Month: October 2022

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Emergency preparedness for older adults

Senior woman using home automation touch screen panel in home
Senior woman using home automation touch screen panel in nursing home

Severe weather, power outages, your older parent wandering off and getting lost or falling in the home – the importance of emergency preparedness for older adults cannot be overstated. This is especially true when it comes to medical emergencies, as they occur more frequently. Read our guide and customize it for your parent’s unique needs.

Make medical information accessible

Healthcare professionals provide the best, most appropriate treatment when they have up-to-date medical information. Keep all documents showing diagnoses and medications in an easily accessible location in the home should you, EMS technicians or someone else need them.

What if your parent is away from home or can’t communicate with hospital staff? Purchase a personalized medical ID bracelet for your parent to help doctors understand their health history at a glance. If jewelry isn’t an option, place a small card with vital information in their purse or wallet.

Consider a mobile app for you and your parent that allows instant access to records. Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer free mobile apps that aggregate all medical information and doctors’ notes from appointments. Ask your parent’s physician for more information.

Prevent and prepare for falls

Falls are typically the medical emergencies that pose the greatest risk for older adults. To keep your aging parent as safe as possible, clear the home of tripping hazards. Then, inform your parent about what to do if they fall while in the home alone. Any in-home service providers and family members who assist with caregiving should be informed on what to do as well.

In case of a fall, your parent should wait a moment to ensure there is no serious bleeding, or injuries to the head or body, before moving or being moved. If they are injury free, they may roll onto their hands and knees and then stand, but they should find a place to sit immediately after. If there is injury, bleeding or head trauma, call 911. If your parent falls often, consider a wearable device that signals an emergency service for seniors at the touch of a button.

Know when to call EMS

Emergency medical professionals are your first line of defense when it comes to urgent situations. Many older adults often call a family member when something happens, delaying the critical treatment they may need. Encourage your parent to call EMS first, before you or another family member, especially if they are experiencing any of the following:

  • Serious injury from a fall
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath when at rest
  • Chest pain
  • Symptoms of a heart attack (pain in the jaw, neck, back or chest, weakness and shortness of breath)
  • Symptoms of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty)
  • Sudden severe lightheadedness
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Bleeding with weakness
  • Headache, vomiting and dizziness following a head injury

Consider registering your parent’s phone for Smart911, a free national service that allows emergency dispatchers to see caller’s location information and more whenever they dial 911.

What to do when it’s not an emergency

If your parent calls EMS frequently, they may need support for medical non-emergencies such as:

  • Small cuts without excessive bleeding
  • Bruising following an accident
  • Falls without serious injuries
  • Mild persistent headaches
  • Illness symptoms like low-grade fevers and fatigue
  • Non-severe signs of medication mismanagement

Create a text group just for your parent and include other family members and trusted individuals they can message for non-emergency support. If your parent uses a landline phone, post a list of phone numbers on their refrigerator for easy access.

Instead of turning to the ER first, ask your parent to go to their nearest urgent care center. Many areas offer NEMT or non-medical emergency transportation services. Check the availability of these services in their area and if their insurance covers the cost.

Utilize emergency response services for seniors

No emergency preparedness plan for seniors is complete without access to a personal emergency response system. Usually in the form of a pendant or bracelet, this technology allows your parent to contact the help they need if they can’t make it to their phone. Some service providers may even send you an alert when activated.

Emergency services for seniors have come a long way since the parodied commercials of the past. Wi-Fi connection, GPS, fitness tracking, fall detection and smart home accessories are just a few of the tech enhancements you can expect to see across a spectrum of brands.

Disaster preparedness for older adults

Unlike medical emergencies, many disasters are unavoidable and generally out of our control, but a few well-placed preparations can keep your parent safe.

Assess the risks

If your parent has lived in the same home or general location for years, you’re familiar with the most common disasters. Are power outages usual during extreme weather? Do hurricanes or ice storms often occur?

Research the local evacuation plan or shelter protocols. Sign your parent up to receive mobile weather alerts. The FEMA app sends real-time weather notifications, shelter information and other vital information during disasters.

Assess where your parent lives, address any fire hazards and make sure the home is ready for severe weather. This preparation may include:

  • Installing a power generator
  • De-icing walkways ahead of winter
  • Servicing HVAC units ahead of summer
  • Checking gas-powered appliances for maintenance or repairs
  • Placing a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
  • Inspecting carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Check their coverage

Insurance is often forgotten until it’s needed most. Verify your parent has coverage for any natural disaster or man-made catastrophe. Speaking of coverage, make sure you have a supportive network in place should your parent ever need shelter, someone to call or a safety check during an emergency. Consider siblings, relatives, neighbors and individuals you and your parent trust. Share their contact information with your parent and keep a copy for yourself.

Have a senior emergency kit

Your parent’s emergency kit may look a little different from the one you have at home. In addition to the essentials – flashlight, batteries, a cell phone power bank, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit – stock it with emergency supplies for older adults.

A few things to consider are:

  • A list of important contact information
  • Glasses
  • Hearing aids with extra batteries
  • At least a week’s worth of medication
  • Medical supplies like syringes or a back-up oxygen tank
  • Assistive devices like a cane or rollator
  • Medical documents including prescriptions, insurance information and allergy information

Plan and practice together

Preparation is paramount, however, when cortisol levels rise, it’s easy to forget a plan ever existed. Whether it’s evacuation protocol, using an app or establishing an escape route in case of a housefire, take time to create disaster preparedness plans with your parent. Make it simple and as easy to remember as possible.

Rehearse escape routes together and make adjustments when necessary. Check in and gently remind your parent of their safety plans when winter, hurricane season or other seasonal severe weather is approaching. Review and update their emergency contacts about every six months.

Assisted living emergency preparedness

Many caregivers find peace of mind knowing that, should an emergency ever strike, their family member is in the safety and security of a senior living community.

With more than 25 years of experience, Atria Senior Living has faced a number of emergencies and disasters that have put plans to the test. Should a situation escalate, Atria’s National Emergency Response Team is always ready to assist communities in need.

Because of their reliability and safety, senior living communities are popular for many older adults during peak severe weather seasons. Many turn to Atria for short-term stays during winter, when slips and falls are more likely, and summer, when power outages, wildfires and heat strokes are common. An excellent option for those recovering from an illness or surgery, short-term stays help deter medical emergencies and reduce hospital readmittance.

Find out more about the  care services  Atria offers – for residents and short-term stay guests alike.

Want to learn more about Atria? Visit the community nearest you.

Emergency preparedness checklist for seniors (PDF)

Categories
Financials

6 Tips for discussing finances with your parent

Cropped shot of an attractive young woman sitting and explaining financial documents to her grandmother in their home
Cropped shot of an attractive young woman sitting and explaining financial documents to her grandmother in their home

Discussing money matters is taboo for many. If this rings true for you, then questioning an older parent or family member about how they plan on paying for senior care – no matter how well intentioned – is potentially even more difficult.

“Some adult children say, ‘I really can’t talk about money, it’s not a comfortable topic for us.’ But it’s a necessary conversation,” says Sheridan Daniel, Vice President of Operations and Product Development at Atria Senior Living. “However, with aging parents, the conversation about health and finances will either be done by plan or by crisis.”

1. Consider your relationship dynamics

Take a moment to reflect on your general experience and interactions with your parent, especially around the topic of money. Throughout your life, has your parent openly discussed financial matters such as debt, investments and budgeting? Is your mother or father comfortable asking questions about your future plans or offering advice (both solicited and unsolicited) about money? Have they voluntarily approached the topic of living wills and estate planning?

“You need to know the approach you can take with your parents,” says Daniel. “I remember talking about wills and topics like that with my mother when she was in her 60s. When she worked, I knew what her salary was. I knew what her insurance was. She was open with those things.”

Allow your relationship to craft your approach, and maneuver around any predictable sensitivities. If, despite your best efforts, your parent still resists, there are ways to overcome their reluctance.

2. Understand it’s not all about money

At its heart, a conversation about money is not one-hundred-percent about money. It’s about the life your parent wishes – and can realistically afford – to have. If your parent still works, how do they envision retirement? Generally speaking, what legacy would they like to leave behind? In case of a medical emergency, who is their health care proxy? Have they considered a power of attorney?

“Don’t talk about just money. Talk about the big picture, and make sure your parent feels a sense of control of what’s going on,” says Daniel. “It has to be what they envision. Discuss their retirement goals and what it will take to achieve them, and work from there.”

Open the conversation by asking about their opinion on assisted living. Ask for advice about financial planning for retirement and other relevant topics to get the dialogue flowing. Sharing your own plans and ideas or referencing current events and anecdotes about others are easy icebreakers and ways you can gauge how your parent may feel about more in-depth conversations later.

3. Don’t put off talking about it

If your parent is thriving and handling their finances well, they may feel it is too soon to discuss such matters. However, it’s never too early to approach your parent about finances and care. If possible, do it while your parent is at ease and in the best of physical and cognitive health.

“I either see one or the other: Somebody has planned it out very neatly beforehand or something devastating has happened – and no one wants to discuss finances with a parent who is hospitalized or dealing with a loss,” says Daniel.

Gently explain the importance and advantage of being proactive instead of reactive. Reassure your parent they are still in control of their finances and that you’d like to start thinking about it while they can make clear, intentional decisions and not after something goes wrong.

4. Approach gently and do your homework beforehand

Before digging into your parent’s financial information, do your research.

“If your parent has assets, they got them by being smart and financially savvy. Show that you’ve done some research while taking into account how they envision things,” says Daniels. “They’re going to want to be a part of that. I’ve seen many children foster trust and respect with their parents when they freely share their findings with them.”

Whether your parent envisions a retirement community, living in the family home for the rest of their life or uprooting to the Caribbean, lay out that research for them.

Where’s the easiest place to start? The Internet. Start with a simple search: “Is there financial planning for assisted living?,” “How much does it cost to live in a senior living community?”, “Real estate in Jamaica,” “The cost of at-home senior care,” and so on.

Consider these relevant topics as you research:

5. Consult with your family and supportive network

Your parent shared their vision for retirement and granted you financial access. Now what? Even with all of the knowledge about what an older adult wants, there’s little one can do without being appointed as power of attorney (POA) and/or health care proxy.

If your parent hasn’t appointed a POA and/or a health care proxy and the family has conflicting opinions and expectations, it’s fair for these emotions to be amplified when the topic is approached.

“When you don’t communicate with the full support structure, it can turn into a quagmire. Also, you may think, ‘I’m the oldest son in my family. I have decisions that I can make,’ but your mother has a sister, and if you don’t talk to her, then it’s going to be a battle,” Daniel says. “Then, the power of attorney process turns stagnant. Nothing happens.”

If you’re able to approach these critical topics while your parent is in good health and emotionally stable, do so gently. Remind your parent that you want what’s best for them and, ultimately, it’s about what they want. Manage your expectations and encourage other relatives to do the same. Don’t assume the responsibility will be handed to you.

“Some older adults may say to their child, ‘Hey, I don’t need you to control my money. I have an accountant who I trust, so the money’s fine. But I don’t trust my accountant with my health. So, here’s my health care proxy,’” Daniel says.

If this happens, give it a week or two and schedule time to revisit the conversation in person with all involved parties until a decision has been made. Tap into their doctor, financial adviser, elder care attorney and geriatric care manager for support and expertise when planning what’s best for your parent and their finances.

6. Handle crisis directly and with care

Hopefully, you can approach your parent while they are making well-informed financial decisions on their own and able to engage in meaningful conversations about their future. However, be aware of these signs that indicate more immediate action is needed regarding an older adult’s care and finances:

  • You’re worried about their safety when alone
  • You’re worried or concerned about their health, especially if they have a progressive disease or they’ve had a recent accident or fall
  • The condition of their home has become concerning or unsafe
  • They often forget to pay bills or seem to be struggling financially
  • They are possibly exhibiting early signs of dementia or cognitive impairment

“Being direct is going to be important. Sensitive, respectful, but direct,” says Daniel.

“If someone is in the early stages of dementia, then I will direct the family to speak to their doctor and a geriatric care manager, and then an elder care attorney. This is a scary thing for an aging parent. They know what’s happening to them and they still have very clear moments. When they have those clear moments, you have to express what the plan is.”

Atria is always here to help

Allowing another person to comb through their personal financial details – even a well-intentioned adult child – can be difficult for your parent. Allow your parent time to work through this process, even if they are reluctant to share details.

Also, anticipate having this conversation more than once. Financial planning for retirement is a lot of work and it’s unlikely to accomplish everything in one day. If you need assistance, tap into the trusted professionals at Atria Senior Living. The dedicated employees at our senior living communities have connected thousands of families like yours to the expertise they need. Stop by for a visit or contact your nearest community for a personal consultation.

Guide to Discussing Senior Living Financing with your Parent (PDF)

Categories
Caregiving

Billie Jean King: How to help your parent find joy

Older man smiling while playing the piano and friends clap around him

“There’s no greater satisfaction and joy than boldly being yourself or redefining a life chapter – at any age.” – Billie Jean King

I’m often asked how I keep a positive attitude when faced with the occasional setback. My answer is simple. Each day, I embrace life, pursue purpose and seek adventure.

This same approach applies to rekindling a sense of fun in older adults, including those challenged by physical or mental setbacks. Here’s how to help an older parent rediscover passion and joy in their life.

Embrace life

 “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Maybe it’s making a favorite pie from scratch, playing fetch with a dog or simply dressing up for a night on the town. Embracing simple pleasures is a delightful way to cultivate moments of joy in everyday life. Encourage your parent to rekindle their passions and offer any needed support if you can – gather ingredients for cooking, gift them with a fresh set of pet toys or join them for a fancy dessert at a favorite coffee house.

Do you know what else helps us embrace life? A playful spirit. Scientists have recognized that play contributes to physical and emotional health and is a source of relaxation and brain stimulation. Consider simple games you can play together – or even over the phone – like Wordle or crossword puzzles. There are some hilarious guessing and trivia games that can be played with smartphone apps.

As so many of life’s experiences are shaped by our attitude, it’s important to be positive. Should your parent dwell on the negative, encourage them to talk about what’s going well in their lives. If they need prompting, recall a cherished memory you have of your parent and encourage them to elaborate on the story.

It’s important we don’t take things personally. When someone says something negative, it’s usually more about them than about you.

Pursue purpose

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey

Purpose is important. It gives us something to look forward to each day. It also gives us something positive to reflect on, something to share, something to be proud of. Purposeful living has also been proven to help older adults live healthier, longer lives. As we age, so much changes – we may lose our spouse, we retire, our health declines and so on – it’s easy to lose touch with what we’re passionate about.

Seek opportunities for your parent to become involved in the local community or ways they can use their talents to help causes they consider worthwhile or important. If they are a veteran, reach out to your local VA and inquire about volunteer opportunities. If they love children, consider having your parent host story time at their local library or knit blankets for a pediatric hospital. If they are extroverted, consider Meals on Wheels or other organizations that help isolated adults. Fun comes in many forms, and helping others is one of them.

Giving back is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. Making a difference in the lives of others can happen at so many levels. Older adults have amazing experiences to share; sometimes, they just need an invitation to join the conversation.

Be adventurous

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein

Anyone who follows my social media posts knows that my tennis career and activism have provided wonderful opportunities to see the world – but we don’t always have to travel far to find fun and adventure. The secret is fostering a sense of curiosity in everyday life.

As a young child, I used to drive my parents crazy with all the questions I had about everything. Keeping a curious mind as an older adult opens the door to new possibilities. We can help older adults cultivate a curious spirit in many ways. Eat at a restaurant serving food they’ve never heard of, sign up for music lessons or a community college course, or try their hand at pottery or watercolor.

While routines are comforting, breaking out of our comfort zone and trying new things can be the exhilarating reminder that there is so much more to life than our daily routines. Again, tap into that playful spirit. See what nearby events or activities are happening throughout the week and encourage your parent to invite a friend or family member to join.

A community filled with fun opportunities

When my partner and I were looking for the right senior living community for my mother-in-law, we were drawn to the inviting environment at Atria Senior Living. Atria offered the support she needed as well as events and opportunities to socialize with others her age. We watched her grow, stay active and rediscover what it meant to engage with the world. If you’re interested, stop by a community for a visit. Visitors are always welcome and encouraged to sit down for lunch or attend an event.

Ready for a fun quiz? Take it now. (PDF)

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Billie Jean King: Myths about aging

Older woman gardening at Atria Senior Living

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” ‬– Betty Friedan‬ ‪‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Being Atria’s Well-Being Coach has taught me how important it is to foster a positive attitude as we age and dispel the negative stereotypes of aging.

Forgetful, bumbling and always complaining about aches and pains – we see these exaggerated portrayals in movies all the time. But such negative stereotypes can be damaging to older adults’ self-identity and can even be harmful to their physical health. Ageism is not inclusive and it’s often divisive.

The truth is, many people have reported a renewed sense of vitality as they age. One’s mood and well-being, and even certain types of intelligence, can actually enhance over time. It’s important to embrace these positive aspects of aging.

Let’s look at some of these common misconceptions from the National Institute on Aging. If you’re a younger adult, understanding these myths can help you be more supportive of the older adults you care about. If you’re an older adult, being mindful of these myths could help protect your well-being.

Myth: It’s normal for older adults to be lonely and depressed

It’s true that many people, including older adults, experience loneliness, which can make them feel sad, anxious and depressed. But there are many positive emotional benefits to growing older, including the richness of enduring friendships and cherished memories formed over a lifetime.

Although older adults are susceptible to loneliness, studies show they are less likely to be depressed than younger adults. Still, it is important to understand the warning signs as loneliness can lead to more serious health issues.

One way to combat loneliness is by being socially active. However, making friends does not come naturally for everyone. A good first step is to attend an event or activity where you can engage with others who share a similar passion or life experience – and then make a genuine effort to reach out to at least one person. Sometimes even the smallest gesture, like simply introducing yourself and initiating small talk, can lead to a cherished, lifelong friendship.

Relationships are everything. Your relationship with yourself, your family and friends, your community, and your faith are all vital to happy, healthy living.

Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things

Our physical and mental fitness change as we age, but that doesn’t mean older adults lose the ability to learn and sharpen cognitive abilities. Research has shown that older adults who learn a new skill, like knitting or digital photography, experience improvement to their memory.

Trying new things helps improve well-being, especially if it fosters social connection with others. Seek group opportunities to keep your mind and body active like joining a book club, taking a dance class, playing trivia or volunteering at a community garden.

There are also ways for older adults with mobility issues to stay actively engaged. Reading or listening to audiobooks can improve memory, reduce stress and delay cognitive decline. Volunteering for community projects is another way to stay engaged and feel a sense of purpose.

It’s important we keep learning, and learning how to learn. Knowledge is good health.

Myth: Older adults should take it easy

Scientific studies show that the benefits of being active far outweigh the negatives. Staying physically active improves your mental and physical health – and can help manage chronic conditions. It also improves balance and stability to avoid falls, which supports staying independent as we age. And for those with mobility challenges, there are seated exercise and chair yoga routines. No matter your age, mobility or health condition, there is some type of physical activity for everyone.

Learn how you can improve your well-being and maintain mobility as you age with healthy habits.

Myth: Dementia is inevitable for older adults

The risk of dementia may rise as we grow older, but it’s not a given that it will affect everyone. Many people in their 90s and beyond never experience the declines in thinking and behavior that are associated with dementia. The risk of having Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if there is a family history of dementia, but having a parent with Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease.

While there is currently no effective treatment or proven prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, it’s possible to reduce the risks of developing memory impairment by leading a healthy lifestyle, including:

  • Control high blood pressure
  • Manage blood sugar
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Stay mentally active
  • Stay socially connected
  • Stop smoking
  • Sleep well

While we can’t control the genes we inherited, we can take steps to stay healthy as we age by exercising and keeping our minds engaged. Learn how social interaction benefits a person with memory impairment and discuss any concerns with your physician.

Fact: There’s still plenty of life to live

Society keeps giving us messages that when we get older, we’re finished. But we’re not finished. I see every day as an opportunity for a fresh new start. We can keep reinventing ourselves, no matter what our age. Yes, we are getting older, but we are not done yet!

Atria communities offer opportunities for new chapters of life to unfold each day. Engaging events and a welcoming environment foster a lifestyle in which older adults can grow, stay active and connect with the world to get the most out of retirement.

View the Guide: The Misconceptions of Aging (PDF)

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Billie Jean King: What is active senior living?

Atria Senior Living residents practicing jiu jitsu

My mom always said, “Billie, whatever you do, you’ve got to keep moving. If you stop moving, it’s over.” As Atria’s Well-Being Coach, this has become the cornerstone of our approach to successful aging.

To enrich and prolong life in your later years, it’s important to not only exercise, but also eat well, stay engaged and adapt to any challenges you may face along the way. Here are some tips that will help you on this journey to healthy aging.

Create an exercise routine

We have no control over the chronological part of our lives, but we can control what we do with our time. Daily physical activity is one of the most important ways to keep our minds and bodies healthy as we age. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly not only live longer – they may also live better and enjoy more years of life without pain or disability. The more we exercise, the better we feel.

Muscle function often declines as we age, which can inhibit everyday activities and chip away at our independence. The good news is that moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with stronger muscle function, according to at least one study, so exercise may prevent age-related muscle decline and even help you live longer.

We can all agree it is important to exercise, but knowing what kinds of exercises to do can seem daunting. The key is to stay active and do something, anything, every day. So, where do you start? Here are the three types of physical activity, along with examples of each, that are beneficial to older adults:

  • Aerobic exercise – walking, swimming and dancing
  • Strength training – lifting weights or using a resistance band
  • Flexibility and balance – simple stretching, yoga and tai chi

If you are challenged by a chronic condition or disability, modify the exercises so they work for you. Even exercises done while sitting are beneficial because they get your blood circulating. Whatever your situation, always talk to your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

While I like to lift weights, I realize that I’m not lifting what I used to, but it doesn’t matter. It’s not important how much weight you’re able to lift; it’s about the great feeling you get from giving so much of yourself. Bringing all of yourself to something every day is important.

Maintain a healthy diet

It’s harder to maintain a healthy weight with age. Making smart food choices can help manage your weight, protect against certain health issues and may improve brain function. That’s why it’s critical to develop healthful eating habits. Personally, I try to eat fish often, eat red meat sparingly, avoid carbs and never eat late at night.

With so much dietary information in the news, it can be challenging to make smart food choices. If you’re struggling, talk to your doctor and check out the USDA’s tips for older adults. Even if you’re late to the game, changing your diet now can still improve your well-being as you age.

Stay socially active

Did you know that engaging with other people helps prevent illness and keeps the mind sharper? It’s true – socializing improves both your physical and mental health.

One study found that older adults who visited friends daily were 12 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who only saw a couple of friends every few months. According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness lead to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and more.

Already have several good friends? Then, by all means, reach out and engage with them every day, if possible. If you could stand to widen your circle, start with family and strengthen relationships with siblings, nephews, nieces and cousins. While these relationships are always beneficial, it’s important to make new friends outside of family, too. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Volunteer your talents – Maybe you’re a cooking wiz, a savvy entrepreneur, a master chess player or a knitting champion – sharing your wisdom with others is not only a wonderful way to create meaningful connections, but doing so can even make you healthier.
  • Enjoy hobbies with others – Whether it’s renewing a childhood passion or trying something you never had the time for – like pottery, gardening, water coloring or playing music – choose activities in retirement that foster interaction with people who share your interests.
  • Learn something new – Try a community college course, learn a foreign language, take piano lessons or consider a senior dancing or yoga class. Favor activities that provide opportunities to connect with others.
  • Travel – If you’re able, venture to new places, even if it’s within your own city, as it may expose you to new people and maybe even different cultures. Walking and sightseeing also help you stay physically active. For shorter, local trips, carpooling is a wonderful way to socialize and make new friends.
  • Embrace social media – Online tools provide opportunities to stay connected with family and friends, and meet new people, too. Search for groups dedicated to your interests – you might be surprised how many different groups are online. If you’re not technologically savvy, ask someone to show you the ropes – it may be a lot easier than you think.

Keep a positive outlook

Our thoughts can affect our physical well-being, so having a good attitude about life has a lot to do with how well you age. Yes, we all have bad days and, when we do, it’s perfectly reasonable to be sad or angry in the moment. However, it’s important to not dwell on negative feelings or let them consume us – we must keep moving forward.

Taking a walk, meditating and getting a good night’s sleep also help reduce stress and maintain a good attitude. A Johns Hopkins study revealed that people with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive attitude were one-third less likely to have a cardiovascular issue than those with a more negative outlook.

Managing your attitude is crucial. Being a professional athlete taught me many things, but some of the most important were the value of daily discipline, how to be resilient and keep bouncing back, and staying in the solution, one ball at a time. For me, life is not a marathon, it is a series of sprints.

Make every day a new start

Society keeps giving us these messages that when we get older, we’re finished. We’re not finished. Every day is a fresh start. Every morning when I wake up, I have my gratitude list, and I thank God for all of these wonderful things. Each day provides another opportunity to be challenged, learn, solve problems and really engage in whatever I want to do.

If we want to remain active when we’re older, we have to work to stay healthy. That means eating right, exercising and getting in the solution. Companionship and support become even more important when we’re older – so nurture the friendships you value now.

Atria supports a healthy lifestyle

With daily opportunities to eat well, stay active, participate in engaging events and make meaningful connections, Atria Senior Living provides an environment that fosters personal growth and well-being. It’s a real privilege for me to be the Well-Being Coach for Atria and help spread the word on the benefits of senior fitness. We like to inspire older adults to really rock – to have fun and think about themselves a little differently.

View the Guide: Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Older Adults (PDF)