Like it or not, we are all growing older. And somewhere along the aging process, we will reach a point where society considers us mature. The question is, will the public’s general perceptions about what it means to get old match our own?

As many individuals age, there might come a time when living alone begins to present challenges. Perhaps normal activities of daily living become too hard to accomplish without help. Or the amount of required assistance suddenly exceeds that which a family caregiver can adequately provide. In those cases, it may be time to consider a move to assisted living.

From our experience, we know that some older adults feel put off by the term “assisted living.” The phrase could conjure up concerns about being perceived as helpless for someone unfamiliar with the services. But as people learn more, they begin to recognize how they might benefit from assisted living. Here, then, is some information you might find helpful.

The coronavirus pandemic has been disrupting personal lifestyles since mid-March while transforming the ways people work and interact. Social distancing and sheltering-in-place have lessened face-to-face contact between families, friends, co-workers, and classmates. Fortunately, online technology permits many of us to remain connected with the people in our world.

Sweltering summer temperatures are uncomfortable for everyone. But for older adults, excessive heat can prove dangerous. Among the 12,000 heat-related deaths in the United States annually, 80 percent involve individuals aged 60 or over.

Among the many stereotypes associated with senior living communities is the perception that residents are lonelier than they would be if they remained living in their homes. Cut off from family members and friends—this common assumption maintains—older adults will unavoidably experience the detrimental effects of social isolation. But being apart from loved-ones is not limited to senior individuals living in nursing homes. Indeed, loneliness can occur anywhere.

Those of us who work at Sunset Communities love talking about the organization’s lengthy history. Founded by the Women’s Christian Association in the early 1870s, we initially went by the name, Home for Friendless Women. In 1889, we became The Old Ladies Home of Toledo, a name that would serve us for more than five decades.

Each May, Older Americans Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the countless ways in which seniors contribute to our communities. This year’s theme, Make Your Mark, highlights the unique and enduring contributions older adults make to society.

From our expert vantage point at Sunset Communities, one thing appears obvious when it comes to individuals making senior living decisions: that is, most older adults prefer maintaining independent lifestyles for as long as their overall health allows. But while many seniors might appreciate assistance with routine household chores, some require help with essential aspects of daily activity. For those reasons, Sunset offers both independent and assisted living options on its Toledo and Sylvania campuses.

As we age, changes in our hearts and blood vessels increase our risk of developing heart disease. Our arteries could harden, for example, or narrow from plaque that builds up over time. Our heart muscles might naturally weaken as we get older, or we could experience hypertension and high blood pressure. It’s little wonder that cardiovascular disease is most prevalent among people age 65 and older.