Fall Prevention: Why Men and Women Fall Differently

Falls are a serious matter. In fact, falls and fall-related injuries are among the most dangerous health risks older adults face today. Falling can cause bruising, fractures, and other serious injuries that lead to loss of independence for older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 4 American adults over the age of 65 falls each year.

The good news is, most falls are preventable. New fall-related research is helping older adults and their care providers identify why falls occur so they can take steps to minimize the risks.

For example, one recent study looked at the leading causes of falls and the role gender plays in falls and fall-related injuries. As it turns out, men and women face very different fall risks, and the ways in which they fall are different, too.

Here’s a closer look at how fall risks and statistics differ among men and women:

Women face a greater fall risk than men

When compared to men, women face a 50% greater risk of falls and non-fatal fall-related injuries. Researchers believe that hormone-related changes associated with menopause are one of the reasons women are more likely to fall than men. These hormone changes often lead to reduced bone mass and the early onset of osteoporosis in women. Because they have more fragile bones, when older women do fall, they’re more likely to sustain fractures.

Men have a higher rate of fatal falls

While women fall more often than men, research finds men are slightly more likely to pass away as a result of fall-related injuries, such as a head injury. It could be that when men fall, they are typically older than their female counterparts, and the danger of falls increases with age.

Women are more likely to fall due to a trip or stumble

In a study that used video recordings to determine the leading causes of falls among men and women, women were more likely than men to fall by tripping or stumbling. The most common activity for women at the time of falling was walking (40.3% of women compared to 29.2% of men).

Men are more likely to fall due to loss of support

The same study found that men were 12.1% more likely than women to fall from loss of support with an object, like a cane or chair. Moreover, men were more likely than women to fall while moving into a seated position versus getting up or rising.

Fall prevention strategies

While men and women may fall differently, there are steps everyone can take to improve their balance and reduce the chances of falling.

Here are some senior fall prevention tips to keep in mind:

Stay active. Try low-impact activities like walking or Tai Chi to increase strength and balance.
Practice “sit-to-stand” exercises every day to improve balance and mobility.
Improve the lighting in your home to prevent trips and stumbles. Install brighter bulbs and use night lights in hallways.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dizziness caused by dehydration.
Eliminate tripping hazards around the home like loose area rugs or unsecured cords. Make sure there are secure rails on all stairs.
Modify bathrooms with grab bars and consider using a shower chair.
Ask your doctor about using a cane or walker and make sure it is the right size for you.
Wear non-skid, rubber-soled shoes with a low heel.
Schedule check-ups with your doctor. Have your eyes and hearing tested and ask if any of the medications you’re taking might increase your risk of falling.

Knowing the leading causes of falls, including the differences among men and women, can help us minimize the risks so the older loved ones in our lives can stay active and independent for longer. At Bethany Village, we’re proud to offer evidence-based fall prevention programs that help residents improve strength, maintain balance, and stay mobile. For more senior fall prevention tips and strategies, visit the STEADY U Ohio website.

After experiencing an illness, injury, or surgery, we all need time to recover. Often, after an older adult spends time in the hospital, their doctor will recommend they stay in a short-term rehabilitation center before returning home. These short-term senior rehab centers are designed to help older adults regain strength and confidence in a supportive, healing environment.

If your aging parent isn’t quite ready to return home after a hospital stay, a short-term senior rehab center can help them begin the road to recovery. As a caregiver, it’s important to understand that the process of recovery is not always easy, especially for older adults. It takes a great deal of hard work and dedication to stick with a consistent therapy routine, and it’s natural for rehab patients to lose some motivation along the way. Fortunately, there are things you can do to support your parent in their recovery journey.

If your parent is preparing to enter short-term rehab, here are a few tips to help them—and you—stay motivated and positive.

Set goals together

Goal-setting is how we set direction in our lives, and short-term senior rehab should be no different. A clear plan for recovery, with milestones along the way, will keep your parent focused on what they want to achieve and help set them up for success.

In a short-term rehab facility, an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and therapists will work together to come up with a treatment plan for your parent that is realistic and achievable. They may also encourage your parent to set personal goals that relate to the interests or activities they want to get back to enjoying, such as golfing or gardening.

Be grateful for small wins

Sometimes, recovering from a surgery or illness takes longer than you or your parent had hoped, which can be discouraging. Remember, recovery is different for everyone. You and your parent should expect to see incremental improvements along the way rather than huge leaps forward. While small, these “wins” are still a signal that things are moving in the right direction.

At the beginning of a short-term senior rehab stay, your parent’s progress might be minor, like being able to get out of bed without help. Let the rehab care team know to keep you informed about every positive step. This way, no matter how small or how significant, you and your parent can celebrate each of these wins together.

Be mindful of their mental wellbeing

Keep in mind, an injury, illness, or surgery can impact our mental health just as much as our physical health. It’s not unusual for those in the recovery process to feel frustrated or even depressed, and that can naturally lead to a lack of motivation.

As a caregiver, there are several ways you can encourage your parent to keep an optimistic outlook —

? Focus on what they can control. When an older adult is in short-term senior rehab care, it may feel like they have lost control over their life. But the opposite is true! Help them see that by doing their physical therapy exercises, eating well, getting plenty of rest, and listening to their care team, they are taking control of their situation and working toward a brighter future.

? Emphasize the positives. When you visit your parent in short-term rehab, bring an activity you know they enjoy or something you can do together. Maybe it’s putting together a puzzle, listening to music, or video chatting with grandchildren. These small, thoughtful gestures will show your parent how much you care and provide some much-needed encouragement.

? Remind your parent that their short-term rehab stay is temporary. The more they approach their therapy exercises with enthusiasm, the more likely they will be able to return home in the desired time period.

Remember that recovery is a team effort

As much as you want to help your parent heal and get better, there’s a limit to how much you can do on your own. You can explain how a positive attitude toward rehab will help produce a better outcome and encourage them to stay motivated. Ultimately, though, rehabilitation is a personal matter, and every patient has different needs and challenges to overcome throughout the process.

That’s why at the Bethany Rehabilitation Center (BRC), our staff creates a plan that is individually tailored. Those staying in our short-term senior rehab center always get personalized attention from our team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and dieticians so they can achieve the best possible outcome. Each individual’s plan of care is coordinated by a nursing case manager, who works with families to manage and communicate all details of recovery, including a planned return home.

When your parent or loved one is working toward recovery after an illness, injury, or surgery, the BRC is here to help them focus on all aspects of the healing process—mind, body, and spirit. Contact us to learn more about our state-of-the-art senior rehabilitation center.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the most dangerous health and safety risk older adults face today. Falls are the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Americans over the age of 65, and of those who fall, two-thirds will fall again within six months.

Even older adults who are relatively strong and healthy are at risk for falls and fall-related injuries. Falling—and the fear of falling—can cause older adults to miss out on activities and social interactions, which negatively impacts their quality of life.

Thankfully, falling is not an inevitable part of the aging process. There are many ways to prevent falls, including choosing the right footwear. Shoes that are ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or have a slippery sole can cause seniors to trip or stumble. However, wearing the right shoes can help seniors maintain their balance, improve their gait, and ultimately reduce their risk of experiencing a dangerous fall.

Here’s what to look for when choosing safe footwear for an older loved one:

Fit and comfort

As we grow older, it’s natural for our feet to change shape. Older adults often have a lowered arch, but wider insteps and ankles. For this reason, shoes that fit comfortably a few years ago may no longer be right for your loved one. Ill-fitting shoes may cause pain in the toes, arch, or heel, and cause your loved one to walk with an irregular gait.

Because our feet naturally expand throughout the day, it’s a good idea to go shoe shopping in the afternoon hours to ensure the best fit. Have your loved one walk around the store in the shoes before purchasing them. Are the shoes sturdy and supportive? Do they stay on your loved one’s feet, or do they slip off? Are they too tight? Take your time when selecting a pair of shoes to be certain they fit correctly and don’t cause any pain or discomfort.

Non-slip soles

Look for shoes that have a non-slip sole to prevent the risk of falling. Typically, non-slip shoes have a softer rubber sole that grabs onto the surface of the floor, making it safer to walk on floors that might be wet or slippery. When the tread on the bottom of the shoes is worn out, it’s time to replace them.

Lightweight

Shoes made from lightweight material are optimal for older adults, who may have trouble lifting their feet off the ground. Because some seniors shuffle their feet when they walk, heavy shoes can increase their risk of falling. Look for shoes that are designed to be sturdy yet lightweight. For example, running shoes are leading the way in lightweight footwear technology. Even if your loved one doesn’t plan on running anytime soon, running shoes can be a comfortable choice for everyday walking.

Flat or low heel

It’s best to choose shoes with heels that are less than one inch tall for maximum safety and stability. For special occasions, wear shoes with a low, broad heel. Shoes with tall and narrow heels may contribute to poor balance and gait, which only increases the risk of a fall or injury.

No laces

Untied shoelaces can pose a tripping hazard, especially for older adults with balance problems. Likewise, if your loved one has trouble bending over or arthritis that makes tying laces difficult, choosing footwear with velcro straps instead of laces is a good solution. Elastic slip-on shoes are another safe option—just be sure they have a snug fit.

You can help prevent falls

Falls are dangerous, but fortunately, most are also preventable. Today’s senior living communities, including Bethany Village, recognize the importance of taking a proactive approach to reducing falls among residents. At Bethany Village, we’re proud to offer evidence-based fall prevention programs designed to help residents reduce their fall risk and overcome fears of falling.

If you’re worried about the risk of an older loved one falling at home, it may be time to consider moving to a senior living community that’s focused on fall prevention and safety. To learn more about Living at Bethany Village, please contact us today.

It’s a fact of life that as we age, our skin ages, too. Over time, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which causes our skin to lose some of its natural elasticity. Our skin also becomes more delicate as we age, which may cause dryness and increase the risk of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

While age-related changes to our skin are natural and normal, it’s never too late to begin taking better care of your skin. Not only will the right skincare routine prevent serious senior health concerns like skin cancer, but it can also improve the way your skin looks and feels.

Follow these tips to help keep your skin healthy for years to come:

#1: Moisturize daily

It’s common for older adults to have sensitive, dry skin, which can lead to discomfort, itchiness, and sometimes even skin problems such as eczema. Diabetes, kidney disease, and certain medications may also cause dry skin. To protect against dry and cracked skin, apply lotion a few times a day to hydrate your face, hands, and body. It’s best to use a gentle, unscented lotion. You may also consider investing in a humidifier, especially in the winter months.

#2: Use sunscreen all year round

You might believe that you only need to apply sunscreen in the summer. However, our skin is at risk for sun damage all year round—even in the winter! Exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun can lead to serious senior health concerns like skin cancer. Furthermore, sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkled or discolored skin. Luckily, it’s never too late to take steps to protect your skin from sun damage. One study found that daily sunscreen use can slow skin aging by up to 24 percent! Along with avoiding excessive sun exposure, it’s recommended that adults use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen to your face, neck, and the back of your hands.

#3: Keep an eye on moles and blemishes

In between annual check-ups with a dermatologist, it’s important to perform monthly self-exams to look for any changes in your skin, including irregular moles or blemishes. According to the Skin Care Foundation, 99 percent of skin care cases are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough. Here are some of the warning signs of skin cancer to look for:

A new mole, spot, sore, or bump on your skin
A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colors
A sore that doesn’t heal after several weeks
A mole or spot that has recently changed in size, shape, or color

As always, if you see anything that concerns you, be sure to have it checked by a doctor.

#4: Drink more water

Another way to keep your skin healthy is by drinking plenty of fluids. The general rule of thumb is that adults should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, older adults sometimes have trouble detecting the sensation of thirst, even when they’re already dehydrated. Moreover, some medications can have a diuretic effect, leading to an increased risk of dehydration.

Keeping a water bottle nearby can prompt you to drink more water throughout the day. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding lemons, limes, or fruit juice. Eating water-dense foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries, can also help you maintain proper hydration.

#5: Eat your way to healthier skin

Did you know that the foods you eat can have a positive impact on the health and appearance of your skin? Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are filled with omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and promote skin moisturization. Other sources of healthy fats include nuts, avocados, and coconut oil. Vegetables like red or yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are filled with vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin, too. Even chocolate can have skin-boosting effects! Just be sure to choose chocolate with high levels of antioxidants (at least 70% cocoa) to maximize the benefits.

Taking good care of your skin is not about anti-aging; it’s about healthy aging! Most importantly, you don’t need to purchase expensive products or get invasive treatments to improve the look and feel of your skin. Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ. Give it some well-deserved TLC and you’ll be well on your way to having naturally healthier skin.

Are you getting ready to help your parent move into an assisted living community?

If so, you may be wondering what to pack. Because assisted living apartments are limited on space, your parent will need to streamline their belongings down to just the essentials. Chances are, your parent has lived in the same home for many years, which can make downsizing a challenge.

To help you decide what to bring and what to leave behind, we’ve assembled this helpful assisted living packing checklist:

Furniture

Some families prefer to buy all-new furniture, while others want to bring familiar pieces to assisted living. Here are a few basic furniture pieces to consider bringing:

Small table and chairs
Nightstand(s)
Loveseat or small couch
Coffee table
Bed with sheets, pillow, and bedding
Desk and office chair

Remember to measure all furniture to make sure it will fit within your parent’s apartment layout.

Décor

Recreating the look and feel of your parent’s previous home can help ease their transition to a new space. While you can’t bring everything, be sure to incorporate at least a few of your parent’s favorite keepsakes.

Some décor ideas include:

Potted plants (live or artificial)
Throw pillows and blankets
Mirror
Framed photographs and artwork
Mementos and keepsakes
Clock
Reading lamp(s)
Night lights for the bedroom and hallways

Clothing

Streamlining your parent’s wardrobe can be one of the biggest challenges of downsizing. Here are some essential clothing items to bring:

Casual clothing
Jackets and coats
Exercise clothing
Formal wear
Pajamas and robe
Shoes, socks, and slippers
Hangars and storage containers for out-of-season clothes

Entertainment and technology

Assisted living communities keep residents busy with fun daily social events and activities. But at the end of the day, your parent may want to enjoy watching a favorite TV show or curling up with a good book in the comfort of their private apartment. Don’t forget to take along these belongings:

Telephone
Television with DVDs or a streaming device
Radio
Alarm clock
Tablet or laptop computer
Books and reading material
Playing cards
Office supplies, stationery, and stamps

Toiletries and personal items

These are the items that your parent uses every day, so they should be the last ones to pack before moving. If your parent has a favorite brand of shampoo, soap, or lotion, it’s a good idea to stock up so you can replenish their supply as needed. Some assisted living communities even offer on-site salons, so residents don’t have to travel far for hair or nail care services.

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal hygiene items
Bath towels, washcloths, and hand towels
Assisted devices such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, canes or walkers

Remember, space in your loved one’s new assisted living apartment will be limited.

Here’s a brief list of what not to bring:

Large furniture and artwork
Multiples of the same item
Tripping hazards such as loose area rugs
Kitchen and cooking supplies
Prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications/vitamins (Assisted living communities will assist residents with medication management to ensure safety.)

At Bethany Village, we know that moving a parent to assisted living is no small task. That’s why our Transition Coordinators are here to ease the transition and make sure your parent feels right at home in their new assisted living apartment.

If you’re just beginning to search for an assisted living community for your parent, we invite you to contact us to learn more and schedule a tour of Bethany Village.

Several studies have found that being “young at heart” is not just a feeling, but a mindset that can lead to positive outcomes for our health and wellbeing. When our self-perceived age is younger than our actual age—even by just a few years—it may help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Here’s are some of the ways feeling young at heart can lead to healthier aging:

Better brain health

In one study, researchers performed MRI scans on the brains of 68 adults between the ages of 59 and 84 and gave them a test assessing their overall health and cognitive abilities. The researchers then surveyed the participants, asking whether they felt older or younger than their actual age.

The study revealed that the participants who felt younger than their age had a greater amount of gray matter in their brains and scored higher on memory tests than those who felt older than their age. These findings suggest that feeling young could preserve brain health as we get older and protect against the risk of cognitive decline.

Increased life expectancy

In another study, researchers at the University College London asked 6,500 men and women ages 52 and older the question, “How old do you feel you are?” About 70% of the respondents felt three or more years younger than their actual age, while 25% felt close to their actual age, and 5% felt more than one year older than their true age.

Eight years later, the researchers followed up with the participants and found that the older adults who felt three or more years younger than their actual age had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to the groups who felt close to their age or one year older than their actual age. Even when the researchers adjusted their findings for factors such as physical activity, history of illness, and socioeconomic status, the “young at heart” group had an overall lower risk of mortality.

Researchers speculate that feeling younger psychologically inspires older adults to have a more positive outlook on life and adopt better health and lifestyle habits as a result. Older adults who feel younger than their age also have more resilience, which allows them to “bounce back” after an illness or injury more quickly than those who feel older than their age.

Greater mental and emotional wellbeing

Having a younger state of mind may also lead to mental and emotional health benefits. A study found that older adults who felt younger than their actual age were less likely to experience senior health concerns such as depression and loneliness. One explanation for this finding is that older adults who feel younger than their age tend to have more active social lives, which helps them combat loneliness and isolation.

3 ways to be more young at heart:

Try new things

When was the last time you tried something for the first time? When we engage in new hobbies, activities, and learning opportunities, we’re actually challenging our brains to create new neural connections. This can help to preserve our cognitive skills as we get older. So, don’t be afraid to branch out and learn something new—your brain will thank you!

Stay social

Surrounding yourself with friends is another secret to remaining young at heart. There’s a reason people say that laughter is the best medicine! Interacting with friends usually leads to happiness and laughter, which can be invaluable for our mental and physical health. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting new people, make time for fun activities that encourage social connection.

Volunteer

After leaving the working world, many retirees like to participate in volunteer activities. There are so many meaningful ways to give back as a volunteer, from sorting donated items to organizing fundraisers to tutoring the next generation and much more. Lending a helping hand is a great way to become involved in your community and stay young at heart.

Growing older doesn’t mean you have to feel—or act—your age! At Bethany Village, we encourage you to Enjoy Life in your retirement years. It’s never too late to try new things, make new friends, and be young at heart. After all, age is just a number!

After being discharged from the hospital due to an illness, injury, or surgery such as a hip or knee replacement, many older adults need to stay in a short-term inpatient rehabilitation center to continue their therapy treatment. Spending time in a short-term senior rehab facility allows older adults to receive round-the-clock care, treatment, and support so they can return home safely.

However, when the short-term rehab stay comes to an end, the prospect of transitioning back home can be overwhelming for rehab patients—and their family members. If your parent is discharged from a senior rehab center, it’s natural to feel uncertainty about the changes ahead and how you will adjust to them. But with some planning, preparation, and patience, you can help your parent or loved one successfully transition home and continue their recovery journey with less stress.

Here are some tips to remember when helping a loved one transition home from short-term senior rehab:

Prepare early

Planning for the transition home from short-term rehab should start well in advance of your parent’s intended discharge date. Luckily, you’re not alone in this process. The professional staff at the senior rehab center will help you understand your parent’s needs and what to expect. For example, at the Bethany Rehabilitation Center (BRC), discharge planning begins from the moment of admission. Right from the start, our social services team will meet with your family to discuss your parent’s needs and goals. By the time your parent is ready to return home, our team will ensure all your questions are answered, so the transition is smooth and seamless.

Think about home modifications

Whether your parent is returning to their home or moving into another relative’s home after their short-term rehab stay, it’s important that their living environment is as safe and accessible as possible. Pay attention to safety concerns such as proper lighting, loose area rugs, carpeted stairs, furniture arrangement, and handrail stability. Is the shower and bathroom area accessible? The addition of grab bars or a shower chair can make a big difference for your parent’s safety. Before your parent is discharged, ask the senior rehab staff about any specific recommendations they have to make their home environment more safe and comfortable.

Set recovery goals

During their short-term rehab stay, your parent may receive therapy treatment from physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Before discharge, these therapy experts set realistic short and long-term recovery goals for your parent and outline a daily routine of exercises they should continue, whether on their own or with assistance. Once they return home, help your parent stay focused on their goals. A little motivation and encouragement can go a long way in preventing the risk of returning to the hospital again.

Line up support systems

Helping a parent or loved one recover from a major illness or injury isn’t easy, but luckily, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s reaching out to other family members or taking advantage of local community resources and at-home health providers. The senior rehab facility staff will connect you to trusted resources to help your parent recover safely and happily at home.

Stay positive

Rehabilitation is difficult at any age, but it may be particularly stressful for older adults. Encouraging your parent or loved one to maintain a positive attitude before, during, and after their short-term rehab stay may help to speed up the recovery process and prevent return visits to the hospital or rehab center. Even short visits or phone calls can lift your parent’s spirits and increase their confidence in their own recovery.

Finally, if you are the primary caregiver for your parent, one of the best things you can do is to take care of yourself. Prioritize your own health and wellness, and take a break if you need to. Remember, it’s okay to have extra assistance when caring for your loved one, especially if they are facing significant mobility loss and other lifestyle changes. From meal delivery to transportation services to at-home health providers, there are many resources that can make the recovery process easier for you and your loved one.

Sweet summertime is here, bringing with it plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Summer is a perfect time to enjoy fruits and vegetables because so many varieties are at their peak of freshness and quality. But did you know that these popular summer fruits and veggies can also offer some surprising health benefits for seniors? Here’s a look at five summer produce items that are both delicious and nutritious:

Watermelon

There’s nothing better than a slice of cold watermelon on a warm summer day. For older adults, this can be a particularly healthy fruit. Not only is it low in calories, but it also has an incredibly high water content–each bite is about 92% water! Older adults face a higher risk for dehydration, and this risk only increases in the hot summer months. Snacking on watermelon is a tasty and refreshing way for older adults to stay hydrated and healthy.

Tomatoes

Technically a fruit, tomatoes offer a number of health benefits to older adults. They are known to help protect against disease, maintain healthy blood pressure, and reduce blood glucose in people with diabetes. Tomatoes get their red color from lycopene, a plant compound that can help prevent certain types of cancer. Add tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, and soups, or drink tomato juice to reap these health benefits.

Berries

Summer is prime time for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. These colorful summer berries are chock full of antioxidants and vitamins that help our bodies fight against illness and disease. Blueberries, in particular, have been shown to promote healthy aging. In one study, older adults ages 65-77 who drank concentrated blueberry juice every day showed improvements in cognitive performance and blood flow to the brain. Try adding berries to salads, smoothies, yogurt, or top them with whipped cream for a light summer dessert!

Green beans

In season from June through September, green beans are rich in flavor and nutrients. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also contain folate, a vitamin that helps to fight depression. Green beans are versatile; they taste great when sauteed, tossed in a salad or soup, or baked into a casserole.

Cherries

Cherries pack some serious health benefits into a small package! They come in a variety of flavors and colors that range from yellow to dark red. Along with vitamin C and fiber, cherries – especially tart cherries – contain melatonin, which is known to provide sleep-regulating benefits. Drinking a cup of cherry juice before bed is considered a healthy and natural way to promote better sleep.

Healthy eating for healthy aging

It’s recommended that older adults eat five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day, but more often than not, older adults don’t reach this goal. Research suggests that adults tend to eat less fresh produce as they grow older, in part due to decreased appetite or problems with chewing or swallowing.

Retirement communities like Bethany Village know the importance of senior nutrition for overall health and wellness. That’s why our community offers residents delicious, chef-prepared meals that incorporate fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables prepared in creative and delicious ways. Plus, with several different dining venues, the dining experience at Bethany Village was designed to foster a sense of community and friendship among residents.

Want to learn more about the dining experience at Bethany Village? Schedule a visit and stay for a meal in our community. We would be delighted to have you and your loved one join us for lunch or dinner.

As we grow older, many of us feel our faith has become more important to us. According to Pew Research statistics:

68% of seniors pray daily
53% attend weekly church services versus 39% for the total population.
69% say religion is “very important” compared to 56% of all age groups

As you can see, faith is clearly a priority for older adults. And this spiritual imperative often coincides with the decision about where to spend our retirement years. Many times, the conveniences and benefits of retirement community living is an attractive option.

Generally speaking, retirement communities are one of two types – non-profit (often faith-based) or for-profit. The best senior living facilities, whether faith-based or not, offer excellent health care services, comfortable places to live, and social-enhancing activities. But for seniors who want all their needs to be met, including their spiritual ones, faith-based retirement living offers additional benefits.

Faith-based retirement communities care for the “whole” person

Physical and mental health needs are just as important as emotional and spiritual wellness. Faith-based facilities take care to ensure that all these needs are met while providing compassionate and competent care.

Faith-based retirement communities provide older adults with connections to others who share their faith, helping them quickly adjust to and thrive in their new home and feel welcomed and accepted. These spiritually vibrant communities also offer retirees a sense of purpose, which is crucial to feelings of self-worth. Getting involved in volunteer, social, and religious activities allows residents to share their God-given gifts with others.

A faith-based community provides for spiritual needs

In a faith-based retirement community, residents have the option to participate in worship services, Bible studies, prayer groups, discussion groups, and volunteer opportunities, all on the same campus. These opportunities allow residents to seek and expand their spiritual growth in safe and familiar surroundings, without the need to travel and leave the comfort of their community.

Additionally, many people feel strongly that their faith helps them cope in times of transition. In a faith-based retirement community, chaplains or other religious leaders are available to provide counseling and spiritual support to residents as needed.

Faith-based communities attract faithful people

There are people among us who feel God put them here to serve others – carefully, responsibly, and with compassion. These people believe in a higher calling and are frequently those who are drawn to work at faith-based organizations.

Residents in faith-based retirement communities often feel deep relationships with staff that share the same values of love for others, respect, and dignity of the individual. The caring people that work in these communities aspire to give back and contribute to something greater than themselves.

If you’re looking for retirement living options, consider the added benefits of choosing a faith-based retirement community. In a faith-based retirement community, you can feel hopeful about living among people who share many of your same beliefs and values. They will be there for you when you need them and will be a blessing to you for many years to come.

Decluttering, the process of removing unneeded or unwanted items from your living space, is often easier said than done. This is especially true for older adults living in a home that contains a lifetime of memories. While it can be hard to let go, removing unnecessary clutter from our lives is known to provide a wealth of mental and physical health benefits, helping to relieve stress, boost self-confidence, and improve mental clarity.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the mental and physical health benefits of decluttering and downsizing.

Decluttering clears the mind (as well as your space)

Research shows that being surrounded by clutter can lead to negative psychological effects, including stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep loss. When we open the door to a messy closet or look at an unorganized garage, it might evoke feelings of embarrassment or failure. On the other hand, living in a clutter-free environment helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Clutter can also make it hard to focus. Our brains are easily distracted by our surroundings, making it difficult to accomplish what we wanted to do. This can lead to feelings of frustration. Organizing your spaces by clearing out clutter will help you stay on task and perform daily tasks with more ease.

Decluttering helps us feel good about ourselves

Sometimes, over-collecting becomes a harmful habit we find difficult to break. Getting rid of things that we don’t want anymore, but others could use, is another way that decluttering can have a significant positive impact on our mental health. Helping others by donating clothes, toys, tools, decorative items, or cookware is not only a good deed; it can also help to boost our own feelings of happiness and self-confidence.

Decluttering can remove safety hazards

Living in a cramped, cluttered home may also pose significant safety risks, especially for older adults. For example, clothes, books, or electrical cords that block doorways or hallways can be a tripping hazard. Removing unnecessary clutter decreases makes it easier to navigate throughout the home and decreases the chances of a dangerous fall or injury.

Downsizing opens new doors to a happier future

Thinking about how you will be able to manage a large house as you age can be overwhelming. Chores and home upkeep take up time you could be spending with more emotionally-rewarding activities like hobbies, volunteer work, exercising, or being with family and friends. Downsizing to a smaller, easier-to-manage space in a retirement community relieves you of many home maintenance tasks and frees up more time to do what makes you happy.

Explore the benefits of downsized living

If you’re looking forward to a relaxing, laid-back retirement without the hassle of daily chores and home maintenance, consider the benefits of decluttering your current home and “rightsizing” to a retirement community. With convenient amenities, friendly neighbors, and enriching events and activities, retirement communities help seniors make the most of their retirement years and enjoy life to the fullest.