Published: Activities for Seniors with Dementia

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Published: Memory Care Tips for Older Adults

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What Is the Role of a Neuropsychologist in Elder Care?

A senior lifestyle and memory care home based in Aurora, CO, Renew Saddle Rock believes everyday senior living should be full of unique, meaningful experiences. No matter what level of care is required, it tailors everything from activities to meals to match the needs of each resident. Renew Saddle Rock’s expert staff, including fitness professionals and neuropsychologists, among others, provide care for the older adults living in the facility.

Neuropsychologists are trained in psychology, up to Ph.D. level, and have received special training in neuropsychology. They correlate human behavior with brain activities and evaluate and treat nervous system disorders, working closely with doctors, especially neurologists.

In the U.S. alone, over 5 million individuals live with dementia, with an expected increase as life expectancy rises. A neuropsychologist evaluates the brain’s cognitive functions, such as attention, language, and memory, to diagnose a patient. Sometimes, a brain scan can also help a neuropsychologist make a diagnosis. Since dementia is more prevalent among the elderly, a neuropsychological assessment can help hasten cognitive rehabilitation.

 

Published: Ami Rokach Discusses Seniors and Loneliness

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Webinar Series Provides Advice for Seniors in Isolation

A senior living facility in Aurora, CO, Renew Saddle Rock upholds a commitment to serving the physical, mental, and emotional needs of seniors living with dementia and other memory conditions. Renew Saddle Rock recently hosted a “Renew Talks Health” series on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine on the mental health of seniors.

The webinar series represents a shift from the community’s regularly scheduled in-person talks, which in the past have featured experts on health issues such as Alzheimer’s research and the benefits of cannabis. This virtual talk focused on the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on mental health, particularly for those in assisted living.

Isolation among seniors is a very real concern, as it has been linked to health conditions such as hypertension, sleep disturbances, and enhanced dementia. The first series, titled “How seniors can turn isolation into a positive,” featured advice from clinical psychologists on mitigating the effects of isolation through mental health technology such as telehealth appointments with healthcare providers and even virtual reality devices. The series also included an audience Q&A to address specific senior concerns. 

Published: Activities and Amenities Keep Seniors Healthy

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Published: Comparing Memory Care and Assisted Living Programs

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Strategies for Effective Intergenerational Programs

Renew Saddle Rock in Aurora, CO is a senior living community that provides residents access to diverse amenities and social activities. Residents at the Renew Saddle Rock community may engage in food tastings, live events, and intergenerational activities that encourage interaction between young people and seniors.

Programs that bring together people across generations have been shown to improve well-being for all participants. Older people are able to share their decades of experience with others and feel connected to their community. This results in higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced social isolation. On the other hand, young people who spend time with seniors perform better academically and hold fewer negative stereotypes about aging.

Creating an intergenerational program requires setting goals, identifying appropriate activities, and recruiting participants. Organizers should offer the program in a space that is accessible to both target groups. Some examples include public libraries, senior living communities, and community centers. The program should be actively monitored and evaluated to ensure that objectives are being met and participants are attending regularly.

Published: Mental Health Webinar from Renew Senior Communities

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Impact of Loneliness on the Health of Seniors

A senior care community in Aurora, CO, Renew Saddle Rock is staffed by qualified veterans of the senior housing field. At Renew Saddle Rock, significant emphasis is placed on mental health care and recognizing how loneliness can impact senior health. Renew recently hosted a webinar series addressing how loneliness in seniors is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loneliness can have far-reaching effects on the health of seniors, going well beyond psychological concerns. Loneliness can lead to an increased risk of mortality according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In adults aged 52 and older, the study found a link between loneliness and isolation and a higher risk of mortality.

It can also contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. Actual and perceived social isolation are risk factors for reduced cognitive performance, accelerated cognitive decline, and the onset of dementia in seniors. It can also have a negative impact on mood and increase the risk of depression in adults and seniors.

Published: How to Help Seniors Cope with Loneliness

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Published: Three Ways to Reduce Loneliness in Seniors

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Published: Loneliness — An Unwanted Feeling Highlighted by Coronavirus

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Published: Behaviors That Support Neuroplasticity

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Published: How Companion Animals Support People with Dementia

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Benefits of Intergenerational Activities

Renew Saddle Rock Memory Care offers an exceptional residential experience for seniors. Located in Aurora, CO, Renew Saddle Rock provides a variety of high-quality services and amenities that contribute to residents' well-being and overall quality of life. In addition to expertly crafted meal services and beautifully-tended community gardens, the center coordinates a calendar of intergenerational activities.

Intergenerational programs bring together seniors, children, and youth on a regular basis. Older and younger people can participate in engaging activities such as painting, gardening, or social clubs. These interactions help build meaningful relationships across generations, which reduces age-based stereotyping. Seniors can also gain physical and cognitive benefits from frequent interactions with younger people.

For example, volunteering with children has been linked with higher levels of physical activity and fewer feelings of isolation. The arrangement is beneficial for young people as well. Teens who participate in intergenerational programs are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking or doing drugs. They also develop important communication and social skills that will improve their ability to interact with people in and outside their demographic.