Maintaining mental health is crucial for seniors, as it affects overall well-being and quality of life. This guide highlights strategies to promote mental wellness, including staying active, socializing, and seeking professional support when needed.
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What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is most often defined as the ability to exist and develop in the present without depleting natural resources of the future.
Why should living sustainably matter to you?
To put it simply, living sustainably should matter because our entire existence depends on the health of our planet. Natural resources allow us to enjoy many daily activities we take for granted such as breathing, driving our car to the grocery store, or even taking a shower. In fact, according to a Readers Digest article, if we ran out of energy sources such as water, oxygen, or fuel, there would be catastrophic consequences. These energy sources are nonrenewable meaning that they cannot be replaced nearly as fast as they are consumed.
Water
Water makes up about 70% of our planet’s surface, however, almost 95% of that water is unsuitable to be consumed due to it being confined to glacier formations or being polluted by industrial and agricultural waste. NASA has conducted numerous studies that have found that much of our freshwater sources are being drained much faster than they are being replenished. Increasing population worldwide, global warming, and urban development are three of the biggest culprits, yet, we as individuals are also to blame. The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that each American uses over 80 gallons of water per day.
What can you do to conserve water?
While we are all probably guilty of unnecessarily wasting water at some point or other, there are simple changes we can make in our daily habits to help conserve water:
Oxygen and Fossil Fuels
NASA has determined that oxygen levels have been declining for hundreds of thousands of years, and the main culprit of this decline is carbon emissions. Carbon emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. Over 80% of energy in the United States comes from fossil fuels, and if we continue relying on these fuels like we currently are, scientists fear we may be at risk of running out of them by 2060.
On top of the risk of running out of fossil fuels, the carbon that is released from burning these fuels combines with oxygen molecules in the air and creates carbon dioxide (CO2). This process traps the oxygen in the air, preventing us from being able use that oxygen to breathe. CO2 is also the primary culprit of global warming. According to MIT, global warming causes our oceans to warm up significantly. Which might not sound too terrible except for the fact that the warmer liquids like water become, the less dissolved gas they can hold. The less gas our ocean water can hold, the less dissolved oxygen is available for marine life to survive off.
What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint (the use of fossil fuels)?
Does it matter where you live?
The short answer is yes. When trying to live a more sustainable life, it is very important to surround yourself in a community that is also practicing living a sustainable lifestyle. In the near future, we can expect an increase in the number of senior living communities that will move towards significantly reducing their carbon footprint by living more sustainably.
Maple Knoll Village, a continuing care retirement community located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is already ahead of the sustainability game in many ways. The biggest strength our community has when it comes to sustainability, is community involvement and education. Our management team and residents recently formed a Sustainability Team dedicated to brainstorming ways they can create a more sustainable environment that will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Residents have already begun implementing their ideas throughout campus including a shared vegetable and herb garden. While members of the resident community garden club are responsible for maintaining this garden, all residents are welcome to enjoy the produce grown. This not only allows our residents to reduce their carbon footprint by eating local, organic produce, but also provides opportunities for residents to get to know each other and socialize. Other resident efforts include educational pieces in monthly newsletters focused on recycling and daily changes you can make towards reducing your carbon footprint.
Our newest Coventry Court Villas earned the esteemed LEED Platinum Certification in 2020. This is the highest LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) level of certification available through the U.S. Green Building Council. This status was achieved by including these key design features: storm water capture & water efficient irrigation systems, energy star roof shingles and appliances, high efficiency gas furnaces, tankless gas water heaters, high performance E windows and doors, LED lighting fixtures, air tight building envelope with performance testing and continuous insulation, use of recycled and locally sourced building materials and roughed-in electric in each garage for optional electric car charger stations.
Plans for new construction at Maple Knoll Village feature green energy and sustainability at the forefront. As solar energy becomes more accessible and efficient, implementing solar panels and geothermal energy alternatives in new and existing construction is a high priority of the Sustainability Team as they continue to evaluate efforts towards creating a more sustainable community.
Sustainable communities like Maple Knoll Village not only provide a healthier living environment for residents but can also provide a more engaged lifestyle for residents offering them many opportunities to get involved and go green with their neighbors. A Harvard study found that the cognitive scores of residents residing in green communities were 61% higher than those that were not residing in green communities. Residents of these communities are also more likely to have a higher sense of purpose, fulfillment, and improved mental health.
Adopting sustainable practices, whether large or small, can have significant impacts in the long run. To learn more about Maple Knoll Village’s efforts towards becoming a more sustainable community and to schedule a tour of our community, contact us here.
Staying healthy and active can become more difficult as muscle and joint pain set in and range of motion becomes limited with age. Alternative exercises such as swimming are much safer and easier on the body. Swimming is an ideal workout for older adults, mainly because it presents little risk of injury and is low impact. Here are 3 health benefits of swimming for older adults:
Tones muscles while staying gentle on the joints. Every movement in the water engages multiple muscle groups at the same time. Aquatic exercises are a great form of resistance training that help tone muscles without the stress on joints typical full body workouts can present. Because swimming is not weight-bearing, it’s easy on the joints for those who suffer from joint pain or discomfort.
Increases flexibility. While stretching before and after exercising is a sure way to increase flexibility, the act of swimming itself can also help increase flexibility in your hips, legs, arms, and neck. Swimming lengthens the muscles in a way that can make your joints more flexible and help muscle recovery.
Improves mental health. Swimming is a great way to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. Swimming can be a relaxing, individual activity but it can also be a fun, active, and social activity. Water Volleyball is a favorite exercise of Maple Knoll residents that allows them to have fun and socialize while also working out.
Our extensive warm water aquatics program at the Maple Knoll Village Hemsworth Wellness Center is perfect setting for aquatic exercises.
Our dedicated staff provide personally guided warm water exercises that give residents the option of swimming or walking laps, floating or exercising on their own, or even participating in a guided class. The various classes within the program help residents improve range of motion, muscular strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and endurance.
For more information on our state-of-the-art Wellness Center and pool, please call 513-782-2717.
Social involvement is important at any age, especially for older adults. Having an active role in the community adds purpose and meaning to their lives while also providing opportunities to build lasting friendships. Residents of Maple Knoll Village are encouraged to be as involved in the Maple Knoll community as they desire. Three of the biggest ways residents can be involved on campus include resident committees, social and recreational programming, and volunteer opportunities.
Resident Committees
At Maple Knoll Village, we believe that the best way to improve community life for our residents is by listening to the residents themselves. Maple Knoll residents have the opportunity to be involved in the Resident’s Council. This council is overseen by Erin Navaro, our Residential Services Manager, and is comprised of various committees focused on dining, safety, technology, hospitality, and activities as well as a representative from each neighborhood. Residents work with staff in these committees to provide suggestions and ideas to enhance campus life. These suggestions are reviewed at Resident Council and then passed onto administration.
Social and Recreational Programming
The amenities at Maple Knoll Village allow residents the freedom to be as active as they wish. Our 54-acre campus features a certified arboretum, walking paths, and gardens providing an outdoor sanctuary. Inside our main building you will find Main Street which is lined with the Bistro on the Green, the ServUS Technology Lab, Mane Street Salon, our 24-hour Marketplace, chapel, weaving room, and multiple spaces for resident gatherings. On campus you will also find a state of the art Wellness Center with a warm water pool and sauna, the Woodshop, shuffleboards, ping pong tables, and Cheers pub.
Each level of care at Maple Knoll Village has trained Activity staff dedicated to ensuring our residents live their lives to fullest. This can be seen through various planned social, cultural, and educational programs. Local entertainment from the community and area colleges are frequently brought in for residents to enjoy as well.
One of the most popular activities offered is the weekly “Wine ‘n Words” happy hour. Independent living residents come together to enjoy food and drinks, socialize, and even meet new people. Residents also have frequent opportunities to enjoy life outside of Maple Knoll Village by visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, attending Reds games, or enjoying a morning at the Symphony.
Volunteer Opportunities
Maple Knoll Village provides both residents and the outside community with many volunteer opportunities. Residents can volunteer on campus several ways including: assisting at the front desk, bartending for various social events and weekly happy hours, crafting projects for the community in the Woodshop, working in the Re-Run shop, or doing compassionate care visits in our Bodmann Skilled Nursing Pavilion.
Residents of Maple Knoll Village enjoy volunteering in the Montessori Child Center on campus which provides mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships between the seniors and children.
To learn more about socialization opportunities offered, check out our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram @mapleknollvillage for an inside look at life at Maple Knoll Village or give us a call at 513-909-7935.
It’s common knowledge that exercise and a healthy diet play crucial roles in our overall health, especially as we age. However, many people are unaware that oral health is just as important. The risk of losing our teeth increases as we age, which can lead to other health issues such as malnutrition, oral cancer and other chronic diseases. Many retired older adults do not have dental insurance because the traditional federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care, which can discourage them from making annual dental visits. Taking care of our oral health may seem like a small issue; however, when gone unaddressed dental issues can have a large impact in our overall health.
Common Oral Health Problems in Older Adults
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advanced aging puts older adults at risk for a number of oral health problems. While many of these issues can be treated upon early diagnosis, many of them have the potential to negatively impact our health and ability to age well. Here are a few of the most common oral health issues in older adults:
Tips for Improving Oral Health in Older Adults
A lifetime full of habits, both good and bad, can have a tremendous impact on our oral health as we age. To protect their dental health and avoid major health concerns, it’s important that older adults maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen. Here are a few simple but effective steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums:
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following tips can help you maintain strong teeth and a healthy mouth:
Healthy Living at Maple Knoll Village
At Maple Knoll Village, health is our priority. Our UC affiliated clinic offers specialty appointments for a variety of different healthcare needs. To learn more about our clinic or to schedule a tour, contact us here.
Throughout our lives, we crave a sense of belonging. Studies have found that as people get older, their social capital, or connection to others, has even greater value for successful aging.
According to the National Council on Aging, social isolation can negatively impact mental performance, compromise the immune system, and increase the risk of certain diseases and depression. Research suggests that the health risks of extended periods of isolation are the equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Older adults with a healthy social network are more active, feel more independent and enjoy more fulfilling lives. Located in the Cincinnati tristate area is Maple Knoll Village, a continuing care retirement community that provides an environment for independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing where residents feel connected and engaged.
Here are some of the top ways being a part of an active community can provide a sense of belonging and keep life lively for older adults.
1. Socializing during happy hour
Residents at Maple Knoll Village regularly mix and mingle for social events, whether it is getting out to visit a local winery, clinking steins at Oktoberfest or celebrating a birthday. If you are curious what everyday life is like in this vibrant community, the Wine Down event on November 16 at 4 p.m. invites prospective residents to take a tour, sip fine wines and enjoy a relaxed meet-and-greet with Maple Knoll Village residents and staff in their newly renovated auditorium.
2. Connecting with friends over food
Sharing meals is another way that people can gather to socialize. This October, Maple Knoll Village unveiled its newly-renovated dining spaces. The vision was to provide fresh and engaging places for residents and their guests to get together and eat delicious food. The new Bistro on the Green offers expanded seating and an updated menu, including crispy pies from the pizza oven. The Market on Main is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week offering grab-n-go convenience. It is the perfect pairing of good food and good company.
3. Inspiring each other to be creative
Along with a service window to assist with events in the auditorium, the new Market on Main has a fully equipped teaching kitchen for residents to put their aprons on and try their hand at new recipes. It is only one of the many ways Maple Knoll Village inspires creativity, lifelong learning and togetherness. Another activity that residents enjoy is the monthly Art for Everyone sessions run by local Cincinnati artist Jennifer Hall. Participants have done everything from making tile mosaics to creating irreverent blackout poetry.
4. Exercising with friends and fitness specialists
Group activities have mental, emotional and physical benefits, especially when working out and staying active. At the Hemsworth Wellness Center at Maple Knoll Village, older adults can train one-on-one with a fitness specialist to build strength and boost their ability to perform everyday activities. Residents also have the option to join group classes such as tai chi, slow flow, yoga, and aqua aerobics in the 60-foot heated pool.
5. Sharing stories
Throughout the different neighborhoods of Maple Knoll Village, all residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in spacious apartments and villas. They can be active, healthy and independent, while having access to special events and activities with others. It is truly a unique place to call home and even has a member-supported public radio station, WMKV 89.3FM, that serves the greater Cincinnati area. Broadcasting locally and streaming worldwide, WMKV celebrates the Golden Age of Radio with entertaining live hosts, podcasts and other events.
For older adults, having a sense of community can significantly improve quality of life. There is peace of mind in knowing you are not alone and can continue to do the things you love while meeting new people. Couples and individuals alike choose to make the Maple Knoll Village community their forever home.
The holiday season is in full swing, which means many of us are preparing for celebrations with family, friends, and good food. The holidays present a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, but can also be a source of stress and anxiety. November and December are busy months for many of us. It’s also a time where our routines and schedules are inconsistent and diets consist of special and often heavy foods. In fact, high cholesterol, an increase in blood pressure and foods that cause inflammation in the body are common during this time. If we’re not careful, the holiday season can have a negative effect on our health—both physically and mentally. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your healthy habits throughout the holiday season.
Simple Tips for a Healthy Holiday
To help keep you healthy, reduce stress and avoid the holiday blues, you may consider implementing the following tips the next time you find yourself celebrating with family and friends.
Celebrating the Holidays at Maple Knoll Village
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, our staff at Maple Knoll Village are here to keep you safe and healthy. From the Hemsworth Wellness Center to the Bistro on the Green, we have everything it takes to make this holiday season a healthy one.
Staying hydrated is an essential part of healthy aging, especially for those 65 and older. As we age, our risk of becoming dehydrated increases for a number of reasons. Foremost, our ability to conserve water decreases with age making it more difficult to stay properly hydrated. Older adults may also experience a diminished sense of thirst, which can be caused by age and even some medications. While dehydration might not seem like a major health concern, it can ultimately lead to poor health and medical outcomes, increased hospitalization and even premature death.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the ten most common causes of hospitalizations in older adults. While dehydration can look different for each individual, there are some common signs which can include headaches, constipation, muscle cramps, dry mouth and fatigue. Dark urine is also a common side effect of dehydration and can act as a good warning sign. If a person is getting enough water, their urine should be lighter in color. However, it’s important to note that some medications can interfere with urine color. Other common symptoms of dehydration can include decreased urination, dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, cold hands and feet and increased heart rate.
Benefits of Drinking Water
Drinking enough water is a simple way to take charge of your health. While it can feel difficult at times, getting adequate hydration throughout the day actually has numerous health benefits such as improving cognition and reducing joint pain. Here are a few ways your body benefits from hydration:
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. In addition to consuming water, there are a number of different ways we can stay hydrated from the foods we eat. In fact, most fruits and vegetables have a high water content. Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and oranges are great sources of hydration and have added fiber and nutrients that also boost immune function. Eating soups and smoothies with your meals will also help you consume water in a more fun and filling way. Adding raspberries, lemons and cucumbers can make drinking water feel like a treat.
Cold winter temperatures can cause an increased risk of health problems and weather-related injuries for older adults. Hypothermia, frost-bite, influenza and falls in the ice or snow can present major health concerns during the winter months. Because older adults lose body heat faster than compared to their younger years, staying warm enough during the winter can be a challenge. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults ages 65 and older are at a high risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia from the flu. Flu activity is the highest between December and February, and can last until the springtime. While the flu might seem like a nuisance for many people, it can cause serious health complications for older adults, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
Complications from Influenza
Influenza in older adults triples the risk of both heart attack and stroke within the first two weeks of infection. Pneumonia, which is an infection of the air sacs in one or both of the lungs, is characterized by severe cough, fever, chills and difficulty in breathing. Pneumonia often occurs as a complication of influenza and can cause serious health problems, including death, for older adults. If you have been ill with influenza and experience severe coughing with large amounts of mucus, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, severe chills or sweating, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and chest pains, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Tips for Preventing Winter Illness
Get the flu and pneumonia vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise older adults to get the flu vaccine each year starting in September. The vaccine is proven to be the best way to protect against influenza and its complications. Flu vaccines are updated each season and can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Older adults should also consider getting the pneumonia vaccine, as the illness can cause severe problems.
Practice good hygiene
Germs from your hands can enter through your nose and mouth, causing you to become ill. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water to disinfect any germs and prevent illnesses from entering your body. Use antibacterial hand sanitizer when on the go.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask isn’t only preventative towards COVID-19. In fact, wearing a mask when in public can help prevent the spread of the flu and other wintertime illnesses. It’s also important to wear a mask when you are ill or feel an illness coming on to protect others from getting sick.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a well-balanced diet of fruit and vegetables can help keep the immune system functioning and even reduce the risk of developing wintertime illnesses such as influenza and the common cold. Staying hydrated also helps the body fight off infections. Studies have shown that foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, peppers and broccoli can help boost the immune system and prevent illness.
Avoid touching your face
You may touch your face more often than you think! However, during the flu season it’s important to keep your hands away from your nose and mouth, as germs can enter the body and cause us to get sick.
Clean high touch surfaces
It’s important to consistently disinfect common areas in your home such as the kitchen and bathroom. Germs can multiply even in your home and increase the risk of developing influenza and other illnesses. Keep disinfecting wipes easily accessible in high touch areas and use them on doorknobs, light switches and counters.
Staying Healthy at Maple Knoll Village
We know how dangerous the flu can be for our residents at Maple Knoll. That’s why our community provides the flu vaccine and healthy meal options which support an effective and strong immune system. How are you staying healthy this winter?
Eating the right types of food can play an important role in healthy aging. However, proper nutrition can look differently as we age. Some older adults tend to lose muscle mass, making it important to consume higher amounts of protein, while others may find their bodies absorb certain nutrients at a slower rate. Eating what is right for our aging bodies can help us stay energized, maintain a healthy weight, lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet can also extend your quality of life and promote longevity. The first step to eating right is to learn about the ways age can affect our appetite.
How Aging Affects the Appetite
Medical issues and normal changes that come with aging can interfere with nutrition for older adults. It’s important to be able to recognize and identify these issues in order to address them in a timely manner. According to the National Institutes of Health, here are a few of the most common dietary changes older adults may experience:
Tips for Cooking for One or Two People
If you are used to cooking for a large family, learning how to prepare enough food just for yourself without wasting can be difficult. However, this doesn’t mean you have to forego cooking healthy meals completely. Instead of settling for frozen dinners or take-out, you might consider the following cooking tips provided by the Mayo Clinic:
Make a plan
You’re less likely to waste food when you plan out all of your meals in advance. Try jotting down meal ideas for the week and preparing a shopping list. This way, you’ll have everything on-hand when you are ready to cook your meal.
Stock your pantry
Having healthy food options on hand will make cooking and preparing food feel much easier. Keeping canned vegetables, beans and fruits stocked in your pantry will make fixing a healthy meal possible at any time. You may consider purchasing whole grain foods such as brown rice, quinoa, barley and pasta to make meals more satisfying.
Take advantage of your freezer
Buying foods in bulk can help keep your grocery costs down. You can always store extra ingredients in the freezer to keep them fresh for longer. You can freeze many foods including bread, meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Freezing is a great way to prevent food waste. Always make sure to write the date on whatever foods you are freezing.
Prepare one-dish meals
Dishes that serve as a whole meal are great options for those cooking just for themselves or one other person. These dishes usually include items from different food groups such as meats, whole grains, legumes and vegetables. One-dish meals might come in the form of stews, casseroles or chili. While one-dish meals might produce a lot of food, most make excellent freezer meals.
Cook once, but use twice
Plan your meals so that you can freeze extra into individual servings or eat throughout the week. For example, if you roast a chicken for dinner one night, you can use leftovers to make chicken soup or chicken salad and eat that for several meals.
Prioritize convenience
We all have days where we feel under the weather or run out of time to prepare a healthy meal. It’s best to plan ahead for these days! Low sodium canned soups and healthy frozen meals make great options for times like these.
Healthy Recipe Ideas for One
If you’re having trouble finding inspiration for your next meal, look no further. BBC Good Food has compiled a variety of recipes that are specifically designed to feed one person, but can be adapted to feed more. Here’s one to get you started:
Chicken Breast with Avocado Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
Step one:
In a skillet, heat 1 tsp of oil over medium heat. Rub chicken with paprika. Cook chicken on 4-5 minutes each side until cooked through.
Step two:
Mix the salad ingredients together, season and add the rest of the oil. Thickly slice the chicken and serve with salad.
