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Simple Ways to Remain Active While Staying Cool

Summer is a time to be outside, enjoying the sun and all our great land has to offer. But, when the temperatures go up, it can be easier to stay inside on the couch rather than stick to an exercise plan. The summer months and higher temperatures shouldn’t leave you sedentary. Sticking to a fitness routine is still vitally important. Older adults who sustain an active lifestyle may maintain the ability to live independently longer and reduce the risk of falling and fractures. So, how can we keep active while keeping cool? Here are some recommendations for staying cool and active during these hot summer months.

Learn more about our 7 Dimensions of Wellness.

Take the Fun Indoors

If the upcoming forecast calls for a heat wave, take a walk inside by heading to a local museum or indoor botanical garden. These places offer long pathways and lots of room for getting in plenty of walking. Grab a friend and enjoy time together while exploring a new place or an old standby. You’ll burn calories checking out the latest exhibits, and maybe learn a little something along the way.

At Surpass Communities, planned trips and outings to local points of interest are just one way we keep our residents active while keeping their interests in mind.

Get in the Water

Enjoy the refreshing water at a local pool or lake to cool off and keep moving. Swimming and water aerobics are great forms of exercise that improve cardiovascular health by utilizing multiple muscle groups, all while putting less pressure and strain on your joints. You’ll stay cool, build endurance and improve flexibility.

Beat the Heat

When summer’s in full swing, midday outings can be downright sweltering. To combat the heat, take advantage of the early morning and later evening hours when the sun isn’t at its peak. Enjoy the fresh summer air and cooler temperatures, while taking a refreshing walk to wake up or a slow stroll to help you wind down for the night. These cooler temperature times allow you to get the amazing benefits of fresh summer air – something you’ll be longing for come cooler weather.  

Retail Therapy

Enjoy a little retail therapy while getting your workout in by heading to a local mall. With long corridors of endless storefronts to gaze in, you’ll keep up with the latest trends and get your heart pumping. And, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor mall, you’ll have air-conditioned pit stops along the way to keep cool.

Hit the Gym

It might not be as much fun as being out in the sunshine, but a gym provides you with multiple exercise options in an air-conditioned community. Take a stroll on the treadmill, or pedal away on the exercise bike. Bring your smartphone along and listen to your favorite podcast or motivational music as you get your heart rate up and burn calories. Surpass communities also regularly host senior-oriented exercise classes to increase flexibility, strength, and positive attitudes. Ask us about them today!

Keeping cool in the summer can be challenging, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting the exercise your body needs to stay fit and healthy. Follow the tips in this article and enjoy a healthy, refreshing summer.

And remember, even though you’re not in the heat of the sun, you still need to stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle along while you get your heart pumpin’!

Have questions or comments? Contact us!

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Get A Mental Workout With Three Simple Activities

Next month doesn’t just mark the start of summer. June is also Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which is a perfect time to talk about the importance of mental health. As you get older, it becomes even more important to find stimulation for your brain. Just like physical exercise, a mental workout can keep you focused and cognisant, and independent.

A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that older adults who received different forms of mental training in their old age still benefited from those lessons in later years. You don’t necessarily need to perform the same tasks as those in the study, but there are three things you can do right now to keep your brain busy and healthy.

  1. Recall tests
  2. Word and puzzle games
  3. Trying a new hobby

Learn more about our Memory Care options.


#1: Recall Tests

Approach this activity as if you’re studying for a test. All of the notes are in front of you, and you just have to try and remember each important point in your head. However, try not to think of something too complicated like a math problem or rocket science. Instead, write out a plan of daily activities and see if you can remember each task without looking down at your sheet. You can also write down a list of items to buy at the grocery store and try to memorize each item to buy before you head to the checkout counter. Over time, your brain should come up with different memorization techniques so that you won’t always have to rely on a cheat sheet.

#2: Word And Puzzle Games

Just because you’re sitting down doesn’t mean your brain should be idle. Grabbing a book of easy crossword puzzles or word searches serves as a warm-up exercise. When you’re ready for a head-scratcher you can pick up tougher challenges like a New York Times crossword or a tough Sudoku problem. If you want to ditch the paper and pencil, you can try your hand at a 1000-piece puzzle or the always-popular Rubik’s Cube.

#3: Trying A New Hobby

If you need something to take up the bulk of your time, you can look at new hobbies to keep you busy. Examples include building model kits, painting, or learning to play a new instrument. Regardless of your choice, the fact that you’re learning something new helps dust off the cobwebs in your head. Specifically, it forces your brain to process and retain the new information. A 2013 study in Psychological Science found that older adults who participated in productive engagement, such as learning how to make quilts or practicing photography improved their episodic memory, which deals with remembering past events. Training your brain to learn new things and retain in for future use will be difficult at first, but it should be easier over time if you commit (and improve) on a new hobby.

Interested in a Surpass community? Contact us.

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The Best Tech Gadgets For Seniors

Just because you’re older doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the latest advancements in technology. In fact, most senior citizens today heavily depend on new devices and innovations. According to a 2016 study from the Pew Research Center, 42 percent of adults ages 65 and older own smartphones. Sixty-seven percent of adults in the same age range also utilize the Internet. If you’re wondering what new devices to pick up, have no fear. We have a list of some of the best tech gadgets for seniors to keep you caught up on the modern age.

Learn more about the Surpass Way.

#1: Smartphones

Just because you’re in your golden years doesn’t mean that you can’t have a smartphone. Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy devices might not be senior-friendly out of the box, but you can tweak numerous settings to make it easier to use. There are options to increase the font size, adjust colors, and activate the speech-to-text system, which is easier than typing on the small screen. On the other hand, Greatcall’s Jitterbug smartphone is actually a smartphone that is actually targeted towards seniors. In addition to larger icons and a simplified menu, the phone also includes Google’s speech-to-text technology and the 5Star Urgent Response app, which can contact emergency response teams for you.

#2: Fitness Tracker Wearables

Surpass promotes an active lifestyle so it’s only right that you have a wearable device to go along with your daily workout sessions. Fitbit remains one of the most popular brands in this area with its many devices that track important statistics such as your total number of steps, heart rate, and sleeping habits. Other brands offer similar devices with other features such as GPS tracking, longer battery life, or a waterproof coating. With so many options available, you can easily find a wearable that fits your needs and budget.

Alternative fitness tracker brands

#3: Tablets

If a smartphone is too small for you then a tablet might be a suitable alternative. It has many similar features to smartphones with the exception that you can’t make standard phone calls or put it in your pocket. However, you can still download apps such as Skype, Whatsapp, or Messenger, which allow you to contact family and friends through text or video. You can also get additional apps to watch movies, TV shows, or read books. Speaking of books…

Popular tablet options

#4: Digital Picture Frames

You probably have volumes of photo albums, but like e-books, you can cram all of your content on one device. You can do this by scanning your pictures and then loading them onto a storage device such as small USB stick or SD card. Some digital frames also support videos so you can include even more of your favorite memories.

#5: Kindle or Nook e-readers

Transporting your library of favorite books might be tough, but you can easily save space by building a digital collection on an e-reader device such as the Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble’s Nook. These devices contain catalogs for thousands of books from classic novels to the latest bestsellers. There are also app versions of these e-readers for smartphones and tablets, and if you’d rather “listen” to books, you can download audiobook versions as well.

#6: Amazon Echo or Google Home assistants

Another device you might want to consider buying is a digital assistant, which can help you set up a schedule, translating your speech to text, or launch specific apps. Apple and Android phones have Siri and the Google Assistant, respectively, built-in the device but you can also buy the Amazon Echo or Google Home. In addition to providing you with reminders, playing music, and dishing out random facts on command, these devices can also manage and gather data other smart devices like lights, thermostats, or even your fitness tracker.

#7: Tile Bluetooth Tracker

Looking for misplaced keys or a wallet can be stressful, but finding these items is easier with a Tile Bluetooth tracker. After connecting them to  your smartphone, these tiny squares can go on your keyring or inside your wallet. Your phone will then show each item’s last location, which saves valuable time. Tile also has adhesive trackers, which you can place on any item, as well as a luggage tag for traveling purposes.

#8: Medminder

Keeping track of a schedule for your pills is daunting, but the Medminder dispensers can alleviate that problem. The company’s basic dispenser, called Maya, includes a unique feature that shows lights flashing under specific compartments for scheduled medications. Other Medminder models include additional features such as locked compartments or an included medical alert device for emergencies.

Have questions? Send us a message.

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The Heritage at Twin Creeks Voted Reader’s Choice Favorite

Heritage at Twin Creeks Selected as Allen American Favorites

Senior Living Community Secures Readers’ Choice Designation in Two Categories

Heritage at Twin Creeks, a Surpass Senior Living community, has been voted Readers’ Choice Favorite in the best assisted living facility and best memory care facility categories from Star Local Media, parent company of the Allen American.

Heritage Communities have been the premiere choice for quality elder care with locations in Allen, Austin and San Antonio Texas. Communities offer residents assisted living, memory care and respite care services. Through the year, the communities host engaging community events and activities that are open to the public.

“It is such an honor to be voted best assisted living facility and best memory care facility by our community,” said Sevy Gambs, vice president of operations for Surpass Senior Living. “We’re so proud of our staff for truly giving their all each and every day to their residents and we couldn’t love our residents and communities we serve more.”

With Readers’ Choice 2017, Star Local Media provided readers of 14 community publications the opportunity to vote on their favorite local businesses and services in 79 different categories. Readers voted from November 16 to December 13 in 2017, with results announced in early 2018. Businesses named also received certificates designating its achievement. Heritage at Twin Creeks was one of two local senior living communities voted favorite for best assisted living in Allen.

“The unique types of care we offer at Twin Creeks has long been one of our key differentiators, so to have the community we serve acknowledge that in two different categories means the world to us,” said Elizabeth Blanton, executive director of Heritage at Twin Creeks.

The community currently houses 70 residents in spacious apartments that open into courtyards with seating, grilling and visiting. A favorite program amongst residents is known as the ‘Second Wind Dreams,’ which grants wishes to those in the community. An example is “Bring Greece to Denise,” or taking a resident to her favorite event on a Sunday, a day at the ball park watching her beloved Chicago White Sox. 

 

For more information on Heritage properties, visit https://www.surpassliving.com/locations/the-heritage/.

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Six Facts About Aging and Alcohol

Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. However, families, friends, and healthcare workers often overlook their concerns about older people drinking. Sometimes problems with alcohol in older people can be mistaken for other conditions related to aging such as issues in balance.

As we age, the way our body handles alcohol begins to change and can start to affect our health. Health effects include immune system disorders, worsening of conditions such as osteoporosis, strained relationships and much more. Learn six facts about how the body handles alcohol as we age in this featured article.

This article was originally published by Surpass Senior Living through Healthy Cells Magazine.