While love can be celebrated any day of the year, Valentine’s Day is set aside as the one day a year when you can let those closest to you know how much they are cherished and loved. While the holiday is traditionally reserved as a romantic occasion, all love can be celebrated on this special day—including your love for elderly friends and family who may need it most. A thoughtful gesture may reach further than you think, so as you make plans for Valentine’s Day, be sure to give some attention to the special senior in your life with these simple and easy ways to show your love. Share a…

Medicare is a national healthcare insurance program available to all individuals age 65 and above. Those under age 65 and disabled are also eligible for Medicare enrollment. Since seniors can benefit from the healthcare program, learning how it works for them is key for living happy and well, especially if they’re part of an independent living community. Seniors enjoying these living communities can expect a variety of services and amenities, such as dining, transportation, and social and recreational activities. One of the major differences between independent living and other forms of residential care, like nursing homes, is that these communities do not often provide medical care support. Because of this,…

From glazed hams and roasted turkeys to decadent pies and desserts, the holidays are known to be a time for people to enjoy the delicious flavors of all their favorite foods. However, big holiday meals are also typically loaded with sugar and carbs, making it a difficult time of the year for those in our lives who have diabetes. If a senior loved one, friend, or family member at your holiday table has diabetes, here are some tips on how to create a diabetes-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy. Planning Your Diabetes-Friendly Dinner Fortunately, many foods at your holiday table are already perfect for a diabetes-friendly dinner. Naturally lean meat…

In the time of social distancing, it is more important now than ever to be savvy in long-distance communication. However, computers, smartphones, and social media come easier to some than others. If you know a senior loved one who could use a lesson in computer usage or digital literacy, there are plenty of free resources available to help them become masters of modern technology. Here are some websites that provide free online courses and tutorials for seniors and computer beginners to acquire digital literacy while socially distancing at home or at an assisted living community. Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment This website is a great jumping-off point for seniors diving into…

Thanks to the pandemic, the time of only enjoying cinema at the movie theatre has not been much of an option in 2020. Fortunately, current streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video allow us to enjoy many of our favorite films from the comfort of our living space. What better way to spend your time social distancing indoors than by escaping through some of your most favorite inspiring and enriching films? Here are ways to find and watch 10 uplifting movies that seniors will enjoy. “Field of Dreams” Starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, “Field of Dreams” follows an Iowa corn farmer who builds a baseball diamond…

We are very lucky to live in today’s modern age of technological advancements, where we have many social media outlets through which we can keep in regular contact with our family and friends. Now, more than ever, staying connected with our senior loved ones is vital to their mental and physical health. Whether it’s catching up via FaceTime with their children and grandchildren or reconnecting with childhood friends on Facebook Messenger, social media platforms and technology give us an invaluable portal to the rest of the world even when it feels like it’s standing still. The Benefits for Seniors Using Social Media Social media has evolved far beyond simple status…