adults want to move at a pace that makes them feel slightly out of breath, but \ still able to hold a “huffy” conversation. Don’t worry if that's not manageable at the start. Rather, focus on moving safely, for as long as is comfortable. Build-up walking endurance by adding 5 minutes to each walk. If you’re not quite ready for 30-minute long daily walks, try some of the walking tricks below to get more steps each day.

3 Tricks for Fitting in a Little More Walking Each Day

You don’t have to take long walks every day. If all you can fit in is 10-15 minute bouts of walking a couple of times throughout your day, research shows that’s just as good as a longer walking routines. A few simple tricks for increasing the amount of walking in your everyday routine include:

• Park further away from store entry areas so you have further to walk from your car
• Use steps instead of an elevator, moving sidewalk, or escalator
• Get up from your chair or desk every hour to move around the house, step outside for a stroll around the block, or do a few chores 

8 Fitness Walking Safety Tips for Older Adults

The tips below apply to anyone: If you are just starting a walking program, these tips will get you off on the right foot. If you’ve been walking regularly for fitness, these tips are a good reminder.  

One thing we want to emphasize to older adults: Don’t be shy about using assistive supports such as trekking poles, a cane, or even a walker. 

• Trekking poles can add to the fitness benefits of walking, especially for those who are still very able-bodied. 
• A cane provides stability—and if your health provider says you need it, then use it (there are some very stylish canes on the market!). 
• Anyone who requires a walker should not leave home without it—even with a walker, the benefits of walking are too great to stay indoors on the couch.

1. Be good to your feet. Proper footwear and footcare can help prevent falls and reduce the chance for gait problems. It also makes walking more enjoyable, so you’ll be more inclined to stick with your walking routine. Walking shoes (or sneakers) should be comfortable and sturdy to provide solid footing and support. If you have foot problems, consider going to an athletic shoe outfitter that specializes in walking and running shoes. A podiatrist can also assess if you need orthotic support. Podiatrists also can recommend a footcare routine to follow before and after your walk.
2. Be weather-ready. Even if you live in an area with a pretty constant temperature, you’ll want to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. This is especially true if you walk trails with elevation changes. Consider carrying a lightweight, rain-resistant covering with you. Dress in layers if it a time of year known for sudden shifts in temperature.
3. Water is essential. Sip water throughout your walk and replenish lost fluids by drinking extra water (not coffee or soda) in the hours following your walk. 
4. Carry your ID and an emergency info card. The card should indicate any known medical conditions you may have, contact info for your doctor and a local friend or relative. Carry some cash and a cell phone, especially if you’re walking alone.
5. Walk in the light. It’s ideal for older adults to walk before dusk. If walking in the evenings, choose well-lit areas with “people traffic”.
6. Be visible to others. During the day, wear light or brightly colored apparel. Reflective apparel, even if it’s just wrist bands, a hat, or a reflective vest, makes you more visible to others—even in daylight, which increases your safety.
7. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. When walking outdoors stay attentive by not talking on the phone (or not using it while you walk). If you use headphones, keep the volume low.
8. Recruit a walking buddy. Add a health boost to your walk, and increase your safety, by walking with a buddy. Having a buddy promotes social engagement, which is wonderful for emotional wellbeing. If you don’t have a walking partner, let others know your time of departure, where you’re going, and when you plan to be back. In our Everbrook Senior Living Communities, it’s easy to find a walking buddy or group. 

Everbrook Senior Living Community Walking Trails

Each of the Everbrook Senior Living Communities has beautiful grounds for walkers. For those who want more variety (or challenge) in their walking routine, you’ll find parks and trail systems that are accessible from your front door to within minutes or a short drive of each of the Everbrook communities. 

Colebrook Village in central Connecticut, in the town of Hebron, is within immediate access to a variety of places to walk. Whether it is downtown Hebron, or the hiking trails at Gay City State Park, or along the shoreline…you don’t have to travel far for a beautiful walk!

Cedarbrook Village located in Ware, Massachusetts, is surrounded by rolling hills, river views, and a variety of outlets for easy to vigorous walks. From parks to mountains to spa retreats with beautiful walking grounds—you’ll find it all accessible minutes to a a short drive from Cedarbrook.

Elmbrook Village in the quaint town of Bozrah, Connecticut is accessible to seaside walks as well as park trails, not to mention the lovely grounds at the property, itself. Gardner Lake and Maple Farms Park are two favorite spots for walking and recreating.

Stonebrook Village in Enfield, Connecticut provides a variety opportunities to get your walk in. Wheter you venture downtown or to Enfield Falls or venture along the Windsor Locks Canal, there’s much wildlife, foliage, and sights to enjoy! 

We also have Brookmeadow at Blue Hills, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Hillsbrook Village in Allenstown, New Hampshire (opening this summer). Both with exceptionally beautiful grounds and access to charming villages and recreational areas suitable for walkers of every stripe!

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians. Exercise and Seniors. May 2022. 

Walking Tip Sheet for Older Adults from HealthyAging.org 

Walking Programs for Seniors from HowdyHealth at Texas A&M Life Extension

European Society of Cardiology. Exercise, however modest, found progressively beneficial to the elderly. 15 May 2015. 

Fahmy, S. Study: Regular walking nearly halves elderly disability risk. UGA Today. 15 July 2018. 

“Laughter is the most inexpensive and most effective wonder drug. Laughter is a universal medicine.”

– Betrand Russell, philosopher (1872-1970)

No one really needs an excuse for a good belly laugh—right? But older adults sure have plenty of reasons to go out of their way for a good laugh. Laughing eases stress, promotes social bonding, helps lower blood pressure, and lifts your mood. Laughter also strengthens your body’s defenses against illness. The more you know about the health benefits of laughter, the more you’ll want to find ways to bring humor into your life!

Laughter and Health

The study of laughter and its effects on health has become an important topic in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. That’s a fancy word for the study of the way the mind (psych), the body (neuro/nervous system), and the immune system (immunology) interact when confronted by disease-causing agents such as stress, inflammation, or bacteria, and viruses. 

What we’ve learned from research on laughter is…

• Genuine laughter (not canned or prompted laughter) activates several regions of the brain including those associated with mood, regulation of body temperature, pain management, attention and focus, arousal, digestion, blood pressure, memory and decision making. This activation has been seen on brain scans performed while someone watches something they find to be genuinely funny or while being tickled!
• Laughter prompts the body to release the ‘feel-good’ hormone, epinephrine, which decreases pain sensation and promotes a state of euphoria (like the famed ‘runner’s high).
• Laughter also promotes the release of hormones that soothe the nervous system, thus dampening the harmful effects of the hormones the body makes in response to stress. Regular bouts of laughter may even help to improve anxiety and depression.
• Laughter activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s relaxation response, which bathes the body in lots of health promoting hormones that have an effect on organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, and muscles.
• Laughter may help you live longer! Studies of people who report having more humor in their lives also have a longer lifespan. 

How Does Laughter Effect Health?

The health effects of laughter are activated in two ways: First, and most obvious is laughter in the moment—so as you are laughing, wonderful things are happening in your body and mind. Second, depending on the individual and the extent of the funny moment, those effect can last for minutes and up to a few hours. Most researchers theorize that the more occasions for humor and laughter in your life, the greater the cumulative effect on health!

BREAK OUT item (like a boxed item):  Do you remember the movie about the life of Patch Adams? Dr. Patch Adams was physician who embraced and modeled the restorative and healing benefits of laughter for critically ill patients. Now, “healing through humor” has a real place in medicine—not just for treating for the critically ill, but for routine healthcare, as well. 

7 Easy Ways Older Adults Can Laugh More to Support Good Health 

1. Tell more jokes! About yourself, a situation, or choose a few jokes from these resources for older adults:
   Reader’s Digest Best Old Age Jokes
   Laughing Makes You Feel Younger: Jokes for Seniors
   Go to a comedy club with friends / family.
2. Watch funny movies or a stand-up comedy show.
3. Read comics or a funny novel.
4. Spend time with children—they’re always finding something to laugh about!
5. Cultivate a light-hearted approach to living life.
6. Try Laughter Yoga – to stretch your funny bone!

At Everbrook Senior Living Communities, our Wellness 4 Later Life program keep residents inspired to live their best life. We embrace a holistic approach to support your physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. From personalized fitness programs to movie and comedy nights to clubs and social activities, there are plenty of opportunities for living, learning, playing, and laughing! 

We invite you to come see for yourself all that Everbrook has to offer. Call today to schedule a tour.    

Being Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate the older adult women who have left their mark in history. We present women who all were age 55 or older when they carved their unique place in American history. 

You might be surprised to learn that there are dozens-more well-known, and lesser-known, older adult women who have left a legacy of change and innovation in the U.S. Our short, and randomly selected list represents women from a variety of professions, backgrounds, and life experiences. To learn about more of the many older adult women who have made or are making history, be sure to check out the resource list we’ve complied at the end of this post.

Laura Ingalls Wilder (1911-1957) – Literature

Many people recognize the name Laura Ingalls Wilder from the children’s books she authored including Little House series. After spending most of her adult life working a homestead in Missouri, Wilder penned her first novel in 1932 at the age of 65. Little House in the Big Woods, was written with the encouragement of her daughter. Wilder developed that first book into a series of seven books, which concluded with These Happy Golden Years, written in 1943 when she was 76 years old. More than 80 years later, the Little House books remain cherished classics filled with timeless life lessons.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg (1993-2020) – Politics, Law, Social Justice

Though her career in law, academia, and politics was legendary before she became a Supreme Court Justice at age 60, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s lasting impact on democracy, women’s rights, and equality and social justice arose in the years she served on the high court. In 1993, she was only the second female justice in United States history to nominated to a seat on the Supreme Court. She served on the Supreme Court for more than twenty years, having influenced a variety or legal precedents and landmark decisions. Her social, political, and judicial accomplishments earned her status as one of the most powerful and inspirational women in history.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer (1928 -  ) Holocaust Survivor, Psychologist, “America’s Sex Therapist”

Affectionately known as “Dr. Ruth,” Westheimer’s career didn’t reach its prime until she was in her mid-50’s. Her popularity has grown enormously during her golden years. A long-time advocate for safe, healthy, and enjoyable sex throughout the lifespan, Westheimer was beloved for her no-nonsense, down-to-earth, honest advice which she shared via her radio show, “Sexually Speaking.” Now in her 90’s, she has continued to educate the public through all media platforms (including her very popular YouTube channel), columns, books, teaching, and guest appearances on popular podcasts and TV shows. Westheimer has won countless awards, including Honorary President of the Council on Sexuality and Aging.

Sister Madonna (1930 -   )  The Iron Nun - Triathlete

When a bicycle crash resulted in broken bones, then 52-year old Madonna Buder decided to do something about it. And so began her journey into athletics: That same year she competed in her first triathlon and has gone on to compete in more than 50 Ironman events and 300+ triathlons around the world. Buder is now a well-known and acclaimed American Senior Olympian triathlete. The former religious sister, nicknamed the Iron Nun, Buder is the current world record for the oldest woman to ever finish an Ironman Triathlon, which she did at age 82 at the Subaru Ironman Canada on August 26, 2012. Now in her mid-80s and still competing, the Ironman organization keeps having to create new age brackets for her competition category!

Clara Peller (1902 – 1987) actor, manicurist

If you spent any time in front of a television in the 80’s, you would not Clara Peller’s distinctive voice, even if her name is not familiar to you: “Where’s the beef?” is the line she spoke in a 1984 Wendy’s commercial. Before that, Peller worked for 35 years as a manicurist in Chicago. In 1983, age 80, she was “discovered” by a local ad agency rep who needed for a manicurist for a television commercial. After appearing in a number of regional spots on TV, a national talent agency signed Peller 1984 and cast her the unforgettable Wendy’s commercial—she was 81 years old. Her spunky delivery made “Where’s the beef?” a popular catchphrase, appearing on all sorts of marketing material, from coffee mugs to t-shirts to today’s popular memes. She continued acting in commercials, had spots in television and movies, and talk show appearances well into her late 80s. Clara Peller reminds us it’s never too late to try something new and you’re never too old for a new career! 

Resources

Learn About More Amazing Older Adult Women in History

"No Stopping Us Now: The Adventures of Older Women in American History" by Gail Collins

“In Praise of Older Women Who Shaped History”  The Washington Post

“50 Over 50 Women Proving Success Has No Age Limit” Forbes (2021)

“25 Famous Women on Achieving Success Later in Life” The Cut (2022)

“A Social History of Older Women in America”  Next Avenue (2019)

“11 Bold Women Who Changed the World” History.com

Need for intimacy does not diminish as we grow older. Whether romantic or platonic, maintaining close relationships helps older adults experience greater vitality, a sense of belonging, and deeper meaning in life. There are also many health benefits that come with maintaining healthy intimacy during one’s golden years.

Benefits of Intimate Relationships for Older Adults

• Lower stress, greater resilience
• Better recovery following surgery
• Protection against depression and anxiety
• Lower resting blood pressure
• Enhanced feelings of self-worth and meaning
• Overall better health (e.g., less frequent illness)
• Longer lifespan

Ways Older Adults Can Enhance Intimate Relationships

Whether it’s the closeness between two friends or sparking romance, there are some very simple ways to older adults can enhance their intimate relationships.

Everyday Moments Matter. Physical touch in small, mindful doses throughout the day is an easy way to let someone know of your affection for them. From a spontaneous backrub or foot rub to a gentle touch on the hand or shoulder, these signal to the other person that they are important to you. 

Laugh Together. This is a good excuse to go to a funny movie or a comedy club: Laughing eases stress, promotes social bonding, and lowers blood pressure. It may even boost your immune system. Whether with your romantic partner or a special friend, think of ways that the two of you can laugh together more often.

Share More Deeply. Conversation with your significant person is a great way to build intimacy. However, discussion should be about more than the weather or the latest tragic story of the day. Sharing more deeply means opening up your heart, revealing feelings and disclosing hopes, fears, or dreams. 

Switch-up Your Routine. By the time we reach older adulthood, we can be pretty set in our ways and routines. To create intimacy, get adventurous by switching-up your routines. This could be as easy as trying a new restaurant, working on a project/ hobby or taking a class together, or planning travel to destinations more exotic than you would typically consider.

It’s Thoughtfulness That Counts. We can get so accustomed to a platonic or romantic partnership that we forget to show appreciation for the other person by simply doing something nice for the other person. Enhancing intimacy can be as easy as offering a compliment, buying a small bouquet of flowers, helping with chores that are typically “the other person’s job”, or cooking a meal for the other person.

Unplug. Just like younger generations, older adults can get sucked into the digital world. Socializing on fine and developing new technology skills are great, but technology should not replace or interfere with personal interaction. Unplug and be fully present, in person.

Get a Little Sexy. Sexual intimacy in older adulthood can boost self-esteem, help reduce stress, enhance immunity, improve sleep, and help you maintain overall good health. If you’ve still got mojo to share (and who doesn’t) then get a little sexy! This might mean buying tasteful intimate attire for your partner, sharing a bed rather than sleeping apart (as many older couples resort to), exploring different ways to experience touch (e.g., massage), or if needed, working with a therapist who specializes in intimacy in older adulthood.

Healthy physical and emotional connection in older adulthood enhances intimate relationships. It’s good for your physical and emotional health and can strengthen friendships or spice-up romantic relationships.

At Everbrook Senior Living, the Life-Enrichment Activities Program is just one of the many offerings that focus on helping our residents establish and maintain meaningful relationships throughout the golden years. To learn more about our programs and arrangements for independent or assisted living, get in touch with us, today.

Resources

National Institutes of Health: Sexuality in Older Adulthood

Why is Intimacy Important for Older Adults? National Council on Aging

Navigating the variety of options for care for an older adult family member can quickly become confusing. Many different names are used to describe the various types of older adult care facilities. In reality, there are just two primary types of elder care: nursing home and assisted living community. Understanding the differences between nursing home and assisted living can make the process of choosing elder care less stressful and more reassuring for all involved.

Elder Care Defined: Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living

A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility (SNF), is permitted to provide extensive nursing and medical, under the supervision of a practicing physician. Nursing homes are equipped to perform near-constant monitoring of individuals who require extensive care due to physical disability, cognitive impairment, and/or unstable chronic health conditions. Depending on the degree of severity and prognosis for recovery, a person’s length of stay at a nursing home can be a short-term (several weeks) or long-term (months or years). For the latter, the nursing home may be referred to as a long-term care (LTC) facility.

Another important distinction is that a nursing home is a custodial arrangement in which the medical staff are the custodians of care for the older adult. In a custodial arrangement, the room to which your loved one is assigned is not their private dwelling. Because nursing homes follow a medical model of custodial care, medical staff and other personnel may enter the room at any time. 

Nursing homes provide meals according to medical needs. They may have visitation hours similar to a hospital. Limited social and recreational programs, if any, are provided at a nursing home.

An assisted living community (facility or center) is a term used for a category of elder care known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Other terms used for CCRC include senior living community and life care communities. These communities are licensed to offer different levels of healthcare and wellness care to support the needs of older adults as their needs change over time, including their physical, medical, social and emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Assisted living centers do not employ a custodial arrangement. Rather, the older adult’s dwelling (usually an apartment style set-up) is considered a private residence. Also, assisted living communities embrace a social model, with a focus on preserving well-being and maintaining the older adult’s independence. Assisted living communities uphold a resident’s right to personal privacy, autonomy, and dignity while promoting community and family involvement.

As part of a CCRC, assisted living may be a step within a senior living community that offers a transitional living pathway based on needs. As such, an older adult enters the community as an active and independent resident who needs minimal assistance, but should their health decline in a way that prevents truly independent living, the community provides a transition to stepped-up care. This can include receiving help with daily living activities, physical rehabilitation and adaptations in their same living space—or transitioning to more medically intensive long-term care services such as Memory Care or skilled nursing (with appropriate permits as required by law).

What Type of Care Does a Nursing Home Provide?

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities (SNF), focus on healthcare and personal care for residents. Primarily, though, nursing home services focus on medical care including:

• nursing care
• 24-hour medical supervision
• basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) (ex: personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, cleanliness of living space and others)
• physical rehabilitation such as post-surgery
• speech therapy
• social-emotional therapeutic services.

Some older adults will stay at a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home. However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision.

What Type of Care Does Assisted Living Provide?

Assisted living facilities can be transformative environments for aging adults. With a focus on wellbeing, supporting independence, and expanding social engagement, older adults residing in assisted living communities can forge new friendships with people their age, discover new hobbies, become more active, preserve cognitive function, and enjoy amenities that would be harder for them to access if they remained in a traditional home or in the care of a family member. 

All residents who reside within an assisted living community are considered independent to the extent that they are capable of participating in or at least partially maintaining their basic daily activity needs within their private living quarters. The extent of assistance needed is a determining factor in cost to reside at an assisted living community. 

Other daily services that assisted living provides – if and when needed by a resident can include:

• Meals provided and/or restaurants on site
• Recreational areas indoors and out
• Entertainment and enrichment programs
• Concierge services
• Shared common areas for activities
• 24-hour medical staff accessible to all residents regardless of level of independence
• Personal hygiene assistance (dressing, bathing)
• Medication reminders
• Housekeeping
• Laundry 
• Transportation 
• Security 

As an assisted living “continuum of care” community, Everbrook Senior Living offers a wide variety of services, amenities, and living options to help older adult residents remain independent and thriving for as long as possible.

To sum it all up, nursing homes focus on medical care—from short-term rehab to long-term ongoing medical care. Assisted living is focused on supporting the wellness needs of older adult residents for the duration of their “golden years”.

Does My Elderly Family Member Need Nursing Home Care or Assisted Living?

Deciding if an elderly family member is better served by nursing home care or assisted living is a complex process. Foremost, this decision will be determined by your elderly family member’s medical needs and the extent to which you can provide what they need for the person to remain at home. Other factors will include the extent of their physical or cognitive impairment, medication management, and prognosis. You’ll also want to consider if their condition is likely to worsen over time, which means the care they need now will change in months or years. 

Even an older adult who is mostly independent in their self-care, today, will encounter times when their healthcare needs become too extensive for living on their own, even within an assisted living community. This is why you want to choose an older adult community like Everbrook Senior Living, which provides transitional care to support your loved one as their health and wellbeing changes over time. It is much less stressful and easier for an older adult to adapt to changes in continuum of care when it is provided within the same residential setting than to have to move from one facility to another as level of care changes.

Resources

CT Assisted Living Association Resource Guide
https://everbrookseniorliving.com/images/forms/CALA-Consumer-Guide.pdf

Everbrook’s FAQs (again they reference CT in many of these responses so not sure about other states)

https://everbrookseniorliving.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions

Assited Living at Everbrook Communities

Assited Living v. Nursing Home: How do they Differ? https://www.healthline.com/health/assisted-living-vs-nursing-home

Residential Facilities, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/residential-facilities-assisted-living-and-nursing-homes

Helpful Guidance for Managing Older Adult Long-Term Care

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

800-633-4227

877-486-2048 (TTY)

Eldercare Locator

800-677-1116

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

USAging

202-872-0888

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You can also call your local Area Agency on Aging or Department of Human Services.