ageless aerobics

Seniors often thrive in independent living communities due to increased opportunities to exercise, socialize and participate in active living. Populated by individuals who are committed to living life to the fullest, independent living communities encourage residents to participate in exercise programs and social activities that provide the foundation for a quality retirement lifestyle. You might say that not only are exercise and socializing “the best medicine,” they turn the spigot on The Fountain of Youth.

Those considering the move to an independent living community will be interested to learn that the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has focused on the theme “Exercise as Medicine” since 2008. In short, exercise, and the socializing that often accompanies heart, health and wellness activities, is the most potent and side-effect-free medicine available. Exercise positively affects every aspect of the body, mind and, yes, spirit.

Why is exercise such good medicine?

Growing numbers look for exercise and active living programs when evaluating independent living communities. They are aware that exercise serves as preventative medicine by helping to reduce risk factors for heart attacks such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. Exercise works as secondary prevention, too. This means that it helps reduce the risk of the next “big one.”

Wellness programs offered by independent living communities help residents understand that lowering these risk factors even just a little, boosts their strength and immune systems. For example, in general the body doesn’t need to make as much insulin when it is active. As a result, regular exercise increases sensitivity and keeps fat stores at bay to help prevent diabetes.

Exercise also helps reduce the risk of depression. Many independent living communities encourage fun group fitness activities such as heart-healthy walks and aquatic programs, wellness education, dancing, tai chi and yoga. All these activities are good for brain chemistry that helps elicit increased strength, flexibility and feelings of well being.

What kinds of active living programs are available?

Many of today’s independent living communities have embraced a wellness  or active living model, inviting residents to take “ownership” of their own goals and well being as well as offering a full range of exercise and socializing opportunities. These industry innovators encourage individuals of every age to seek opportunities to remain productive, contributing members of a community.

These independent living communities search for ways to help people stay mentally and physically independent and active. Communities such as these offer encompassing wellness and life enrichment programs that often include individually designed daily exercise and physical activities, mind, body and spirit classes, lifelong learning and community partners’ component.

How do I get going on an exercise program?

One of the best ways to jump on the exercise-as-medicine bandwagon is to look for independent living communities that encourage maximum independence through the support of exercise and socializing. Review the communities’ offerings and search for activities that you enjoy.

Also, ask lots of questions. Does the independent living community have a life enrichment/wellness director, on-site physical therapy or rehabilitation services? Does it provide a well-equipped and staffed health & fitness facility and does it offer classes that can positively affect age-related conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease and stroke?

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As people age, some of them find themselves living alone and struggling to manage the feelings they get from their empty homes and their expenses at the same time. This is a time of life that brings with it various problems, such as difficulties managing medication, poor nutrition and an increased risk of accidents.

Numerous seniors observe a visible improvement in their lives once they or their family decide to move in an assisted living facility.  These facilities are great for the seniors to continue their independent life, but with less effort. They will have regular nutritious meals, they will enjoy social activities with people of their own age, and they will engage in all sorts of exercise programs. They will also receive help if needed when it comes to dressing, bathing or managing their medication.

Choosing a facility for assisted living in California for a person you love should happen sooner rather than later. There are numerous establishments you can choose from; however, you need to do some research in order to choose the most appropriate one.

First, you need to decide what kind of facility for assisted living in California you are looking for. Establish whether the senior will need assistance with his / her personal care or for medical services. If the senior faces memory loss or he / she is in a wheelchair, your search might be somewhat complicated. You should always consult your doctor regarding the long-term outcomes of moving the senior into a facility for assisted living in California.

You need to decide what you can spend monthly on the fees and extra services, including, if any, fees for the outside agencies if you employ their services. You should also remember to include a reserve for the monthly personal needs of the senior.

Once you’re done with assessing your financial situation, you should take some other factors into account. Check whether the facility for assisted living in California you’ve chosen was opened recently. You might want an establishment that has been in the health care service for a while, because they certainly have more experience in working with the elderly.  Don’t forget to visit your chosen assisted living facility before signing any contract and check if it has everything that is necessary for a comfortable and peaceful living. You can also get in touch with families who have a senior there and ask for some extra information about the facilities offered.

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As my parents began to reach the age when they began to need my help with daily activities, I started to think about care givers and nursing homes, but then I discovered that there are now many different types of senior care facilities. Each elderly care center is now being geared towards the level of care needed. Retirement communities are basically 55 and older communities with all the amenities geared to an active lifestyle. They are mainly for those who need very little or no help with daily activities. Some have golf courses, fitness centers and organized daily activities and or more like a country club.

A lot of baby boomers and their 40 to 60 year old “children” are looking at assisted living facilities because assisted living facilities offer the best of both worlds, so to speak. They offer on staff, 24 hour professional medical care as well as life styles for seniors who are active but still need some assistance. I originally considered home care for my folks because I thought it would cost less. Home care would have allowed my parents to stay in their home but offered the advantages of a professional care giver. My research indicated that assisted living was a better fit.

Residential care homes are essentially an average home that is converted with the necessary amenities (ramps, handicap handles in bathrooms, etc.) to accommodate seniors needing various levels of care. After living in my neighborhood for years, I discovered that the home across the street and two doors down was a residential care facility. My guess is that it is geared towards Alzheimer’s care because I have never seen any elderly people walking outside. Alzheimer’s patients need constant, confined, around the clock care. The categories noted below are a concise summary of some of the types of care available. My thanks to Senior Living Mentor for giving me access to this information and enabling me to provide assistance for my parents. Their website was very concise, easy to use and gave me access to thousands of senior living facilities. I hope this information is of some help.

*ASSISTED LIVING. A more independent environment than a nursing home. They provide daily activities, health care and personal assistance.

*ALZHEIMER CARE. Often delivered in a completely separate area of a nursing home. Highly structured daily activities with closely monitored supervision.

*HOME CARE. Usually 24 hour support with bathing, cooking, transportation and bill paying, delivered to seniors who prefer to stay in their own home.

*NURSING HOMES. For seniors who need constant assistance and require consistent medical care. Sometimes operated within hospitals.

*RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. A homelike setting similar to family living. For residents who require similar assistance to assisted living or nursing homes.

*RETIREMENT COMMUNUTIES. Mainly for independent seniors with few medical problems. Apartment type living with activities, fitness clubs and dining facilities.

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Senior Living in the Scottsdale Area

One of the biggest advantages to owning luxury homes Scottsdale is being so close to the wide variety of high quality assisted living facilities for seniors. In this economy, more and more people are helping to pay for part – or all – of the care that their elderly parents need.

Those who own luxury homes Scottsdale have the ability to put their beloved family members in top-notch assisted living homes without having to send them to the other side of the state. Below is rundown of the three most popular senior living near luxury homes Scottsdale:

1. Sagewood. Located in Northeast Phoenix, Sagewood provides an environment that places an emphasis on independence, flexibility and choice. The campus occupies more than 85 acres of prime desert terrain, and features amenities like a full service spa, outdoor exercise area, pool designed for both water aerobics and lap swimming, yoga classes, Tai Chi classes, strength training courses and more. Residents also have the option of taking classes, seminars and clinics that focus on fitness, well being, nutrition and maintaining an active life.
2. Windsor Place. Operated by Hyatt, a company well known for mastering the art of luxury living, Windsor Place is one of the most in demand senior communities near luxury homes Scottsdale. Many of the condo units have recently been renovated, and the gated community is surrounded by beautiful palm trees and well manicured lawns and greenery. Windsor Place is centrally located in Phoenix, and residents enjoy living in a close proximity to amazing museums, fantastic restaurants and some of the best shopping Arizona has to offer.
3. Silverstone. Also operated by Hyatt, Classic Residenct at Silverstone (or just Silverstone, for short), is a senior community of one-bedroom residences. Although construction is yet to be completed, the $269,999 and up residences are already highly sought after and are expected to sell out shortly. Amenities include a first-class culinary program, as well as access to personal services, programs and activities. Without a doubt, Silverstone is one of the absolute best senior luxury homes Scottsdale.

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As we age our bodies start to slow down and unless we follow a regular exercise program and watch what we eat it’s not long before those extra pounds start creeping on. Now when you’re younger that’s not really of too much concern as your body weight fluctuates within a few pounds of your normal weight. However, once middle age sets in you need to be more proactive in fighting the flab as it’s much more difficult to shift.

Seriously though, if you’re middle aged or fast approaching seniority and you’re overweight you need to start looking at the types of foods you consume and the lifestyle you lead. If you fall into this category you dramatically increase your changes of developing Type 2 Diabetes, unless you make fundamental changes to the way you live your life.

The good news though that following a balanced diet and participating in a regular exercise program Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented and treated. However, if left the condition can lead to other serious illnesses, namely, heart disease, possible nerve damage, kidney problems and even blindness.

The common signs you need to watch out for are:

An increased level of thirst

The constant need to

urinate, especially at night

Feeling unusually sleepy

Weight Loss

If you think you show signs of the above symptoms you need to visit your GP immediately to seek medical advice. It’s likely that your blood sugar levels will be monitored and urine checked for signs of the condition.

If you are confirmed as having type 2 diabetes, don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world, although it will feel pretty daunting at the time. Depending on the severity of your condition you will need to lose weight and follow a tight diet. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t eat the foods you love anymore, it just means you need to be more prudent with what you consume from now on.

You may also want to take up a new hobby or activity, one that will get your blood flowing and heart pumping. This of course combined with a healthy diet will help control your type 2 Diabetes. Consider regular swimming, cycling or even going for brisk walks as an excellent exercise program. The important thing here is to choice an activity that not only encourages you to lose weight but also one that you will enjoy.

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While community living was once reserved for the “over 55″ population, this lifestyle has since evolved; branching out into huge master-planned communities and themed neighborhoods. Here are some of the more unique versions we’ve run across.

Pla d’Adet in the Blue Ridge Mountains represents the vision of professional cyclist, George Hincapie. This family oriented community is perfect for those interested in a healthy, fitness-oriented lifestyle. Along with regular amenities, Pla d’Adet has a 38,000 square-foot state-of-the art training facility, a 25-meter indoor pool, a resort-style outdoor pool, studios for aerobics, group cycling, and yoga, spa and dry sauna.

The 97 one to two-acre home sites range in price from $400,000 to over $1.5 million depending on elevation, location and mountain views. The community is connected with a system of wilderness trails, pathways, cycling loops and owner access roads.

The number of equestrian communities in the U.S. has doubled over the last few years. Now you can live in a country setting, while your horse lives a stone’s throw away, in the lap of luxury. Facilities often include a complete equestrian center featuring barns, paddocks and pastures and activities such as hunter/jumper shows and other horsey type events. Many of these neighborhoods are located on or near trail systems that offer miles of scenic trail-riding.

Also growing in popularity are gay- and lesbian-oriented developments. Currently there are four communities in operation and about 18 more slated for future development across the country.

Retirement communities have come a long way since grandma and grandpa’s trailer park. Today these neighborhoods are geared toward every budget, lifestyle and health need, and contain every amenity imaginable.

Designed for the senior with an active lifestyle, these communities are strategically located close to lakes, golf courses or acreage to take advantage of the many associated recreational activities. They generally have active social programs, a fitness center and community center, and are located to many local amenities.

Continuing Care Communities allow their residents to remain in the same location as they age. Accommodations change as their needs change and may range from individually maintained homes to 24-hr nursing care facilities. The available activities and amenities vary to meet the needs of the different lifestyles of the residents.

Manufactured Home Communities are low maintenance communities that range from affordable, budget-friendly sites to elegant golf club or waterfront homes. Some are seasonal resorts located near lakes with extensive boating and fishing, while others are year-round communities.

RV Communities cater to seniors on the move and may include homes with RV parking or temporary sites for parking the vehicles. They’re usually located in a scenic setting and include community areas with extensive social programs, and recreational amenities such as a pool, walking/biking trails, and tennis courts.

Upscale Communities range from beachfront locations to award-winning golf courses to breathtaking mountain views, and just about everything in between. You can get a patio home, decked out to the nines, or a huge custom home perfect for visits from the grandchildren. No matter which you choose you will know that you’ve stepped into a luxury community.

With a population of over 75,000, the Villages in Florida is more like a “golf city” than a golf community. They have special transportation trails especially built for golf carts. Amenities include – are you ready – over 40 recreation centers, over 24 executive golf courses, 8 championship golf courses with country clubs, a golf academy, polo field, 3 fitness centers, woodworking shop, community gardens, archery range, 2 libraries and several schools (for the employees of The Villages). The community also has two homeowners associations, a daily newspaper, a radio station and a cable channel. Whew!

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Whether you are a senior looking to prolong your own independence, or you are a caregiver searching for ways to alleviate your worries about leaving your aged or infirm loved ones home by themselves, a home Emergency Response System may be just the thing you’ve been looking for. But with so many systems to choose from and such an important goal at stake, choosing one that fills your needs and fits your budget can be an imposing task.

The following few questions are just a few you should ask about each potential service you encounter to ensure that the one you choose will benefit you in the ways you need it to.

Is the service staffed by trained professionals twenty-four hours a day? Having a real, live person on the other end of the line to contact Emergency Services, inform appropriate caregivers, and stay on the line until help arrives is extremely important. In times of crisis, you don’t want to rely upon a service that uses automated responders or is staffed by people who are under-qualified or poorly trained.

Is the equipment provided to you of quality? It’s hard to tell if an electronic device is worth the money you pay for it. One way of ensuring it is defect-free is to look for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) trademark on the device. This ensures that the device’s design has been examined and is of sound construction. Another benefit often overlooked is the portable call buttons such services offer. Is it convenient to use? Some services offer different styles of button that can be worn as pendants, on watch straps, or on belt clips. Also, be sure to ask if the device is waterproof. The household is full of water hazards (such as toilets, flower pots, and sinks) that may impede the functioning of any unprotected device.

Does the service guarantee the quality of their products and services? Look for a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Be sure to read the fine print and see how much of a hassle (or how hassle-free) getting your money back would be if you need to. Also, if there isn’t a guarantee, ask yourself why.

Are there any long-term contracts you need to sign? One of the most distasteful things that can happen to a person is being locked into a year or longer contract with a service they don’t like or need and facing stiff penalties if they cancel early. Some services offer monthly payment plans and no-fee cancelation policies. It might be good to look for one that does.

Are payment plans available that fit your budget? Often times, such services only offer one payment option. Some however offer multiple options that can save you money if you let them.

Also, are there any incidentals offered such as free shipping or AARP discounts? Savings could be considerable; watch for them.

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The Central YMCA, located at 112 Great Russell Street, London, is at the heart of London entertainment venues. The London Dominion Theatre is just yards from the Central YMCA building and the West End Theatreland is within ten minutes walk.

It is also ideally located for shopping. Oxford Street, renowned for departmental stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis, is just round the corner. You can get great bargains for electrical goods such as computers and television sets at Tottenham Court Road, which is across the road from Great Russell Street.

The Central YMCA in London is the first YMCA in the world and was established in 1844 by George Williams. The original concept was to put Christian principles into practice. In those days young men who came to London for work often had to live in squalid and unsafe conditions, and the YMCA was dedicated to provide them with comfortable accommodation and a safe environment to live in.

These days the YMCA applies social development encompassing spiritual, intellectual and physical methods to help build healthy spirits, minds and bodies.

In 2009, The Central YMCA in London unveiled a £2.6 million revamp into a state-of-the-art facilities for its 5,000 members. This transformation includes a 21st century changing facilities, an extended cardiovascular area and GP referral zones, a new sports hall floor, free weights room and cycling studio.

By expanding its state-of-the-art facilities, and widening its range of health and lifestyle programmes, the Central YMCA is doing its bit to curb spirally obesity in the capital. It is also working more closely with GPs and Primary Care Trusts to prevent and treat a range of conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

The Central YMCA is also renowned for its recreational activities. The club is very spacious and well equipped. You will find the facilities to make your workout effective and fun. Membership includes the provision of personal programmes, the use of a range of cardiovascular machines, resistance stations and a fully equipped free-weights room.

There are over 110 exercise classes each week, including aerobics, tai chi and line dancing. Classes last for 45 minutes and are spread throughout the day from early in the morning to late at night.

There is a fabulous 25m heated indoor swimming pool. With lanes set aside for your particular ability it’s perfect for a hassle-free and effective workout. You just swim in a clockwise direction within the lanes set aside for your abilities.

Also available are a full range of water-based activities such as water aerobics and swimming lessons that stretch from beginners to those wishing to perfect their technique, canoeing and scuba diving.

Badminton and squash players can book their respective courts at the reception.

The Y-Active children’s programme has been developed to promote health, sport and fitness in young people from six months to fourteen years. For children aged between 5 – 14 there are classes for:

Trampolining – classes cover all core skills and basic moves necessary for the development of good trampoline techniques. Kids’ fitness from activities that are creative and energetic and are within the structure of safe and effective exercises. Aikido – classes are taught from the Japanese Aikido Association Children’s syllabus. Drama – aiming to excite the imagination and inspire discipline in the art of performance. Street Dance – through fresh dance moves and funky beats this dynamic class will be great exercise and lots of fun. Gymnastics – children gradually progress through increasing levels of difficulty and use apparatus such as floor and vault to develop gymnastic skills. Football – children are coached to develop competenace in, and a good understanding of, a range of football skills. Swimming – the course covers the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Teaching Plan for developing skills and techniques.

There is a special deal for the over 60s that allows full off-peak access (Mon – Fri from 6.30am – 3.45pm, and normal opening hours during weekends).

The fitness programme for senior members include:

Stretch, Core and Relaxation – a holistic class that incorporates stretching and functional conditioning. Easy Cardio Plus – a whole body workout combining aerobics, weights and stretching with music. Acquacise -  a whole body toning session in shallow water. Line Dancing – a fun way to do an aerobics workout with some simple choreography that is easy to follow. Strength, Stretch and Balance – a partly chair based session focusing on strength and balance work along with some stretching. Tai Chi – A traditional Chinese exercise which co-ordinates slow and relaxing movements with balanced flowing movements. Studio Cycle – a fun aerobic workout to music whilst cycling.

Central YMCA in London has recreational activities for all its members regardless of age. It is not only a place for gym workouts but also a place for social networking.

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If you are a senior you may be resigned to the fact that the busiest years of your life are over, but you can still do many things to ensure active senior living. Just because you’re over 65, doesn’t mean that life has to be boring or dull. There are so many ways to contribute to society, or just have fun. Active senior living means you make the choice on what you want, and then go get it.

There are many options to keep you busy. You can dig up a few hobbies from the past that you used to do. Go back and get your dancing shoes on, or if you never danced, learn how to. A fun part of active senior living can include dancing.

Sewing is another mentally stimulating challenge, and you could make a few outfits to head out on the town, and look great. Many community centers recognize that active senior living is important and they offer sewing classes to both men and women who are retired.

Ask your church or local synagogue, if you can start up a study group just for the other seniors. Another way to be active physically and mentally is to home visit others, and bring a little companionship to them. People who are confined to their homes love having company. Active senior living means that you can visit others in nursing homes too.

The point is to stay physically invigorated and mentally active. However, that doesn’t mean that you take on more that you don’t need, or your doctor advises you not to. Active senior living doesn’t mean becoming exhausted, and it should be a relaxing time of your life. If you feel that it’s too much, cut back on some activities, and take a few moments for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with sitting on a garden patio, or curled up by a warm fireplace with a good book in hand. You’ll still be getting needed mental stimulation, but a way to relax your body at the same time. Active senior living is a choice now that you’re older.

Perhaps you’d enjoy a small part-time job. A lot of seniors love the routine even after they’ve retried of getting up and going to a job. It makes them feel useful again, and this might fit your personality to a tee. If it is, consult with your doctor about taking on a job, if you have any serious medical conditions that might limit what you do. You don’t need any other serious complications to develop from any health issue you might have, so it’s best to ask. Active senior living is the way to live once you’re older, but remember to always make it a pleasant experience for your mind and body.

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Most of us know the healthy benefits to exercise, and how it can improve many aspects of our life. Anyone can tell you to get moving because it’s good for you; and you’d believe it and take it as gospel truth because it is the truth. But what exactly are these benefits to exercise, and why should you really give it the time of day?

Benefit to Exercise # 1: Body

A very compelling reason for you to haul yourself up from your sedentary existence is that, with being overweight or obese, comes greater risk for a host of other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Here’s the unpleasant news for the fat-bellied ones – recent studies have also uncovered an undeniable link between your growing waistline and the threat of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or NHL, a potentially fatal form of cancer that takes root in the immune system.

Translation: beer belly — bad. If that doesn’t motivate you to get moving religiously every morning, I don’t know what will. Maintaining an active lifestyle boosts the immune system, thus helping to keep harmful diseases at bay.

Benefit to Exercise # 2: Mind

Not only will your body reap the benefits to exercise, but your mind will be thankful for it as well. Studies have revealed that exercise can enhance your brainpower. It enhances memory and learning, heightens alertness, helps us think more clearly, and improves specific cognitive functioning in seniors.

One valid explanation for the latter could be that after an aerobic workout, the heart is able to pump more efficiently and the blood is able to carry more oxygen, which the heart then sends through certain areas of the brain in a rush.

Benefit to Exercise # 3: Soul

Tests consistently show that hearty doses of physical activity help improve mood and likewise relieve depression and anxiety. Experts have found that exercise triggers the release of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine, norepinephrine, and endorphins, all of which are our natural, built-in antidepressants. This explains why we tend to get a high out of working out and we feel good about ourselves after each grueling training session.

Benefit to Exercise # 4: Social Support

And let’s not forget, exercising is also a great way to make new friends, as well as an opportunity to bond with old ones. The social support you get from engaging in group training or even a sport is good for your emotional well-being and can add significantly to your sense of accomplishment and happiness. There’s nothing like some healthy competition to get you in the groove.

Whether it is dancing, cycling, walking, mountain climbing, or even something as simple as breathing, exercise can and should be incorporated into your daily life. If you can make time for TV, you can make time for exercise. Coupled with the proper diet and nutrition, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t realize these benefits to exercise and live a longer and healthier life.

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