Never Too Old To Have Fun!

‘If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!’

George Burns (who lived to be 100).

Senior people still have many intellectual needs.  Just because they are advancing in years does not mean they can no longer grow, learn new things, and enjoy activities.  Not only do the seniors have a major longing for companionship just as anyone of any age, but they need to be around others to continue to stimulate their minds.  Too often the elderly are left alone and in isolation with only a television for company.  Is it really a surprise many may seem to be listless and forgetful when in actually they are bored?

When senior citizens are involved in stimulating activities they keep their minds exercised and growing.  These new skills become very important to seniors who secretly may fear the onset of Depression, or Dementia/Alzheimer’s.  It is far better staying active than to be spending time worrying needlessly.

A winning activity program in Assisted Living Homes or Senior Apartments is an essential part of choosing the right placement for your love one.  Planned activities can enhance the person’s sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to their life.  Our motto where I work is ‘We Are Never to Old to Have Fun!’  It is like the movie Field of Dreams, build a field and they will come.  Ours is have activities and they will come.  Most residents want to participate and an enthusiastic activity director will personally invite and encourage residents to engage in the activities.  There are many activities of interest to enhance the social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each person promoting self-worth, self expression, growth and development.

Scheduled activities that reflect the personal needs and desires is an important aspect of any activity program; fitness, entertainment, cognitive/creativity, spirituality, outdoor activities, daily routines; personal cares, homemaking tasks, pet therapy, social, spontaneous, person centered activity, dancing, virtual tours.  There are many activities of interest to enhance senior needs to explore new interests even the internet.

After teaching fitness classes for over 16 years I understand the importance of fitness at all ages of life.  As a senior it is crucial to exercise as it keeps seniors strong.  Muscle mass decreases as people age, exercise helps maintain weight, improve flexibility, and it contributes to balance and bone strength.  Exercise has been proven to help cognitive function and improve mood in adults over 55 years old.

Planning the right activity for seniors with or without dementia is best when you consider the person’s likes and dislikes; strengths and abilities, interests, keeping activities flexible, and be ready to make adjustments. 

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director/Central Wisconsin Senior Living 

Preparing for Walk To End Alzheimer's

It's never too late to get involved in a good cause and we can't think of any better cause than the Walk To End Alzheimer's, a cause that holds special meaning for so many people but especially the families of our residents and our staff.


According to alz.org, Alzheimer's disease is the number one form of dementia. Dementia is caused by various disease conditions that result in damaged brain cells or the connections between brain cells. A few of the common characteristics of Alzheimer's disease are difficulty remembering names and recent events; depression is often an early symptoms also include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty swallowing and walking.


An estimated 5.4 million people have Alzheimer's disease and affects and estimated 14.9 unpaid caregivers. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia touches the lives of families everywhere.


Central Wisconsin Senior Living has been involved with the Alzheimer's organization walk for years. Recently the name of this annual event was changed from the Memory Walk to Walk To End Alzheimer's.


We hope you will consider joining our team on September 17th. You can register by clicking on this link for additional information. Contributions can be made online or by contacting North Haven Assisted Living. We will be offering certificates/awards at the walk as an added incentive.


Don't think you are in shape for a charity walk? It's never too late! You can find some very helpful advice here for helping you tune up those walking muscles and help out a great cause in the process.


We've posted a video on our Facebook page that we hope you'll watch and share.

Open House at Pioneer Place

The days of summers' blistering heat are here, and while we cannot control the rising temperatures outside, we can control the heat index of our bodies.  Older adults are at an especially high risk, they are not able to sense elevations in temperature as quickly or be able to cool down as readily.  The effect of the sun on the skin of older adults is heightened because of changes in the skin as we age.  You burn much quicker even with short exposure to the sunlight.

When temperatures rise so does the risk for heat related injuries such as muscle cramps due to loss of water and salt through perspiration, medicines that work against the body’ natural thermometer, dizziness, clammy skin, rapid heart beat, heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea and weakness, and finally heat stroke, which can be fatal.

The human body is very much like a machine.  It’s constantly challenging itself to adapt to its environment and keep up with what’s going on externally. Your body is always working to keep a balance between its heat production and heat loss, with your brain acting as a thermostat.

When the temperatures begin to creep up, take immediate action.

Keep cool. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver, especially if you have heart disease.  If you don’t have air conditioning, head to a cool shopping center, library, movie theater, place of worship, and here in Stevens Point the Lincoln Center/Aging and Disability.

Lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck when outdoors.

Cool baths or showers can provide relief.  Ice bags and wet towels are also helpful.

Beware of dehydration: drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty.  Remember fluids can also come in the form of fruits and vegetable.  Avoid drinking an excess of coffee, tea, and alcohol. Caffeine is a dehydrator and alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water.  A good test of hydration is to make sure that your urine is always clear in color.

Limit your salt intake.

Curtail physical activity during extremely hot weather.  Activity adds to heart strain.

Always remember to use sunblock (SPF 15 or greater) when outdoors even on hazy or cloudy days.  A person, who has memory problems, should not be in the sun for any extended period of time.  They may not recognize or be able to tell you that they are uncomfortable.

Take the heat seriously.  Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.