Category: Blog

As the weather gets cooler in St. Petersburg, many of our residents at Westminster Palms ask how they can stay active when it’s not as easy to get outside. While Florida winters are mild compared to other parts of the country, you may notice your energy levels fluctuate more as the temperatures drop. The key is finding creative ways to keep your body and mind engaged all season long.

Staying physically and mentally active provides many proven benefits for seniors. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. It can also boost your mood, improve sleep, and preserve your mobility and independence. Social activities keep your mind stimulated and lead to lower rates of depression and dementia. 

Here are some more in-depth tips for seniors to stay active during the cooler months:

Walk Earlier in the Day

While Florida remains relatively warm all year, early mornings tend to be more comfortable for outdoor exercise in the fall and winter. By walking first thing in the morning, you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day. Our tranquil courtyards and walking paths make for a peaceful morning stroll before breakfast. Just be sure to wear light layers you can remove as the day warms up.

Try Indoor Cycling  

Stationary cycling is a low-impact cardio workout you can do year-round. We have stationary bikes available in our fitness center, or you can invest in a simple portable cycle. Pedaling works the major muscle groups while keeping stress off your joints. Cycling while listening to music or watching television makes the time fly by! 

Go For a Swim

Take advantage of our spacious heated indoor pool for year-round aquatic exercise. Water offers great resistance for a full-body workout but is gentle on your joints. Try swimming laps, walking through the water, or aqua aerobics classes. The social atmosphere helps motivate you to keep moving. Just be sure to stay hydrated while in the warm pool area.

Work Out with a Friend 

Having an exercise buddy provides accountability and encouragement to stick to your routine. Recruit a friend with similar fitness levels to join you for walks, strength training or group fitness classes. You’re more likely to stick to a routine when meeting a friend. Working out together is also a great opportunity for social connection.

Garden Indoors

Caring for houseplants provides light activity along with a mood boost. Potting, pruning and watering plants gets you up and moving. Having fresh greenery and flowers indoors lifts your spirits during dreary winter months. We have a lively gardening club that works in our greenhouse and would love new members!

Stretch Daily

Flexibility exercises become even more important as we age. Stretching improves mobility, posture and balance. Always warm up muscles before stretching with light movement. Focus on major muscle groups including hips, back, shoulders and hamstrings. Stretch gently, avoiding bounced or jerky movements. Yoga and Pilates are ideal low-impact choices.

Try Chair Exercises

There are countless exercises that can be done in a seated position, ideal for those with limited mobility. Chair aerobics improve strength, balance and range of motion. You can find pre-recorded chair exercise routines online or work with our trainer to develop a custom routine. Moving your body, even while seated, keeps you limber.

Dust Off Your Dance Shoes

Dancing engages the body and mind while being tons of fun. Play your favorite upbeat music and let loose in the comfort of your home. More structured dance styles like ballroom dancing offer light cardio and boost coordination. We frequently host dance parties and recitals that all residents are welcome to participate in. 

Join New Activities 

Learning new skills and hobbies promotes brain health and social connections. Consider joining one of our many activity clubs like woodworking, puzzles, painting, cooking or book club. Or explore fresh hobbies like jewelry making, card playing, quilting or bird watching. The excitement of new activities makes staying active enjoyable.

Volunteer Locally

Contributing your time and talents helps the community while keeping you engaged. Look for local volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and abilities. Possibilities include reading to children, helping at animal shelters, serving meals, mentoring youth or visiting homebound seniors. Giving back provides a sense of purpose.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to remaining physically and socially active during cooler weather. Be creative and try new things – your body and mind will thank you! Let the Westminster Palms staff know how we can support your active lifestyle all season long. We are here to help you stay healthy, happy and connected.

Choosing a retirement community is quite a big deal, isn’t it? It can feel like a huge change and bring up all sorts of questions about keeping that cozy, at-home feeling in your new space. Here at Westminster Palms, right in the heart of sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, we’ve got you covered. We’re all about making our place feel like your place.

Your Style, Your Way

Our residences – be it independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing – are like chameleons. Whether you’re a minimalist, an antique lover, or a bit of both, we can match your style. Think of each space as your personal canvas, ready for your favorite couch, that artwork your grandkid made, or the souvenir from your world travels. And don’t worry, we’re here to help every step of the way to create a space that says “you.”

Comfort First

But it’s not all about looks, right? Comfort is king, and we’ve got it in spades. If you’ve got specific physical needs, we’ll make sure your room’s layout is easy to navigate. Plus, our apartments are chock-full of convenient features like a full kitchen, plenty of closet space, and even a washer and dryer right in your home. We’re about making sure you’re as cozy as can be.

A Place for Everyone

So, we all know that a home isn’t just about us, right? It’s about the people we share it with – our families, our friends, and yes, even the adorable grandkids who always seem to find the cookie jar. You’ll want your place to be the hub of all those fantastic get-togethers, the spot where memories are made. That’s what we’re here for.

Your place can be that go-to spot for those relaxed afternoon chats. We’ll help you set up a cozy, welcoming lounge area where everyone can kick back, sip on their lattes, and chat about everything from yesterday’s game to the latest book club pick.

The bottom line is, we’re all about making your space work for you and the people you love. We understand that your home isn’t just about you—it’s about the community you build within it.

Our Community

Let’s talk about community. Finding the right one is like a huge, warm, comforting blanket, right? It’s about belonging, sharing, and feeling connected. And a big part of that is the spaces we hang out in. We’re not just talking about your private residence here at Westminster Palms; we’re talking about the shared spaces where you’ll meet, mingle, and make memories with your neighbors. From fitness center space to lounges for entertaining – along with amenities like our library and computer center – you’ll find plenty of community spaces for added fun and excitement each day.

In a Nutshell

At Westminster Palms, we want to ensure your place feels like a home. We want to help you create a vibrant, fulfilling environment where your preferences and style are center stage. Whether you’re a young senior trying to scope out the perfect retirement spot or helping your parents find their next home, we’ve got the community, comfort, and customizations. Westminster Palms is excited to welcome your family into our community.

Are you considering a move to a senior living community but worried about how you’ll keep in touch with family and friends? You’re not alone. Many future residents have the same concerns.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and keep in touch with the people you care about. From FaceTime to card nights to private dining parties, residents have plenty of options to stay connected with their loved ones.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to keep in touch with family and friends after moving to a senior living community.

Enjoy a video call to have a virtual visit with family or friends whenever you like

A virtual visit can help maintain ties even when residents and their friends are separated by thousands of miles. Modern technology for video calling like FaceTime makes visiting easier than ever. Video calls allow residents to enjoy a face-to-face conversation with family or friends anywhere in the world, from the comfort of their living room. No expensive travel required!

Residents can use FaceTime or video chat services like Skype, Google Hangouts and Zoom to stay in touch with those who matter most. Grandparents can share stories with grandchildren who live far away or have regular catch-ups with distant relatives. Video calling also makes it possible for to host a virtual event, like a game night or movie watch party.

Enjoy a card or board game night and mix the “old” and “new” friends

With many social connections in their current neighborhoods, the prospect of moving to a senior living community can be daunting for many older adults. Fortunately, there are plenty of in-person social opportunities at senior living communities — some of them more informal than others.
Many senior living communities have groups of residents who enjoy a night of card games or board games. Play poker, Clue, Settlers of Catan or whatever you prefer, and enjoy having social opportunities and good friends at your fingertips.

These social events offer a reason for residents to invite their friends and family members over for a night of fun and laughter. It also provides an informal setting for guests to meet other residents and engage in meaningful conversations.

For older adults who want to make sure they stay connected to their friends, one surefire way to make things more fun is to invite their “old” friends to meet the “new” at a game night. It can make for a memorable evening filled with laughter and good company — all while bonding deeper relationships with fellow residents at the same time.

Host a dinner party and let someone else do all the work

Dining is an important part of life at a senior living community. But a special event may call for having a few friends over for dinner, and who wants to do all the cooking and dishes?

That’s why many senior living communities offer residents a variety of catered dining options, to invite guests over for a special dinner party. A special menu developed with the Dining department makes it simple and convenient to plan an event. Enjoy a luxurious meal without lifting a finger!

Inviting friends and family over to experience their community is also great to help those who may be considering making the move themselves. Guests get an up-close look at the lifestyle offered at their friend’s new home. Private dining options allow potential new residents to get an idea of what life would be like for them.

From poker nights to private dinners, there are plenty of ways for residents of senior living communities to keep in touch with family and friends. To learn all about how additional socialization opportunities abound at a Westminster community, find the community that suits you today on our Web site!