Research consistently shows that healthy aging for older adults is about more than just being physically active or eating right. When it comes to senior health and wellness, you should consider a holistic approach that includes physical activity, socializing, your spiritual life, intellectual stimulation — including your mental health — and your emotional well-being.   At Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills, we focus on five dimensions of wellness for a more complete and satisfying lifestyle. Our full-time wellness coordinator or fitness counselor can help you find the best […]

Question: Is there something you really want to do? Answer: “I just got a new sewing machine and I’m excited because it automatically threads. I don’t know how it works yet, but I’m glad it helps with threading the needle. I bought some fabric to make some Halloween pillows for my great grandkids, so that’s what I want to do this week. And I’ve got some designs for tea towels for Thanksgiving and Christmas to hang on the stove or in the bathroom for decorations. But I’ve gotta learn how […]

A study by AARP discovered that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their home for as long as possible. But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found 70% of seniors 65 and over will need some form of long-term care in their lifetimes. That’s why many active seniors are preparing for the future, while enjoying more of today, by making the move to an independent living community. This blog post will help you determine if now’s the time to consider a retirement community and show you […]

Question: If you could give young people a piece of advice, what would it be? Answer: Work hard to attain what you want in life! That has worked out for me. Back when I was working, I was thinking about changing jobs, but my wife saved me from doing that. She asked, “Do you enjoy what you’re doing?” and I told her I did, so she said, then why do you care how much money you’re getting? So, I stuck with it and as a result I became chairman and […]

If you’ve been researching senior living communities, you’ve probably discovered there are a lot of different terms and names like Life Plan Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and Life Care. Of these three terms, Life Care may be the most unfamiliar. That’s because there are only two Life Care communities in St. Louis, MO: Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield. This blog post will help define these terms, so you can make a more informed decision. Retirement community terms. The easiest to explain are Life Plan Community […]

We’re all familiar with 5-star restaurants and 5-star hotels. Having the stars makes it easy to rank various services and quickly decide which one is better. That’s part of the reason the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) came up with a star-quality rating system in 2008 to help rate skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. This system allows seniors and their families to easily know where communities rank in comparison to each other and select the right one for their loved one. But what does a CMS 5-Star rating […]

First, a few sobering statistics. The World Health Organization says around 50 million people worldwide have dementia — a number that’s projected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million by 2050. And though promising treatments are being investigated today, we can only hope for a cure in the coming decades. Right now, preventing memory loss and preserving brain health and brain function are the best course of action for older adults. Is there such a thing as a memory-boosting lifestyle? Does exercise and being physically active improve memory […]

Question: Is there something you do to help cheer yourself up if you’re feeling blue? Answer: “For me to cheer myself up, I like to keep in touch with my friends who are automotive guys and also just the friends I’ve made here at Friendship Village. I’ve been here a little over a year and it’s the best decision I’ve made. This is my home and I’m really fortunate these exist and I’m thriving here at Friendship Village. I remember visiting old folks homes when I was younger and they […]

Depending on the community you choose, there may be a broader range of residence options available than you think. As you endeavor to distill a lifetime of possessions into the smaller footprint of a senior living floor plan, keep two things in mind. It can be done. And if done well, you may feel happier and freer than ever before. Here’s how to get started in the right direction. 1. How much space will you need? Most independent living communities offer multiple floor plan options designed for your lifestyle and […]