Life changes whether we want it to or not. It’s a tough fact to embrace, but it is the truth. This can be especially tough for seniors to grapple with. This is because as we grow older, we may not have the same capabilities we once did. As seniors struggle with new challenges like mobility limitations or memory loss, they need to find healthy outlets to relieve stress and to just simply find enjoyment. Fortunately, pet therapy has emerged as a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for older adults. At Lester Senior Living, we have fully embraced pet therapy and have regularly scheduled visits onsite with therapy dog, Harmony. This is a beloved activity by our residents and staff, because really, who doesn’t love petting a sweet pup? In this article, our independent living team in Morris County will take a more detailed look at the key benefits of pet therapy for seniors. Reduce stress and anxiety. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in older adults. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to improved overall health and a greater sense of well-being. Combat loneliness and depression. Many older adults experience feelings of isolation and social disconnection, especially if they have lost a spouse or close friends. Animals provide a source of companionship and affection that can fill this void and help seniors feel less alone. Improve physical health. Many seniors struggle with mobility and may have difficulty getting enough exercise. Walking a dog or playing with a cat can provide a low-impact form of exercise that can improve their fitness level. Strengthen cognitive abilities. Interacting with animals can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can also provide a sense of purpose and structure that can be beneficial for seniors who may feel adrift or without direction. Pet Therapy Services in Senior Living Communities Many senior living communities recognize the benefits of pet therapy and offer programs to help their residents connect with animals. These programs can take a variety of forms, from on-site pet visits to resident-owned pets that are allowed to live in the community. One popular program is the use of therapy dogs. Dogs like Harmony are specially trained to provide emotional support and companionship to older adults. They may visit individual residents in their rooms or make regular appearances in common areas like the dining room or activity center. Communities that offer pet therapy programs like Lester Senior Living can provide a valuable service to their residents and help them stay connected to the world around them. By providing emotional support, physical exercise, and cognitive stimulation, animals can help seniors improve their overall quality of life. For more information about pet therapy and our other life enrichment activities for seniors in Morris County NJ, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/the-benefits-of-pet-therapy-for-seniors/
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Growing older doesn’t have to be hard, in fact growing older can come with the best years of your life! There are small changes you can make now that could really benefit your health in the future. These healthy lifestyle habits will also ensure you stay independent for much longer, whether you’re living at home or in a senior community. Adopting just a few of the tips our independent living team has compiled below will make you feel great as you grow older.
Get enough sleep! Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Getting a solid 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep is proven to have positive effects on your memory, focus and concentration. If you’re having trouble sleeping soundly at night, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine and make your environment optimal for sleeping by keeping it cool and dark. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol on a weekly (or worse, daily) basis, can negatively impact your sleeping habits and your health. More specifically, consuming too much alcohol can lead to the following issues: high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, learning disabilities and memory problems. Go for regular checkups. Scheduling regular checkups with your doctor and other medical professionals can help you catch health issues early and treat them before it’s too late. Another important factor to consider is to start seeing a geriatric doctor who specializes in treating older people with more complex, chronic conditions. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Coupled with daily exercise, the single most important lifestyle habit to adopt is eating healthier as you age. Eating whole foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats will ensure your body receives the proper nutrition it needs, while also lowering your risk of developing chronic conditions. Manage your medications. This may seem like common sense, but we’re here to remind you of how important it is to take medications exactly as prescribed by your geriatric doctor. Overdosing or skipping medications will only put your health in more jeopardy. It’s also worth it to schedule monthly medication reviews with your doctor, to keep track of what medications are still necessary for you to take. To help you better keep track of correct doses, you should also think about downloading a medication reminder app. Healthy, independent living at JCHC At JCHC’s senior living communities in New Jersey, our aim is to ensure that each of our residents maintains their health, quality of life and independence. Our social programs encourage residents to get involved with the communities at a level they are comfortable with, while our personal care services ensure each resident gets the support they need every single day. For more information about independent living in Morris County, visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org/ Original blog is available on: https://jchcorp.org/growing-older-and-feeling-great/ Core strength exercises improve the fitness of the stomach, back, hips and pelvis. These muscles are important for improving balance and stability, as well as posture. For seniors, these exercises are a good way to help reduce risk of falls and make walking and other daily tasks much easier. Which, might we add, is key to retaining independence in your golden years. With that said, here are some easy core exercises for seniors from our independent living coordinators at JCHC.
Safety note: If you are unsure of how to do the exercises or require assistance in performing them correctly and safely, please speak to your doctor or physical therapist before attempting any new movements.
Fitness programs for independent seniors in New Jersey If your loved one in independent living would like to improve their quality of health and wellbeing through fitness, our dedicated team at Lester Senior Living is here to assist them. We have a community calendar filled each month with different fitness classes to satisfy every resident’s mobility, such as “Stretch & Flex,” “Sit and Be Fit” and “Cha Cha Chair Dancing” – just to name a few. Our trained instructors are ready to assist or modify each exercise for your loved one to ensure their safety is the top priority at all times. In addition to our fitness programs, our communities also offer more advanced senior care services like assisted living and memory support for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. To learn more about our senior health and wellness programs in New Jersey, contact JCHC today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org Original content posted on https://jchcorp.org/core-strength-exercises-for-seniors/ |
AuthorWe offer seniors a range of options in terms of housing, services, amenities, location and cost, all within the Jewish tradition: independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, affordable housing, enriching programs, and on-site services for our residents, many of whom have special needs. Archives
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