Spring Arbor Living Blog

In the field of elder care, music has been explored as a way to encourage social interaction, encourage self-expression, and enhance the overall well-being of assisted living residents who fight illnesses such as Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments. So through music, Spring Arbor has found that residents with these health conditions are able to live more fully. They are not defined by their conditions or their need for medicines and skilled medical care. They become engaged members of a supportive community that encourages emotional growth, sharing, and self-worth. This can be vitally important to seniors who experience a number of difficult life events such as retirement, the death of a loved one or spouse, and the need for help with common tasks.

So far, experts know of no other single activity that stimulates the entire brain. In addition to this, music increases dopamine levels, and dopamine can cause a corresponding positive sense of well-being. So what does it mean to say that music promotes well-being? Well-being is characterized by a sense of affiliation. Seniors feel connected and have an increased sense of belonging. Music also brings about a feeling of self-competence and independence in seniors. They enjoy life day-to-day and gain a greater sense of fulfillment.

Many research studies indicate that musical activities have several positive benefits. Patients are reported to have better moods, be more sociable, eat better, and react more calmly to stress. Experts say it’s the “cognitive workout” for the brain that brings on these positive traits. Feel free to contact us to learn more about assisted living and how life at Spring Arbor can be relaxing fulfillment.

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What is the #1 recommended piece of advise given by medical doctors to arthritis patients?   You guessed it…..MOVE!  For the 46 million Americans with arthritis and many more at risk in the United States, moving is the best medicine to fight arthritis pain. This May during National Arthritis Awareness Month, we encourage our residents and their family to familiarize themselves with the Arthritis Foundation, the depth of resource they provide, and the organized events that they are leading out across the country.  

The Arthritis Foundation offers the following tips to prevent and decrease the pain and disability of osteoarthritis.

• Make movement a daily routine. Incorporate exercise into your daily life, even if you only add a daily walk of 15 to 30 minutes. If pain or being overweight makes it difficult to exercise, try one of the Arthritis Foundation's Life Improvement Series Programs, which apply less stress to joints.

• Control your weight. For every one pound you lose, that's four pounds of pressure off each knee. Losing as little as 11 pounds may reduce joint pain and help prevent knee osteoarthritis. For those already living with arthritis symptoms, losing 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.

• Know your risks. Although heredity and other factors can put a person at risk for developing osteoarthritis, a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in preventing and successfully managing osteoarthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging people with arthritis and the many more at risk to make physical activity part of their daily routine. To get started, go to fightarthritispain.org. Then, celebrate National Arthritis Awareness Month and your commitment to move at an Arthritis Walk event. Visit letsmovetogether.org to find an Arthritis Walk in your community and for a movement tracker to set goals and stay on track.

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