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Southgate at Shrewsbury

Retirement community near Shrewsbury and Worcester, MA

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Best iPad Apps for Senior Citizens

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Seniors have been quick to adopt Apple’s iPad, a device that in their childhood would have seemed like a science fiction fantasy. According to a study by eMarketer, iPad use among seniors grew 190% during 2011. This powerful but lightweight touchscreen computer is the size of a notepad and so intuitive that even a two-year-old can use it.

Assistedliving.com conducted an informal survey of older family members and friends to learn their favorite iPad apps. Here are the results:

 

Memory Aids

1. Pageonce (free):This app helps to track and organize bills, and even supports online bill pay.

2. BugMe! Stickies ($1.99): BugMe! lets you setup notes and reminders for birthdays, doctor’s appointments, and so on.

3. Find my iPad (free): Use a smart phone or a standard computer to quickly locate a lost iPad.

Socializing and Staying in Touch

4. Postcards (free):Designed for seniors, this simple apple allows your older loved one to easily view photos and videos that family members have shared.

5. Skype (free): Skype is for face-to-face video conferencing. Seniors can chat with grandchildren and other loved ones anywhere in the world.

6. Words with Friends ($2.99): Play a clone of the popular board game, Scrabble, with friends across the world.

7. Vtok (free): Vtok, an alternative to Skype, brings Google video calls to the iPad.

 

Lifelong Learning and Staying Mentally Fit

8. Crosswords ($9.99): Seniors are known for their love of crossword puzzles. This app puts a limitless number of puzzles at your loved one’s finger tips.

9. iTunes U (free): ITunes U by Apple makes courses by a wide variety of educational institutions easily accessible.

10. Luminosity (free): Play popular brain games designed to help people exercise their mind and stay sharp.

11. TED Talks (free): Watch free lectures and talks by scientists and thinkers of the 21st century.

12. BBC News (free):The BBC has been the voice of the Free World since 1922. Read the latest world news or listen to the BBC World Service.

13. Virtuoso Piano 3 (free):Virtuoso is the perfect app for an older musician. Play piano and other instruments with the touchscreen.

14. WeatherBug (free): WeatherBug is among the most outstanding weather apps. Get forecasts, view the local radar, and get alerts from the National Weather Service.

15. iBooks (free): iBooks turns an iPad into an eBook reader. Font size and brightness can be easily adjusted for seniors with vision problems.

16. StockFish (free): Chess, known as the “game of kings” has been popular since the middle ages. Your chess-playing loved one will never have fret about finding an opponent with StockFish. Difficulty and playing style of the computer can be easily adjusted.

17. NPR (free): Public radio fans are sure to enjoy the NPR iPad app.

18. Art ($.99):Art is a virtual art museum and an art history course in one. View high resolution images of thousands of classic paintings and learn about the artists.

19. Living Earth ($1.99):This is a visually stunning app for weather and world-time. It shows a bright and beautiful simulated image of the Earth as it looks at this very moment, incorporating the latest satellite imagery to illustrate cloud cover.

listen to the BBC World Service.

13. Virtuoso Piano 3 (free):Virtuoso is the perfect app for an older musician. Play piano and other instruments with the touchscreen.

14. WeatherBug (free): WeatherBug is among the most outstanding weather apps. Get forecasts, view the local radar, and get alerts from the National Weather Service.

15. iBooks (free): iBooks turns an iPad into an eBook reader. Font size and brightness can be easily adjusted for seniors with vision problems.

16. StockFish (free): Chess, known as the “game of kings” has been popular since the middle ages. Your chess-playing loved one will never have fret about finding an opponent with StockFish. Difficulty and playing style of the computer can be easily adjusted.

17. NPR (free): Public radio fans are sure to enjoy the NPR iPad app.

18. Art ($.99):Art is a virtual art museum and an art history course in one. View high resolution images of thousands of classic paintings and learn about the artists.

19. Living Earth ($1.99):This is a visually stunning app for weather and world-time. It shows a bright and beautiful simulated image of the Earth as it looks at this very moment, incorporating the latest satellite imagery to illustrate cloud cover.

20. Goodreads (free): A book lovers dream. Users can read reviews of books they are considering reading, rate and write reviews of books they’ve read, keep a log of books read, and receive recommendations about books that match their interests.

21. Wikipanion (free): Wikipedia is becoming a virtually repository for all human knowledge, and Wikipanion is one of the best apps around for browsing Wikipedia.

 

Health

22. WebMD (free):Get health information and news from WebMD.

23. Med Reminder ($2.99):This app can help a parent or other old loved one keep track of their medicines.

24. Motion Doctor ($6.99):Have an ache or pain? Motion Doctor shows your loved one simple stretches and exercises that may help. It can even help seniors find a local physical therapist.

25. HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker ($2.99): This is a great app for seniors who want to take control of their own health.

 

Adaptive Aids

26. Magnifying Glass (free): This app turns an iPad into a digital magnifying glass.

27. Big Calculator ($.99): As its name implies, this is a pocket calculator with really big buttons.

26. Dragon Dictation (free):This is an undemanding text recognition app that’s an excellent tool to help seniors dictate emails and other messages.

28. VizWiz (free): VizWiz allows someone with limited vision to get quick information about an object. Take a photo of an object, ask a question about it, and get an answer almost instantly from a worldwide network of volunteers. VizWiz also includes an “IQ engine”, which uses computerized object recognition.

29. Penultimate ($.99): Use your finger as a pen on the iPhone screen. Notes that you write in Penultimate are transcribed into digital text and can be saved.

30. Clevermind (TBD): Clevermind is still in development but is promising enough that we couldn’t resist mentioning it now. Designed for seniors with mild to moderate memory loss, demos show an app with a simple, intuitive interface and features that include brain training, reminders and entertainment.

 

What Are the Benefits of Massage for Senior Citizens?

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As you age, you may find yourself and your peers slowing down, but this does not necessarily need to happen. Many of your peers, each possessing different ability levels, regularly participate in physical activities ranging from tennis to golf to jogging. Some of your peers participate in dancing or lower-impact physical activities such as lawn bowling or curling. Regular massage therapy assists your desire to be active and get the most out of your life, and can promote the harmonious union of mind and body.

Reduced Pain & Stiffness

If you’re a senior citizen, it’s not uncommon for you to experience pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints, especially following more vigorous-than-usual physical activity. A massage therapist who has experience with senior clients will use gentle yet effective techniques, such as skin rolling, tapping and light kneading, to mobilize your tender muscles, tendons and joints. Massage therapy also helps reduce inflammation-related pain around your joints, which promotes the restoration of your full range of joint motion. Improved range of motion can enhance your ability to ambulate and perform your activities of daily living, which in turn can lead to increased independence and a higher quality of life. According to MassageTherapyCanada.com, senior massage clients regularly report relief from arthritis and chronic pain.

Better Circulation

The Mayo Clinic reports that improved circulation is one of the principle benefits of massage therapy. Healthy circulation of blood and lymph is especially important if you’re a senior citizen, as you may be more susceptible to decreased circulation. Reduced circulation is particularly problematic if you’re a diabetic, as you’re prone to lower limb problems due to reduced blood flow to the tissues of your lower legs and feet. Regular massage therapy, in conjunction with an appropriate exercise plan, can help you prevent diabetic complications, such as ulcers and gangrene in your lower extremities. An additional benefit of massage therapy is the improved lymph flow throughout your body. Improved circulation of both lymph and blood can help you recover more quickly following injuries, and it can boost your energy levels, too.

Emotional Support & Friendship

According to a 2010 study about massage therapy and health outcomes in older adults, published in the “Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies,” those who received massage therapy within the past year produced significantly higher health outcome scores in the following categories: emotional well-being, limitations due to physical issues and limitations due to emotional issues. Massage therapy can help you by reducing your anxiety, depression, stress and loneliness, and can improve your self-confidence and enhance your quality of life. The sense of companionship you derive from a visit to your massage therapist is also an important healing effect of massage therapy. Human touch can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being, and can help promote a sense of belonging and friendship, which has its own psychological benefits.

Massage therapy is just one of the many health and wellness services offered at Southgate at Shrewsbury.  We

rculation of blood and lymph is especially important if you’re a senior citizen, as you may be more susceptible to decreased circulation. Reduced circulation is particularly problematic if you’re a diabetic, as you’re prone to lower limb problems due to reduced blood flow to the tissues of your lower legs and feet. Regular massage therapy, in conjunction with an appropriate exercise plan, can help you prevent diabetic complications, such as ulcers and gangrene in your lower extremities. An additional benefit of massage therapy is the improved lymph flow throughout your body. Improved circulation of both lymph and blood can help you recover more quickly following injuries, and it can boost your energy levels, too.

Emotional Support & Friendship

According to a 2010 study about massage therapy and health outcomes in older adults, published in the “Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies,” those who received massage therapy within the past year produced significantly higher health outcome scores in the following categories: emotional well-being, limitations due to physical issues and limitations due to emotional issues. Massage therapy can help you by reducing your anxiety, depression, stress and loneliness, and can improve your self-confidence and enhance your quality of life. The sense of companionship you derive from a visit to your massage therapist is also an important healing effect of massage therapy. Human touch can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being, and can help promote a sense of belonging and friendship, which has its own psychological benefits.

Massage therapy is just one of the many health and wellness services offered at Southgate at Shrewsbury.  We are committed to the health and happiness of our residents, and strive to keep you active and healthy so you can continue to pursue the hobbies and interests that make your retirement plan uniquely yours.

Top 4 Fitness Exercises for Active Seniors!

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The sun is really starting to shine brightly in beautiful Central Massachusetts, and with the warmer weather comes an itch—the itch to get fit!

Mental and physical exercise is something from which everyone—regardless of age—can benefit. For seniors, in particular, the National Institutes of Health recommend four core exercises.

Now, let’s take a look at what each of these four exercises does and how each one of them can benefit you! (Keep in, too, that medical experts recommend checking with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regime.)

First up we’ve got strength training. Why is this an important exercise for mature adults? Well, it can help bulk up those muscles, which in turn can boost your metabolism. With a healthy metabolism, you’re in a better position to maintain healthy blood sugar level and a healthy weight.

Next, let’s talk about balance. Balance exercises are a great way to build up leg strength, which is very important as we age because it’s that leg strength and stability that can help thwart dangerous slips, trips and falls.

Now, let’s s-t-r-e-t-c-h our discussion a bit further—this time let’s talk about plain ’ol stretching in general. Keeping your muscles loose and limber is a great way to re-energize your body, not to mention your spirit! When we eradicate stiffness we’re in a far better position to move freely, which feels great.

Finally, Southgate at Shrewsbury, has the scoop on why endurance training is an exercise active seniors should consider. Here’s why: Endurance exercises generally have a low barrier to entry. Think walking, raking leaves, going out for a jog, swimming…You get the picture. In fact, many of the activities we grew up loving to do make for amazing exercises that will get that all-important heart rate up and you looking and feeling great at any age.

Here at Southgate at Shrewsbury, we’ve got so many ways for our residents to stay active and fit. Choose from an extensive array of yoga, balance and other fitness classes, or take a dip in our pool to relieve arthritis pain and get a great workout in. And, when you’re just in the mood to walk—well, Southgate at Shrewsbury has the most beautiful grounds where you can put tremendous bounce in every fitness step.

Schedule your visit with Southgate at Shrewsbury today!

Senior Living ‘U’: What’s Your Preference?

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A new PBS documentary raises an interesting question: Are seniors happier in resort-style communities or “university-based” retirement campuses?

PBS interviewed a Florida-based couple who had been living in a retirement community  who opted to go “back to school”—to the husband’s alma mater, the University of Florida, that is, to take advantage of its university-based community.

The couple expressed their boredom with their previous senior living communities activities, which they summed up as “golf, golf, golf, bridge,” noted a recent article by SeniorHousingNews.com.

The article noted that according to one senior housing expert, many senior communities across the country have actually created a bubble for their residents—not on purpose by any means but as a mere function of the activities they offer. The PBS show explained that the seniors of today aren’t satisfied with an all-leisure day. They want intellectually stimulating activities among an intergenerational community of retirees.

One of the key takeaways we here at Southgate at Shrewsbury learned from the PBS segment is that to succeed at creating a happy and fulfilling community for residents, senior living facilities need to go beyond creating an environment of “retirement” and instead focus on helping residents foster their intellectual, fitness, mind/spirit, and social desires.

Southgate at Shrewsbury is happy to report that we’ve been riding this “school” bus for as long as we can remember! We’ve managed to strike a tremendous balance between delivering a resort-style lifestyle for our residents (low- to no-maintenance living, gourmet meals, laundry pick up, housekeeping, etc.) with that all-important university-centric approach. We regularly offer educational programs, talks and discussions for our residents, in addition to fitness classes, fun and exciting excursions around our local area, and so, so much more.

Visit Southgate at Shrewsbury to “get schooled” on all that our premier senior living community has to offer you!