There are many resources on transitioning to a retirement lifestyle, but sorting through them can be overwhelming. We’ve compiled our favorite books on retirement living to make it easier for you to get important information you can trust.

Retirement planning books, books on aging parents, and guides to retirement living are everywhere. How do you sort through them all to find a book that can speak to the challenges you and your loved ones are facing? Our senior living professionals here at The Cedars have compiled their favorite books on how to prepare for retirement and adjusting to assisted living so you can find retirement resources you can trust.

Are your parents thinking about retirement or moving into assisted living—or avoiding thinking about these steps? Are you and your siblings struggling to start important conversations or finding you can’t agree among yourselves? These life changes are not easy, and you are not alone. As retirees make up more and more of Maine’s population, more grown children find themselves worrying, planning, and stepping in to assist their parents with big decisions about this next chapter of their lives.

A good book can help guide you through the journey ahead.

A Bittersweet Season by Jane Gross
Author Jane Gross did not expect to find herself caring for her 85-year-old mother. The role reversal between being parent and child was lifechanging, emotional, so difficult, and so rewarding. Learning as she went, she gathered critical insight and deep wisdom during her journey that will help and comfort anyone walking the same path today.

From finding and moving her mother into an assisted living facility to figuring out how to finance the move to balancing the needs of her own family with her mother’s, Jane Gross navigated a sea change in her family life and her book can help your family chart your own course.

 Navigating Assisted Living by Kristi Stalder
If you and your family are just beginning to have conversations about assisted living, Navigating Assisted Living can get you up to speed on what to expect, what your options are, and how to make your way through what lies ahead.

In simple, non-medical language, Kristi Stalder shows you how to start and hold hard conversations successfully. What to ask when you tour a senior living facility. How to understand the relationship between Medicare and Medicaid, how to see the warning signs of a decline in mental or physical health, and how to find the right level of care for someone you love deeply.

 How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia Morris
Informally known as “the caregiver’s bible,” Virginia Morris’s smart, straightforward guide covers not just how to prepare for retirement and how to find the right kind of care for an aging parent, but the process of aging itself.

By walking you through what happens to the body in old age, she helps adult children understand the changes their parents are experiencing and empathize with the emotional and physical challenges they face while setting appropriate boundaries. She skillfully sets out respectful markers for when adult children should consider intervening in their parents’ lives. And because so many residents of The Cedars have family out-of-state, the chapter on “caregiving from a distance” has been particularly helpful for many in our community.

 Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Adult children who find themselves tasked with making healthcare decisions on behalf of incapacitated parents can find this to be an agonizing and harrowing experience if they have not discussed these issues with their parents first. But how do you start a conversation with your parents about death and dying?

Despite its title, this important book is not about death. It is a guide to living a good life—to the very end. Physician Atul Gawande draws on his learning and practice to reveal the limits of modern medicine and demonstrate how our anxieties about death can keep us from making the best decisions about how we live (or try to extend) our lives.

Residents at The Cedars have found this book so moving and illuminating they have held book clubs and discussions around it, so adult children may want to consider reading the book alongside their parents and checking in regularly to share the thoughts and learning it inspires.

 Elderhood by Louise Aronson
What does it really mean to be “old”? For most of human history, it meant living to age 60. Today’s older adults can reasonably expect to live 30-40 years past that date, as elders. Yet most people claim to dread or fear becoming an elder, as if aging were a disease.

Louise Aronson, a Harvard-trained geriatrician, has cared for older adults for over 25 years and she is wonderful news for all of us: old age can be filled with hope, health, and humanity. If you and your parents are overwhelmed by the decisions you are making about their retirement living, medical care, finances, or futures, Elderhood can be a bracing reminder of all the sweetness and vitality that still lie ahead.

If you and your parents have started thinking about retirement planning or assisted living, spending some time in a senior living center can help dispel fears and inspire action. The Cedars staff would love to welcome you for a personal tour! Call 207.221.7000

There are so many benefits to senior learning programs, from improving memory to boosting health and fitness. Discover lifelong learning resources in our senior community.

Never Stop Learning! Four Ways Seniors Can Continue to Learn

Senior learning does not have to slow down. The popular belief that it becomes harder to learn new things as we grow older is not true. Recent scientific studies have shown that the human brain retains the ability to absorb new information as we age as long as we continue to challenge ourselves, mentally and physically. At The Cedars, we know there are big benefits to lifelong learning for seniors, and our senior learning programs are designed to keep our members and residents learning, growing, and thriving in their retirement.

When we were infants and school-age children, the whole world was new. Our eager minds soaked up all this new information like sponges. As we grow older and more experienced and our daily lives present us with fewer opportunities to acquire new information and skills, we may start to feel that we don’t pick things up as quickly as we once did or remember them as well.

According to current neurological research, though, this simply isn’t true. Often times we aren’t pushing our brains as much as we once did and because older adults already have a deep reservoir of accumulated knowledge, we process the information we learn differently as well. Our ability to multitask does seem to lessen as we age but our ability to make significant connections between different types of information improves—“the wisdom of old age.”

Senior learning is simply a different stage of lifelong learning. Preventing cognitive decline as we age takes effort, both mental and physical, but the benefits are unmistakable. The connection between our brains and our bodies is very real. By focusing on senior health and fitness, senior learning programs, and social activities for seniors, The Cedars community supports our members and residents as they continue to explore this wonderful chapter of their lives.

The Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Strategies for Improving Memory
When we misplace our keys or can’t recall someone’s name, we may joke that we are having “ senior moment.” Our memory does not need to atrophy as we age as long as we care for it. According to recent scientific studies and books to improve memory, the keys to staying sharp as we age are:

• Getting enough sleep. Many older adults find this more challenging as they age but the benefits of regular, restful sleep on brain activity are real.
• Staying physically active. Simply taking a walk improves the flow of blood to our brain and boosts our cognition. The Cedars offers a wide range of health and wellness activities and classes to make it easier for our members and residents to stay active.
• Socializing regularly. We are social creatures, and our brains light up when we are around others. The vibrant community at The Cedars helps seniors spark connections in daily life as well as in their brain.
• Practice mindfulness. If we are disorganized, scattered, constantly thinking about the past or fretting about the future, we drain our brains. Recharge and refocus by training yourself to be in the here and now.
• Watch what you eat (and drink). A balanced diet helps us maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for brain health, and absorb the vitamins and minerals our brains need to grow. Reducing our sugar and alcohol intake, staying properly hydrated, and eating fish regularly  can all help maximize our brain power.

Increasing Senior Health and Fitness
As you can see, learning in our later years starts with senior health and fitness. Studies have shown that exercise actually increases the size of the part of our brain tasked with memory and learning, even as we age.

Looking for senior fitness tips? Making regular movement and exercise part of your daily routine. The Cedars community makes it easy. Members of The Atrium have an indoor saltwater pool and jacuzzi with regular swimming and water aerobics classes. The Cedars community enjoys delicious, nourishing meals prepared from local ingredients in our fine dining rooms and cafes. There are weekly health and wellness classes, too—from chair yoga to tai chi to fall prevention. And outdoor activities for seniors, like our Cardio-Cognition class pairs brain challenges with brisk exercise to make the most of the mind-body connection.

 Senior Learning Programs
Many studies of senior learning continue to show that if we push ourselves, our cognition will improve. A Scrabble game is a fun diversion but it will not provide the same memory and brain boost of auditing a college class. Older adults at The Cedars finally have the free time to pursue their interests and passions, and we make sure our community is filled with lifelong learning resources.

• Art Activities for Seniors
  Members of our community enjoy regular art talks from curators and scholars at the Portland Museum of Art as well as private tours of newly opened exhibits, they take weekly watercolor classes in our activity room, and they participate in Portland, Maine’s vibrant First Friday Artwalk scene. And through Opening Minds Through Art, our residents with dementia make modern art with the assistance of local college students that has been featured in local gallery openings.
• Auditing a College Class
  One of the most popular activities in our independent living community is signing up for an OLLI course—the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Southern Maine. This summer, our members are learning about world religions, studying the life cycle of stars, reading Irish short stories or taking creative writing workshops. Exploring antiracism, the history of 19^th century Europe, and the emerging science of Forest Therapy. This is just a sampling of what OLLI can offer!  Two of America’s top-ranked colleges are also an easy commute from The Cedars: Bowdoin College and Bates College. Our residents have many opportunities to audit a college class, especially with the rise in remote learning.
• Pursuing Encore Careers
  Starting a new career in retirement is a surprisingly common activity among older adults. An estimated 5 million older adults nationwide are currently enjoying an encore career, taking all of their accumulated wisdom and build something on their own terms. Why not be one of them and really push your brain as you make the world a better place?

If you are curious about how life at The Cedars supports lifelong learning for seniors, call 207.221.7100 to speak to a senior living advisor today.

Maine is a very popular place for older adults to retire, consistently ranking at the top of national lists for affordability and livability. What draws seniors to Maine retirement communities and why should you consider retiring to Maine?

For many retirees, retiring in Maine means living a dream. Maybe they grew up here and moved away for work, counting down the days until they could retire and come home. Maybe they grew up vacationing in Maine, with fond memories of sleepaway camp or a family cottage or camping in the woods and promised themselves a time would come that they would never have to leave.

There are as many reasons to retire to Maine as there are older adults. It is no surprise that a state as stunning and welcoming as Vacationland would attract seniors ready to live a life they love. Maine tourist attractions are only part of the story, though. What are the top five reasons to consider retiring in Maine?

1. Maine Cost of Living
   Maine remains one of the most affordable places to live in the Northeast. The Maine cost of living compares very favorably with larger cities while offering many of the same amenities—and a less stressful lifestyle.

   U.S. News and World Report estimates that retirees in Maine save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of an average retirement. And they save that money without compromising their quality of life. Housing costs, even in the current booming real estate market, can be bargains for older adults relocating from expensive, out-of-state locations. And Maine’s restaurant meals, cultural events, and recreational activities are all big city quality at small city—or small town—prices.
   If you are curious about just how far your current income and assets can take you in a Maine retirement community, call the senior living experts at The Atrium.

2. The Amazing Arts Scene
   For a smaller, less populated state, Maine punches way above its weight in the arts. After all, famous artists like Frederic Church and Thomas Cole, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keefe, Rockwell Kent, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, and N.C. and Jamie Wyeth have been inspired by Maine for hundreds of years!

   Stellar arts organizations span the state, from the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland to the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle to the legendary artist colonies of Monhegan Island. Residents at The Cedars, however, are minutes from Maine’s highest concentration of extraordinary arts venues. Portland, Maine arts attractions like the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Symphony, Portland Stage Company, PORT Opera, and more are perhaps the best known and most beloved.

   Maine also offers incredible concert venues, up-and-coming galleries, and regular and robust First Friday Art Walks—including regular exhibitions of work from The Cedars community. Portland, Maine retirement gives many members of The Atrium the chance to volunteer as docents and ushers at many venues across our vibrant arts scene.

3. So Many Sights to See
   Maine’s postcard-perfect vistas, like lighthouses, crashing waves, and serene woods, draw visitors from around the world. Active older adults can cycle, kayak, sail, hike, and ski their way across this great state.

   Access to nature is not the only thing Maine retirees enjoy. Portland tourist attractions include historic sites like the Portland Observatory, the Victoria Mansion, the Longfellow House, and of course the cobbled streets and charming shops of the historic Portland, Maine Old Port district. Residents of The Cedars particularly enjoy taking ferry rides with their friends to tour the Casco Bay Islands, spotting lighthouses and seals along the way.

4. Delicious Downtown Portland Food
   If you think Maine food is all blueberry pie and clam chowder, you’re in for a treat. Maine still serves up all these traditional favorites plus a whole lot more. The Portland food scene is one of the hottest in America. Bon Appetit dubbed Portland, Maine “Restaurant City of the Year” and the accolades haven’t stopped rolling in since. In a few picturesque blocks, you’ll find James Beard Award-winning chefs serving up everything from oysters to Vietnamese pho.

   Even retirees relocating from large, urban areas may find their restaurant choices upgraded upon arrival in Maine. And it isn’t all fine dining! Members of The Atrium love wandering the Farmers Market at Deering Oaks Park, seeking out new food trucks on the Eastern Promenade, trying all the treats at the Cumberland County Fair, and stopping at seafood shacks along the waterfront for an iconic lobster roll. One of our most popular senior outings at The Cedars every summer? Stopping at ice cream and frozen custard stands in scenic spots.

5. Excellent Senior Health Care
   Portland, Maine recently made Kiplinger’s list of Top Ten Small or Midsize Cities with First Class Healthcare as well as Top Ten Cities to Retire for Your Health. MaineHealth and Northern Light, two exceptional healthcare networks, cover most of Maine. Portland, Maine healthcare is perhaps the best in the state, thanks to two five-star hospitals: Maine Medical Center and Mercy Northern Light. From comprehensive cancer care to joint replacement and cardiac care, your health is covered in Maine.

   Residents of The Cedars retirement community have an additional layer of protection—24/7 access to medical care, with a highly trained staff of physicians, nurses, therapists, and CNAs. Our joint replacement program fast-tracks patients on the road to recovery. Members of The Atrium enjoy a saltwater pool and jacuzzi, and all residents of The Cedars benefit from easy access to wellness programming, fitness classes, nutritional support, and onsite specialist visits. We know the healthier you are, the more you will enjoy your retirement, and we want to see all Maine’s older adults thrive.

Exploring your options for retirement? Our award-winning Maine retirement community is a great place to start. Schedule your personal visit by calling our senior living advisors at 207.221.7000 today.

It’s tough to let go of your past, but many older adults find freedom to pursue new passions in transitioning to a retirement community. Here’s our guide to moving out of your home and into a retirement community.

Downsizing and Decluttering: Moving Out and Moving On

For most older adults, the decision to move to a retirement community means selling the family home and making tough decisions about which possessions they wish to keep and what should be sold, stored, or given away. Take a look at our moving tips for seniors and remember that letting go of the past will make room for the future!

Making the transition to a retirement community is a very big lifestyle change for most older adults. No matter how long you have lived within it, your family home is likely filled with precious memories, treasured objects and mementos, and a lot of clothing and furnishings.

Realizing you no longer need many (or most) of these possessions can be a very emotional process. The anxiety around downsizing and decluttering is very real. According to a recent study from Cornell University, clutter triggers the release of cortisol—a stress hormone—which can lead to increased tension, frustration, and unhealthy habits. If you feel your heart or breathing speeding up when you open your closets or pull out old storage boxes, this is a natural reaction to feeling responsible for a whole lot of stuff, particularly for women.

The best way to get back to feeling great about your future is to have less stuff from your past. Letting go of clutter will simplify your life, alleviate your stress, and let you move into this bright new chapter of your life without excess baggage.

Ask for—and Accept—Help With Downsizing and Decluttering
Not sure how to let go of material possessions? Unsure of where to start? Struggling to reach items in out-of-the-way places or to move bulky or heavy things? Ask for help.

Most older adults turn to their children and grandchildren for help packing to move. If your loved ones are also feeling emotional about your transitional planning and sentimental about letting go of the family home, however, it may be harder to make decisions you feel good about and move forward quickly.

Hiring a neutral third party, like a professional organizer, senior moving specialist, or estate liquidator, can make the process less fraught. They are not attached to your home or your belongings and they can have an easier time seeing what will be best for everyone involved. A good professional will spend time getting to know you and your goals for your move to assisted living and create a plan to get you there.