The brain is a complex organ, but there are simple (and fun) steps you can take today to boost your brain health. Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging has confirmed that people of all ages — even those age 80 and...
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Assisted living resident Marian G. has had quite a journey – from a hospital stay to post-acute care to assisted living. And she’ll be the first to tell you that she wouldn’t be where… Read more »
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The brain is a complex organ, but there are simple (and fun) steps you can take today to boost your brain health. Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging has confirmed that people of all ages — even those age 80 and...
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As winter settles in across the Midwest, it’s important for seniors to prioritize a nourishing diet that promotes overall health and well-being. With a variety of seasonal produce available and the use of hearty recipes, older adults can enjoy meals...
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As the New Year unfolds, it's a time of reflection, hope, and setting intentions for the months ahead. For seniors, the start of a new year is an ideal opportunity to embrace new goals and positive change. Senior living communities...
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For a variety of reasons, older adults may find themselves experiencing isolation and boredom at times. Yet taking time for activities you enjoy is one key to enjoying good mental health and staying connected to others. We’ve collected 11 simple...
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Helping hands. A sense of community. Connections. When considering options for senior living, it’s important to find a community that follows a person-centered care approach. What is Person-Centered Care? Person-centered care places the focus on each person and their unique...
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By Otterbein Granville resident Mary Ellen H. I am the laziest person on earth. When I went for therapy after a total knee replacement (that’s TKR for cool people), the therapist asked what I wanted to be able to do...
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For more than 100 years, Otterbein SeniorLife has been caring for seniors with an emphasis on faith. But what does that mean? Our residents come from a variety of faith traditions and beliefs, and all are welcome. Faith and spirituality...
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Spending time outside can mean a healthier, happier you. Yet most of us will resist the temptation: according to one government estimate, we spend 90 percent of our lives indoors. But what if we knew that being outside offers measurable...
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According to Psychology Today, 80% of New Year’s resolutions won’t make it through February. That’s a lot of pounds lost, miles walked, and money saved - that never happened. You might think sticking to your resolutions has to do with...
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The long, cold days of winter are finally past, and spring is in the air. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the first warm day of the season or seeing the early flowers poking up through the ground. Learn more about...
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By age 75, one in three men and one in two women do no physical activity, according to the CDC. There are a few reasons for this decline: Deteriorating health, uncertainty about what exercises to do, or lack of social...
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This is the time of year when you think about spring-cleaning your closets, but what about your pantry? There may be foods in your pantry and your refrigerator that need to be organized and cleaned out - and replaced with...
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In early April, we launched The Spirit Connection, a way for anyone to send messages of support to residents, patients, and staff heroes at Otterbein. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, with nearly 200 notes sent since that time. We...
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Every day, there are more and more ways to do things online, like shopping, visiting the doctor, and talking to friends. But if you don’t feel comfortable using this technology, you might also feel like you’re missing out. Luckily, there’s...
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Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon continues to provide the highest level of services during this season of COVID-19. We’ve been coming together to creatively take care of our community’s residents in new ways - read about a few of them below. Dining...
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We’re all following the guidelines to help keep ourselves and others safe during the pandemic: washing our hands frequently; staying in; and limiting our contact with others outside our homes. But that last point might be easier said than done....
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Those who have lived long lives often swear by a particular habit or food that’s kept them healthy. But there are real secrets that may help you live a longer, healthier life - and they don’t involve drinking from the...
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The Rev. George Phillips, pastor and chaplain at Otterbein SeniorLife, says the most important thing about his work here is the unexpected moments. “One of our sayings is, ministry is what happens when you’re on your way to do something...
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Last year, 150 residents from each Otterbein SeniorLife campus gathered in Lebanon for the first Otterbein Olympic Games. Not only was the event a way for residents to meet new friends and show off their skills, it went so well...
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Only four percent of adults 55 and over say winter is their favorite season, according to a YouGov poll. And in the Midwest, winter can be a tricky thing: You never quite know what you’re going to get. If you’re...
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Having a furry, feathery, or even scaly friend to come home to can not only be fun, but have benefits for your well-being, too. If you’re thinking about adding some animal companionship to your life but aren’t sure yet, read...
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A rich pumpkin pie. Silky butternut squash soup. A warming mug of apple cider. They’re all perfect ways to celebrate fall’s culinary offerings. Using herbs and spices is a smart way to add flavor to your food without adding extra...
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With commercials talking about the “dark web,” rumors of computer viruses, and personal identity threats, it seems like the internet is a place to stay away from. The truth is, when you know a few simple guidelines, accessing the web...
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The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting cooler, the air is getting crisp, and the leaves are changing colors - it must be fall! Read on for some fun activities you can do while social distancing. 1. Roast...
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Making healthy choices can be a challenge any day of the week, and even more so when the world is fighting COVID-19. Your routine is likely disrupted, and you may be struggling to stay motivated. You may be feeling depressed...
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As we age, it’s important to find opportunities to remain active and connected to others. Research has shown that both exercise and socialization can have a positive impact on one’s physical health. Our commitment to wellness at Otterbein SeniorLife is...
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When illness or inclement weather forces us to stay at home, it may present special challenges for seniors who rely on regular engagement with other people. Social isolation can be harmful and sometimes lead to loneliness or depression. It's best...
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In a time of uncertainty and fear caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Otterbein has been a safe haven for residents and has put them at ease with well-organized, well-implemented safety measures. From our residents’ perspective, the way Otterbein has handled...
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Aging Americans lose an estimated $36.5 billion each year to financial scams—and deceptive activity is especially high during the winter holiday season. Many older adults are trusting individuals with good credit and savings in the bank—qualities that make them likely...
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By Otterbein Granville resident Kathie H. The new year is a perfect time to evaluate eating habits. Otterbein Granville chefs do an amazing job offering a wide selection of healthy options. But breakfast is an overlooked meal on days other...
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By Otterbein Granville resident Kathie H. We don’t shrink or fade! We do stretch and float. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15 a.m., the Otterbein Granville warm-water indoor pool is the place to be. In fact, of all the pools...
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By Otterbein Granville resident Agnes A. We moved to Otterbein Granville in 2016. We had lived in the area, so we had many connections with people outside of this community and continued our activities with them. Finding a New Interest...
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Is winter your favorite season? You might be inclined to say no - but give it a chance. This winter, while we’re spending more time at home, think outside the box for fun, enjoyable activities to keep you busy and...
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This blog was originally published in 2021. It was updated in June 2022. It's fairly easy to recognize that exercise is good for your health, especially as you age. But making it part of your regular routine is a whole...
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As we age, changes in our hearts and blood vessels increase our risk of developing heart disease. Our arteries could harden, for example, or narrow from plaque that builds up over time. Our heart muscles might naturally weaken as we...
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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France For many, pets are an integral part of life. They provide companionship, snuggles, reasons to exercise, and can even spark new human friendships. Most pet...
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What gets you excited, intellectually? Have you always wanted to learn a foreign language? Study philosophy? Understand great literature? Many people find that retirement is the perfect time to pursue long-deferred interests. Lifelong Learning with Denison University Otterbein Granville residents...
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Residents at Otterbein SeniorLife St. Marys look forward to their Olympic Games event every year. Each year is unique with different activities, residents, and entertainment, but one thing remains constant - the joy and sense of purpose brought to all...
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While most of us often associate winter’s snow and ice with accidental injuries, certain summer conditions pose potential risks as well. With sunny days and warm temperatures drawing us outdoors, here are seven precautions older adults can take to protect...
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Whatever their ages, Americans love to be mobile. And for many people, that means driving an automobile. In this country, three out of four adults have valid driver’s licenses, and 40 million of those drivers are age 65 or older....
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Sleep is essential to human life, and getting an appropriate amount of sleep allows us to concentrate and remain engaged in various settings. But as we age, many of us experience difficulty falling—and staying—asleep. Older adults generally require between seven...
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After a cold and snowy winter, the initial hints of springtime weather make most people anxious to spend time outdoors. Fresh air, warm sunshine, and awakening foliage go a long way toward curing months-long feelings of boredom and isolation—as well...
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Now that it’s the new year, Otterbein residents and staff are already preparing for the 2019 Otterbein Olympics. Get a peek at last year’s event and start getting ready for this year’s! 2018 Otterbein Olympics The events were held September...
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This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new tips for you. We usually associate the winter holiday season with joyful times spent celebrating with family and friends. However, the holidays can leave some older adults...
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