Activities

Md. retirement community made the most of Jonas

We’ve seen the images and, in some cases, experienced Winter Storm Jonas firsthand. But here’s one snow story you haven’t seen. Read More »

Company aims to help seniors get plugged in

Breezie is a touch screen tablet interface designed specifically for seniors. The U.K.-based company announced its American expansion and plans to meet with senior living executives across the country.  Read More »

Stewards of social work

Social work interns are assets to long-term care facilities. They can help bridge gaps and facilitate conversations among departments, residents and loved ones. They can help pick up slack and breathe new life into a team whose members are often overworked and understaffed.  Read More »

Crafting for a cause

A group of women meet weekly at a Maryland long-term care (LTC) facility to knit or crochet for the needy. Members of Hugs and Stitches made and donated 2,480 hats, scarves and afghans in 2015 to local Baltimore area nonprofits.   Read More »

Nursing home on the range

An Australian nursing home provider has opened a facility on a farm to appeal to people who like animals and gardening. It's the latest example of how providers are trying to offer value and amenities while distinguishing themselves in the marketplace.   Read More »

CCRC resident will sing for board

A college vocal performance major will spend the semester living in a retirement community as a result of a partnership between the CCRC and Drake University. Haley Jenkins will sing two concerts a month in exchange for free room, board and utilities. Read More »

Social connections and health

New research is emphasizing just how much social connectedness affects the physical side of aging, including chronic conditions like obesity and high blood pressure. Read More »

Activities are more than time fillers

An Activities Department does more than organize bingo games. The department helps residents maintain cognitive function and gives them a sense of independence and dignity. That deserves every department's respect. Read More »

365 days of residents and staff

A Maryland retirement community featured a photo and words to live by from a resident or staff member each day in 2015 in the vein of popular blog Humans of New York. Read More »

Shifting views on exercise for osteoarthritis

Most recommendations for osteoarthritis tend to favor low-impact exercise, but some research indicates that if the osteoarthritis is mild, a little bit of higher impact exercise might do a lot more good. Read More »

Finding a haven

New residents can struggle to combat their fears and find a way to feel useful, but everyone can help them adjust, says resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

‘Tis the (tech) season

What do seniors want for the holidays? Hint: It’s not slippers. We asked residents what types of technology they wish they had, and you may be surprised what's on their lists. Read More »

The struggle for joy

The holidays aren't happy for some people, but resident blogger Kathy Mears reminds us how to be in charge of our own joy--and perhaps help others to do the same. Read More »

Holiday time

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears gets a new bit of holiday cheer for her room, while spending quality time with her sister--showing that the little things mean a lot. Read More »

Memoirs set to classical music

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra continues its Music as Medicine series with the first performance of “Memoirs.” The Dakota Wind Quintet will punctuate the telling of a retirement community resident’s life story. Read More »

A subscription box that keeps on giving

Senior Care Box is a monthly care package designed specifically to help people age 65 and older reminisce about the good ol’ days and let them know someone is thinking about them this holiday season — and throughout the year. Read More »

Person-centered care benchmarking survey under way

The LTC industry needs YOU! Be sure to contribute to this new national benchmarking survey on the current state of person-centered care delivery in long-term care. Read More »

Brain fitness program improved cognition and brain size

A multidisciplinary study of seniors with mild cognitive impairment not caused by Alzheimer’s disease was found to improve cognition and reverse hippocampal atrophy through a 12-week program. Read More »

Music meets physical therapy

Music may soothe the soul, but a New York nursing home shows that combining music with physical therapy is very good for the body and the cognitively declining mind, too. Read More »

Next year’s calendar girls (and guys) revealed

A Virginia retirement community poses to the tune of classic hits to highlight its clubs and activities while raising money for residents experiencing financial difficulty. Read More »

Finding peace and contentment: A SNF resident’s view

What helps long-term residents find fulfilling, content lives? A 15-year resident of a New York skilled nursing facility shares his view on how residents can fight depression and strive for a healthy state of mind. Read More »

Online connectivity connected to seniors’ well-being

Helping older adults use technology to connect with others may improve their quality of life, survey finds. Read More »

Quality memory care visits

Visiting relatives with dementia can be especially difficult for families, but caregivers can guide families toward more productive ways to interact with their loved ones. Read More »

Parkinson’s research: Summer Student Fellowships announced

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the American Parkinson's Disease Association announce new fellowships that provide opportunities for medical students to participate in Parkinson’s research. Read More »

Resident engagement across the globe

An activity professional in the United Kingdom travels to the United States and Australia to share ideas on resident engagement. Read More »

Blue light benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease

Low flat lighting in nursing homes and assisted living communities reduces the brain’s ability to process light in people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

When strange things happen

Trying to make a resident room seem homelike is a challenge, especially if there are no places to display favorite items and treasures. Read More »

AARP Innovation Fund aims to improves lives of seniors with tech

AARP and J.P. Morgan Asset Management will provide $40 million in assets to companies focusing on improving the lives of people ages 50 and older. Read More »

Tech-savvy seniors and longevity

In many cases, tech-savvy seniors are healthier, but why? An Austin, Texas initiative will study the impact of tech connectivity on senior health and longevity. Read More »

Census: Senior women have higher poverty rate than men

The United States Census Income and Poverty report found 14.7 percent of women over at 75 are living in poverty. Read More »