Tag: Senior Living

By Devon Sicard, Regional Director of Operations, Waterstone 

Are you one of those people who look forward to fall, with its promises of leaf-peeping, crisper days, and pumpkin-spiced lattes, with hints of the holidays on the horizon? Or, instead, do you dread the colder, darker days that herald the coming winter? 

I want to share my perspective on why this season can be challenging, but also explore how we can embrace it with intention for a better experience, especially in a senior living context.

I recently met up with two of my colleagues to discuss this issue. Erica Labb and Sarah Turcotte host our podcast, the EPOCH Exchange, where they cover various topics around senior living. If you’d rather listen than read, check it out below:

Otherwise, read on!

The Challenge of Fall 

Fall certainly presents both challenges and opportunities for everyone. 

But, in all seriousness, seasonal changes do affect older adults, even those with a positive mindset who look forward to Thanksgiving turkey and apple picking.  

The problem comes as days grow shorter and temperatures dip. We tend to do less exercise, get less sunshine, and generally take a little less care of our well-being. 

The simple shift of the sun setting a little earlier, particularly around the end of daylight savings time, can throw our whole rhythm off. It’s easy to lose track of the time of day, to feel more tired, or even a little low in spirits. I see it with residents, and honestly, I feel it myself. 

That’s why routine becomes so important. Even though the seasons change, our day doesn’t have to. Waking up at the same time, eating meals on schedule, and keeping our activities consistent can help us feel steady and secure, no matter what’s happening outside.  

The Importance of Light and Vitamin D

One of the biggest shifts we all notice in the fall is the lack of sunlight. Less sunlight means less vitamin D, which is so important for bone health, mood, and immunity. Without it, fatigue and low mood creep in more easily. 

That’s why I always encourage people, even if it’s chilly and uninviting, to bundle up and get outside, even just for five minutes. The fresh air and natural light are powerful. At our Waterstone communities, we’re fortunate to have beautiful outdoor spaces where residents can walk, sit, and soak up the autumn sun (if it’s out!). 

When the weather really isn’t cooperating, we focus on bright, welcoming indoor spaces. It may sound simple, but keeping indoor spaces bright and closing blinds once it gets dark can help keep the day flowing. 

Staying Connected 

Something I feel deeply about is the importance of social connection. The truth is, seasonal change can bring feelings of isolation, especially if you’re staying indoors more. But connection is one of the best antidotes to those feelings, whether it’s sharing a meal, joining a program, or just spending time with a neighbor. 

As I hinted at earlier, some people love fall and all it brings. Others really feel the negative impact of the seasonal transition. The best way to lift the spirits of those who are feeling low is to get together and socialize. If you love fall activities, share your enthusiasm with someone! Encourage them to head out for apple cider donuts and a brisk walk with you.

At Waterstone, we build social opportunities into every day. Our activity calendars are full: from fitness classes and creative workshops to lectures, live entertainment, and excursions outside the community. Residents are engaged, learning, and laughing together, which means it’s so much more than just ‘passing time’. These meaningful activities, structured and spent with others, can be powerful medicine to fend off any seasonal blues.  

Take a look at an example of an activity calendar for Waterstone at Wellesley. Every day, you’ll see opportunities to be social, get moving, or learn something. With these enticing choices, our residents tend to find something that sparks their interest. And, of course, we’re always accommodating to new ideas and resident requests. If someone wants to start a chess club, we’ll help them arrange a space and add it to the calendar.

Movement Matters 

Don’t let the season be an excuse to stay on the couch. Movement is key. Research shows that physical activity doesn’t just keep us strong; it can even slow the progression of diseases and boost brain health. 

At Waterstone, we make it easy with a variety of fitness programs. Residents can do yoga, strength training, or balance classes indoors. And when the weather allows, a walk outside, even a short one, can be refreshing and affords us that all-important dose of Vitamin D.  

Staying physically active helps us feel more energized and, just like spending time with friends, will help those prone to melancholy feel a little more resilient against the negative effects of colder, darker weather.  

Finding Comfort in Traditions 

One of the bright spots of fall is its traditions. The season itself reminds us of rituals, particularly in New England. I’m thinking about apple picking, leaf peeping, spooky season, Thanksgiving meals, and cozy gatherings. I find that those rituals help ground us in time. They give us something to look forward to and a way to celebrate the moment we’re in, often together with friends and family.  

Here at Waterstone, we lean into the season. Our chefs create menus that showcase the best fall ingredients: hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and warm desserts. We host themed events, seasonal celebrations, and creative activities that connect residents to the traditions they’ve always loved. 

You can see examples of this across our communities, from a fall wine tasting at Waterstone on High Ridge to a cross-community, autumn-themed Battle of the Chefs. These activities go beyond the usual calendar activities to tie in the sentiments of the season.

We notice in our communities that these touches really matter and make a difference to residents. Consider similarly leaning into the season at home to give yourself a boost.   

Supporting Those at Home 

While my focus is on the residents in our communities, I never forget the families at home who are navigating these same seasonal shifts. You might be caring for elderly seniors at home, you might be a caregiver, or you may be a senior yourself, dealing with the change. 

Whoever you are, changes in routine, like daylight savings or shorter days, can throw you for a loop and make things harder.  

My advice is simple: 

• Keep the environment well-lit. 

• Stick to a routine. 

• Find opportunities for connection and movement. 

• Lean into traditions to bring comfort and familiarity. 

Those small adjustments can make the season feel less overwhelming and more manageable. 

These things mirror what we create at Waterstone. When I look at what makes our communities special during the fall (and really, all year), it’s how we design everything to support wellness in body, mind, and spirit. 

• Routine gives us stability. 

• Light and time outdoors boost mood and health. 

• Socialization combats isolation and depression. 

• Movement keeps us strong and energized. 

• Tradition brings joy and connection. 

It all works together. When residents come here, they’re not just adjusting to a new season of the year. Instead, they’re embracing a lifestyle that makes every season a fun experience.  

Final Thoughts 

There’s no getting away from it: Fall in New England will always bring shorter days and cooler weather. But that doesn’t mean it has to bring decline or low spirits. With intention, this colder season can be full of warmth. 

At Waterstone, that’s what we strive for. We make sure residents don’t just “get through” the season, they thrive in it.  

If you want to find out more about embracing fall as part of the Waterstone lifestyle, contact us to speak to a member of our team or arrange a tour of your local community.  

We all know that keeping the brain healthy takes effort. Sleep well, eat well, move your body, spend time outside, talk to others, and challenge your mind. These are the basics.  

You might be familiar with the “use it or lose it” idea. Think of the brain like a muscle that needs regular exercise and a steady routine of mental workouts to stay strong and resilient.  

Before we introduce a new technology that helps provide these workouts while offering easy-to-digest cognitive insights, let’s pause to revisit some proven brain health basics. 

Brain Health Basics – What Helps and Why  

Caring for your brain does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Often it means making small, consistent choices that are both manageable and enjoyable. Research shows these habits make a real difference, and the best results come when they become part of your routine. 

Movement

Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or even dancing, improves blood flow to the brain and supports memory and learning. Exercise also helps with sleep and mood, which in turn strengthens focus and recall. Harvard Health summarizes these effects and notes the benefits for memory and executive function.  

Sleep

Short sleep and poor sleep quality are linked to higher dementia risk. Studies of older adults show that regularly sleeping fewer than five to six hours roughly doubles the risk of dementia over time. Prioritizing 7–9 hours gives your brain time to process and store memories. 

Food

Eating patterns like the MIND diet emphasize leafy greens, berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and fish to support brain health. Diets rich in these types of ingredients have been linked to slower cognitive decline. Even small positive changes can help. Try adding more vegetables to your meals or replacing butter with olive oil. Cutting down on processed foods is a good idea, too. 

Social Connection

Time with friends, family, or groups can be powerful for the brain. Social interaction strengthens thinking skills, reduces stress, and often lifts mood. The National Institute on Aging points to the benefits of socialization for thinking and memory.  

Mental Challenge

Trying something new, whether it is a puzzle, a recipe, or a class, can help preserve cognitive function. This ‘testing’ of your brain helps it form new neural connections even as we age, and more of these neural connections basically builds up some resiliency against cognitive decline. What matters most is curiosity and the willingness to keep learning. Harvard clinicians highlight the protective role of ongoing cognitive engagement.  

Time Outside

Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, which supports healthy sleep. A short walk or gardening in the sun provides the combined benefits of fresh air, light, and movement. 

Make Small Changes for Better Brain Health   

We are all probably somewhat aware that all these activities have a positive effect on our brain health.  One of the encouraging truths about brain health is that these small choices create a positive cycle. When you start with one step, you often unlock benefits that make the next step easier.  

Over time, these habits reinforce one another.  

For example, when you make time for daily movement, you often fall asleep more easily at night. Better sleep lowers stress and helps your brain process and store memories. When you’re well rested, you are more likely to make good choices around food, such as preparing a healthy meal instead of reaching for convenience snacks. Nutritious foods, in turn, help stabilize your mood and energy, making it easier to stay active and engaged the next day.  

 You can find these positive cycles running through every smart brain-healthy choice. The important part is starting with one change that feels realistic to you. Each step, no matter how small, is an investment in your brain health that will make the next step easier. 

What’s been missing is an accessible way to check in on how the brain is really functioning. With the heart, we have blood pressure cuffs. With our overall health, we have cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. But the brain has been harder to measure in a simple, everyday way.  

What is our current state of healthcare when it comes to the brain? Maybe you raise an issue with your primary care provider. You get put on a long waitlist to see a specialist. They carry out imperfect, detailed assessments comprised of written exams and ‘follow-my-finger’ tests. Throughout all this, you may succumb to the ‘white coat’ effect, where the stress of being assessed in a clinical setting skews your performance.  

Ultimately, this is an unsatisfactory, inaccessible, cumbersome process. We need a better way.  

That is where REACT Neuro comes in. 

What Is REACT Neuro?     

REACT Neuro is a virtual reality headset that users can put on for a short, engaging session. Activities range from quizzes and reaction games to calming VR environments designed for meditation. While you use it, the headset tracks various activities: eye movements, response times, and hand coordination via the remote, among others. This information is then turned into data that helps reveal how the brain is working in areas like memory, focus, and speed. 

It is like a quick check-up for your mind — a “blood pressure cuff for the brain.” 

We recently sat down with the CEO of REACT Neuro, Dr. Shawn Patel, as part of our EPOCH Exchange podcast series. We discussed this new technology and its implications for brain health. Check it out below:

How REACT Neuro Works   

Sessions take about fifteen minutes. A brain health coach may guide users through the first assessment, though it can also be used independently. Together, participants can set goals, much like working with a personal trainer. After that, the headset is used for regular practice and reassessments, building both insight and resilience. 

 The experience feels a little like the popular brain-training games, but with more precise, science-based feedback. feedback meetings and daily interactions with leadership. There is a real sense that this is a thriving, evolving community in which everybody plays a part, from life enrichment team members to dining staff to the residents themselves. 

What It Can and Cannot Do 

REACT Neuro can: 

• Provide valuable information about how the brain is functioning. 

• Track changes over time and strengthen cognitive skills. 

• Encourage users to build resilience and take a proactive role in their brain health. 

It cannot: 

• Diagnose dementia or other conditions. 

• Provide a cure for memory loss. 

• Replace the role of a physician. 

If results ever point to something concerning, users would be encouraged to follow up with their doctor. 

Why Are We Bringing REACT to Waterstone?

At Waterstone, we are always looking for meaningful ways to support wellness. REACT Neuro fits perfectly into that vision. It gives residents a new tool to keep their minds active and engaged, and it does so in a way that is fun, simple, and modern. Participation is entirely optional, but for those who choose it, this program provides another pathway toward healthy aging. 

What a REACT Neuro Session Looks Like at Waterstone 

1. Sign up. Residents can choose to participate. A team member helps schedule a convenient time. Participation is optional. 

2. Welcome and baseline. A team member introduces the VR headset and explains what it measures. We start with a simple baseline check that takes about 10–15 minutes. 

3. Guided use. A brain health coach can guide the first session. The headset tracks eye movements, response times, and hand coordination while you complete brief, game-like tasks. These are meant to be fun games rather than feeling like mental assessments.  

4. Results review. You see easy-to-understand readouts for areas like working memory, attention, and processing speed. We save this as your baseline for future comparisons. 

5. Set goals. You choose focus areas that matter to you, such as reaction time or short-term recall. Together, we pick a simple plan for you to follow. 

6. Practice sessions. Short sessions fit your routine. You can practice independently or with a coach. The goal is steady, low-stress repetition.  

7. Track progress. We compare new results to your baseline so you can see changes over time. You can adjust goals if you want to try different exercises. 

8. Follow-up support. If a result raises concern, we recommend speaking with your physician. REACT Neuro does not diagnose conditions and does not replace medical care.  

9. Keep it enjoyable. Many residents treat sessions like a quick mental workout. The experience feels familiar if you have tried brain-training games, with the added benefit of objective measurements. 

The Future of Brain Health 

The team behind REACT Neuro believes that one day, checking the brain will be as common as checking your blood pressure.  

The CO-CEO of REACT Neuro, Dr. Shaun Patel, envisions a future where these VR handsets could be a regular fixture in people’s homes, improving and democratizing access to brain health insights. His vision is one of regular testing: he reminds us that this tool enables fun, fast, frequent, accessible insights into our cognitive performance – something we can do in 15 minutes from our couch at home.  

For sure, the technology is opening up new possibilities to bring cognitive insights into daily life. At Waterstone, we are proud to be among the senior living communities leading the way in this exciting new field. 

Brain health is something worth protecting at every stage of life. With REACT Neuro, our residents now have a new way to do just that. Most importantly, it empowers us all to be more proactive in caring for our most vital organ. 

Brain Health as Part of Wellness at Waterstone 

At Waterstone, we believe wellness is about so much more than staying physically active or eating well. It’s about nurturing every dimension of health, including the mind. By introducing REACT Neuro, we are giving residents another way to stay proactive, engaged, and confident about their future. 

This tool is not meant to stand alone, but to complement the vibrant lifestyle that already defines our communities: chef-prepared dining with healthy options, enriching cultural and social programs, opportunities to connect with others, and personalized support when it is needed. 

“At Waterstone, we are always looking for meaningful ways to help our residents thrive,” said Michael Toce, Vice President of Wellness at EPOCH Senior Living. “We’re excited to introduce REACT Neuro as a program for our residents, giving them an innovative and empowering way to support their brain health. This is just the beginning as we look forward to bringing this technology to additional communities in the future.” 

Protecting brain health preserves independence for longer as you age. With innovations like REACT Neuro, Waterstone continues to lead in delivering thoughtful, forward-looking resources that help residents thrive each day. 

Contact us today to learn more about luxury senior living at Waterstone and our commitment to supporting wellness at every stage of life.