SRES® Blog

Right now, when social distancing makes a good hug hard to come by, try these other natural ways to boost your spirits! 1. Take a walk outside A simple walk can provide a pleasant change of scenery while also stretching your muscles and improving your circulation. Brisk walking can make you feel better by releasing endorphins (the feel-good hormone) and boosting energy. Walking in nature or other “green” spaces and basking in natural light has been proven to promote a calming, meditative mental state, improving mood. Plus, studies show that exercise can alleviate long-term depression. Active

Most people know that gardening is an excellent way to obtain tasty, organic fruits and vegetables for your table to boost your health. However, the benefits of gardening go far beyond the nutritional value of home-grown produce. Researchers have determined that older adults who garden enjoy fitness, flexibility, physical strength, and cognitive ability, regardless of what they grow. So, you don’t have to raise edibles to enjoy many of the remarkable benefits of gardening. If you prefer flowers, grow flowers! Good for the Body Gardening helps reduce sedentary lifestyles, enhances overall

Scientists know that physical activity can boost brain health, even if the source of exercise’s health benefits have been difficult to trace. Researchers have now identified an exercise-induced blood protein that can play a significant role in rejuvenating brains and combatting cognitive decline. The substance, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (phospholipase D1)—or GPLD1 for short—is a protein produced primarily in the liver and distributed via plasma in the blood. While it already exists in humans, exercise makes more of it. Scientists have confirmed the results, but aren’t sure how GPLD1 works

Life can be challenging, but looking for the good rather than focusing on the negative can make each day feel more rewarding. Plus, keeping a little altitude on your attitude provides physical benefits as well as psychological ones. If your mood needs a boost, try these strategies. 1. Exercise Researchers have found mounting evidence that physical activity provides extensive mental health benefits , including enhanced self-esteem and anxiety and depression reductions. The mood-elevating chemicals released in the brain while exercising continue to improve attitude and outlook long after

The coronavirus age has forced many families to rely on video chatting as a substitute for in-person visits. But if Mom or Dad aren’t savvy to today’s technology, how can you include them in video calls? Sadly, the pandemic has pushed many seniors into profound isolation, making it more essential than ever to support loved ones and find new ways to stay in touch. For older seniors lacking technical support, feature-rich Apple and Android tablets are often too confusing. If your loved one needs a simplified solution, here are three tablets to consider with senior-friendly video conferencing

Affordable housing is a challenge facing people of all ages but is acutely painful to seniors on limited incomes in high-cost markets. Even in cases where seniors can afford a home of their own, they may prefer aging in place in smaller quarters closer to family members. A space that includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living area may be more than enough to meet many seniors’ needs. And if the unit is located on a son or daughter’s property, family members can work together to support each other’s needs. For example, grandma can babysit the grandkids while her daughter grabs

While medical experts have not been successful in discovering a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, recently released research supports the long-held belief that lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in reducing risks. The latest data is drawn from two longitudinal studies—the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) and the Memory and Aging Project (MAP)—funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The combined data pool included nearly 3,000 participants. Researchers scored each participant on five healthy lifestyle factors, including: 1. Physical activity. At least 150 minutes of

Google has rolled out a new maps feature ( https://bit.ly/37RAtS5 ) to help people more easily locate wheelchair-accessible buildings. By turning on “Accessible Places,” people can find accessibility information prominently displayed on a Google Map. The feature is touted as “know before you go,” eliminating the frustrating experience of arriving at a place and being stranded outside because the facility lacks accessible features. In addition to indicating whether a facility’s entrance is accessible, Google map users also can determine whether there’s accessible parking, restrooms, and seating

Co-living is an increasingly popular lifestyle that offers many seniors a satisfying and financially viable way to remain independent longer. It also depends heavily on finding a suitable roommate. The search begins with thoughtful upfront planning. Follow these tips for identifying the best match! 1. Don’t limit yourself Consider looking outside your age range. Depending on the individual, a college student with a job and a studious nature may be a good fit. You might want to offer regular home-cooked meals in exchange for their efforts on cleaning, yard chores, or running errands

We are living during an uncertain time. What can we do to ensure our elderly relatives are healthy and feeling loved? First and foremost, all relatives need a wellness check regardless of age or underlying health conditions. Consistent contact can ensure they are being diligent about remaining healthy. Living alone in a senior care facility or being home alone can take a toll on someone’s mental state. Calling to check in on your relative and finding ways to boost their morale is crucial. There are several ways to guarantee that your loved one can still feel connected throughout this pandemic