The Benefits of Being Active in the Fall

The benefits of staying physically and mentally active are well documented. Physical fall activities for seniors can help with the following:

• Improving sleep
• Boosting energy levels
• Relaxing muscle tension
• Decreasing the risk of falls

Because our minds and bodies are connected, physical activity can also improve mental health by increasing energy levels, building confidence in your abilities, and boosting your mood. Likewise, keeping the mind active, interested and connected to the world can eliminate the physical effects of isolation and depression.

According to the National Institute on Aging, keeping the mind active may even improve brain health.

Here are six fall activities for seniors to try this season:

1. GET CRAFTY AND CREATIVE

Occupy your mind and hands with these crafty and creative ideas!

• Celebrate the season with some fall-inspired craft creations, like these projects from CountryLiving.
• Delish provides recipes for 32 healthy fall treats.

2. STRENGTHEN THE BODY AND MIND

Enjoy the cooler weather and the changing foliage by walking around your neighborhood or local park. It’s great exercise, mentally relaxing and free.

Remember to exercise to strengthen your body as well. If you have concerns about your ability, DailyCaring has online videos of gentle, seated chair exercises.

You can also calm your mind and body through meditation. Research indicates that meditation may enhance memory, slow down cognitive decline, improve digestion and circulation, and lower stress.

3. HAVE FUN

If you have access to a fire pit, a perfect fall evening might be a fire in the backyard. Roast some marshmallows (or serve fall treats) and share memories with family and friends.

For indoor activities, online games allow you to compete with people around the world and get lost in well-crafted storylines.

4. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

It’s important to keep learning because it provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps your mind active.

Start by learning about others. Writing letters may seem quaint or even old-fashioned, but it is a great way to learn about someone, where they live and what they’ve experienced. Finding a pen pal can connect you to someone you would have never met otherwise.

Reading — whether from a book, an article online or listening to an audiobook — provides another way to expand and keep your mind active. So does learning a new activity. For example, if you’ve never cultivated an indoor herb garden, it can be a great way to have fresh herbs on hand for any meal.

Ted Talks is a nonprofit organization that provides short but powerful talks on topics from science, to business, to global issues. Take a listen and learn something new!

5. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music can soothe, stir memories and emotions, and inspire us in ways that nothing else can. For those who are tech-savvy — Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Pandora allows you to stream the music of your choice wherever you are. If not – there is nothing wrong with the good old radio!

6. BE A VOLUNTEER

Volunteer opportunities exist for people of all ages. You don’t even have to be physically present to be a volunteer. Points of Light provides information on virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities. Opportunities include making meals for people in your community, creating stuffed animals for children in the hospital, making check-in calls to local seniors, and many more!

For more senior-friendly ideas to stay active all year, visit our blog.

The post 6 Healthy Fall Activities for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Enhancing Quality of Life with Thoughtful Support

Dementia is a degenerative condition which affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It often leads to confusion, anxiety, and difficulty in performing even the most routine of daily tasks. What was once easy, coming as second nature, can suddenly feel difficult and tedious. Providing sources of comfort and reassurance is essential for the peace of mind and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia.

Comfort items—objects or materials that provide emotional or physical solace—can play a role in brightening the spirit and enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients.

Types of Comfort Items for Dementia Patients

Stuffed Animals and Soft Dolls:

Soft, cuddly objects can evoke feelings of safety and companionship. For some patients, a plush animal or doll may serve as a surrogate for loved ones, offering comfort during times of stress or confusion.

Weighted Blankets:

They provide gentle, even pressure, which can have a calming effect and improve sleep quality. Weighted blankets may also help reduce restlessness and promote relaxation.

Fidget and Sensory Objects:

Items such as fidget blankets, activity aprons, or textured balls are designed for tactile stimulation. These items keep hands busy, reduce anxiety, and can help prevent agitation or repetitive behaviors.

Photo Albums and Familiar Objects:

Personal photos, favorite books, or familiar household items can trigger positive memories and provide emotional comfort. These objects help ground patients in their personal history and identity.

Aromatherapy Items:

Scented pillows, sachets, or diffusers with calming scents like lavender or chamomile can help create a soothing environment. Aromatherapy is known to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in many dementia patients. Aromatherapy can also be used to stimulate appetite. Scents such as ginger and citrus are common appetite stimulants.

Music and Audio Devices:

Personal music playlists, nostalgic songs, or calming sounds can stimulate memories and emotions, which often improves the mood and reduces agitation. Music stimulates the brain and activates skills that would otherwise be forgotten such as dancing to a beat, whistling, humming and clapping.

Tactile stimulation:

Worry stones or other items that can be soothing to hold or touch give seniors a sense of peace and comfort.  Soft stress balls that can be squeezed can release endorphins resulting in calming and pain-relieving effects. These items are physical distractions that help keep the mind off of stressful thoughts. Additionally, the repetitive motion of squeezing these items can strengthen muscles in the hands and improve dexterity.

Familiar clothing items:

A favorite sweater or scarf, shawl or lap blanket may bring reassurance during an anxious time.

Night lights or soft glowing lamps:

Reduce fear and confusion during the evening and nighttime, with soft, comforting light.

Simple crafts:

Easy puzzles with large pieces, coloring books or other craft kits can encourage engagement and provide gentle mental stimulation while fostering a calming environment.

Choosing Appropriate Comfort Items

Not all comfort items are suitable for every dementia patient. Consider the individual’s preferences, stage of dementia, and any safety concerns including choking hazards and allergies. Items should be safe, easy to clean, and free from small detachable parts. Involving the patient in selecting their comfort items, whenever possible, ensures personal relevance and increases the benefits the items will bring to them.

Caregiver Tips for the Use of Comfort Items

1. Observe Responses: Pay attention to how the patient interacts with comfort items. Positive responses include smiling, relaxing, or engaging with the item; negative responses include agitation or refusal.
2. Rotate Items: To maintain interest, rotate comfort items periodically. Introducing new items gradually can also provide novelty without causing overwhelm.
3. Personalize Choices: Whenever possible, personalize comfort items with family photos, favorite colors, or familiar textures and scents.
4. Maintain Hygiene: Comfort items should be washed or sanitized regularly to ensure health and safety.
5. Involve in Routine: Incorporate comfort items into daily routines, such as bedtime or quiet time, to help establish consistency and security.

Thoughtful selection and use of comfort items can make a meaningful difference in the lives of dementia patients and their caregivers, fostering moments of joy, calm, and connection even amidst the challenges of memory loss.

Need more support for your loved one? Book a tour of a Bethesda memory care community near you.

The post How Comfort Items Soothe and Support Dementia Patients first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

A fear of change can be caused by feeling a loss of control or discomfort with uncertainty. These fears often come into play when transitioning to an independent senior living community.

Let’s explore how you can help your loved one overcome their fear of transitioning to an independent senior living community by knowing what they can expect and discovering the benefits of senior living.

What to Expect in an Independent Senior Living Community

A retirement community has a lot to offer. To help your loved one overcome the fear of the unknown, it can help to focus on the positive aspects senior living communities offer and how they enhance older adults’ lives. Let’s explore the benefits of senior living that await your loved one so you can help them step out of their comfort zone.

Social Engagement and Companionship

Independent senior living communities offer a vibrant social environment that can help your loved one overcome the fear of loneliness and isolation. Older adults often worry about losing connections and becoming socially isolated as they age. However, independent senior living communities provide ample opportunities for social engagement, fostering a sense of companionship and belonging.

Independent living communities offer something for everyone, depending on interests and personality. From happy hours and wellness sessions to lectures and painting classes, there are plenty of opportunities available to engage in community life and meet new friends with similar interests.

Simplified Lifestyle and Reduced Responsibilities

The fear of change often stems from concerns about managing daily responsibilities and maintaining a household. Moving to a St. Louis independent senior living community can help alleviate these worries by providing a simplified lifestyle and reducing the burden of household chores.

Lawn maintenance, snow removal, and everyday chores are handled by staff members within the independent senior living community. These benefits of senior living enable your loved ones to spend more time on things that matter the most to them, such as enjoying time with loved ones, pursuing passions, and picking up new hobbies.

Full Event Calendar and Engaging Activities

One of the myths about senior living is that it’s boring, and many older adults worry that transitioning to independent living means leaving behind activities they enjoy. But that’s not the case!

Communities are buzzing with plenty of social events. And your loved one can participate in as much or as little as they want. Whether it’s enjoying a good book in the library or taking in a game of cards with a group of friends, there is a variety of fun for your loved one to get involved in that will enrich and fulfill their life.

Delicious Dining Experience

Dining is at the heart of the community, and an essential part of life. Your loved one won’t have to “say goodbye” to foods they enjoy in independent living.

Restaurant-style dining rooms offer a variety of menu options that cater to individual preferences and needs, ensuring that residents have easy access to nutritious, delicious meals every day.

Or, if your loved one wants to enjoy a quiet evening in their apartment or villa making one of their favorite recipes, most apartments have private kitchens.

Variety of Fitness and Wellness Opportunities

There are several benefits of staying active, such as reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and strengthening bones and muscles. Independent living communities empower residents to focus on their wellness and maintain an active lifestyle no matter their age or fitness level.

Yoga classes, a dynamic fitness center, and more are beacons of the community’s commitment to residents’ health. Fitness classes are tailored to older adults and consist of peaceful yoga sessions or fun-filled dance classes. The fitness centers are also fully equipped with easy-to-use equipment for residents.

Explore the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Moving to an independent living community can be a change filled with fear and anxiety, but many residents who initially feared the transition find themselves wishing they had moved to an independent living community sooner!

Learn more benefits of senior living and start exploring your options by booking a tour of one of our Bethesda communities. See the Bethesda Difference in person!

The post Overcoming the Fear of Change: Why Your Loved One Might Benefit from Moving to a St. Louis Independent Senior Living Community first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Some ways to help the transition to assisted living go more smoothly include:

• Deciding what to bring in advance
• Moving belongings into their new home a couple days early
• Encouraging social interaction
• Helping your loved one have a positive emotional transition

1. DECIDING WHAT TO BRING

It’s a good idea to start the packing process well before the move-in date. Find out which personal items are most important to your loved one, but avoid bringing too many of the same item, such as coats. Also keep in mind that unlike the smaller items (clothes, keepsakes, photographs), larger items like furniture will require some planning when moving to assisted living. Ask the assisted living community what furniture, if any, will be provided.

Some families choose to furnish apartments with brand new furniture. However, be sure to bring some familiar items too. This will help your loved one feel more comfortable and establish that feeling of being “at home” in their new apartment.

2. MOVING BELONGINGS EARLY

Find out if it’s possible to move your loved one’s possessions a day or two prior to the actual move-in date. This will give you the opportunity to set up their apartment by unpacking, assembling furniture and running errands. As a result, you can spend their first actual day at the community focused on helping them adjust to their new home.

Assistance may be available from the community to help you with the move-in process. Ask for a floor plan to get an idea of how the apartment should be organized and arranged—this will make setup easier and faster for you, and help your loved one adjust more quickly.

3. ENCOURAGING SOCIAL INTERACTION

A great way to help your senior loved one acclimate is by getting them engaged in the activities offered at the  assisted living community that appeal to them. Focus on the opportunities they will have to make new friends and participate in events. Ask for an activities calendar and find the events that they will enjoy most. Also, help them meet new neighbors by joining your loved one for their first meal in the dining room.

4. HELPING MAKE THE EMOTIONAL TRANSITION A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Moving is an emotional experience for all of us—but even more so for an older adult. Moving to assisted living can feel overwhelming and daunting, but it can also be an exciting change that should be embraced. Both of you may experience many different emotions throughout the process, but these feelings are normally temporary as everyone works on adjusting to this next phase of life. It’s important to recognize these feelings and find ways to embrace the move.

Let your loved one know that you understand moving to assisted living and navigating the transition may be hard for them, and that you are here to talk and listen. Be respectful, but be upbeat! Positive reinforcement will help your loved one focus on the benefits they will gain from moving to assisted living.

Start your transition to assisted living by booking a tour at a Bethesda Assisted Living community today.

The post 4 Tips for an Easy Transition to Your St. Louis Assisted Living Community first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It’s also when many people seem to adjust their eating habits. So, it’s a good opportunity for seniors, and those creating diet plans for seniors, to pause and begin paying special attention to diet and nutrition.

Transitioning Senior Diet Plans from Summer to Fall

Typically, people switch from light summer meals and cool drinks to hearty fall recipes and comfort foods as the weather starts to cool.

For example, in the summer, some might choose a bright, refreshing salad for dinner. However, richer foods like casseroles, meatloaf, roasts, and soups or stews become more popular in the fall and winter. Those fall recipes tend to be heavier in their fat content, so we need to think carefully about what we’re eating.

Keys to Healthy Eating: Moderation & Color

What’s important to keep in mind when creating a senior diet plan is that healthy eating doesn’t mean you can’t ever have the things you like to eat. There are often ways for rich fall recipes to be made healthier, such as grilling or baking instead of deep frying. Fatty, calorie-dense foods don’t have to be forbidden, but they should always be eaten in moderation.

Seniors especially tend to gravitate toward meals that feature a meat and a starch. They don’t have to deny themselves, but portion control is key. And when it comes to vegetables, you want to see a lot of colors on the plate, including a red vegetable and a green vegetable. Dietitians say that half the plate should be colorful.

Staying Hydrated, Even as the Leaves Change

Besides fat intake, other things to watch for when creating senior diet plans include monitoring salt and sugar intake, and making sure plenty of liquids are consumed.

Seniors tend to drink and eat less than their younger counterparts. And they often consume less liquid because they spend more time indoors, getting less physical activity. Therefore, the cool drinks of summer should be replaced with more hot liquids, like tea, decaffeinated coffee and soups.

Other alternate sources of liquid for senior diet plans, according to agingcare.com, include the following fruits and vegetables: apricots, bell peppers, broccoli, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, lettuce, nectarines, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon.

At Bethesda, we believe the foundations of great health begin with great nutrition for senior diets! Check out our other senior health and wellness articles for more tips and tricks on staying healthy all year long!

The post Tips for Choosing Fall Recipes for Senior Diet Plans first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

How Much Sugar is Too Much Sugar?

The answer to that question depends on several variables. If you have diabetes, or your blood sugar levels are higher than normal (called pre-diabetes), your body is not as capable of handling large amounts of sugar. Someone who does not have diabetes can metabolize (the speed at which your body processes a substance) the sugar and thus absorb it into their system better than people with diabetes. A senior who is physically active (and does not have diabetes) can process even larger amounts of sugar.

But people with diabetes need not deprive themselves of Halloween snacks and recipes, as long as they carefully plan what and how much of it they are going to eat at one time. Through experience and working with a dietitian, seniors can determine what their daily carbohydrate (sugar is a carbohydrate) intake should be and make some trade-offs. For example, if the goal is to consume 45 grams of carbs per meal, a person could eat a small apple, which has about 20 grams of sugar in it, OR 2-3 miniature Three Musketeers bars, which have about the same amount of sugar.

You can search online to check out the sugar content of your favorite Halloween candy.

Can You Indulge or Must You Abstain?

If you are prone to depression, anxiety, or have issues with compulsive behavior, the first bite of a delicious piece of candy could cause you to begin binge eating. Therefore, if you soothe yourself with food, you should not indulge.

But if you regularly eat a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and you exercise regularly, an occasional sweet can be a welcome break. And if you continue to take care of your body as recommended by your physician, then enjoy a small Halloween ‘retreat!’ When in doubt, consult with your doctor.

Regardless, a good strategy for seniors is to give away the leftover Halloween candy soon after the holiday. Do not leave it in the cabinet, because there’s a good chance you’ll be the one to keep eating it.

Sweet Strategies During Halloween

Other than giving away your Halloween candy, seniors may also opt to choose a healthier treat.

If you love those nut-covered caramel apples, don’t despair. There are some healthy aspects to this treat. First, they are covered with nuts, which allow for slower sugar absorption that avoids high spikes of blood glucose levels. The nuts also contain protein and heart-healthy fat. In addition, you get fiber from the apple, which also helps slow the absorption of sugar and can make you feel full longer.

Another strategy we suggest is to try some extra physical activity before or after eating the candied apple. Maybe take a longer walk than you typically do, to help your body process these types of treats.

You can also be selective about your Halloween candy, like choosing M & M’s Peanut Chocolate Candy. Peanuts provide protein. If you eat a few of them with a small meal, you are less likely to consume too many.

Keep in mind that a certain amount of sugar is necessary and it’s the only thing that actively feeds your brain cells. Every carbohydrate you eat—whether bread or fruit or a whole-grain cracker—eventually turns into sugar.

A Healthy Halloween Alternative for Family and Friends

Other alternatives to sweet treats for seniors could include popcorn, which is considered a whole grain. Cheese popcorn adds a little protein boost as well. Try healthy Halloween snacks and recipes, such as the popcorn recipe found below:

1. Choose your favorite popcorn.
2. Add a sprinkle of cheese (the protein in the cheese will help keep you full longer.)
3. Try drizzling lightly buttered popcorn with a little caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon (cinnamon has some supportive research — it may help keep blood sugars more stable).
4. If you want, you can get creative and add cayenne pepper to the recipe, creating what is known as “vampire blood popcorn.” (Spicy foods can boost your metabolism for up to 30 minutes after consumption.)

The Tricks About Halloween Snacks and Recipes

1. Learn your limits and recommended parameters around consuming sweets in order to feel your best.
2. Make smart selections.
3. Enjoy a happy and healthy Halloween!

Read more senior health and wellness tips from Bethesda on our blog.

The post Halloween for Seniors: The Tricks About Treats first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Below, you’ll find lists of fun and easy-to-make Halloween costumes for seniors including additional items you’ll need to bring them to life.

Timeless and Easy Halloween Costumes for Seniors

• Pumpkin: Wear orange clothing and add green hat or leaf stem.
• Black Cat: Dress in black and add cat ears and tail.
• Rosie the Riveter: Blue shirt, red bandana, and strike a flexed arm pose.
• 1950s Sock Hopper: Poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and scarf.
• Fortune Teller: Colorful shawl, headscarf, and jewelry.
• Witch: Black dress, pointy hat, and broomstick.
• Scarecrow: Plaid shirt, overalls, and straw accents.
• Cowboy/Cowgirl: Western shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat.
• Ghost: White sheet with cut-out eye holes.
• Pirate: Striped shirt, eye patch, bandana, and toy sword or parrot.
• Hippie: Tie-dye shirt, peace sign accessories, and headband.
• Farmer: Overalls, plaid shirt, and a straw hat.
• Mummy: Wrap yourself in white fabric or bandages.
• Clown: Colorful clothes, big shoes, red nose, and a little face paint.
• Superhero: Cape, mask, and bright clothing.
• Librarian: Glasses, cardigan, and a book in hand.
• Chef: White coat, chef hat, and spatula.
• Magician: Black suit, top hat, and magic wand.
• Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, sunhat, and camera.
• Fairy Godmother: Glittery dress, wand, and a tiara.

If you or your senior loved one requires the use of a wheelchair to get around, don’t fret. Not only will it not prevent you from having some holiday fun, but it can also be incorporated into your design to make your costume even better! The chair can become a vehicle or another prop – or it can be camouflaged to take it out of the picture altogether.

Halloween Costumes for Seniors Who Use Wheelchairs

• Flower Pot: Decorate the wheelchair as a pot and wear a flower hat.
• Train Conductor: Disguise the wheelchair as a train engine and wear overalls and an engineer’s cap.
• Royal Throne: Dress up the chair as a throne and wear a crown and robe.
• Ice Cream Truck: Decorate the wheelchair with white poster board to replicate the truck and add ice cream advertisements. You can wear an ice cream vendor outfit or dress as your favorite ice cream sundae.
• Bookworm: Camouflage the wheelchair as a stack of books and wear glasses and book-themed accessories.
• Parade Float: Decorate the wheelchair festively with streamers and balloons.
• Spaceship Pilot: Use construction paper decorated with glitter or other flashy materials to transform the wheelchair into a spaceship. Don’t forget to wear a helmet!
• Classic Movie Star: Drape faux fur or a glamorous wrap over the chair for a Hollywood look.
• Candy Cart: Decorate with candy wrappers and wear bright colors to dress as the vendor.
• Pirate Ship: Add cardboard sails and a Jolly Roger flag to the chair and wear a pirate hat.
• Game of Thrones iron throne: Similar to the “royal throne” look, use metallic spray paint and cardboard instead to embody the iconic throne.
• Batmobile: Black panels and the Bat-symbol turn the chair into a superhero vehicle.
• Cinderella’s Carriage: Use tinsel, fairy lights, and cardboard on the wheels for a magical effect.
• DJ Booth: Create a DJ table with cardboard and wear headphones and sunglasses to complete the look.
• Titanic passenger or crew: Decorate the chair as the ship using cardboard or construction paper and wear period attire.

Have fun, but keep it safe

When creating wheelchair Halloween costumes for seniors, it’s important to select lightweight materials such as cardboard, foam, or fabric, as they are easy to wear and maneuver. Decorations should be attached with Velcro or zip ties for easy removal, allowing for adjustments whenever needed or quick removal if necessary. Always be sure that neither wheels nor controls are obstructed by costume elements, and enhance visibility at night by adding lights or reflective tape.

Halloween costumes for seniors should not drag on the ground. This will prevent tripping or becoming caught in the wheels of wheelchairs or walkers. Avoid masks or face coverings that might interfere with breathing or block vision, and be careful to use non-flammable materials, especially around open flames like candles or jack-o’-lanterns.

The costumes should not be too tight or restrictive, and allow the senior to move comfortably and easy access to emergency medication (if necessary). If props are included, make sure they’re lightweight, easy to handle, and free from sharp or pointed edges. For seniors, supervision during costume events can provide helpful assistance, and it’s wise to check in regularly to ensure ongoing comfort and safety throughout the festivities.

With these tips, Halloween can be both safe and fun for you and your senior loved ones.  Just don’t get carried away with too much Halloween candy!

Find more ways to celebrate Halloween on Bethesda’s blog!

The post 35 Fun and Simple Halloween Costumes for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It’s time for the “second spring,” which for many means it’s time for enjoying fall foliage in St. Louis. Predictions claimed the leaves would start changing colors around October 6, and will peak between October 27 and November 10.

SmokyMountains.com provides an interactive map predicting fall foliage across the U.S. If cooler fall days continue, the St. Louis area should see four to five weeks of color change this season. And throughout much of the St. Louis area, seniors can enjoy the colorful view from their car or on easy, safe walking paths.

10 Places to Admire Fall Foliage in St. Louis 

1. TOWER GROVE PARK

Tower Grove Park is a wooded Victorian park with grassy meadows and approximately 7,000 trees. It is the second-largest park in the city, which makes it a great spot for enjoying fall foliage in St. Louis.

Location: 4257 Northeast Dr., St. Louis

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

Phone: (314) 771-2679

2. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and home to a wide variety of plants and trees. Advance e-ticket purchases are recommended to ensure faster entry and guaranteed access. Shuttles are available.

Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis

Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Phone: (314) 577-5100

3. FOREST PARK

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is the city’s largest park. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams—making it a dream destination for those seeking beautiful scenes of fall foliage in St. Louis.

Location: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis

Open: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 367-7275

4. SUGAR CREEK PARK

Sugar Creek Park is a small, 20-acre park off interstate 270 and Dougherty Ferry Road with a short walking trail.

Location: 435 Des Peres Rd., Des Peres

Open: Dawn to dusk daily

5. LONGVIEW FARM PARK

Longview Farm Park features trails that wind through woods and around a lake alongside stables and pastures.

Location: 13525 Clayton Rd., Town and Country

Open: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 587-2812

6. CREVE COEUR LAKE MEMORIAL PARK

At Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, woodlands surround a 320-acre lake located in Maryland Heights. Trails in the park are both paved and unpaved, and relatively flat. The trails are shared by walkers, runners and cyclists.

Locations: 

Sailboat Cove: 13725 Marine Ave., St. Louis

Upper Creve Coeur: 13236 Streetcar Dr., St. Louis

Open: Dawn (half hour before official sunrise) to dusk (half hour after official sunset) daily. Gates open by 7 a.m.

7. MAIN STREET IN ST. CHARLES

Main Street is located along the tree-lined banks of the Missouri River. While viewing the foliage, you can visit a wide variety of shops, historic buildings and restaurants.

8. LONE ELK PARK

Located approximately 30 minutes west of St. Louis,  Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Miles of paved road wind through the park.

Location: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., St. Louis (It is advised that you use a GPS or a print out for directions to the park.)

Hours: 8 a.m. till official sunset daily

9. ROCKWOODS RESERVATION

Rockwoods Reservation is a 1,880-acre state forest and wildlife conservation area in St. Louis County. There are about 13 miles of foot trails, some easier than others, that take hikers near caves and along Hamilton Creek. However, paved roads throughout the reservation allow you to drive through easily.

Location: 2751 Glencoe Rd., Wildwood (Approximately 40 minutes west of St. Louis.)

Open: Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.

Phone: (636) 458-2236

10. DR. EDMUND A. BABLER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Babler Memorial State Park is a 35 to 40-minute scenic drive west from St. Louis to Wildwood. Babler’s trail options are described in detail on their website.

Location: 800 Guy Park Dr., Wildwood

Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily April through October and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily November through March

Phone: (636) 458-3813

Find more fun activities for seniors by visiting Bethesda’s Senior Living blog.

The post 10 Best Places for Enjoying Fall Foliage in St. Louis first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Before You Get Started

Before you begin, there are a few tips to follow to ensure your crafts are fun and fast:

• Prepare all of the supplies needed for the project before involving your loved one
• Complete any time-consuming, preliminary steps before starting the craft project
• Make sure you have plenty of room to move around comfortably
• Have “extra hands” to help, if needed
• Allow plenty of time to complete the craft, or schedule more than one session to make sure that you finish

1. No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin

Photo credit: Home in the Finger Lakes

This adorable and easy to make No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin is made with a long-sleeved shirt, some twine and artificial leaves. It’s the perfect pumpkin to display in a room or a common area and one of the most enjoyable Halloween crafts for seniors.

To craft this rustic, country-themed pumpkin, you will need:

• An old long-sleeved shirt (fall colors will look the best)
• Twine
• Rubber bands
• Fiberfill to stuff your pumpkin
• Glue (we recommend Mod Podge)
• Scissors
• Pencils
• Optional: artificial fall leaves

For step-by-step instructions, visit Home in the Finger Lakes.

2. Jewel-Covered Bling Pumpkin

Photo credit: hercampus.com

Who doesn’t love bling? Seniors will love making these jewel-covered pumpkins to decorate their homes and living spaces.

For this sparkly project, you will need:

• Black spray paint
• One plastic pumpkin
• Assorted craft jewels

The key to making this project one of the best Halloween crafts for seniors is by using large gems, which are easier to handle. For the best results, use craft jewels that have adhesive backs to reduce complicated steps. It’s still a good idea to have clear-drying glue on hand, just in case the jewels don’t want to stick to the pumpkin.

Plastic pumpkins are suggested because they can be stored and reused as a decoration for years to come. They also are lighter than real ones. When spray-painting the pumpkins, do so in a well-ventilated area, and remember to lay newspaper down to protect surfaces. Once you have prepped the pumpkin, your loved one can enjoy decorating!

For instructions on how to make this fancy bling pumpkin, visit HerCampus.

3. Mummy Candy Cans

Photo credit: HGTV

These spooky-cute little mummies are the perfect treat for trick-or-treaters. Since this project requires pliers, make sure that the cans are prepped for seniors before beginning, and no stray metal bits are sticking out. Once again, when spray painting, make sure it takes place in a well-ventilated area.

You will need:

• Clean, empty tin can (any size will work)
• Black spray paint (matte or semi-gloss)
• Cheesecloth
• “Googly Eyes”
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Pliers

For instructions on how to make these little ghouls, visit HGTV.com.

Get Inspired with More Halloween Crafts for Seniors

The fun doesn’t stop with these three craft ideas. Get together with your senior loved ones this fall to spend time and create Halloween decorations. Find inspiration from Mod Podge Rocks!, visit Bethesda’s blog for more Halloween ideas for seniors, or come up with your own fun ideas to celebrate the season!

Here at Bethesda, fall is a fun time for our senior residents and their families. Learn more and visit a community near you to see what Bethesda has to offer!

The post 3 Easy Halloween Crafts for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Here are some retirement questions to ask yourself before turning in your resignation letter:

1. Financial Readiness

Do I have enough savings and income sources to support my desired lifestyle once I retire? Have I accounted for inflation, healthcare costs and potential emergencies? Remember, none of us really knows how long we will live, what our health will look like in a few years, or what the economy will be like in the future. It’s important to be prepared for anything.

2. Healthcare and Insurance

What are my healthcare needs, and do I have adequate health insurance coverage? Have I considered long-term care insurance or other options for potential future health or care needs? Just because we’re healthy now doesn’t mean we will be in the future. It’s important to have contingency plans. And where do you plan to live? Retiring to a different climate or to be nearer to our kids and grandchildren will mean we have to find new doctors. Make sure they will be covered by your insurance network.

3. Lifestyle and Activities

How do I want to spend my time in retirement? What hobbies, interests, or activities do I want to pursue? Have I planned for social engagement and staying active? Unfortunately, many new retirees find their new “life of leisure” to be boring. They don’t have any place to be or deadlines to meet, and spending their days watching television wasn’t what they had in mind. Is it time to learn how to play golf or pickleball? Maybe you’d like to travel. The time to figure these things out is before you make the transition to retired life.

4. Housing and Living Arrangements

Where do I want to live once I retire? Is my current home suitable for aging in place, or should I consider downsizing or moving to a retirement community? Sometimes seniors find that although they no longer are tied to their office, they’re tied to their home. Plans to travel are thwarted by the fact that someone needs to be around to mow the lawn, and confirm everything is working correctly and that the house is secure. Would relocating to a retirement community, an apartment building, condominium or otherwise downsizing be necessary to free you up to pursue your retirement plans?

5. Family and Relationships

How will my retirement impact my relationships with family and friends? Have I discussed my plans with my loved ones, and do they support my decisions? It’s important to set expectations ahead of time. If you have young grandchildren, your adult children might assume that you will always be available to babysit. While we all love to see our grandchildren, do we want it to be a full-time job?

6. Purpose and Fulfillment

What will give me a sense of purpose and fulfillment in retirement? Have I thought about volunteering, part-time work, or other ways to stay engaged and contribute to my community? Feeling unnecessary can lead to depression. It’s important to our sense of worth to be able to contribute in some way. What organizations where you live could benefit from your donated time?

7. Legal and Estate Planning

Have I updated my will, power of attorney, and other legal documents? Have I planned for the distribution of my assets and communicated my wishes to my family? When your financial picture changes because you’re leaving your career, it’s the perfect time to revisit these important legal necessities.

8.Emotional Preparedness

Have I considered the psychological aspects of leaving the workforce, and how I will adjust to this new phase of life? Talk to your retired friends and family members about how retirement affected them and what they’d have done differently had they known in advance. Ensuring you stay connected to a network of friends and family will make the transition easier.

Knowing which retirement questions to ask yourself can help you make informed decisions and create a retirement plan that aligns with your goals and values. Figure out the answers now, and ensure you live out your golden years exactly how you want!

Curious about independent senior living? Find more information on our blog!

The post Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Retirement first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.