Guide to Aging Well

Today’s seniors are independent, invigorated, online, and ready for adventure—and communities in the Greater Boston area are evolving to keep up with their active lifestyles. Seniors are also planning for financial success during their golden years and refreshing their image to match their inner youth. Whether you’re researching your next steps after retiring or looking for options for a loved one, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide. We all age, after all—so why not age well?

How Senior Living Fosters Health and Happiness

The passage of time may be inevitable, but choosing the right lifestyle can significantly impact your vitality and well-being as you age. Hereare key areas where senior living communities excel in promoting a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Eating Well, Living Well

For seniors, a nutritious diet is key to healthy living. As we age, our bodies undergo changes that affect metabolism, immune strength, and how we absorb nutrients. In senior living communities, delicious, balanced meals are often at the center of dining with meals tailored to individual preferences. And while some residents may require softer or blander options due to their dietary needs, commu- nities are evolving to cater to the diverse culinary tastes of modern seniors, offering a variety of flavorful dining choices.

Embracing Fitness

Staying active is crucial for maintaining mobility andoverall health. Senior living communitiesoftenofferarange of fitness programs and activi- ties suited to residents’ abilities and interests, from gentle yoga classes and tai chi to aquatic therapy sessions and even boxing.. By making movement a daily priority, residents can strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance their overall well-being, contributing to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Cultivating Community

Human connection is vital at every stage of life. Senior living communities facilitate socialization through a variety of planned activities and communal spaces where residents can engage with peers, build friendships, and participate in group events. By fostering a sense of community, these environments combat loneliness and isolation. Whether attending social clubs, sharing meals in dining halls, or participating in outings, residents find emotional well-being and fulfillment in the company of others, enriching their daily lives.

Crafting Joy

It’s no surprise that engaging in hobbies benefits mental health, and research shows that engaging in some hobbies, like gardening or tennis, can even add years or decades onto your life. From arts and crafts workshops to book clubs, photography groups, gardening groups, and educational lectures, senior living communities offer diverse activities that stimulate the mind and inspire creativity. By encouraging residents to embrace their interests and discover new talents, senior living communities empower individuals to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives, ensuring that every day is filled with meaning and enjoyment.

Ageless Beauty

What Seniors Should Know Before Opting for Cosmetic Procedures

As we embrace our golden years, the quest for youthful vitality often leads us to explore cosmetic procedures. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or a more dramatic transformation, here’s what you should keep in mind when deciding how to enhance your appearance in your later years.

Evaluating Your Overall Health

When considering cosmetic procedures, age alone doesn’t necessarily dictate the outcome—your overall health does. A significant study on plastic surgery patients in the U.S. found no substantial difference in surgical outcomes between those over and under 65. What really matters is your individual health profile. For seniors, factors like slower wound healing, increased bruising, and a higher risk of infections are key considerations that can impact recovery but don’t necessarily prevent successful results.

Keeping Medications In Mind

For many seniors, managing medications is a regular part of life, and these can significantly impact the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic procedures. For instance, if you’re taking blood thinners, procedures like microneedling, which involves creating tiny micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production, may increase the risk of excessive bruising. It’s essential to have an open dialogue with your cosmetic provider about all medications and supplements you’re currently using to minimize risks and optimize results.

Choosing the Right Procedure

Different cosmetic procedures come with varying levels of risk, complexity, and recovery time. For example, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a more invasive option with a longer recovery period and a higher risk of complications, such as infections and wound healing issues. In contrast, less invasive treatments, such as injectables and dermal fillers, are generally well-tolerated by older adults. As skin changes with age, however, the techniques used might need to be adjusted to address decreased elasticity and volume.

Thorough research and a comprehensive consultation with a qualified professional are key to selecting the right procedure. Discuss your health status, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals to determine which treatments are most suitable for you. A knowledgeable provider will guide you through your options and help set realistic expectations based on your individual needs.

Resource Guide

Benchmark Senior Living

Waltham, MA | 781-574-8594 | benchmarkseniorliving.com | FB: Benchmark Senior Living

Benchmark is the largest senior housing provider in New England, providing independent living, assisted living, mind and memory care, and respite care options in 66 communities across eight Northeast states.

Boston Center for Plastic Surgery

617-564-3832 | bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com | IG: @bostoncenterforplasticsurgery | FB: Boston Center for Plastic Surgery

Boston Center for Plastic Surgery is home to some of the most sought-after plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists. With over 35 years of experience, they offer comprehensive surgical and non-surgical aesthetic services under one roof.

The Boston Center for Facial Plastics

857-350-4205 | drezzatmd.com | IG: @bostonfacialplastics

Dr. Waleed Ezzat, MD, F.A.C.S., is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and medical director of The Center for Facial Plastics. Renowned as a national leader, he specializes in face and neck aesthetic procedures.

KDR MedSpa + Wellness

Boston, MA; 617-833-0109 | Newton, MA; 617-834-1812 | kathrynrussoaesthetics.com | IG: @kdrmedspa | FB: KDR MedSpa and Wellness

KDR MedSpa + Wellness is a premier med spa in Boston and Newton for cutting-edge medical aesthetics and holistic wellness. Combining medical-grade treatments with personalized care, KDR MedSpa + Wellness provides clients with a luxurious experience in aesthetic rejuvenation.

The Newbury of Brookline

Brookline, MA | 617-906-8486 | lifeatthenewbury.com | FB: Life at the Newbury

Spacious independent and assisted living residences and memory care suites allow for a seamless continuum of care, no matter when you choose to make the community home. Residents enjoy all-inclusive services, including chef-prepared meals, programming, and personalized concierge services.

Plastic Surgery of Southern New England

Fall River, MA | 508-567-3202 | drbabbitt.com | IG: @therealplasticsurgeon

Plastic Surgery of Southern New England, led by the renowned Dr. Russell Babbitt, is a state-of-the-art practice offering a full range of services, from world-class aesthetic surgery in its AAAHC accredited surgical suite to injectables, permanent makeup, facials, and weight loss.

Tufts Health Plan

Canton, MA | 617-972-9400 | tuftshealthplan.com | FB: Tufts Health Plan

Tufts Health Plan, a Point32Health company, provides high-quality coverage, care, and services to members in Massachusetts. For more than 40 years, it has proudly served the people in its communities who are aging strong.

Wingate Living

Newton, MA | 1-800-WINGATE | wingateliving.com | IG: @wingateliving | FB: Wingate Living

Wingate Living is a builder of lifestyles, friendships, and communities you feel proud to call home. It puts its all into everything it does to address the evolving needs of older adults and their families.