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When it comes to medical concerns, older adults often focus on their heart health and cognitive strength. A commonly overlooked aspect of physical well-being is mouth health. Dental health is just as important as other aspects of well-being, so it is essential for seniors to take care of their oral hygiene. 

Important Dental Facts for Seniors in Assisted Living in Saint Augustine, Florida

With age, your oral health needs can change significantly. Learn ten major facts about aging and dental health below!

1. Your Risk of Gum Disease Is Increased

While gum disease is a risk at any age, it is significantly more common in older individuals. Issues like periodontitis and gingivitis can have a major impact on the overall health of older adults. Therefore, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, is critical.

2. Certain Medications Can Cause Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is incredibly common among seniors in assisted living facilities in St. Augustine, FL. While dry mouth can occur as a result of age, many older adults struggle with dry mouth due to the medications they take. Medications used for health concerns like heart disease can increase the risk of developing dry mouth.

3. Flossing Is Essential

Even diligent brushing cannot reach every area in the mouth. To decrease the risk of gum disease, seniors should floss at least once daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between their teeth.

4. Root Decay Is Common with Age

Many older individuals experience root decay as they continue to age. If root decay becomes severe, root canals and other extensive dental procedures may be needed.

5. Poor Oral Health Increases Pneumonia Risk

Pneumonia is a common concern for older adults, as it can have dire consequences. Many people do not realize that poor dental health can actually increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

6. Worn Enamel Is More Likely

With age, the enamel is more likely to become worn and broken down from years of friction. For this reason, it is important for seniors to practice appropriate dental hygiene and use products that are made for sensitive enamel to prevent further damage.

7. Dentures Must Be Left Out Overnight

Many adults in assisted living in Saint Augustine, Florida, wear dentures, but some are not aware of proper denture maintenance. Dentures must be cleaned daily with specialized toothpaste and not worn overnight. Regular toothpaste should be avoided, as it is too abrasive for dentures, causing breaks and cracks where bacteria can enter. 

8. Mouthwashes Should Be Used

Due to joint pain and stiffness, brushing properly can be tricky for some older adults. Seniors should use mouthwash to reach the spots they may miss during brushing. Mouthwash can reach between the teeth to help dislodge small food particles and kill bacteria. Ideally, seniors should rinse with mouthwash at least once a day.

9. Cavities Are Common

The risk of developing cavities increases with age – even if you have dentures. Cavities can develop in your natural teeth or dentures, which means proper oral hygiene is essential at all ages. Excessive sugar should also be avoided to lower the risk of cavities forming.

10. Electric Toothbrushes Are Easier to Use

Many older adults struggle with joint pain, stiffness, and aches in their hands. This can make using a manual toothbrush difficult. With rotating bristles, electric toothbrushes do much of the work on their own. This makes them easier to use for seniors who struggle to use manual brushes.

Dental health is an important part of life at any age. By taking the right steps and precautions when it comes to maintaining dental hygiene you can minimize the damage or risks associated with poor oral hygiene.

The swing is the most essential weapon in any golfer’s armory. As such, not even the most expensive golf clubs in the world can help you until you nail down your swing. Today, we’ll go over a few pro tips to improve your golf swing. Ready to hit the green? Here are some of the top tips to keep in mind:

Use Less Power

It’s a common belief that putting more power and force behind your swing will result in a better shot. However, hitting the ball with too much power will likely result in the ball veering off widely in the wrong direction.

Putting all of your force behind a swing may also cause you to miss the ball entirely. Although power is important, it needs to be distributed evenly throughout your arms, hips, and torso. Rather than putting all of the force into your arms, your golf swing needs to have a certain level of fluidity. 

You can compare a golf swing to a dance move where your whole body needs to be balanced for a successful hit. The next time you go golfing, shift some of the power into your hips and torso and move your body with the club as you swing. 

You’ll be shocked at the impact this will have when your club comes into contact with the ball.

Perfect Your Grip

Although it’s challenging to advise on how to grip a golf club since everyone has their own preferences, one tip can be widely applied. Your grip should be relaxed in order to stimulate clubhead speed and a clean shot. Many golfers grip their club too tightly when they swing, which results in lost power. 

However, make sure not to relax your grip so much that it results in the club flying out of your hands on the follow-through.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Another common mistake golfers make when carrying out their swing is looking at the target instead of the ball itself. By looking at the golf ball as you swing, you ensure making contact with the ball upon impact. This approach helps deliver a powerful, square-on shot.

An excellent way to remember keeping your eye on the ball is to keep your head still throughout the entire swing. The less head movement, the more accurate and stable your shot will be.

Finish the Swing

After swinging your golf club, your finishing position tells you a lot about the swing you just made. Golfers with a well-balanced finish position typically use their bodies properly during the backswing and downswing. 

If you ever see pro golfers on TV or in person, pay attention to how they hold their finish positions. The majority of the top players will hold their finish until the ball lands, displaying outstanding balance and control. 

As you’re practicing your finish, take a slower swing and remain in your finish stance for a three count after. If you succeed, you can continue picking up the pace until you get to your full swing speed. Having a sturdy follow-through and finish will improve your balance and ability to swing on the correct plane.

Improve Your Game at St. Augustine Assisted Living Facilities

Many golfers seek to improve their game during their retirement. Whether you’re looking for facilities that offer independent living in St. Augustine, FL, or something a little more robust, like assisted living, you can take advantage of some of the top courses in the area to stay active in your golden years.

You’ve heard it your whole life – exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps with bone density, balance, flexibility, and blood circulation, all of which are important parts of healthy aging.

If you’re a senior who’s never worked out before, you might feel like it’s too late. Maybe you think you missed your chance, so why bother starting now?

There’s good news – it’s never too late to start working out. Whether you’re in a St. Augustine assisted living facility or living on your own, there are easy ways to get your heart pumping. Anyone, no matter what age, can benefit from exercise!

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to get started, first things first: talk to your doctor.

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to determine your current fitness level and identify any contraindications. They will offer potential adjustments you’ll need to make due to preexisting medical conditions.

You might need to adjust your newly-found exercise routine because of diabetes, mobility issues like arthritis, or heart problems. However, there is no need to get discouraged; the right kind of exercise can help you manage these conditions and even improve!

Pick What You Like

After knowing what types of exercise you can and cannot do (per your doctor), pick activities you truly enjoy! 

If you’re in a facility for independent living in St. Augustine, FL, a great place to start is with the activities director. If you live on your own, you can explore fitness events at your local community center.

Ideally, your routine will include elements of aerobics, resistance training, and balance training. These three ingredients are the recipe for heart and lung health, healthy bones and muscles, and good mobility. 

Keeping this in mind, consider what you enjoy doing. Some exercises to consider include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai chi
• Golf

Remember this adage: “The best exercise is the one you’ll stick with!” If you enjoy being active, you’ll want to keep up the good work.

Track Your Progress

Make sure you track your progress so that you stay motivated and encouraged. 

There’s nothing more rewarding than realizing you’re able to walk farther, endure longer, or move better. Knowing you’re gaining strength, flexibility, and endurance can help improve your mental and emotional health as you get older.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy Foods

As you incorporate exercise into your routine, you’ll want to be especially conscious of your hydration and nutrition.

Make sure you’re getting enough water and eating the right healthy foods to help your body heal and improve.

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

When seniors maintain a healthy exercise routine, they often experience the following benefits:

• Disease prevention
• Better balance, decreasing the risk of falls and broken bones
• Improved mental and emotional health
• Improved cognitive function

Exercise is beneficial to everyone, but seniors especially can reap myriad benefits from keeping active as they age.

Exercise and Improved Socialization in St. Augustine Assisted Living Facilities

Another major benefit of exercise for seniors is improved socialization, which helps with your overall quality of life.

Some St. Augustine assisted living facilities to provide fitness centers so seniors can work out safely in the company of others.

Ready to Get Started?

When it comes to trying something new, don’t let fear hold you back. You’re never too old to get started, so why wait?

Reach out to a friend or loved one and see if they’ll start a new routine with you. Sunrise or sunset walks are a great way to spend quality time with a special person while enjoying the benefits of exercise.

No action is too small. Don’t overthink it!

Leaving behind a home you’ve lived in all your life is not an easy move to make. However, sometimes health conditions, old age, limited mobility and lack of family support in close proximity make this a necessary decision.

Independent living communities in St. Augustine find various ways to encourage physical activity and emotional balance for the wellbeing of their residents. It is essential for residents of a community to feel a sense of belonging, and this can easily be created by having them contribute towards creating or nurturing something together.

Gardening is one such activity that doesn’t just look aesthetically pleasing, but also allows seniors to feel involved, gives them purpose and provides health benefits as well.

• Being outdoors is a great way for the body to create Vitamin D through sun exposure. It increases calcium levels which is very beneficial for bones and the immune system.

• Gardening also helps fight stress, calms down anxiety and eliminates loneliness. Having a sense of purpose and seeing the fruit of your hard work is a very fulfilling feeling, and for seniors this is a very positive activity to engage in.

• Working on planting, weeding and other activities pertaining to gardening allows old muscles to be exercised and increases stamina and flexibility.

• Being active and alert encourages the elderly to function better, carry out their own tasks and remain as independent as possible.

• Being outdoors and engaging in physical activity helps people sleep better. For seniors suffering with various health issues including insomnia, gardening can be a great exercise that helps them sleep better at night and wake up feeling well-rested.

• Working with neighbors and other residents to create something that brings color and life to their home encourages seniors to feel like they are contributing towards society and helping improve the environment as well.

• Social interaction is another big factor. After settling into their new assisted or independent living communities, some seniors may miss the company of family that used to live nearby or the daily chats with neighbors. Becoming a part of a gardening group gives them a chance to socialize with other people their age and make new friends.

• Gardening in their new assisted living communities may also help some seniors who are mourning the loss of their own backyards and gardens after moving. This allows them to once again have the opportunity to nurture plants, grow flowers and enjoy their favorite hobby once again.

Whether its skilled nursing facilities you are looking for or independent living community options in St. Augustine, Florida, you will be please to find out how much we cater to the health and harmony of our residents at Westminster St. Augustine. Contact us today and book a tour to see how gardening and other trends in our retirement community are helping our residents feel more at home and socially engaged.

When moving into St. Augustine, FL, retirement communities, you may want to consider downsizing your belongings. This experience can be difficult for some people and may require a little help. For example, you can work with homes for assisted living in Saint Augustine to learn what you’ll need and then take the steps below. 

Consider Your Emotional Ties to Your Belongings 

It is amazing how much emotion people place on their belongings. If you’re having a difficult time downsizing your possessions, consider that is not unusual to feel sad when getting rid of sentimental objects. Understand that these items and belongings have served you well – and it may be time for someone else to enjoy them. There are plenty of opportunities to give away, store, or sell items to make your life easier.

Choose Your Essentials Right Away 

Find at least two or three suitcases and fill them up with essentials – like a week’s worth of outfits, pajamas, medications, eyeglasses, tax information, other important documents, and any cash information that you may need. These items are considered essentials and should be taken with you directly. At this point, the rest of what you’ll be sure to keep when moving into St. Augustine FL retirement communities varies.

Give Heirlooms and Gifts to Family Members 

Do you have many family items and heirlooms that you just can’t see yourself giving away when you move into a home for assisted living in Saint Augustine? Why not give them to friends and family members? For example, you can pass along items you planned to give your children anyway, distributing each item to give them good homes.

Understand What Your Center Provides You 

What exactly will St. Augustine, FL, retirement communities provide for your storage needs? Will they have places where you can store many goods, or will you face any limitations? Just as importantly, how will your facility take care of things like your cleaning, washing, and much more? Ask yourself these questions and choose the right center that meets your downsizing needs to avoid complications when you move into the home.

Fitting Into St. Augustine FL Retirement Communities

Downsizing is not going to be an easy task for many people to handle. It will require you to part ways with many options you may feel attachment towards, causing an emotional reaction even when you feel prepared. Thankfully, assisted living in Saint Augustine can help you overcome these concerns by providing a caring and smooth transition period to your amazing new home.

If you’ve noticed your senior loved one choking on water or having trouble swallowing, read on. Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is common among elderly adults.

Difficulty swallowing can be scary to witness, as it is a significant choking hazard and can come on quickly. It can also make it more difficult for your loved one to do everyday things like eating and sleeping. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look for and the reasons this might be happening. 

Symptoms of Difficulty Swallowing

Sometimes it is obvious that an older adult is having trouble swallowing. For example, if they are choking on water or food or complaining about the problem. However, there are other less obvious symptoms of dysphagia that you should look for in elderly adults, including:

• Drooling
• Taking a long time to finish a drink or food
• Gurgling noises after they’ve eaten or had something to drink
• Avoiding eating or drinking

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to talk to your loved one about what may be going on. It is also a good idea to consult with a doctor.

Common Reasons for Swallowing Problems

About 15% of elderly adults experience some sort of swallowing problem. The problem usually does not present on its own but rather as a symptom of an underlying condition. If your loved one is experiencing dysphagia and resides in a skilled nursing facility in St. Augustine, FL, tell the staff. 

Poor Oral Health

Poor oral health can lead to a long list of complications, including diseases in the mouth and difficulty swallowing. A good dental hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist will ensure that elderly adults do not experience difficulty swallowing due to poor oral health.

Ill-Fitting Dentures

Many elderly adults use dentures at some point in life. If the dentures do not fit well, it can cause several problems in the mouth, like sores or even infections. It can also make it more difficult to swallow. Getting dentures adjusted is easy and can be a quick fix to any difficulty swallowing.

Medication Side Effects

If you’ve noticed an elderly adult is suddenly having difficulty swallowing, an excellent place to start to look is any medications they may be on. Medications can often have side effects that produce excess saliva or impact muscles in the mouth and throat. Talk to the doctor about a different medication if this is the case.

Cognitive Disorders

Cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s are common at later stages in life and can often lead to symptoms like difficulty swallowing. It is always a good idea to get tested regularly for cognitive disorders. There’s also plenty of good memory care in St. Augustine if you think it’s time to make some lifestyle changes in your loved one’s life.

Assisted Living in Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a wonderful place to retire and enjoy the later years in life, and transitioning to assisted living is easier than ever. This northeast coast city in Florida is home to some of the leading facilities in the nation.

Worried about your loved one? A good community for assisted living in Saint Augustine can help residents with any medical issues they may experience and ensure they are safe. Talk to your providers to learn more!

Studies show that certain hobbies help older adults’ mental health. Exercise and sports are two activities that might help the elderly improve their mental health. If you’re curious about how an active lifestyle benefits your well-being, here are a few ways to strengthen your mental health at assisted living facilities in St. Augustine, Florida!

Physical Activities 

The elderly in St. Augustine assisted living engage in various physical activities in the comfort of their own homes. Furthermore, physically handicapped individuals can benefit from gentle music. Even when seated, music allows the elderly to move their arms and legs. Exercise promotes blood circulation and the release of hormones like endorphin, which increase comfort and happiness. Exercise at assisted living facilities in St. Augustine, Florida improves blood circulation, which helps to decrease the progression of dementia.

Remembrance Therapy 

This sort of therapy operates as an antidepressant and can assist the elderly in becoming more engaged. Allowing older adults to reminisce about past events encourages them to participate even more. The elderly prefer to chat about their experiences rather than keep up with the news. These kinds of therapy sessions at Saint Augustine assisted living facilities might involve a variety of artifacts from the past.

Doing Crafts 

Therapists can help the elderly connect with the world outside their homes by encouraging them to participate in specialized crafts. It takes a lot of concentration when doing arts and crafts. Therefore, encouraging residents to participate in activities such as creating greeting cards and decorations can benefit their mental health. Plus, themed activities, such as Halloween parties, can help them feel more engaged in life.

Learn More About St. Augustine Assisted Living

In the United States, more than seventy percent of the elderly with mental disorders have improved their quality of life thanks to effective mental health care, according to the National Library of Medicine. In assisted living facilities in St. Augustine, Florida, mental health is always a priority. 

In recent times, assisted living in St. Augustine, Florida has heightened its strategies to keep seniors engaged. Technology is now the new normal, and ideas are abundant for retirement community virtual gatherings in St. Petersburg and St. Augustine. Learn how to enhance your next virtual gathering with these five ideas.

Create a Virtual Craft Event 

The great thing about craft is that it can be done indoors, outdoors, alone, in groups, or even online. A St. Augustine retirement community should offer all five options. Drop supplies off at each resident’s door so that they may become creative. Then, they only need to join a virtual gathering involving a new artist leading each event, allowing everyone to follow along and participate together! There are numerous craft ideas available, ranging from origami to painting, pottery, and more.

Online Exercise Classes

There are numerous on-demand training programs available. Still, additional choices include discovering fitness videos on YouTube or having a staff member present a live class through group video chat. St. Augustine skilled nursing facilities and other retirement communities near St. Augustine, Florida offer these programs to all residents.

Playing Games Online

The online gaming alternatives are extensive, ranging from Mahjong to Scrabble, chess, and many others. Family Feud-style games are always a good choice. There are many options available at assisted living facilities in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Travel to Other Places Virtually 

Many entertainment entities developed virtual tours over the last year. Never had the opportunity to travel to another state or country? Now is the ideal time to do so. Virtual walkthroughs are now available at a few museums, certain opera houses have live broadcasts on occasion, and some zoos even have live webcams. Facilities dedicated to assisted living in Saint Augustine can help residents find a program that’s perfect for them.

Provide a variety of virtual classes or learning materials for your assisted living residents. Courses in new languages, history, cooking, and technology, to mention a few, are available. There’s always time to learn something new!

Routines help to minimize tension and worry by allowing everyone involved to know what to expect on a daily basis. Older adults thrive on familiarity within assisted living facilities in St. Augustine, Florida. Familiarity allows them to feel at ease and reassured by creating an environment with familiar habits and activities. They can keep their sense of control and independence if they can still do a task. Likewise, organizing a common structure of events will aid in the transfer of an everyday routine schedule to the brain’s memory over a long period.

What Should I Think About When Putting Together A Routine?

For memory care in St. Augustine, pay special attention to your loved one’s bathroom, eating, grooming, dressing, and washing routines. Think about where and when they get stuck (if they get stuck), the particular things they enjoy wearing, and even preferred colors, food, and drinks when establishing a routine at assisted living in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Benefits of Assisted Living in Saint Augustine Florida

At a skilled nursing facility in St. Augustine, Florida, the importance of other familiar hobbies and interests in the caregiving experience cannot be overstated. That includes music, specific songs, TV shows, series, and hobbies they enjoy. If you’re not sure, start writing them down. The more of these activities you can involve your loved ones with, the more secure and comfortable they will feel.

If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, this knowledge should make your job a little easier. Your loved ones must take care of themselves as much as possible for as long as they can. It’s still crucial to stick to these habits as individuals age. Your loved one will benefit from your assistance. Try doing specific tasks with your loved ones if they can still accomplish them with your help.