Activities

EFACon opening keynote: What’s the recipe for the longest, happiest life?

Forget the fictitious fountain of youth. Environments for Aging Conference opening keynote speaker Nick Buettner explores what it really takes to live the longest, healthiest life possible. Read More »

Turn it down!

Some people hear every sound, while the sound others hear are muted or distorted by competing noise. Unwanted noise and volume can create an audiologic assault and distraction. Read More »

Memories of Brutus

Studies have shown that facility pets are proven “caregivers” who provide love and comfort to the residents and staff they live with. Read More »

X-rated entertainment

If residents request an activity that challenges the boundaries of good taste, should the facility weigh in on its appropriateness for the majority? Read More »

Senior gambling: Amusement or addiction?

Are residents being treated like children by giving them “permission” to pursue their interests or are facilities and families protecting them from themselves?  Read More »

Fear or forgetfulness?

As we age, some absentmindedness is acceptable. But in long-term care, can negativity and impatience cause enough stress to trigger brain “blips”? Read More »

Helping residents get ‘Happy’ and healthy

An assisted living program director finds a fun activity for residents that spreads a positive message about seniors and the facility, helps residents get a little exercise—and has another, unanticipated effect. Read More »

Carry-in menu mix-ups

When a number of residents order takeout food, mistakes are bound to happen. Read More »

Facilities using state data to improve quality

Leadership and staff of long-term care (LTC) facilities are focusing their quality improvement efforts on areas that residents value the most by using a tool originally designed for consumers and their families, says one state’s LTC ombudsman. Read More »

Waiting for spring

Across the country, this has been a hard winter. In north central Ohio, where Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears lives, the weather has taken its toll on residents. Read how one facility coped with cabin fever. Read More »

Turning a bad day around

Sometimes it just takes a friendly little push to help someone make a positive decision that improves his or her day.  Read More »

Close-knit seniors help foster students

It’s that time of year that is awash with sentiment. For a group of seniors at Ashby Ponds in Virginia, hearts, flowers and candy just won’t do. Read More »

Ordering out

Even long-term care residents enjoy treating themselves to their favorite pizza, chicken, Chinese food or what have you. In congregate living, however, it can pose a problem. Read More »

The sweetest gift

A new project, timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, aims to ease the effects of social isolation and depression in older adults. Read More »

February is American Heart Month

Heart health might be recognized in February, but a day should never go by without doing something to ensure cardiac health—exercise, diet or joining a friend. Read More »

The challenge and joy of a laptop

Adding a laptop to her arsenal of tech devices has opened many new doors for Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Is a liquor license key to attracting boomers?

Many of today’s seniors enjoy a daily cocktail. It’s their way of relaxing and putting the day’s worries behind them, to toast an achievement or cap off a celebration. Does senior living mark an end to that social outlet? Read More »

The ‘love’ generation might need some sex education

Love might “make the world go round,” but in a long-term care facility, unprotected sex can be the source of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Read More »

When aides move on

Residents may form strong friendships with their caregivers, But whether an aide quit or was let go, consistent coverage on the floor must be provided. Read More »

Improving continence through dance

You’re never too young—or too old—to feel the music and bounce to the beat. Not only fun, dance can be therapeutic, study finds. Read More »

Roommate adjustment

Sharing living space requires a lot of give-and-take from the parties involved. Unfortunately, sometimes only one party does the giving. Read More »

An octogenarian and I share frustration

Loss of independence and reliance on the assistance of others can frustrate a person at any age, as Kathleen Mears discovered. Read More »

9 resolutions for the new year

If you’re going to make a health-related resolution, why not make one (or more) that will increase the odds that you will live to a healthy old age? These habits could add up to 12 years to your life, according to the person who shared them. Read More »

Remembering aides at Christmas

Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ online accident was the beginning of a happy holiday tradition. Read More »

American seniors may be less tired, more alert

Do seniors have more energy than younger Americans? A new study looks at the concept of tiredness in the U.S. population. Read More »

Exercise offers benefits even if begun later in life, study finds

Another study finds that even seniors who begin exercising later in life can experience significant health benefits. Read More »

Holiday shopping

LTL blogger Kathy Mears gives some insight on the best  and most appreciated gifts to give residents in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Tidings of comfort and joy

The holiday season also is a time of reflection and new beginnings that can make our lives more meaningful. Judah Ronch, PhD, shares his visit with The Sopranos' Dominic Chianese. Read More »

6 ways you can ensure senior safety on the roads

During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the American Occupational Therapy Association shares tips for those helping seniors prepare for comprehensive driving evaluations. Read More »

Sharing beauty, celebrating seniors

One senior living provider found a way to share beauty this holiday season while celebrating the talents of residents. What does your community do? Read More »