Studies have shown that indoor plants can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can help improve your mood by increasing the feelings of calmness and relaxation. The calm and tranquil nature of caring for plants, along with the added oxygen they provide, contributes towards calming, stress- free environment. Gardening also fosters a sense of empowerment, as seniors can choose what plants they want to grow, which pots they want to use, and where they can be placed.

The fact is: a simple act of seeing a vibrant, healthy plant — a beautiful creation of nature — can significantly boost one’s mood. In this article, we will take a look at a few beginner-friendly plants seniors can care for and the amazing benefits indoor plants can provide.

Getting started with a few easy-care indoor plants

Indoor plants should be chosen and placed carefully to ensure they don’t occupy too much space or hinder a senior’s movement within a room. It’s also important to consider the ease of care, especially for those new to gardening. Luckily, the plants listed below are known for their simplicity in maintenance.

Succulents
Cacti and aloe vera are prime examples of succulents. These robust, water-retentive plants have thick leaves and are exceptionally resilient. Because they store water efficiently, they only need to be watered once or twice a month.
Benefits: It helps improve air quality and circulation, reduces stress, and helps cleanse the air by removing toxins

Bamboo
Growing bamboo is simple and adaptable to various soils or even pebbles. Monthly fertilization usually suffices. It thrives in both full and partial sunlight and can tolerate a range of temperatures with minimal pruning. Gardeners are rewarded with its elegant stems and vibrant colors.
Benefits: It helps improve the quality of the air, reduces stress, and increases productivity.

Spider Plants
These hardy plants thrive with minimal light and need fertilizing every few weeks. A weekly watering is sufficient, even if occasionally missed. Perfect for seniors, as they bring color and life to your household with little care.
Benefits: It helps improve the quality of the air and decreases fatigue.

Peace Lilly
These beautiful plants are fairly easy to grow, requiring indirect but bright sunlight, and intermittent watering. They thrive in humid environments and may be best placed in a bathroom. It is important to note that this plant is considered mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Therefore, it should be kept out of reach of children or pets.
Benefits: It helps remove fungal spores that circulate in the air, keeping allergies away.

Snake Plants
This is a great starter plant and ideal for seniors as they are very easy to care for. They are very similar to cacti when it comes to their care, they can handle diverse lighting situations, minimal but thorough watering every 2-3 weeks.
Benefits: It helps with purifying the air and is effective against airborne allergies. It is a great plant for the elderly who have breathing difficulties.

Aloe Vera
This robust plant is renowned for being able to store water in its leaves, and for its healing properties. It’s ideal for seniors who prefer natural remedies for minor injuries.
Benefits: It helps treat sores and sunburns.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the health Benefits Indoor plants have

Indoor plants are not just decorative; they offer numerous health benefits, especially for the elderly. As individuals age, spending more time indoors becomes common, and incorporating plants into their living spaces can significantly enhance their well-being.

Air Quality Improvement: Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers, filtering out pollutants and toxins present in indoor environments. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, as cleaner air can reduce the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that indoor plants can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation. For elderly individuals dealing with anxiety or loneliness, nurturing plants can provide a sense of purpose and calmness.

Cognitive Benefits: Caring for plants stimulates the mind and encourages cognitive engagement. Activities such as watering, pruning, and repotting plants can help seniors maintain cognitive function and memory.

Physical Health: Some indoor plants, like Aloe Vera and Peace Lilies, offer medicinal properties. Aloe Vera, for example, is known for its healing gel that can soothe minor cuts and burns, making it a natural first aid remedy for seniors.

Social Interaction: Gardening and tending to plants can be a social activity for seniors, whether they do it alone, with family members, or in community gardens. This social interaction contributes to emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Indoor plants add beauty and vibrancy to living spaces, creating a more pleasant environment for seniors to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Therapeutic Benefits: Horticultural therapy, which involves engaging with plants and gardens, has been shown to improve overall mental and physical health in seniors. It provides a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression and stress relief.

Conclusion

Indoor plants represent more than just decorative elements in the homes of seniors—they are powerful allies in promoting physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. By improving indoor air quality through natural filtration of pollutants, plants can contribute towards respiratory health, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues common among seniors.

Moreover, the act of caring for indoor plants provides meaningful activities that stimulate cognitive function and memory retention. From watering and pruning to repotting and observing growth, these tasks engage seniors mentally and physically, helping to maintain their independence and sense of purpose.

Beyond the practical benefits, indoor plants offer therapeutic advantages. Horticultural therapy, increasingly recognized in healthcare settings, harnesses the healing power of plants to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Take care of your loved ones at Lonehill Manor

At Lonehill Manor, we understand the importance of leading a healthy and happy retirement. One way we practice this is through the creation and regular maintenance of our beautiful and lush grounds. Residents can easily take a stroll through our gardens, settle down for a picnic, or perhaps enjoy a bit of bird watching. We also offer various activities for our residents to enjoy and encourage residents to make their spaces unique.

Start your retirement journey at Lonehill Manor today. Contact us on 010 534 6277 or send us an email at info@lonehillmanor.co.za to book a viewing.

The post The Benefits of Life having houseplants for the Elderly appeared first on Manor Retirement.

The decisions that surround the “When”, “Why” and “How” of retirement are incredibly personal and will largely depend on your parents’ individual circumstances. If you think your parents are ready for retirement, whether it’s in the next few months or the next few years, there are plenty of things you will need to consider and discuss before they officially do.

When considering your parents’ retirement options, it may be a good idea for you and your parents to formally plan the next few months or years leading up to their retirement. This will not only help you gain a better understanding of what is required, but it may also help your parents confidently navigate this new chapter of their life.

While many people choose to retire at the suggested age of 65 in order to use their retirement period as an opportunity to do things such as making a career change, learning something new, travelling across the country or around the world, or even starting their own business venture, others prefer to retire in stages. They may choose to take on part-time work, giving them a sense of financial stability while offering freedom to do more things.

Now, let’s delve into the five burning questions you should consider when contemplating retirement for your parents.

1. 1. Can your parents afford to retire?
      This is an important question to consider at the very beginning of your parents’ retirement planning journey, as it will determine the “When” and “How” aspect of your planning process. If your parents retire completely, they will be losing their main source of income. They will need to make sure they have enough income from other sources such as pensions, retirement plans, investments, or savings to supplement this loss. Therefore, having a detailed financial plan for your parents’ retirement in place can help you better determine when they can retire and how they will be able to support themselves when they do. This plan should include considerations for both the pre-retirement period and retirement itself. If you want to find out how much money your parents will need in order to retire comfortably in South Africa, you can read this article from AA:  “How much do I need to retire?”.
   2. What will your parents do during their retirement years?
      Once the novelty of retirement has worn off, you’ll find your parents will become bored, restless, and may start to question their retirement. Although it is natural for people to want to find a renewed sense of meaning and purpose during their retirement, having a good idea of how you want to spend your newly found free time can lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle. For example, getting your parents to help out with the grandkids, perhaps see if they are interested in starting a new hobby, or making their current hobby a source of income. Perhaps they want to dedicate more time to exploring new activities or travelling. You can easily sit down with them to find out what they could do on a weekly basis to fully utilize their retirement. Check out our article “6 Ways to Lead an Active and Purposeful Life in Your Retirement”. A benefit of retirement estates is that they also provide social, physical, and creative activities which your parents can take part in on a daily basis. Having an age-appropriate and like-minded community around them transforms the lives of those retirees who live in them.
   3. What will your parent’s retirement lifestyle look like?
      It is important to consider how your parent’s current lifestyle might change if and when they decide to retire. Retirement could have a huge impact on various aspects of life, therefore having a plan in place as mentioned in point 2 is vital. For example: If your parents have an active job, what activities could, or should they take part in to remain active during retirement? If they are incredibly sociable, are their clubs or classes they can join to be around people?
      It’s also important for your parents to consider how retirement living can impact the dynamics of their relationship. They will need to establish a good routine to not only ensure they have appropriate time apart to do what they like, but also adequate time together.
   4. How will your parents feel about retirement?
      This is a question you should ask when considering appropriate retirement options for your parents. As there are many misconceptions regarding retirement, your parents may not be enthusiastic about the idea. Therefore, it’s important to educate them on the benefits of retirement, you can read our article “Six Advantages of Moving into a Senior Living Community Now”. If your parents are nervous about moving into a retirement estate, you could recommend taking them for a walk-through of the estate. This will give them a chance to view the estate, ask questions, see what the estate offers before having to move. It would also be helpful to gather a list of activities your parents can have access to at the estate. Social engagements can give your parents a huge boost to connect with other people who are living a similar lifestyle and have interests that relate to theirs.
   5. What should you look for in a retirement estate?
      When coming to a retirement estate, there are obvious things to consider such as location, costing, basic amenities, different retirement packages etc. There are a few things to consider that do not often come to mind, these are:
      1. Floor Plans: If you are looking into rooms, apartments, or homes within a retirement estate, be sure to review the floor plans if available, of your preferred property, to ensure it fits with your parents’ living requirements.
      2. Measurements: Similarly, to reviewing the floor plans, you should view the property’s measurements, to be sure that the property is of an adequate size. By viewing the property’s measurements, you can best determine if your parents’ furniture will fit in the space, thus avoiding future hassles.
      3. Community Policies: Knowing the estates policies and rules regarding pets, parking, monthly costs, inclusions, and exclusions can help you make informed decisions regarding the estate or the type of living you will need.
      4. Waiting Lists: Certain estates, due to popularity, may not be readily available to take on new residents at this time. Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead by starting early. Do your necessary research in advance and once you and your parents have found a suitable estate, apply to be on their waiting lists.

Conclusion

Deciding where your parents are going to live is critical for their post-retirement lifestyle. If your parents are retirees and considering where to call home on this exciting, new chapter of their lives, consider joining Lonehill Manor’s bustling community.

The post Are Your Parents Ready to Move into A Retirement Village? appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Senior citizens reach a point in their lives when they are no longer able to care for themselves. Whether this is a result of physical or mental decline, they are unable to perform daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, or taking medication.

In such circumstances, it is essential for seniors and their families to make the decision to transition into the care of a professional, fully equipped, and well-resourced frail care or assisted living facility. However, choosing the right type of facility will depend entirely on the level of care your loved one needs.

Here are a few things you should know about frail care:

What is frail care?

Frail care is designed to be a long-term living solution for seniors that have suffered some kind of health incident where they are no longer able to care for themselves. These health incidents can range from a heart attack, stroke, bad fall, or mental health decline, all of which can be a requisite for more acute hospital care.

Frail care can provide around-the-clock access to the health care services that these seniors need and can become a permanent home where the level of care is necessary and beneficial to those who live in them.

What are the benefits of frail care?

Frail care can provide many benefits for those who find themselves in need of extra care. These benefits include helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity, it can provide them with social and emotional support, and can help improve the quality of life not only for the senior receive the care, but also peace of mind to the loved ones.

The types of frail care services will differ across retirement villages!

While most retirement estates are intended to meet the needs of older people generally, frail care facilities, services and level of care will vary from one community to another. For example, some retirement estates will offer basic frail care or caregiving services, where a caregiver will help their community members with daily tasks, such as cooking, bathing, laundry, cleaning, and even taking medication.

Whereas other retirement estates may have a more sophisticated and better-staffed frail care facility that could include part-time or full-time medical staff, a pharmacy, surgical theatres for urgent care and life support equipment.

Some retirement estates may also offer independent or assisted living facilities with healthcare access or specialised facilities for mental illness, in addition to their frail care wings. With different types of frail care and healthcare options available to seniors at retirement estates, it is crucial that you look for the best option that meets the needs of your loved one before making a decision.

What are the challenges associated with frail care?

As with all areas of healthcare and assisted living when it comes to our senior citizens, there are many challenges. In the case of frail care, the challenges often focus on the financial aspect to level of care.

Frail care can be seen as very expensive and medical aid schemes are notorious for their fine print. In the case of senior health care, there is an unforgiving difference in the way that health insurance companies define medical care versus frail care.

In the type of health incidents, we covered earlier, short-term healthcare provision may be covered, but only for a limited time. If you suffer a stroke, heart attack or broken hip, they will cover your immediate medical care which does not include assisted living or frail care if that is what you require after recovery.

When it comes to level of care, finding the right frail care or assisted living facility has its’ own challenges. This can be seen when seniors have complex health needs that require a lot of time and attention which is not easy to provide or sustain in a busy hospital or nursing home environment.

This is where research is key, here are a few things to consider:

• What type of assistance does your loved one need?
• What are the costs involved for frail care or assisted living?
• Is the facility well-staffed, properly vetted, and qualified?
• Are existing residents happy with the level of care?
• Is the facility able to properly care for your loved ones needs?

Is home-based care a better alternative than frail care?

When we think of home-based care, we think of a part-time or live-in caregiver that is able to help our loved one better manage their day-to-day tasks in a familiar environment. This definitely sounds better and more cost-effective than the alternative, which is moving your frail loved one into an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by medical staff.

However, home-based care can become a cost-prohibitive process and access to high-level medical care is limited. It is also important to include additional costs such as transport, groceries, housekeeping, hospital stays, and at-home GP visits on top of the monthly caregiver salary in order to gain a clearer understanding of the financial implications of home-based care.

Home-based care can be a viable option if your loved one does not require complex care. If they do, then for thousands of rand less, your loved ones can get the full-time care they deserve with medical professionals and facilities accessible in the retirement village they choose.

Making the decision to move into a retirement estate

Deciding to move into a retirement estate’s assisted living or frail care facility is life-changing decision for seniors and should not be taken lightly. It should be a considered and thoughtful family decision that takes into account the needs and feelings of our loved ones.

Choosing the right retirement estate – with all the requisite facilities and resources – is critical to ensuring the best quality of life, wellbeing, and care for our beloved elderly members of society.

If you are looking for a retirement village, with frail care or assisted living facilities, that are fully staffed and equipped by health professionals and caregivers who are committed to the health and happiness of their community, look no further than Manor Retirement.

The post Facts About Frail Care That You Should Know appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Aging isn’t always graceful, but that doesn’t mean the misconceptions about elderly people are true. In fact, anyone in their sixties still feels that they have so much more life to live and new experiences to discover. This is why you should not buy into the misinformation that hampers how you enjoy your golden years.

We may think we know what aging entails, but the reality is that post-retirement life is as individual and unique as any working life. Today’s senior population can be seen as a very different bunch when compared to past generations as they are more educated, tech savvy, connected, and able to still contribute to their community. This being said, our seniors are a far cry from the frail, forgetful, and helpless figures we see depicted in movies and TV series.

Let us take a closer look at these 7 common misconceptions about aging that may be influencing how we see our retirement life now or in the future:

1. Being a senior is lonely and isolated.
Humans are naturally social creatures, who thrive amongst community. Our need to connect and establish meaningful relationships does not diminish with age. However, there may be physical or mental barriers that arise with age, that make connecting with someone a little more challenging.

Seniors able to maintain strong social relationships can often reap numerous rewards such as overcoming intellectual challenges, improving communication skills, maintaining information processing skills, and improving mental health etc. Thanks to the advancements in technology and the overall progress of retirement communities, seniors can easily stay connected with family or friends, whilst establishing new bonds through various social events and activities.

2. Your health will always be determined by family history.
This is a very common misconception that cannot be farther from the truth. Although genetics can have a small impact on your health outcomes, environmental and lifestyle factors play a much larger role in determining your overall wellbeing. For example, your health is more likely to be influenced by factors such as whether or not you regularly exercise, have a balanced diet, proper sleeping cycle, do not smoke or drink, and if you take proper care of your mental health.

However, if you are concerned about your family’s medical history affecting your current or future health, we recommend that you consult with a medical professional.

3. Seniors are weak or frail.
Muscle tone and strength naturally decline over time, and loss of function is anticipated as we age, however, much can be done to combat or slow down the physical and mental aging process. Staying active, exercising regularly, and having a healthy diet can help seniors build muscle, develop flexibility, improve bone density, assist in weight control, and possible help manage some chronic conditions well-into your older years.

Activities like yoga, swimming, daily walks, gardening and even household chores can all help keep you fit and in tiptop shape. This can include decreasing your blood pressure and incredible benefits for your mental health, such as preventing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or senility.

4. All old people are senile.
As we get older, we experience some forms of mild-forgetfulness like misplacing your car keys, or forgetting about an appointment, but this is a far cry from becoming senile or suffering from dementia. Keeping your wherewithal and maintaining your mental capacity is more than a possibility.

Symptoms of age-related mental decline, like all other symptoms of aging, can be thwarted by a variety of mental and physical activities. For example, reading, learning new skills, keeping up with old skills, playing mentally challenging games can all help towards keeping your mental acuity even into your senior years. Nevertheless, you should talk with a doctor if you have serious concerns about your memory and thinking or notice changes in your behavior and personality.

5. Older people struggle to learn new skills.
This is simply not true, seniors still have the ability to learn new skills, create new memories, and improve existing skillsets that they’ve acquired over a lifetime of experiences. In fact, trying and learning new skills may even improve cognitive abilities as this study from NIH shows.

We develop, grow and craft our ability to learn new skills over many decades and these tools and information-gathering abilities continue to serve us as we grow older. By seeking new social connections and engaging in social activities such as book clubs, bird watching, photography classes, knitting classes etc. can keep your brain active and may help boost your cognitive health.

6. Old people are terrified of technology.
There is seemingly endless rhetoric about old people being confused, intimidated or, possibly, terrified by new technology. This could not be further from the truth, with todays’ seniors being more tech savvy than previous generations, our older population are continuing to explore new technology every single day.

With incredible advancements in technology such as smart devices, video calls, instant messaging, seniors have utilized this technology to stay in-touch with family and friends despite potential growth in physical distance. Seniors have also utilized this newer technology to hone new skills or maintain part time work to keep their minds active or perhaps earn additional income.

7. Seniors should not be part of making important life decisions.
A common – and dangerous – misconception is that with age seniors will begin to lose their ability to think clearly and their interest in life-altering decisions. This goes as far as to assume that they cannot track current events or even some events in their own orbit. This is wrong.

Involving seniors in the decision-making process is a critical means of keeping them engaged, happy, secure, and fulfilled. Important decisions regarding their personal healthcare and finances or selling their home and moving into a retirement community should always include the person who if affects most and who has the most to gain from making good life decisions.

Conclusion

For years, Lonehill Manor has avoided these misconceptions and have treated all of our residents with the respect and dignity that they have earned and deserve in their post-work life.

Our retirement estate fosters respect, trust, and mutually beneficial relationships with our residents and their families. We provide supportive and engaging communities that help so many thrive in their retirement. If you are looking for a place to call home in your retirement years, contact us at Lonehill Manor for more information.

The post 7 Common Misconceptions About Growing Older appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Making the decision to move into an assisted living community is no easy task, there are many questions to ask, promising retirement estates to view, costs to evaluate, and more importantly, the future to consider. Whilst the old saying goes “Home is where the heart is”, many elderly people find it difficult to say goodbye to a home that’s filled with countless cherished memories.

Having a clear understanding of the emotional impact that moving can have on your loved ones will help families reduce or potentially avoid stress and frustration. Moving into an assisted living community should be seen as an exciting journey, a journey designed to find the perfect fit for your loved ones’ current and future healthcare needs, as well as finding an environment that will help your loved one flourish and enjoy.

This may seem impossible at first, however let us take a look at what you and your family can do to make that transition a smoother and dare we say, a happier one.

Making a smooth transition

Having a clear strategy in place can really benefit your loved one with the transition into an assisted living community. This strategy should include their thoughts, seeing as the community selected will become their future home and therefore, they should have a say in whether or not it’s the right place for them.

Once you and your loved one have selected the appropriate assisted living community, you should put together a checklist of to-do’s that should be addressed before, during, and after moving. This to-do list can help keep track of what needs to be done and what still needs to be addressed.

Some items to include in your checklist can be:

1. Moving date: If possible, consider moving during the week when the estate is fully staffed and able to help your loved one get situated.
2. Move their belongings in sooner: If possible, try to bring some of your loved ones’ belongings into the apartment sooner. By doing this, you can make the apartment feel more like home, it will also free up some time to help them settle in and relax.
3. Start the downsize process early: If possible, try narrow down the things your loved one wants to keep, although this may be an emotional journey at first, it will help you better plan the furniture size and storage needs in advance.
4. Make the rounds: If possible, take your loved one on a tour of the assisted living community to engage and meet with the staff and neighbours. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with the people they’ll be spending time with and also join in fun activities.

There are other steps you should take into consideration when moving your loved one into an assisted living community. Let us take a closer look:

Finding a Community Together

When searching for an assisted living community for your loved one, you should consider all aspects e.g., The estates offerings, level of healthcare, what people say about the estate, what activities do they offer, the costs and what is included in the costs etc.

It is important to get your loved one involved in the decision-making process, as mentioned by taking them to view the estate in order to get a better feel for the environment and the people living there. This will help your loved one feel more confident and comfortable with their decision to move into the chosen estate.

As mentioned, having your loved one involved in finding the right assisted living community is important as it will provide them with peace of mind when it comes to the decision to move.

Make a List and Stick to it

You’ve found the right community to move into, now it’s time to put your checklist into action. Make certain activities fun for your loved one, so that they don’t feel as though their lives are being uprooted. One way to do this could be by having the family over to help you sort out and downsize your loved ones’ belongings.

It Takes Time

Making a house feel like a home takes time and patience, the same applies when moving an elderly person into an assisted living community. If a loved one is unable to take care of themselves or they are considering a different kind of homeownership: a healthy, safe, accessible, friendly, and inviting community can become the home they need and deserve, given the time.

Bring Your Cherished Possessions

It’s important to keep special memorabilia or perhaps furniture that bring your loved one joy and comfort in their new living space. This can include their favourite chair, books, movies, pictures, art, or knickknacks. Having these reminders of the home your loved one shared with your family can help make the move less stressful.

Visit Often

This is for the children, grandchildren, friends, and acquaintances of loved ones who are moving into an assisted living facility. There is the potential to feel isolated and unwanted when anyone relocates from their established home, if those around them do not keep in contact. The strongest predictors of a smooth and happy transition are the maintaining of quality time spent with friends and family as well as integrating into their new social circles.

Making New Friends

Whether you are nine or ninety years old, making new friends can be hard to do. Something that makes it easier for all of us is entering into a new social circle. Like most of our retired population, these new social circles will be filled with an incredible array of life stories, interests, and experiences. Eating lunch or playing cards with new friends could have a hugely positive impact on your loved ones’ community experience.

So be sure to encourage your loved one to join in on any events or fun-filled activities that may be taking place in the community. You could also join your loved one in some of these activities to make it easier for them to engage with new people and help them make friends.

Take Part in Activities

All of the best assisted living facilities provide a wide selection of recreational activities that keep all members of the community engaged, active and social. These activities have proven to promote mental and physical health for the residents staying there, therefore it’s important that you and your loved ones take a look at what activities are available and sign them up to join.

By joining in on these activities, the previously unfamiliar faces that they may see at breakfast or on their morning walk will fast become teammates, competition, supporters and partners. Try out the different hobbies, arts, exercise, and games that are organized regularly for the community.

Don’t Change Everything

We understand that when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living community, it’s because they are at a stage in their life where they may be struggling with their mental or physical health. Although change is good, try to keep the size and scope of the changes to a minimum as this can help make the transition even smoother.

Dinner dates with friends, game nights with grandchildren, church on Sunday or monthly family lunches are just as important to maintain as anything else. Adjusting to new surroundings is much easier when you do it with the people you love.

The Lonehill Manor Solution

At Lonehill Manor, we know how to make you or your loved one’s transition into assisted living as easy and gratifying as possible. We offer our residents a place to call home, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful gardens, stylishly decorated lounge, dining room and open spaces, they can enjoy relaxation or easily socialising with friends and family whilst taking part in our estate hosted activities.

Join our wonderful community today and become part of the Lonehill Manor family. Contact our amazing team today for more information on our retirement community.

The post How to Make A Smooth Transition to Assisted Living appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Getting older can be tough in different ways. We may face a loss of mobility or loved ones, declining mental or physical well-being and missing out on family events in far-away places. The truth is that these make it difficult to maintain old relationships or build new ones. Loneliness is a concern for everyone, but especially our elderly loved ones who cannot be as proactive in their social life.

There are serious health risks that are posed to senior citizens who feel isolated and alone in their later years. This can be caused by the loss of a life partner, parents living alone in an old and empty family home or struggling to develop new friendships. The health impacts can extend as far as to affect chronic diseases, like depression, heart conditions, dementia, diabetes and hypertension.

Fortunately, for us, our loved ones and those navigating our post-retirement life, there are incredible benefits to community living that provide opportunities for building real and lasting social connections in our later years. Retirement communities are a wonderful way to spend this chapter of your life, spending time with people at a similar life stage and a variety of social, creative and physical activities to share with a new community.

Here are a few of the most significant benefits of community living for those looking to build an exciting and rewarding post-retirement life:

Having a supportive community around you

As we mentioned, having, building and maintaining strong social connections and healthy relationships are a sure-fire way towards a meaningful and fulfilling later life. In a retirement village, we are introduced to a whole new community of like-minded people who also want share new experiences with new friends. A sense of community and the richness of sharing those experiences cannot be overstated.

A lifetime of stories, challenges, milestones, memories and experiences to share with a community of people who can do the same with you. Not to mention all the new memories, stories and experiences that will be shared for years to come. Having an emphatic and supportive group of peers that understand you and want to see you thrive is so important for keeping up your mental and physical wellbeing.

Helping keep your mind sharp

Exercise is an important part of any health lifestyle, but we will discuss physical exercise later on. Much like our bodies, our minds need regular exercise in order to keep sharp. Exploring new ideas, activities, skills, hobbies, conversations and creative endeavours are transformative to the way our minds learn and stay agile. We have to make sure our minds are healthy, in addition to our bodies, as we age into later life.

Building up the strength, resilience and capabilities of our brains has many benefits for our brain health later in life. Reading, playing cards, painting or playing an instrument has proven to help reduce the likelihood and severity of mental health issues, chronic health conditions and physical ailments. Retirement communities are well aware of these benefits and have a variety of activities available to keep the mind sharp.

Providing a sense of purpose

Having a calendar full of fun and exciting events is very affirming for anyone’s mental state. Getting ready for a busy schedule of social activities can give us a sense of purpose in our post-retirement years. Retirement communities will have a rich and engaging calendar of physical, social, creative and competitive activities to help develop new skills, build connections and stay active.

Especially now, since the pandemic is coming to an end, community living spaces are reintroducing communal activities, outings and social events to their calendars. From dancing and cooking classes to movie and game nights, there are so many activities that those in a retirement community can look forward to, stay connected with their community and provide a sense of purpose for them.

Physical exercise is critical for physical well-being

It is important to specify that, amongst all of these wonderful social and communal activities, there are a multitude of physical activities facilitated by retirement villages to help keep your body healthy. Facilities like gyms, pools, tennis courts and so on are used for swimming, yoga, dancing, cardio and other training that helps you stay active at any age. Using these opportunities is so important for your body and, indeed, your mind.

Even something as simple and enjoyable as group nature walks or a daily communal walk around the village can be a huge addition to your post-retirement lifestyle. The health benefits of physical exercise are clear for everybody, but it becomes even more important aging into our sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond. There is no shortage of opportunities for you to keep your body strong and fit, benefiting your physical, mental and spiritual health.

Choosing the right residential option for your retirement years can have a variety of positive mental and physical benefits for you. Whatever your post-retirement lifestyle requirements, you can rest assured that you will have every one of your needs met at Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities.

The post What Are the Health Benefits of Community Living for Retirees? appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Most seniors will prioritise keeping their minds strong and their memories clear, but there is always more that can be done. There is an abundance of research that shows the rates of memory loss in seniors can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors. Genetics, lifestyle, physical activity, diet, habits, social lives and other factors play a significant role in improving memory retention.

There are many different factors that can lead to positive changes in our memory retention, as well as mental and physical health.

Let us take a look at 7 simple ways that senior citizens can make noticeable improvements in their memory retention:

1. Go get regular health check-ups
   At any age, there are a number of physical and mental conditions that can have a negative impact on our memory retention. Illnesses, like depression, thyroid problems, mineral or vitamin deficiencies, heart conditions and degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can diminish our recall ability. Getting regular health check-ups can help identify potentially harmful illnesses, medications or activities that could minimise the risk to our elderly loved one’s memory retention.

2. Keeping mentally stimulated
   Our loved ones are never too old to take up new hobbies, develop new skills and stimulate their minds. Introducing new activities, such as card games, artistic pursuits, cooking or creative writing, or encouraging them to continue reading, learning, and engaging with new ideas, will help keep their brains sharp and agile. Trying an instrument or consuming different types of media can inspire older citizens to increase their mental capacity and memory retention.

3. Taking a break and calming minds
   Giving your mind a break is beneficial for any person at any age. Mindfulness, meditation, rest and calming your mind are just some of the ways to bolster our mental recovery. These recovery periods can help reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, improve breathing and, indeed, strengthen memory retention. Promoting calmness and prioritising rest is critical for our loved ones as they get older; encourage them to take a break for their minds.

4. Maintaining a regular exercise schedule
   Exercise is one of the simplest and most important changes we can make to improve our mental and physical health as we age into our senior years. The benefits of exercise for the brain are well documented, but we have learned a lot recently about how advantageous exercise is for memory retention in elderly people. Beyond boosting cognitive functionality, exercise makes their bodies healthier, which reducing their risk of other diseases that cause mental harm.

5. Improving diets and eating better
   It is hard to describe the perfect diet for any individual. However, much like regular exercise, eating better will have a significant impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Our elderly loved ones have even more reason to improve their diets as it can help them maintain energy, improve memory retention and avoid common ailments. Broadly speaking, their diets should include a good balance of healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and daily water intake.

6. Staying socially active
   Senior citizens are often battling feelings of isolation, alienation and loneliness that can contribute to a variety of physical and mental ailments. This includes precipitating memory retention loss in our later years and reducing the desire to hold on to a lifetime of memories. Helping elderly loved ones keep strong bonds with their family, friends and local community can be transformational to their mental state – inspiring them to hold on to their precious memories.

7. Prioritising good quality sleep
   There are very few things better for our minds than sleep. Almost every brain function benefits from high-quality sleep and prioritising a regular sleep schedule is one of the best things senior citizens can do for their memory retention. They should focus on avoiding electronics, alcohol, caffeine and stimulating distractions in the evening; making their bedroom a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Improving diets, regularly exercising, socialising and reducing stress also contribute to better sleep.

A Final Thought

The space that you occupy will have a large impact on your general wellbeing. This is especially true for retirees and senior citizens who, often, require particular services, amenities and options from their residential space. Most retirement communities offer physical, creative and social activities for their residents that help keep them active and their bodies and minds healthy.

Choosing the right residential option for senior citizens can have a variety of positive mental and physical benefits for them. Whatever their post-retirement lifestyle requirements, you can rest assured that your loved ones will have every need met at one of Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities.

The post 7 Simple Ways Senior Citizens Can Improve Their Memory Retention appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Of course, there are many different approaches to funding your retirement life, all of which have their pros and cons that need to be considered. Whatever your approach, there are several common retirement mistakes that need to be avoided at all costs. All the while, ensuring diligent saving habits and effective pension fund development over the course of your career.

Here are the five most common retirement mistakes you need to avoid:

1. Retiring too early
   One of the most common mistakes made by older South Africans is the assumption that we can retire at 55 and go about our retirement life in style. The fact is that retiring at 55 is just not feasible in a South African context for most of us. The vast majority of us will have to keep working well into our sixties and maybe beyond. Whether you are a cautious spender or diligent saver, the amount you can afford to put aside will, simply, not be able to cover the lifestyles you want to lead for as long as we need. Life expectancy increases every year and we will need (on average) ten to fifteen years more years of retirement funding than expected. Unfortunately, retiring early is a privilege reserved for very few and cannot inform our retirement plan decisions.

2. Too dependent on investment and cash accounts
   The desire to place your money and savings into regular accounts is a terrible mistake. Savings accounts, like money market and investment accounts, are a tempting short-term solution to where and how to keep our savings safe while growing. These are a sensible pitstop on your savings journey, but cannot be the final destination. These accounts are too unstable and inconsistent for a retirement fund due to volatility in the equity market. Of course, these accounts will continue to provide useful tools and opportunities to make growing your retirement fund a successful endeavour. However, these will never replace the classic retirement annuities, preservation funds and pension plans that continue to offer safe and secure access to your savings for your entire retirement, without the risk of outliving or losing your money.

3. Thinking you have more disposable income than you do
   There are many romantic notions about what our retirement life might look like, especially when we see a large lump sum in our accounts. Travelling the world, spoiling loved ones, climbing mountains and buying dream cars are all valuable and exciting ways to spend your money, but are they within your retirement budget? They might not be. It is important to take note of exactly how much disposable income you have access to and what you can afford to spend on romantic notions. Most South Africans are seduced by the significant amount of money that you have on hand after retirement. However, it is important to ensure this money lasts and you can pay for your retirement without stress and room for a little extravagance.

4. Failing to adjust your post-retirement lifestyle
   This is probably the most common mistake made by soon-to-retire South Africans, according to financial experts, insurers and bankers. Understanding what you have available to you and what kind of lifestyle you intend to lead are important steps in planning your retirement; however, these two factors will need to account for each other. Basically, we need to be able to afford our post-retirement lifestyle. With all the time, money and freedom that comes with retiring, it can be so tempting to spend extravagantly and explore the world. A reasonable wish for any new retiree. This is hard-earned and well-deserved, but needs to be approached with caution. It may be hard to hold back in your sixties, but you will be grateful for the additional income in your eighties and nineties.

5. Starting too late and saving too little
   There are two simple steps that any working adult can take to help ensure their retirement will be comfortable and easy: starting early and saving more. It is understood that we want to spend as much as we save from our salaries, but this is not always the best choice. Starting in your twenties and saving more towards your pension could be the difference between your dream retirement and a steep drop in lifestyle standards. By becoming more diligent in how we save money and add into our pensions, we can become more and better prepared for our next life stage. Most retirees say that their retirement years approached them faster than they expected and should have prepared more. Get ahead of the curve and start saving as much as you can, as soon as you can. Your future retired self will thank you!

Deciding where you are going to live in your retirement years is an important and difficult decision to make. Whatever your medical or lifestyle requirements, Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities have a range of senior living options to make living your retirement years easier and more comfortable.

The post The 5 Most Common Retirement Mistakes Made by South Africans appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Researchers found that seniors with a healthy heart would be able to maintain and improve their memory, mental capacity and mental health. Factors, such as diet, blood circulation, lifestyle, physical activity and stress levels, will all play a part in our cardiovascular health as we get older. We need to consider these factors when deciding what we want our retirement years to look like and when trying to maintain our lifetime of memories.

Here are a few ways to that improving your heart health can help keep your mind sharp as you age:

Poor Blood Circulation Can Precipitate Mental Decline

Poor blood circulation can have various negative effects on our physical and mental health as we age. Research shows that the reduced blood flow associated with poor circulation can lead to a more rapid decline in our memory. This is as a result of poor blood flow to the temporal lobes of the brain.

Our brain’s temporal lobes play a key role in memory formation, retention and maintenance. Over time, a restricted cerebral blood flow will precipitate the effects of memory and mental decline that we see in aging. This is all as a result of poor blood circulation and weakened heart function that reduces blood flow to these critical areas of the brain.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Good Heart Health

One of the most common and devastating forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Much like cancer or heart attacks, we have all had to deal with loved ones suffering from dementia. The symptoms of dementia can range from memory loss and cognitive decline to confusion and inability to reason. Alzheimer’s is one of the more severe types of dementia, and all preventive measures should be considered.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by plaques, tangles and abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells and synapses that cause brain cells to die. In a recent study, it was found that elderly participants who had healthy hearts (strong blood circulation and healthy blood vessels) were less likely to build up plaques and tangles in the areas of the brain where Alzheimer’s first forms.

Good for the Heart Is Good for the Brain

Maintaining our brain health and memory as we age is more than a matter of keeping our hearts healthy. However, the healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices that are emphasised for maintaining heart health are the same ones that benefit our brain health. Cardiovascular and mental health are intricately linked to our overall health and can both be improved by certain lifestyle changes.

Making big lifestyle changes can be difficult as we get older, but even the smallest changes could make a difference to our long-term cardiovascular and mental health. Healthy behaviour changes like these could include: quitting smoking, doing regular exercise, getting good sleep and eating a well-balanced diet. You never know what positive lifestyle changes will have the biggest impact, but all of them are definitely worth a try.

Deciding where you are going to live in your retirement years is an important and difficult decision to make. Whatever your medical or lifestyle requirements, Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities have a range of senior living options to meet your needs, including independent and assisted living, as well as frail care.

The post Research Shows Link Between a Healthy Heart and Lasting Memory in Seniors  appeared first on Manor Retirement.

There are so many benefits for those who move into retirement communities that can make the decision easier. Beyond access to 24-hour health care and endless activities; there is a community of people who are navigating their post-retirement life – just like you. In fact, most seniors who have decided to move into these communities could not imagine living anywhere else.

If you are approaching your retirement years and wondering whether or not independent living is for you, ask yourself these five questions:

Do you know the difference between independent living and assisted living?

There are many options to choose from when considering what type of residence and care you require in your older age. There is a lot to consider, from various types of residences to different levels of care and what amenities your retirement community offers. For example, independent living focuses on the community’s social needs and residential comfort, but residents still have the option to take part in activities and events outside the community.

Independent living still offers access to common amenities, such as medical care, communal dining and household assistance. However, some residents require this type of care more frequently. Assisted living is a residential option for those who still want some independence and freedom, but require regular assistance with daily tasks. Housekeeping, meal preparation, and taking medication are common tasks that become harder for us as we age into our retirement years.

What is the truth about independent living?

As with anything in life, there are some myths and stories about what independent living is like for those who choose it. However, most of these are false, and the reality is much simpler, more independent and more comfortable than these myths sometimes suggest. Independent living and retirement communities do not threaten your independence, they help you maintain it for longer.

You can face the difficulties, that sometimes come with ageing, in your own space with support when you need it. You can keep your favourite couch or cook your favourite meals; you can live in your own space that you can be proud to call home. There is no obligation to use the services and amenities of your retirement community, but if and when you require it, there are always trained staff to offer professional and speedy assistance.

What are your current health and lifestyle needs?

Before deciding what amount or type of care you will require, it is important to take stock of your personal health condition. In order to understand if independent or assisted living is for you, you need to decide what you are capable of doing. Consider your health and mobility to determine if you can conduct daily chores, keep up with medication and transport yourself around the city.

If this is the case, independent living might be the right choice for you. Independent living also provides the opportunity to keep in touch with friends and family more easily. You can attend all the events and celebrations you want to participate in and enjoy. If you do not feel up to taking care of daily tasks, something closer to assisted living might be right for you. You need to decide what residential options suit your personal and health needs.

What should you consider when choosing a retirement community?

First and foremost, you have to visit the retirement communities you are considering. You should know exactly what residential options, amenities and services they offer. Try and speak to other residents about how they have experienced their community environment. Ask round to determine where people with similar health and lifestyle requirements have decided to call home. Also consider the community’s location and its proximity to family, friends, restaurants and shopping centres,

How should you make the transition?

The transition from your pre-retirement lifestyle to post-retirement lifestyle can be a jarring and intimidating time for all of us. Not to mention, the actual move itself can be incredibly stressful. Try and pack ahead of time, while deciding what personal items, furniture and luxuries you want to take with you.

When you get there, do not be shy. Be social and introduce yourself to your new community, decorate your residence to make it feel like home and enjoy the amenities that interest you. Take part in social activities and take the opportunity to consider what your post-retirement life will look like. This is a huge next step in your life, and this choice must prioritise you and your wellbeing.

Deciding where you are going to live in your retirement years is an important and difficult decision to make. Whatever your medical or lifestyle requirements, Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities have a range of senior living options to meet your needs, including independent and assisted living, as well as frail care,

The post Is Independent Living the Right Choice for You? appeared first on Manor Retirement.