Health & Aging | Memory Care | Community Experience
As we age, maintaining brain health becomes increasingly important. Research consistently shows that certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact the risk of developing dementia.
Key components of a Life Plan Community can counteract these risk factors and provide an environment where residents can thrive. In fact, Presbyterian Senior Living believes in promoting a culture of wellness known as Thrive Wellness. While not designed specifically with dementia in mind, many of its components are part of promoting a healthy brain.
Let's explore four common habits that increase dementia risk and discover how our communities help residents overcome these behaviors.
The Sedentary Trap: Movement and Brain Health
Spending too much time sitting has been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline. Studies show that regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells, and strengthens neural connections.
Yet many seniors find it difficult to stay active. Limited mobility, fear of falling, or simply not having engaging options can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
How A Life Plan Community Helps You Stay Active:
There are multiple ways a Life Plan Community keeps you active.
For example, at Pine Run Village, Doylestown, PA, Fitness Director Kristin McCoach helps residents embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle. "We really want to reimagine the perception of active aging," she says. "We've designed a diverse program to meet individuals where they are today and where they would like to go."
With a fully equipped fitness and aquatics center, group exercise studios and a walkable campus, Pine Run Village encourages movement in all forms. Residents can participate in personal training, post-therapy training, aquatics, balance training and more.
In addition, every new resident is invited to participate in Wellness360. "We love to look at the dimensions of wellness and see where people are lining up," Kristin adds.
As part of our Wellness spectrum, our communities offer a range of activity options, from formal exercise programs to less structured and casual activities including:
- Adaptive Fitness Programs: From chair yoga to swimming classes, communities offer exercise options for every ability level and interest.
- Personal Training: Our fitness team focuses on senior health and can create individualized exercise plans to meet each resident's needs.
- Functional Fitness: This emerging trend emphasizes physical abilities with exercises that mimic everyday tasks.
- Group Activities: Dance classes, nature walks, and gardening clubs make movement enjoyable and social.
- Walking Paths: Landscaped grounds feature gentle, well-maintained walking paths and trails with convenient rest areas.
- Outdoor Games and Activities: Pick your diversion! Whether bocce ball, croquet or shuffleboard, our communities offer plenty of fun, outdoor activities to keep you moving while also socializing from friends and neighbors.
Social Isolation: The Silent Cognitive Threat
Loneliness doesn't just affect mood, it actually changes brain function. A study from the National Institute on Aging has found that socially isolated seniors experience cognitive decline at a faster rate than their connected peers.
Many seniors face increasing isolation as they age due to friends or family moving away or passing, physical limitations making it difficult to go out or loss of driving privileges.
How Our Communities Foster Connection:
Life Plan communities are built for connection. In fact, we weave social engagement into the very fabric of daily life through:
- Built-in Neighborhoods: Residents find themselves surrounded by peers with similar interests and experiences.
- Diverse Social Calendar: From book clubs to movie nights, there's always something happening.
- Dining Programs: Shared meals in our restaurant-style dining rooms naturally create opportunities for conversation.
- Transportation Services: Group outings to cultural events, shopping, and local attractions keep residents engaged with the broader community.
Serena L. found connection and friendship at her community, Westminster Village, Dover, DE: “Moving here was the best decision I have made. I left the isolation of a large house to be part of a welcoming community where I have so many friends and a very active and rich life,”
Chronic Stress: Your Brain's Enemy
Prolonged stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can damage the hippocampus—the brain's memory center. For seniors, worries about health, finances, home maintenance, and safety can create ongoing stress that takes a toll on cognitive function.
How Our Communities Reduce Stress:
For many older adults, a Life Plan community brings peace of mind as it helps them live fuller, healthier lives. Many residents move to free themselves from the burdens of home ownership and to gain the security of knowing they have a complete plan for their future. Stress-free features of our communities include:
- Maintenance-Free Living: No more worries about repairs, lawn care, or home upkeep.
- Financial Predictability: Our life plan model provides clarity about future costs, even if care needs change.
- Security Systems: 24-hour staffing and emergency response systems provide peace of mind.
- Wellness Programs: Regular meditation classes, massage therapy, and stress management workshops give residents the tools to manage tension.
- Simplified Living: Residents often tell us how liberating it feels to downsize and simplify their lives.
Cletus and Dorene, residents at Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA, have found their lives improved since moving to the community:
“It has been a financially good decision to move here because we don’t pay taxes, building maintenance, homeowner insurance, water, sewer, snow removal or lawn maintenance as we did in our former home.
“We came here in our early 60s, and this past fall, Cletus was able to do a 6-hour hike into the Adirondack Mountains and a 4-hour hike at Ricketts Glen State Park to see 22 waterfalls.”
Jeanne, a resident at Westminster Village, Dover, agrees on the ease of life at Presbyterian Senior Living.
“Moving to Westminster Village three years ago was the best decision I have ever made. I love my apartment and never having to worry about maintenance or paying for utilities or cable."
On the more whimsical side, Bobbie and Jack, residents at Presbyterian Village, Hollidaysburg, PA, shared
“No more worries about maintenance, mowing or snow shoveling. Now this is stress free living!”
Poor Nutrition: Feeding Your Brain Right
What we eat directly impacts brain health. Many seniors face nutrition challenges such as decreased appetite, difficulty preparing meals, or limited access to fresh foods—all of which can contribute to cognitive decline.
How Our Community Nourishes Residents:
At Presbyterian Senior Living, nutrition transitions from a daily challenge to a daily delight. Our culinary program goes beyond simply serving meals.
For example, at Westminster Woods, Huntingdon, PA, the dining team hosts a monthly Healthy Living Cooking Class for residents. During each session, Robert, the assistant director of dining services, demonstrates meal preparation for a healthy, themed meal. Following the demonstration, residents enjoy the taste treat and receive copies of the recipes he prepared.
Other ways our dining teams support healthy eating include:
- Brain-Healthy Cuisine: Our chefs prepare delicious meals featuring Mediterranean diet principles, with plenty of omega-3-rich foods, antioxidants, and whole grains.
- Nutrition Education: Regular workshops teach residents about the connections between diet and brain health.
- Flexible Dining Options: From restaurant-style service to casual café settings, we make healthy eating convenient and enjoyable.
- Special Dietary Needs: We accommodate medical requirements while keeping meals appetizing and nutritious.
A Comprehensive Approach to Brain Health
What makes a life plan community particularly effective for brain health is the integration of these lifestyle factors. Physical activity happens in social settings. Nutritious meals become community events. The stress of home maintenance disappears, creating space for enriching activities.
This holistic approach creates an environment where brain-healthy habits develop naturally, rather than feeling like a burden or chore.
Experience the Difference
If you or a loved one is concerned about maintaining independence and cognitive health while aging, we invite you to visit a PSL community. See firsthand how our programs, amenities, and supportive community create an ideal environment for healthy aging.
