The Importance of Mental Health for Seniors

“Do not regret getting older. It is a privilege denied to many.” ― Mark Twain

Mark Twain said it best- those who age are blessed with a privilege many are not lucky to have. And, although aging inevitably comes with its own set of challenges including those related to mental health, it is essential for us to recognize the unique opportunities for growth and fulfillment that come with aging.

Senior mental health is an especially important, yet a universally overlooked aspect of overall well-being. As we age, it is quite common to experience mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. These challenges can arise from factors such as chronic illness, the loss of loved ones, or social isolation.

Just as we experience physical changes and challenges with our bodies over the years, our minds also do the same. By staying informed, engaging in healthy habits, and nurturing social connections, older adults can enjoy fulfilling lives and age with grace.

Below are a few ways you or your loved one can practice prioritizing mental health.

Staying Active

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for mental health in the sense that it not only enhances physical fitness but can also positively impact your emotional well-being. Regular physical activity can be tailored to your individual abilities and preferences, such as walking, swimming, or even gardening.

Staying active promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, and can improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and boost self-esteem, all of which are crucial components of maintaining mental health.

The Hemsworth Wellness Center at Maple Knoll Village consists of highly trained fitness specialists who help encourage residents to lead an active lifestyle. A variety of guided classes such as tai chi, chair yoga, and energize are offered throughout the week to ensure a blend of difficulty levels that everyone can appreciate. Wellness Center staff also regularly conduct health and wellness programs to educate Maple Knoll residents and provide them with the tools needed to live healthier lives.

Socialization

Maintaining relationships and seeking out opportunities for social engagement is another vital aspect that has a significant impact on mental health in older adults. Meaningful connections with friends, family, and peers allow for companionship and an overall sense of belonging.

Regular opportunities for social interaction such as group excursions, cooking demonstrations, guest lecturers, and social gatherings are offered by dedicated life enrichment staff to residents at Maple Knoll.  

Having regular social interactions stimulates the brain, wards off feelings of loneliness and isolation, and contributes to a more positive outlook on life. Whether through participating in group activities, attending social events, or enjoying simple conversations with peers, we all can benefit from nurturing our social connections.

Make Time for Things You Enjoy

Making time to do things that you enjoy is another way to prioritize your mental health. Engaging in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment brings about a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and happiness. Whether it is pursuing hobbies like painting, playing music, or enjoying leisurely walks in nature, dedicating time to enjoy yourself is essential.

With numerous clubs and committees active on campus, Maple Knoll Village is the perfect place to explore a new hobby. Try your hand at a game of shuffleboard, practice with the outdoor golf driving cage, learn how to weave, or start a game of ping pong (an all-time resident favorite). These activities all serve as opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth, contributing to your overall emotional well-being.

By staying active, socializing, and making time for the things you enjoy, you can cultivate a more positive mindset and embrace the richness of your golden years with vitality and joy.

When it Comes to Sustainability, Where You Live Matters

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:

  1. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth
  2. Install and use dual flush toilets in your home
  3. Use a rain barrel to water your indoor and outdoor plants
  4. Fix any existing leaks you might have. A leaky toilet can waste almost 200 gallons of water per day
  5. Run the dishwasher or washing machine only when you have a full load and make sure you are selecting the right load size on your washing machine
  6. Scrape dishes rather than rinse them before loading into the dishwasher
  7. Be mindful of your water use and take shorter showers

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)?

  1. Turn off lights and devices whenever they are not in use. Try to make as much use out of natural light during the day as possible
  2. Use LED lightbulbs. Not only do these lightbulbs use less energy, but they also last much longer
  3. Reuse or replace products that are produced by fossil fuels.
    1. Avoid using disposable paper or plastic shopping bags. Instead opt for reusable fabric shopping bags
    2. Invest in reusable containers for water instead of buying bottled water
    3. Consider visiting a local zero waste store to explore different products you could be using in your daily life such as reusable towels to replace paper towels or beeswax sheets to replace saran wrap
  4. Recycle plastics, paper, and aluminum whenever possible
  5. Take public transportation, walk, or ride your bicycle if able to
    1. If using a car is your only option, consider an energy efficient vehicle
  6. You also might consider investing in solar panels for your home instead of solely relying on power from coal plants

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.

The Health Benefits of Swimming

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.

The Importance of Involvement

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.

What Community Means for Seniors

four people on bicycles

Staying social has mental, emotional and physical benefits for older adults.

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.

Benefits of Virtual Reality for Older Adults

VR at Retirement Community

When we think of cutting-edge technology, senior citizens aren’t often the first to come to mind. However, a new technology has captivated both young and elderly audiences. Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that simulates the experience of being in a different time and place, allowing its user to visualize and feel like they’re in a completely altered environment. Traditionally, technology has been intimidating for the baby boomer generation, 10,000 of which turn 65 each day. Virtual Reality has already entered into the senior living industry, being used within retirement communities to help reduce loneliness, improve medical care and provide adventure and stimulation for seniors.

VR Brings Retirement Community Tours to Life

Some retirement communities are turning to Virtual Reality to show prospective residents what their future homes will look and feel like. Instead of opting for in-person tours during COVID-19, some senior living communities have used VR to give tours of their living spaces to prospective residents and their families. VR tours can also be helpful for seniors who are preparing for a cross-country move and are unable to visit in person. By simulating the environment of a retirement community, VR can help eliminate the fear of change, help establish a memorable experience of the facility, and remove the fear of the unknown.

Improving Medical Care

In addition to using VR as a way to market to prospective residents, this cutting-edge technology is already being used to improve medical care within retirement communities. VR can ease physical pain by providing a distraction during medical procedures that might be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. Researchers have also suggested that this technology can be used to improve cognitive health in older adults. In fact, a study from the University of Maryland reported an 8.8 percent improvement in overall accuracy when using VR to learn new information. VR can also help older adults retrain their motor and cognitive skills, allowing them to build new motor and mental skills. In addition, another recent study has suggested that VR can also improve balance and strengthen the neural connectors that support our sensory, motor and cognitive skills.

Some researchers are using VR games to detect a decline in memory and spatial reasoning, both of which are linked to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Doctors can more easily detect these health issues in VR games, where players have to orient themselves in different setting, when compared to clinical environments. 

Confronting Social Isolation in the Elderly

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine suggests that more than one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older have reported feeling socially isolated. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Older adults are at an increased risk for social isolation and loneliness because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness and hearing loss.” Decline in hearing and low-vision can make interacting with others and enjoying new experiences feel difficult. When left untreated, long-term isolation can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

To combat social isolation, Alcove, a lab built by AARP Innovation Labs, has created an interactive and immersive VR environment that allows seniors and their families to explore VR spaces together, bridging the physical distance between family members, especially for those who live long-distance.

As baby boomers continue to enter into retirement, the adoption of Virtual Reality technologies will help bridge the gap in healthcare and ease the demand on care providers. Within the coming years, we can expect to see Virtual Reality become the new norm for the senior care industry.  

Importance of Exercise for Older Adults

Wellness

As we age, our bodies undergo many different physical changes. Some older adults might experience increased joint pain and decreased flexibility. However, participating in daily exercises can actually improve mobility and decrease the chances of developing a number of physical and mental health conditions. For those who have experienced a loss of physical capability, exercise can be intimidating and knowing where to begin might seem nearly impossible. But, exercise doesn’t have to be that complicated. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends older adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, which comes down to just 20 minutes a day. While exercise might seem daunting, inactivity poses risks that can jeopardize a person’s overall well-being.

Inactivity in Older Adults

While some older adults report loss of strength and stamina as they age, much of it can be contributed to reduced physical activity. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by the age of 75 one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity at all. As we age, our muscle mass begins to decrease, and by the time we reach our forties, we can experience a loss between 3-5%, which increase with each decade. However, engaging in physical activity can decrease the risk of age-related muscle loss. Inactivity, on the other hand, can have lasting negative effects on one’s health and quality of life.

Inactive adults, which includes those who participant in less than ten minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a day, are at risk of developing a number of health concerns. Researchers suggest that inactivity that health problems such as cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dementia are all linked to inactivity in older adults. These diseases increase the risk of premature aging and reduce the chances of staying independent longer. In addition, lack of physical activity can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Most of these age-related health concerns can be prevented or managed by consisted physical activity.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

While older adults are more at risk for some age-related diseases and illnesses, there are ways to prevent them. In fact, according to a journal published in the National Library of Medicine, “improvements in mental health, emotional, psychological, social well-being, and cognitive function are also associated with regular physical activity.” Those who participate in daily exercise are more likely to experience its many health benefits which include:

  • Increased immune function– Strong bodies have been proven to fight off illness and disease more quickly. When we exercise, our bodies become stronger, and are able to recover more easily when we get sick.
  • Improved respiratory and cardiovascular function- Consistent exercise strengthens our cardiovascular system and improves lung function, which can protect us from heart disease and high blood pressure.
  • Reduced risk of falling- According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. While falls can’t be completed prevented, exercises that focus on balance and mobility have proven to lower the risk of falling and help improve the recovery time in the event of a fall-related injury. 
  • Improved quality of life- Older adults are more at risk of loneliness and depression, especially when they live alone. However, consistent exercise has proven to decrease the symptoms of depression and also promote an environment of socialization, especially when one participates in group exercise classes.
  • Ability to stay independent longer- Studies have shown that those who exercise reduce their risk of functional limitation by 30-50%. Those who are able to physically care for themselves are more likely to stay independent for longer periods of time without relying on the help of a caregiver.

Staying Active at Maple Knoll Village

There are a number of fun ways to exercise and stay active each day. Swimming, yoga, weight lifting and resistance training all work to strengthen muscles and keep you healthy. Here are a few ideas to get your started.

Staying active is possible no matter your interest or ability level. Our Hemsworth Wellness Center offers a variety of activities to keep residents both physically and mentally active. Outdoor walks throughout the campus, both at the beginner and advanced levels, are offered daily. Our newly minted Arboretum Path is open to residents and is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a scenic stroll throughout the campus.

Our campus pool is available for free swim and also offers water aerobics classes throughout the week. If you are a resident, make sure to check the resident app for the Wellness Center schedule and for access to guided exercises. If you’re interested in hearing more about our offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact John at 513-782-2715