Cantissimo Senior Living Blog

So, you’ve decided to learn a new instrument - congratulations! As we’ve discussed in past blogs, learning an instrument in retirement brings many benefits, both mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, as everyone knows, you cannot simply pick up a new instrument and enjoy playing beautiful and complex songs. There is a long and sometimes challenging learning process to endure. To help make this easier, we have compiled a list of online and mobile resources you can use to help learn your new instrument, right from the comfort of your own home!

In Part 1 of this two-part blog series (Audiobooks - click here), I commented on my love of books both as physical objects and fountains of reading pleasure. The advent of e-books challenged and delighted me in both areas.

What is an E-Book? 

An e-book is a book in digital form that can be read on a smartphone, tablet, computer, or a dedicated e-book reading device ("e-reader"). The digital file containing the book's contents must be downloaded from the internet onto the device. Once downloaded, the content of the book can be read. 

Online games play an important role in overcoming many problems faced by the 55+ community. Playing games helps to improve mental fitness and healthy aging for older adults. It's more than merely entertainment and passing the time - read below to learn more about some of the benefits of online games:

Video conferencing has exploded since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also known as video calling, this technology uses your computer or smartphone to see the people you talk to and hear them. This can be to simply catch up, or even enjoy nights together from afar with virtual learning activities or playing games together remotely! If you have not started using this method to communicate with your loved ones, this blog will give you the basics for joining a Zoom (the most popular type) video call.

I love books. You'll notice I didn't start out saying, "I love to read," which I definitely do. However, the act of holding a book in my hands or even looking at books on a shelf delights me. I relish having books surround me, which explains why two of my favorite haunts are libraries and bookstores. In fact, when traveling, I have my picture taken in a local bookstore as a souvenir of the trip.

So, I am not inclined to favor books in digital formats: ebooks and audiobooks. However, even though traditional books remain my passionate first love, these non-physical versions and I have developed a close platonic relationship. In this two-part series, I'll cover the ins and outs of each type. First up, audiobooks.

Memories with Grandma and Grandpa are something youngsters will love and cherish for many years to come. At the same time, it can be challenging to come up with ideas and activities that will be memorable and enjoyable for everyone. To help find things everybody might appreciate, we have assembled a list of twelve fun activities you can do with your grandchildren during the next visit.

We all know that smartphones are powerful tools for productivity and connecting with family members, but did you ever think about how they could be useful for continued learning and education? The apps available on your phone are a great way to train your brain and learn about a range of topics on the go.

As we age, it is increasingly important to actively train our minds and keep stimulated. Science has proven that the brain can respond to modifications during a process called "neuroplasticity". The brain then adjusts when its neural connections are wired to enhance or maintain cognitive function. Studies say that brain training activities lessen the risk of dementia by almost 30%. These activities are effective in seniors with or without cognitive impairments. Mobile apps for seniors are among the simplest and best ways to learn different skills and improve abilities. Continue reading for our list of the top 5 apps to download to stay entertained and mentally sharp!

COVID-19 has turned the entire world upside-down, and no group has been more affected than those over 55. With the higher risk of complications and death, older adults have a greater stake in this crisis than nearly all other groups. Many seniors have been forced to take stringent quarantine measures and other protective actions to avoid getting sick.

These efforts to avoid disease have created their own problems like feelings of anxiety, boredom, and possibly even depression. As a result, many want to know; how long will the current crisis last? What will the vaccine adoption look like? 

Whenever this storm passes, we'll get back to normal. Or will we? Opinions vary about what "normal" will look like after the pandemic. Some are predicting a "new normal." What might that look like for older adults?

Sheltering in place because of COVID-19 can provide an opportunity to finally catalog those years of photos. Too often, photos handed down to the next generation are discarded because there is no information about people and places.

These days, photo storage is a combination of physical and digital. Each type of photo storage has its own process for adding information about an image.

Tips to Properly Archive Your Family Photos

Carelessness can be a natural part of growing older. Insignificant memory dilemmas reflect healthy changes in the structure and purpose of the brain. Gradually, we may miss a monthly payment, forget which word to use, or lose our glasses. These can be symptoms of healthy aging, according to the National Institute on Aging. However, these changes can also make it harder to learn new things, interfere with memory, and cause frustration.

We all understand the significance of maintaining mental fitness. Preserving our cognitive abilities enables us to pay better attention, solve problems, and other benefits. But have you thought about how focusing on this aspect of our fitness is especially critical as we age? Brain workouts for seniors are a way for you (or a loved one) to keep the mind active and healthy.

So, precisely why, and how do you train your brain? Below are seven recommendations for seniors to perform mental exercises and promote healthy brain habits.