The Admiral at the Lake Blog

We all know the benefits of listening to music—improved memory and cognitive function, decreased feelings of pain, improved performance, lower stress, better sleep, and improved mood. Scientific studies indicate that playing music has additional benefits.

Looking for some indoor activities to stay out of the blazing hot sun this summer? So are the residents of The Admiral at the Lake, who especially appreciate the arts.

We all let the little things get to us sometimes. It is important to know when to step aside and take some time for yourself to relax and destress. Here are a few of the stress-relief techniques we were able to uncover:

For much of our lives, we have been juggling multiple priorities, career and family, and we may have felt that there was not much time left for anything else. A lifestyle that moves at a breakneck speed can become very stressful. During moments of quiet reflection, we may have struggled to find ways to slow it down and use our skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world, to feel a sense of accomplishment from what we choose to do with our time. Now, in retirement, we can take on a new sense of purpose.

As most of the theaters take a break, we enjoy the last of the summer sun. Join residents of The Admiral at the Lake in events happening in the neighborhoods of Andersonville, Edgewater, and in the north end of Chicago.

It was just a few years ago that Toni Smith became a resident at The Admiral at the Lake. She was drawn to this community because of its focus on the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Toni’s passion for learning led her to the Lifelong Learning Committee, of which she is now chair.

It’s no secret that the heat of the summer can have a serious impact on your body, especially for older adults. Older bodies do not feel thirst as much, and kidney function decreases. After age 60, the proportion of total body fluids to body weight is about 52% in men and 46% in women, compared to 60% and 52% for adults under 40. This makes the danger of dehydration greater.

Since the 1970s, Kendal, the not-for-profit parent company of The Admiral at the Lake, has worked to transform our culture’s view of aging and older persons, stressing the potential for fulfillment and continuing contribution during the later stages of life.

What are your favorite treats during the summer? There are so many to choose from, it’s hard to narrow them down. Keep a generous supply of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand during the summer to help prevent dehydration. Today, we would like to tell you about the benefits of each of these nutrient-packed summer foods.

If you have reached retirement age or are quickly approaching it, you may think that exercise is not for you. When you think about going to a gym to workout, all you can see is young, hard bodies there – no place for you. And besides, you tell yourself, your body just can’t handle it.