Introducing the Plaza Life Protocol

A Special Program for Optimized Senior Living

We’re excited to introduce the Plaza Life Protocol, a new program backed by the latest research to help older adults live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. This approach to healthy aging has two objectives: maximizing life span (how long we live) and optimizing health span (how well we live).

It’s a program that takes into account the risk factors of aging, which include the top chronic diseases. We then use a holistic, medically-backed plan focused on four fundamental pillars: exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, and hydration.

Exercise

Exercise is a major part of this program. Older adults often deal with loss of muscle mass and strength. But through progressive resistance exercise, we can actually reverse the loss of muscle mass, greatly enhancing overall health. Not only that, but this specific form of training has shown to reduce the impact of age-related metabolic diseases in older people. Find out more about exercise here.

Nutrition

We all know that it’s important to eat healthy at any age. But, for seniors, a diet that is rich in protein is especially beneficial. It helps improve muscle health, reduce age-related muscle loss, and support maintenance during low-energy times. Also, reducing fructose goes a long way toward promoting protein synthesis. We take all this into account when planning our dining menu. Find out more about nutrition here.

Stress Reduction 

Stress is natural. On the other hand, too much stress can lead to a range of metabolic illnesses. Our goal is to shape everyday life at The Plaza around activities that promote overall well-being. This includes arts and crafts, playing games, singing, or even playing a musical instrument. This active form of socialization has been shown to reduce loneliness as well as stress. Find out more about stress reduction here.  

Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health. This is especially true for older adults, who are at a higher risk of dehydration. It’s a risk that’s been known to contribute to several health problems including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. That’s why our staff go the extra mile to ensure every resident drinks plenty of fluids—especially water—throughout the day. Find out more about hydration here.

A Final Note

Aging is complex. But it doesn’t have to come with disease and frailty. The Plaza Life Protocol isn’t designed to replace traditional medical care. On the other hand, it’s to act as a supplement. Our strategy is to help older adults improve their overall health by targeting the underlying problems and perhaps avoid or delay having to take additional medication. Our mission is to ensure all our residents live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

Easing the Pressure: Stress Relief for Seniors 

Ever feel unbearably stressed out? It’s called being human. Stress is a totally natural response that urges us to deal with the threats and challenges in our lives. It’s just that too much stress isn’t healthy—especially for the elderly. 

When stress in seniors becomes overwhelming it can have all kinds of negative consequences. This is especially true when it comes to metabolic syndrome, which is made up of a range of factors that include obesity, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol. Stress can also contribute to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. 

The good news? There are a range of mental and physical stress reduction techniques for seniors. Mental therapies include engaging in an activity-rich social life and practicing mindfulness. Additionally, physically managing stress through aerobic exercise and resistance training can be similarly beneficial. 

Encouraging the elderly to develop a healthier social life has been shown to reduce the progression of stress. Social activities such as arts and crafts, games, singing, or playing a musical instrument are all great ways to enhance the quality of life in older people. 

Practicing mindfulness has also shown incredible results. A recent study demonstrated that an 8-week program of mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly reduced loneliness in older people. A separate study showed that this same technique improved symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while also lowering blood pressure and body mass index in patients with coronary heart disease. 

As a physical treatment for stress, exercise has also proven to be effective in preventing metabolic disease—without the need for pharmaceuticals. In fact, the CDC recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. It’s also been shown that resistance training three to four times a week has been highly beneficial. 

So what are our go-to tips for senior stress reduction?

Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Recognize that stress is natural, everyone feels it
  2. Develop a healthy social life by engaging in group activities
  3. Engage in consistent aerobic exercise 
  4. Perform resistance training three to four times a week
  5. Practice mindfulness-based stress reduction

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

The Plaza Life Protocol: A Professional Guide

Maximizing Life Spans & Optimizing Health Spans for Seniors

We’re excited to announce the Plaza Life Protocol, a new medically-backed program designed to maximize the life span and optimize the health span for older adults. Using the latest research, we’ve put together strategies aimed at improving the aging process and reducing the risk of age-related illnesses, specifically the top five chronic diseases: heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infection, cancer, and dementia.

Overcoming Frailty

Frailty is the biggest threat to the life span and health span of older people—something we know first-hand. It’s a condition that includes debility, exhaustion, diminished walking speed, inadvertent weight loss, and less engagement in physical activity. It can make seniors more likely to fall, break bones, end up hospitalized, and lose independence. To help our residents overcome frailty, we use a holistic plan focused on four fundamental pillars: exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, and hydration.

Exercise

Exercise is fundamental to this program. Older adults often deal with loss of muscle mass and strength. But through progressive resistance exercise, we can actually reverse the loss of muscle mass, greatly enhancing overall health. Not only that, but this specific form of training has been shown to reduce the impact of age-related metabolic diseases in older people. Find out more about exercise here.

Nutrition

As we age, our nutritional needs evolve. For seniors, a diet that is rich in protein is most beneficial. It helps improve muscle health, reduce age-related muscle loss, and support maintenance during low-energy times. Moreover, reducing fructose goes a long way toward promoting protein synthesis. We take all this into account when planning our dining menu. Find out more about nutrition here.

Stress Reduction 

Stress is natural. On the other hand, too much stress can lead to a range of metabolic illnesses. Our goal is to shape everyday life at The Plaza around activities that promote overall well-being. This includes arts and crafts, playing games, singing, or even playing a musical instrument. This active form of socialization has been shown to reduce loneliness as well as stress. Find out more about stress reduction here.  

Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health. This is especially true for older adults, who are at a higher risk of dehydration. It’s a risk that’s been known to contribute to several health problems including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. That’s why our staff go the extra mile to ensure every resident drinks plenty of fluids—especially water—throughout the day. Find out more about hydration here.

A Final Note

As you know, aging is complex. A number of factors contribute to disease and frailty. The Plaza Life Protocol isn’t designed to replace traditional medical care. On the other hand, it’s to act as a supplement. Our strategy is to help older adults improve their overall health by targeting the underlying problems and perhaps avoid or delay having to take additional medication. Our mission is to ensure all our residents live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

How to Approach Exercise for Seniors

There’s a reason we all start to slow down as we age. The older we get, the harder it is to maintain muscle mass. The medical term for this is something called “sarcopenia.” But with the right exercise programs for seniors, this decline in strength and muscle can be prevented—allowing people to live longer, healthier lives. 

So what causes sarcopenia? A lack of exercise and a low protein diet can put seniors at risk. Other factors include conditions that typically come with aging like insulin resistance and inflammation. Frailty is common for seniors that develop muscle loss, putting them at higher risk of falls, fractures, and loss of independence.  

With early detection and the right strength training for seniors, sarcopenia can be prevented and even reversed. In fact, it’s well known that progressive resistance training can effectively halt the loss of muscle tissue in people over 60 years old. Some other benefits of exercise for older adults include lowering insulin resistance and lessening the impact of age-related metabolic diseases. 

The key to resistance training is a personalized, gradual, and progressive approach. Start small, do what you can, and go at your own pace. The important thing is to be consistent. It especially helps if exercise can be integrated into daily routines, and is accompanied with positive reinforcement and community support. 

So what are our go-to tips for senior exercise?

Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Consistency is key
  2. Go slow and steady with a gradual, personalized approach
  3. Integrate exercise into daily routines
  4. Give positive reinforcement 
  5. Seek out community support and encouragement

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

Getting Nutrition Right: What’s on the Menu for Senior Citizens

As you age, eating healthy foods matters more than ever. Maybe in your younger days you could indulge with impunity. Maybe what you ate didn’t have a noticeable impact on how you felt. But eventually, time catches up with us all. For seniors, nutritional needs change over time, and diet becomes everything. 

Protein is the most important thing on the menu for senior citizens. A diet that is high in protein—even beyond the recommended amount—can improve muscle health, reduce age-related muscle loss, and support maintenance during low-energy times. 

Fat and carbohydrates play a role in overall nutrition, especially after a fasting period, like breakfast. But their importance takes a backseat to protein consumption. The average elderly person who is active and consumes the required amount of protein can still lose 0.2kg of lean muscle mass per year—and as much as 0.2kg per day if hospitalized. Because of this, most elderly people should aim to consume 30 to 40 grams of protein at every meal. 

So where should seniors get their protein? Animal products, such as milk, meat, and eggs are most effective for synthesizing protein. It’s also important to note that protein should be consumed several times throughout the day—especially in the morning and before bed. While we sleep, our bodies enter a fasted state, and eating before bed can help build muscle tissue. 

A note about sweets: when elderly people stop eating fructose, they have a better chance of avoiding metabolic issues like obesity, liver damage, and insulin resistance. Even more so, less fructose improves protein synthesis, allowing you to build muscle mass quicker. So remember to go easy on dessert. 

So what are our go-to tips for senior nutrition?

Here’s what we recommend:

  1. You need more protein than you think, 30-40 grams per meal
  2. Eat protein throughout the day, especially in the morning and at night
  3. Prioritize animal proteins over plant proteins to build muscle mass faster 
  4. It’s not just meat—animal protein includes milk, seafood, eggs, and yogurt
  5. To build muscle mass, combine a high protein diet with resistance training

For senior citizens, strong bodies start with a strong diet. But eating nutritious can still be delicious. At The Plaza, we keep this in mind when it comes to our menu for senior citizens. 

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

The Benefits of Hydration for Seniors

We all know that hydration is kind of a big deal. But as we age, hydration becomes a really, really big deal. Our sense of thirst decreases, our kidney function changes, and we might even take medications that can cause dehydration. The good news? Just remember to drink more water. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of hydration.  

Dehydration in the elderly can jeopardize metabolic health, raise stress hormone levels, and speed up biological aging. It can also affect the gut microbiome, which can slow down metabolism and lead to inflammation. Staying hydrated is especially crucial for decreasing the risk of conditions like dementia, stroke, and heart disease.  

The healing power of drinking water goes even further. Recent studies have shown that good hydration in the elderly can even help overcome preexisting health conditions. For example, increasing water intake can improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity—even for those at risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

So what are some of our go-to tips for staying hydrated?

Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Seniors should drink at least two liters of water every day
  2. Set up visible reminders, like post-it notes, to drink water
  3. Keep a water bottle on-hand that can be refilled regularly 
  4. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice
  5. Stay mindful of medications that cause dehydration

For more information, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

The Upside to Downsizing: Cutting Back on Clutter and Stress

Updated June 17, 2024

Retirement should be relaxing: beach days, rounds and rounds of golf, and catching up with old friends. But standing in the way of this carefree dream is often a family home that demands to be cared for. And if this once-buzzing property has become an empty nest, it might be time to downsize. Here are our tips for making the move.

Plan ahead

Consider your options, including independent living in Honolulu or other retirement communities in Hawaii. These are great because they offer a range of living arrangements, a built-in social scene, and a supportive environment with caring staff. Make sure to do some research before you’re ready to move, so that when it’s time you’ll know what’s right for you.

An important step in planning is to make a downsizing checklist. Include where you’d like to live, how to handle all your belongings, and what your current financial situation looks like. Make sure to understand the value of your home, so you can include that as well.

Hire a real estate agent

Less stress is what downsizing is all about. So, if you decide to sell your home, find a real estate agent that can handle the hard stuff. Think you’ll lose out by spending on the extra help? Think again. Homes sold by experienced agents go for, on average, $60,000 more than homes sold without one.

Cut out the clutter

If you’re moving to a smaller space, whether it’s to an apartment at one of the best retirement communities in Hawaii or any other senior living situation, you’ll need to scale back. This means parting ways with the belongings you no longer need, and only keeping what counts. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel with the lack of clutter. And when you move into your new space, you’ll still have your favorite family photographs, cards, and mementos—meaningful items you need to feel at home.

Downsizing can be the key to unlocking your dream retirement. At The Plaza, we’re proud to have one of the best senior living communities in Hawaii, with a range of senior care options. If you’re considering making the transition to a simple, relaxing, and fulfilling lifestyle, make sure to visit one of our five communities in Moanalua, Mililani, Pearl City, Punchbowl, or Waikiki.

Hawaii Senior Living Guide: 5 Tips For Relating To Memory Loss

Memory loss is common with aging—especially within senior living communities in Hawaii. A loved one struggles to remember names, events, and routines. Communication becomes tricky and tough. You’re not sure how to cope. But trust us, you’re not alone. 

As senior living professionals, we assist residents with memory loss every day. And while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia is never easy, here are five tips that can help out.  

Tip #1: Patience is everything

If you’re having to repeat things over and over, no one would fault you for feeling frustrated. The best way to overcome these difficult emotions is simply to anticipate them. Remind yourself before entering the conversation to be mindful of your patience. If it starts to wear thin, step out, breathe, relax, and re-enter the conversation when you’re ready. 

Tip #2: Keep it simple

When engaging with any of our senior living residents in memory care, we try and keep communication simple: we use basic words, tell stories with less detail, and ask questions that require one or two-word responses. As your loved one’s memory loss progresses, keeping conversation simple can be very helpful. 

Tip #3: Relive old memories

Those struggling with memory loss might still recall events from the distant past. Connect with your loved one by talking through a cherished memory from long ago. You might’ve gone through this story a dozen times, but reliving a meaningful moment will help you bond.  

Tip #4: Agree to disagree

When speaking with someone suffering from memory loss, disputing names and details won’t get you anywhere. Avoid the need to prove yourself right. Along with being pointless, it’ll leave you and your loved one feeling upset. If an argument comes up, find a way to politely change the subject. 

Tip #5: Give your undivided attention

Put away your smartphone, lower the TV volume, sit directly in front of your loved one, and calmly repeat their name until they’re engaged. If communication is already a challenge, any kind of distraction can be detrimental to holding a conversation. When you have their attention, it’s important they have yours. 

Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any other form of memory loss requires care, compassion, and often the need for professional assistance. At The Plaza, we have many senior care options available, like our Hali‘a Memory Care program. We’re also home to one of the best retirement communities in Hawaii. Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or would like to speak with someone on our team.

Hawaii Senior Living Checklist

So, you’re starting to research senior care options. But where do you start? What makes sense for your specific needs? Your friend claims to know the best retirement communities in Hawaii, but you think otherwise. Here’s the good news: knowing what’s right starts with knowing what to ask. We have you covered with the ultimate Hawaii senior living checklist:

Search senior living by location:

  • Is the senior living community in a town that you like?
  • Is it convenient for family and friends to visit?
  • How far away is the airport?
  • Is the area safe, with a low crime rate?
  • Is it close to shopping, restaurants, a medical center, and other services?

When you call ask:

  • Are you currently accepting new residents?
  • If not, is there a waitlist, and how long is the wait? 
  • Are there age restrictions on this senior living community?
  • Is the community gated or open?
  • What is the cost range, and is there a buy-in fee?
  • What services and amenities are included in the price?
  • What services are available for additional fees?
  • What types of payment do you accept?
  • What are the housing options, and do they suit your needs?
  • Is this a continuum of care community (CCRC)? (Are there other levels of care available, such as assisted living, should you need it?)
  • Do you have any programs to help with the transition process?

When you visit ask: 

  • About living arrangements:
    • Do you have a wide range of housing options, including smaller apartments or studios should you wish to downsize?
    • Did you show us all the different types of units available?
    • Is there adequate in-unit storage space, and is additional storage provided?
    • How are the views?
    • Are pets allowed and, if so, are there limits on type or size?
    • Will you be allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight, or are there other rules?
    • Is there a homeowners’ association with membership fees?
    • Are there homeowner rules about upkeep and decorating?
    • Will you be required to have renter’s insurance?
    • Are housekeeping services available, and at what price?
    • Which maintenance issues are you responsible for and which are included with the unit?
  • About cooking and food:
    • Will visiting family members be invited to join in for meals?
    • How often does the menu change?
    • Do you accommodate special diets and allergies?
    • Is there a meal plan, and how flexible is it?
  • About activities and social life:
    • How are the common spaces?
    • How large are the outdoor areas for recreation and exercise?
    • Is there an extensive, varied schedule of classes and activities?
    • Are there evening events, such as movie nights and local performances? 
    • Is there a gym or fitness center?
    • Are there media and computer rooms available?
    • Is there a private dining or community room available for special events?
    • Are there religious services in the community or nearby?
    • Is there a barbershop and beauty salon in the community or nearby?
  • About the staff:
    • Is there an activity director or staff member charged with organizing and leading activities?
    • What’s the staff turnover rate?
    • Are background checks performed before hiring staff? If so, when and how?
    • How much training do staff members have?
    • Does the community work with an agency or registry that provides in-home care companions in case you need future assistance?
  • About medical care:
    • Is there an RN or CNA on staff?
    • What specific services are available from doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others?
    • Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
  • Forms to ask for:
    • A recent list of weekly activities and events
    • A recent weekly menu of meals and snacks

Closing words of advice:

Write down all the answers to your questions as you go, and keep a checklist like this for each of the retirement communities in Hawaii you visit.

If your visit was scheduled ahead of time, it’s a good idea to return for an impromptu drop-in visit to see if your experience is just as pleasant. (If you’re told you can’t come in for an unscheduled visit, that’s a very bad sign.)

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few favorites, schedule in-depth follow-up visits and dig a little deeper.

For more information on what to expect, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

4 Surprising Facts About Senior Living

Senior living isn’t what you think… and in the best way possible. Moving an elderly relative or parent into one of the many retirement communities in Hawaii comes with a certain set of expectations—many of which are either outdated or untrue. It’s time to rethink senior living with these four surprising facts:

Fact #1: Moving doesn’t mean leaving home behind

Senior living communities in Hawaii want their residents to feel at home. This means giving them the option to bring their own furniture, belongings, or anything else that makes their new living situation feel comfortable and personal. Most senior care options will even accommodate household pets that are coming along for the move. The goal of Hawaii senior living is to give your elderly family all the care they need, while disrupting their routines and daily lifestyles as little as possible.

Fact #2: Your loved one will find a thriving social environment

The best retirement communities in Hawaii offer residents all kinds of planned activities and shared amenities. From hula classes to arts and crafts, game nights to exercise programs—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to engage in community activities. For everyday socializing, residents can visit the library, stop by the salon, spend time outdoors, or relax with friends in the common room. Modern senior care options will make sure to meet the needs of those from underrepresented backgrounds, employing multi-lingual staff members so that every resident will feel properly cared for and understood.

Fact #3: Senior living is cozy & comfy, not cold & clinical

Hawaii senior living offers your loved one all the care they need, without sacrificing the feeling of home. Easy access to medical assistance does not equate to a living situation that lacks warmth or feels clinical. Many facilities will ensure that care and assistance are woven into everyday life in a way that feels natural. With a top-notch nursing staff and a cozy setting, residents get the best of both worlds.

Fact #4: Senior living does not have to break the budget

Today, senior care options are more affordable than ever. While many communities have unique expenses, these costs may still be much less than the cost of an in-home caregiver. And for working professionals, time spent tending to an elderly loved one can come with career sacrifices. For further financial assistance, it’s possible to consider government programs that have expanded to cover assisted living. If you’re considering senior living, our team at The Plaza can always help you find a plan that fits.