News

Embrace the Season of Change with Health and Wellness

September 4, 2024 by Cory Czepa

As the warm days of summer transition into cooler days, it’s the perfect time to focus on your health and well-being. In this month’s newsletter, we’re diving into the benefits of seasonal produce, sharing a delicious and healthy recipe, and offering tips on winding down and staying active as the seasons change.

Seasonal Produce for September

One of the joys of September is the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Incorporating these into your diet can boost your health, support local farmers, and bring vibrant flavors to your meals. Some seasonal favorites include:

Apples: Packed with fiber and antioxidants, apples are great for heart health and digestion. Enjoy them fresh, baked, or in a warm apple crisp.

Pumpkins: Not just for decoration, pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting your immune system. Try roasting pumpkin cubes with a drizzle of olive oil for a nutritious side dish.

Butternut Squash: This versatile squash is full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, making it excellent for maintaining healthy blood pressure and vision.

Winding Down: Tips for Seniors to Relax and Recharge

As the days get shorter, it’s important to take time to relax and recharge. Winding down doesn’t just mean getting ready for bed; it’s about creating moments of calm throughout the day. Here are a few tips to help you relax:

Gentle Stretching: Incorporating gentle stretches into your daily routine can help relieve tension and improve flexibility. Consider starting your day with a simple stretching routine to wake up your muscles.

Mindful Breathing: Practicing deep, mindful breathing can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Try taking a few deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your chest, whenever you need a moment of
peace.

Create a Cozy Environment: As the weather cools, making your home environment cozy and inviting can enhance relaxation. Soft blankets, warm lighting, and a good book can make your evenings more enjoyable.

Stay Active: The Importance of Light Exercise for Seniors

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for seniors, even as the seasons change. Regular exercise supports your heart health, strengthens your muscles, and improves your mood. Here are some light exercises you can do at home:

Chair Yoga: Chair yoga is an excellent way to stay flexible and strong without putting too much strain on your joints. Simple poses like
seated forward bends and gentle twists can be done from the comfort of your chair.

Walking: If the weather permits, a brisk walk outside is a great way to keep your heart healthy. Even a short walk around your neighborhood can make a big difference.

Strength Training with Light Weights: Using light dumbbells or resistance bands can help maintain muscle mass and bone density.

Focus on exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg lifts. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and choose exercises that feel good for you. Staying active will help you enjoy all the wonderful moments that September brings. September is a month of transition and renewal.

By embracing seasonal produce, taking time to relax, and staying active with light exercise, you can enhance your health and well-being as we move into the cooler months. Whether you’re enjoying a warm bowl of roasted butternut squash soup or taking a mindful walk in the crisp fall air, these small steps can make a big difference in how you feel.

Increased Length of Stay

July 16, 2024 by Cory Czepa

42 Months vs. 22 Months

It is generally less expensive to care for healthier residents. The healthier the residents are, the less turnover there is with residents by allowing them to stay in the community longer and stay out of the hospital.

Across the industry, the average length of stay in assisted living is 22 months, according to Illumination 2016 Analytics’ 10-year analysis, as presented at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in May 2016.

Live 2 B Healthy proprietary data shows an average length of stay of over 42 months for our assisted living client communities that have been with us 2 years or longer.

IMPROVE BALANCE, FLEXIBILITY & STRENGTH

Study after study indicates the numerous benefits of exercise on health and longevity, so it’s no surprise that communities who partner with Live 2 B Healthy find that their Length of Stay is higher than the national average. Our testing results consistently show improvements in Balance, Flexibility & Strength among our class participants.

Seniors who are more active are at a decreased risk of falls, as well experiencing improved symptoms of various life-shortening chronic conditions related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Learn how your community can increase your Length of Stay – Contact Us today!

Falls Prevention

July 16, 2024 by Cory Czepa

Study Shows 47% Reduction in Falls!

Our communities are concerned about Return on Investment. In data shared with us, participants have reduced fall rates an average of 47%. What could a reduction of falls like that do to your bottom line?

Implement a resistance training program for older adults to help improve their functional fitness abilities and improve their overall well-being.
Measure the impact of your resistance training program both in terms of the 4 functional fitness measures AND at the group level with respect to fall reduction.
Share the results with community caregivers and encourage them to support the program by helping residents get to the class regularly.
Celebrate your results with resident families and the surrounding community to build a strong pipeline of potential future residents.4

. . . and a 59% Fall Rate Reduction in Memory Care Setting!

One of our Memory Care Community Partners tracked their falls for three years. The 59% Fall Rate Reduction they saw in their first year test community convinced them that Live 2 B Healthy was effective enough to warrant adding to all 7 of their communities’ programs.

HOW DOES THAT WORK?

The reason Live 2 B Healthy programs are so effective at reducing falls is because we concentrate on improving Balance, Flexibility & Strength in all of our classes.

Balance is largely a function of practice, and, as we age, we tend to practice balance skills less, so we lose our ability. Our classes incorporate both sitting and standing movements that get seniors back into the practice of using their balance skills.

Flexibility and stretching exercises lubricate the joints and help to keep our movements smoother and less painful. Less pain means more range of movement, and less hesitation in our daily activities.

And finally, by working on Strength – particularly core strength – we have increased ability to recover from a stumble. Our core muscles help us catch ourselves before gravity takes over when we stumble.

Live 2 B Healthy doesn’t just talk about improved balance, flexibility & strength – we have the data to back it up! All of our classes start out with a baseline test. Thereafter, participants are tested twice per year. We provide testing results to our communities to share with their residents, family and community.