When you’ve had a bad day, you’ve probably had someone tell you to “look on the bright side” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” While these talks can sometimes be unhelpful at the moment, the people giving them may have the right outlook: positivity.
The holiday season is a time full of joy, celebration, and togetherness. And while we may focus our time on shopping and gifts, it’s also a time of helping others, giving back, and making a difference.
Typically, giving back during the holiday season involves volunteering at soup kitchens, going caroling, or visiting a hospital, but 2020 has been a unique year. With social distancing regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we encourage you to get creative when finding ways to give back.
Socialization is essential at every life stage. For young children, socialization is a crucial part of their development. It allows them to grasp the concept of communicating with others, understanding feelings, and learning appropriate interactions. For young adults, socialization can introduce them to people and perspectives different from what they’re used to, and often provide them with long-lasting friendships. For older adults, socialization can help prevent isolation, improve health, and create a feeling of community and belonging.
When we think about our health, the first thing that comes to mind is typically our physical health. How are we feeling today? Any unusual aches or pains? Are we eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep? We often care so much about our physical health that we sometimes forget to focus on our mental health—which is just as important.
We’ve all seen the inspiring headlines: “A WWII Veteran Finally Gets His Diploma at 95”, “82-Year-Old Woman to Graduate With Nursing Degree”, “Older Americans Are Learning to Code and They're Getting Good.”
While many people look forward to kicking off their retirement and work-free life by moving to an independent living community, others are moving to one before they’ve left the workforce. As more Americans are delaying retirement, adults who live in senior living communities are continuing to work or choosing to go back to work after retirement.
Caring for a parent or family member can be a fulfilling experience and can create a unique bond. But, as with any role, it can cause feelings of stress, anxiety, or worry (to name a few). Between preparing meals, administering medicine, and driving to and from appointments, you may feel like there’s not enough time in the day.
Depending on your situation, dating after 60 can be intimidating, especially with the landscape of dating changing in recent years. With online dating sites and apps growing in popularity, some may not know how to approach the idea of dating again.
According to a recent Cigna study, loneliness is at an epidemic level in our country, and its effects on our health rival obesity and smoking. Florida State University confirmed that social isolation increases the risk of developing dementia by up to 40%.
January is National Mental Wellness Month, and as they say, new year, new you! The importance of mental wellbeing is prevalent as we age. Leading a life with mental wellness in check is not only essential to your happiness, but organizations like the National Council on Aging, understand that mental wellness is also a crucial component to healthy living and aging.
