Senior Living: Heart-Healthy Tips for a Happy and Healthy Life

February is not just about Valentine's Day; it is also American Heart Month when we focus on cardiovascular health. As we age, taking care of our hearts and prioritizing heart health becomes even more crucial. In this article, we will explore heart-healthy tips specifically tailored for seniors. Making small changes to our lifestyle and habits can protect our hearts, prevent heart disease, and enjoy a happy and healthy life.

A senior couple happily shares a healthy meal, including salad, orange juice, and tea, together in their home.

Understanding Heart Disease and its Risk Factors

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and it can occur at any age. However, the risk of developing heart disease increases as we get older. Multiple factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including health conditions, lifestyle choices, age, and family history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all Americans have at least one of the critical risk factors for heart disease - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Dietary Choices for a Healthy Heart

Eating a heart-healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good cardiovascular health. As seniors, we should focus on consuming foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Fresh fruits and vegetables should form a significant portion of our diet, while processed foods should be limited. Additionally, reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

The Importance of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking or bicycling, for at least two hours and 30 minutes weekly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and helps manage weight, cholesterol levels, and diabetes.

Limiting Alcohol Consumption and Tobacco Use

Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use are detrimental to heart health. Seniors should limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Quitting smoking is equally essential, as it can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. If you need help stopping smoking, consult with your doctor for resources and support.

Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

High blood pressure and unhealthy blood cholesterol levels are major risk factors for heart disease. Seniors should monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. Lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and quitting smoking can help maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease and put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. Seniors should strive to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The Role of Sleep in Heart Health

Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including heart health. Poor sleep can lead to various negative changes in the body, including a weakened immune system, slower reactions, and an increased risk of heart disease. Seniors should aim for six to eight hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine.

The Mediterranean Diet: A Heart-Healthy Approach

The Mediterranean diet has been widely recognized as a heart-healthy dietary approach. It includes foods such as nuts, olive oil, white meat like chicken or fish, vegetables, and whole grains. This diet is not a commercial fad but a recommended lifestyle choice that promotes better heart health and lower rates of cardiovascular problems.

Stress Management for a Healthy Heart

Managing stress is vital for maintaining a healthy heart. While it may be challenging to eliminate stress, finding ways to reduce stress levels can significantly benefit heart health. Engaging in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies can help relieve stress and promote overall well-being.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring heart health. Seniors should schedule routine appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These check-ups allow for early detection of any potential issues and provide an opportunity to discuss lifestyle modifications and treatment options.

The Importance of Social Connections

Maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful relationships have been shown to impact heart health positively. Seniors should prioritize spending time with loved ones, participating in social activities, and joining community groups or clubs. These social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.

Additionally, living in a senior living community can make socialization with peers much easier to engage in regularly through activities, events, and committees.

Conclusion

Taking care of our heart is paramount, especially as seniors. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and regular health check-ups, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and enjoy a happy and healthy life. Remember, it's never too late to prioritize your heart health and make positive changes. Start today and embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle for a brighter tomorrow.

"A healthy heart is the key to a vibrant and fulfilling life. Take care of it, and it will take care of you." - Unknown

If you or your senior loved one is ready to make the move to a senior living community, consider choosing Pines Village Retirement Communities. At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

2024 New Year's Resolutions for Seniors

As we embark on 2024, it's essential to reflect on the lessons we've learned and express gratitude for the things we often take for granted. From cherished relationships to good health, there is much to be thankful for as we embark on a new chapter of our lives. What better way to honor this gratitude than by setting meaningful New Year's resolutions, prioritizing our well-being, and enhancing our quality of life? In this comprehensive guide to senior living, we will explore seven positive ways to refocus our energy and embrace the joys of aging.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Research has shown that maintaining a positive mindset can profoundly affect our overall health and well-being. Positivity is associated with a lower risk of memory loss, faster recovery from illness or injury, reduced chances of chronic disease, decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation, and a greater likelihood of seeking preventative care. Embracing a positive outlook doesn't mean ignoring difficult emotions or challenges; instead, it involves stressing less about things beyond our control and focusing on the good in life. Incorporate positive thinking exercises into your daily routine, such as creating a gratitude list, practicing mindful breathing, and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would extend to a friend.

Prioritize Daily Exercise

Staying physically active is the key to healthy aging and a potential fountain of youth. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on aging, showing that incorporating activities like walking, jogging, or cycling into our routine can significantly improve physiological characteristics such as blood pressure, resting heart rate, maximum pumping capacity, and muscle mass. Aim to dedicate at least 10 minutes daily to exercise, whether swimming, walking, or practicing yoga. Even this minimal commitment can make a remarkable difference in our health, happiness, and longevity.

Nourish Your Body with Healthy Choices

As we age, our nutritional needs change. Consuming fewer calories is essential while ensuring we get all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with your healthcare provider can help you make informed food choices, but there are general guidelines to follow. Strive to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, opting for various colors to maximize nutritional benefits. Include fiber-rich whole grains, lean meats, and heart-healthy fats in your diet. Replace saturated fats with healthier alternatives like olive or avocado oil. Enhance the flavor of your meals with herbs and spices instead of relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats.

Embrace a Smoke-Free Lifestyle

It's never too late to quit smoking. Regardless of your current age, giving up this habit can significantly reduce the risk of developing numerous health problems and improve your overall quality of life. People who quit smoking report increased energy levels, better sleep, and improved respiratory function. Seek resources and support to assist you on your journey to becoming smoke-free. The National Cancer Institute's SmokeFree60+ website offers valuable information and tools to help you quit. Don't lose hope if you've tried in the past without success; on average, smokers attempt to quit around four times before achieving long-term success.

Connect with Your Grandchildren

Spending quality time with our grandchildren has positively impacted our physical and mental health. Research suggests that elderly individuals who regularly interact with their grandchildren live longer and experience better overall well-being. Studies have found that grandparents involved in their grandchildren's lives have a higher chance of living five years beyond their non-involved counterparts. Furthermore, regular grandparent-grandchild bonding has been linked to improved cognitive function. Make it a priority to play, read, and create cherished memories with your grandchildren. These experiences will bring joy and contribute to your overall well-being.

Engage Your Mind with Stimulating Activities

Regularly challenging our brains is crucial for maintaining mental sharpness as we age. It also helps reduce the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline. There are many enjoyable ways to keep our minds active, such as reading, solving puzzles or crosswords, and joining book clubs or discussion groups. Consider taking a course at your local community college, as some institutions offer free classes for adults 65 and older. These activities provide mental stimulation and opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of connection and engagement.

Foster Social Connections

Maintaining an active social life is vital for our overall well-being. Studies have consistently shown that socially active older adults experience better cognitive function, lower risks of disability and depression, and overall better physical and mental health outcomes. Utilize social media platforms to reconnect with old friends and make new connections. Join local senior organizations or consider moving to a senior living community with a vibrant social environment. These communities provide opportunities for socializing, participating in activities, and developing new friendships with like-minded individuals.

As we set our goals for 2024, let us intentionally prioritize our well-being and make up for lost time. By incorporating these seven resolutions into our lives, we can embrace the joys of senior living with a positive mindset, physical vitality, and a robust support system. Remember, this chapter of life is meant to be cherished, celebrated, and filled with fulfillment. Here's to a year of vibrant senior living and the pursuit of happiness!

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength."
- Betty Friedan

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and the Meridian Woods Community Center, which hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

10 Healthy Tips for Seniors During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring about stress and challenges, especially for seniors. As we gather with our loved ones and indulge in delicious meals, it's important to prioritize the health and well-being of our older family members. In this article, we will explore some valuable tips to help seniors stay healthy, manage stress, and experience the holiday season to the fullest.

1. Prioritize Healthy Choices

During the holidays, it's easy to be tempted by rich and indulgent meals. While it's important to savor the flavors of the season, it's equally crucial to make healthy choices. Encourage seniors to plan their meals with consideration for other holiday events. For instance, if a big dinner is planned for New Year's Eve, opt for a lighter lunch of salad or soup. Moderation is key – you don't want to deny anyone their favorite holiday treats, but you also want to ensure they don't overindulge.

Staying hydrated is another vital aspect of staying healthy during the holidays. Seniors, in particular, should drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can lead to hospitalization. Make it easy for them to stay hydrated by having water easily accessible at home and keeping bottled water in their bag when running errands.

2. Follow Dietary Restrictions

Some seniors have dietary restrictions that they must adhere to, such as a low-sodium diet. It can be challenging to stick to these diets during busy and stressful times, especially if there aren't many healthy options available. Stress often leads to overeating and deviating from established dietary guidelines. To make it easier for seniors to follow their dietary restrictions, keep healthy options like fresh-cut vegetables and fruits readily available.

3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

While it's common to celebrate with alcoholic beverages during the holidays, it's essential to remind seniors to drink in moderation. Drinking excessively can impair bodily functions, and for some seniors, alcohol consumption can have adverse side effects when combined with certain medications. Consider offering fun and alcohol-free drinks so everyone can enjoy the festivities without compromising their health.

4. Stay Active

The holiday season often coincides with cold weather and snow in many parts of the country. However, it's crucial for seniors to maintain their exercise routines. Encourage them to bundle up and go for walks around the block if the sidewalks are dry. If the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities, suggest a trip to an indoor shopping mall where they can walk a few laps while window-shopping. Staying active not only helps with physical health but also contributes to mental well-being.

5. Manage Stress and Rest

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, including seniors. It's important to prioritize self-care and stress management during this season. Encourage them to take breaks and rest when needed. If you're planning a full-day outing, make sure to include time for relaxation or a short nap. Practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or simply enjoying a cup of tea can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm.

6. Embrace New Traditions and Adaptations

As time goes on, traditions and activities may change due to various factors. Seniors may feel a sense of loss or sadness when beloved traditions are altered or discontinued. Help them embrace new traditions and find joy in the present moment. If an older relative typically hosts a big holiday meal but is unable to do so anymore, consider passing the torch to younger family members. Alternatively, suggest that younger family members volunteer to clean or prepare part of the meal to alleviate stress and make the holiday celebration a collaborative effort.

7. Combat Loneliness and Isolation

The holidays can be particularly challenging for seniors who may feel a sense of loneliness or isolation. They may miss friends or family members who have passed away or moved away. To combat these feelings, it's important to prioritize social interaction and engagement. Check in with older loved ones early in the season to understand their expectations and feelings. Plan family activities that include them and make them feel valued and included. Encourage them to join local community organizations or engage in hobbies that interest them. Staying connected and active within their communities can help alleviate feelings of abandonment and enhance overall mental well-being.

8. Ensure a Safe and Accessible Environment

If older relatives are visiting your home for the holidays, it's crucial to ensure that your home is safe and accessible for them. Be mindful of any potential hazards, such as area rugs that could cause trips or falls. Consider accommodating them on the first floor if possible, or provide a room close to the bathroom to minimize discomfort. Install nightlights in hallways to prevent accidents in the dark. By creating a safe and accessible environment, you can help seniors feel more at ease and enjoy the holiday season without unnecessary worries.

9. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you've tried various strategies to improve the mental well-being of your senior loved one during the holidays, but they still exhibit signs of depression or anxiety, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Don't hesitate to explore mental health resources and services available in your area. Professional counseling can provide valuable support and guidance for seniors who may be struggling emotionally during this time.

10. The Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Consider the benefits of senior living communities for older adults who may be living alone. These communities offer opportunities for socialization and engagement with peers. They provide a safe and supportive environment where seniors can connect with others who share similar experiences and interests. Senior living communities often organize regular social activities and events, which can greatly enhance mental well-being, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. If you or your senior loved one is considering a move to a retirement community, explore options that align with their preferences and needs.

In conclusion, taking care of the mental and physical well-being of seniors during the holidays is crucial. By adopting healthy habits, managing stress, embracing new traditions, and ensuring social engagement, seniors can enjoy this special time of year to the fullest. Remember, small gestures and acts of kindness can go a long way in making seniors feel loved, valued, and included. Let's make the holidays a joyful and fulfilling experience for every generation in our families.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and the Meridian Woods Community Center, which hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

Mental Health & the Holidays for Seniors

The holidays can be stressful for almost every age group, and each age group experiences holiday stressors differently. Children feel anxious about stressed-out parents. Older students worry about exams. Young professionals juggle overbooked work, social, and family calendars. Parents may fret about finances, gift lists, in-laws, logistical arrangements, and more. Although they often have fewer responsibilities overall, older adults ages fifty-five and older can suffer during the holidays too. Here’s why mental health in older adults becomes more important during these seasons.

Seniors and the Holidays

Depending on their individual situation, the elderly can experience anxiety, depression, or loneliness at this time of year for a number of reasons. Senior mental health issues aren’t necessarily limited to the holidays, but a little effort can go a long way during this particularly emotional time of year. Some common factors in senior mental health are:

• Missing friends or family members. Friends or family members associated with memories of happy holidays past may have passed or moved away, and those they leave behind—particularly the elderly—may feel that special occasions will never be as joyful again without them.

• Changes in holiday activities or traditions. As family and friends grow and get older, their needs, schedules, and capacities change. This may mean that activities or traditions that used to “make” a holiday for seniors have been altered or discontinued.

• Feelings of general isolation or abandonment. As their younger family members’ lives get busier and more demanding in general during the holidays, seniors and the elderly can feel forgotten. These feelings may be more intense if an individual lives alone, has lost a spouse, or suffers from physical or mental illness.

Holiday Stress Management Tips for Seniors

Fortunately, there are ways both seniors and their loved ones can prevent or lessen anxiety and depression during the holiday season, including:

• Be a diligent communicator. In order to make sure that your older loved ones feel valued and included, check in with them early in the season to find out how they’re feeling about it, what their expectations are, and how they’d like to prepare or celebrate. Continue visiting, calling, or video chatting with them at least once per week throughout the season to let them know they are in your thoughts and that the holidays aren’t complete without them. Plan some family activities that include them.

• Encourage them to be socially active or engage in a hobby. Depending on how socially active they already are, it might be a good idea to encourage your senior family member to join a church or other local community organizations. Engaging in hobbies is also a good option for older adults, especially if anyone in the family wants to learn from them or would like a handmade product, such as knitted items. If your loved one seems unsure, do a little research and make suggestions tailored to their interests. 
  
  Staying busy and connected to their communities can help older adults from feeling depressed or anxious—but it may be a good idea to take this step well before the holiday season begins. This way seniors don’t feel as though new social activity is intended as an emotional stopgap or substitute for quality time with family. It will also feel more natural for older loved ones to stay socially engaged throughout the year rather than only during the holidays. 
  

• Identify other ways to improve older adult mental health. Ask your loved one about their preferred ways to cope with complex emotions during the holidays. Consider things that have brought them comfort in the past. Perhaps they’d like to watch favorite movies with family or friends, assist in making treasured holiday recipes, craft ornaments, or receive new family photos or drawings from grandchildren. Keep seniors’ personalities and preferences in mind and incorporate those in plans as much as possible.
  

• Consider and advocate for physical health. Determine when your loved one last had a physical checkup: sometimes a vitamin deficiency or other illness can affect mental health in older adults (as well as everyone else). Find out if they can benefit from a physician’s care prior to the holiday season. Encourage them to eat healthily, take walks, and get plenty of sleep to keep all systems functioning as optimally as possible.
  

• Seek professional counseling. If you’ve tried all of the above and your senior loved one still seems depressed, anxious, or uncommunicative, it’s worth exploring some professional mental health resources and services. You can explore the available resources and information offered by the National Institute of Mental Health to learn more. 

Benefits of Senior Living and Socialization with Peers

You may not have thought of a retirement community as a factor in senior mental health. However, if your older family member currently lives alone, it’s worth considering a move to a community where he or she can connect more easily with others in the same age group. In addition to being safer and having less upkeep to worry about, adults in senior retirement communities benefit from regularly scheduled social activities built into daily life on campus. This can improve their mental health all year round, but particularly during the holidays.

If you or your senior loved one is a Valparaiso, Indiana resident ready to make the move to a senior living community, consider choosing Pines Village Retirement Communities. At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

The Benefits of Technology for Seniors

Over the last few decades, technology has become increasingly important in our world. Today, it is a central part of our everyday lives and almost everything we do. While it played a vital role before, the COVID-19 pandemic showed how truly essential technology is to us. This is especially true for older adults who remained at home to stay safe during the pandemic, and their tech consumption skyrocketed.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA)’s Apps and Technologies To Make Communication More Accessible for Older Adults article features one of the most comprehensive lists of applications and technologies available to help people navigate each of these challenges and stay connected to friends and family.

In this article, we’ll focus on some of the main benefits of technology for seniors and explore some of the best tech devices for older adults. The first benefit of technology is telehealth.

Telehealth

Telehealth—also referred to as telemedicine—is a type of healthcare that allows you to receive care from your doctor without an in-person visit. Telehealth includes several different options, such as live video or phone calls, chats and text messages, and even remote monitoring. There are many telehealth advantages for all patients, but these benefits are especially relevant for seniors when talking to their doctor from their own home:

• Comfort - Telehealth allows seniors to talk to their doctor in the comfort of their own homes, which can help them remain calm during the visit, clearly communicate their concerns, and be less overwhelmed not having to go to an office. You can also have family members there to join the conversation with your doctor.

• Lower Cost - Telehealth also usually costs less than an in-person doctor visit, especially if you go to the emergency room. One study found that telehealth services cost an average of $50 per visit, while in-person care could cost as much as $175.

• No Transportation Required - Telehealth also means that seniors don’t have to drive to their appointments or find other transportation to get there. This is especially helpful if an older adult is no longer able to drive and relies on others to get around. It’s also beneficial because it means less time spent traveling and waiting in the office and more time spent at home.

• Fewer ER Visits - Telehealth also helps to reduce the frequency of emergency room visits for seniors, who, when their doctor is not available on the weekends, normally end up in the ER if they need medical attention. With telehealth, they can talk to a medical professional and determine the severity of the issue, whether an ambulance is needed, the next steps, and more.

• Self-Care - Telehealth appointments also allow your doctor to give you instructions on how to care for yourself in your own home instead of receiving a long list of instructions at the hospital, then having to figure out the best way to complete them on your own.

Meeting with your doctor via video is not the only important aspect of telehealth. The advancements in medical technology have also made it possible for more individuals to avoid hospitalization and have critical tests, procedures, and examinations done in the comfort of their own homes. 

Like the advantages listed above, in-home medical care allows patients to be comfortable and safe by receiving the care they need in their own home, cuts the high costs often associated with going to the hospital, and can allow medical professionals to discuss any potential hazards or obstacles in your home.

Socialization

Another major benefit of technology for seniors is that it allows them to socialize with others and stay connected. This has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic as older adults have had to stay at home to avoid getting sick, often with the consequence of not seeing many other people and developing feelings of loneliness. During this time, significantly more seniors bought a smartphone or Smart TV to help them stay connected and entertained while at home.

However, technology and the internet have made it possible to stay connected, which studies have shown raises levels of life satisfaction, social support, purpose in life, and social capital, while lowering feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors. While being together in person can’t be replicated, here are some of the best ways technology helps older adults stay social:

• Using FaceTime or other video call applications to talk to friends and loved ones

• Group texts and messages where everyone can communicate with one another

• Watch party apps that allow you to watch your favorite movies with your favorite people

• Social media platforms where you can see life updates from others, post pictures and videos, connect with old friends, and more

• Apps like Nextdoor where you can see what’s happening in your neighborhood and connect with the people who live near you

These are just a few of the many different ways to stay connected and socialize with others through technology. No matter how you use technology to stay in touch with your loved ones, though, it has major benefits on your social life and your overall well-being.

Assistance

Technology is also incredibly beneficial for seniors because it can provide assistance to them during their daily lives. This can help older adults do things they might not be able to do on their own and stay on top of important tasks. Here are some of the top uses of technology that help provide assistance to seniors:

• Using smart home devices—like the Amazon Echo Show—to set reminders for things like taking medication

• Delivery applications such as Instacart, Doordash, and Amazon to order food, groceries, and other necessities

• Smartwatches to track your health, receive notifications, and call for help in case of an emergency. There are also specific medical alert systems you can wear to get 24/7 help should you fall or have any health issues

• Home security systems that ensure you and your house are safe

• Robotic vacuums to help clean your home

• Ride applications to get you to the places you need to be, like Uber and Lyft

Now that we’ve explained how useful technology can be in assisting seniors, here are our top suggestions for tech devices to do just that.

Best Tech Suggestions for Seniors

• Amazon Echo Show - The Amazon Echo Show is one of the best smart home devices on the market and includes an easy-to-use touch screen, in addition to Amazon Alexa voice commands. It also allows family members to check in on their senior loved ones via Amazon Alexa Care Hub.

• iRobot Roomba - The iRobot Roomba can help you keep your space tidy without lifting a finger, giving you more time to enjoy the things you love and less hassle cleaning.

• SimpliSafe Home Security System - SimpliSafe home security systems help keep your home safe with motion sensors, cameras, door and window sensors, and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

• Apple Watch Series 4 or later - The Apple Watch acts as both a smartwatch and an emergency contact system should something happen. Series 4 devices and later also include fall detection, so you can quickly get help in case of an accident.

These are some of the best pieces of technology for seniors, but there are many others out there on the market as well. No matter what tech devices you choose, they can provide a wide range of benefits for you or your senior loved one. Now more than ever, it’s important to have access to the things we need—like healthcare, contact with loved ones, and assistance in our lives—and technology is making it possible.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!