In “one of the best darn communities in the country,” lives Sylvia, a resident at The Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sylvia created the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza for Sioux Falls in 1980 that she continues to help out with to this day.

Of course, her parade isn’t just for the community which she holds so dearly. It’s for a cause greater than any one person.

“We had to have a name of some kind, and just as a joke I said, ‘How about the Twisted Stitchers?’ and it kind of hung on,” states Janet, who started this remarkable knitting and crocheting group when she first moved to Old Main Village several years ago.

But what she and her friends (Marvel, Esther, and others) create as the Twisted Stitchers goes a lot further than just a social bond. They’re stitching for the greater good.

Within her very active schedule, Sylvia’s favorite part of the week is the time she spends every Sunday volunteering in the memory care area of The Commons on Marice, her senior living community in Eagan, Minnesota. She plays the piano and sings with the residents. “I enjoy the interaction, it’s amazing to see how they remember the words,” says Sylvia fondly. “I’m actually probably getting more out of it than they are. I love the joy on their faces. My cup overflows, it has most of my life. I am blessed.”

The oldest resident at The Commons on Marice is also one of the most active. LeRoy takes two laps around the senior living community in Eagan, Minnesota every single day.

If you saw him on his two mile jaunt, you’d never guess he just turned 104. In fact, LeRoy barely believes it himself. “I have to admit that I’m lucky,” he says. “To be honest, I really do feel better now than I did ten years ago.”

We caught up with the retired teacher after one of his recent walks and he regaled us with story after story, including the one about coaching a championship swim team — even though he couldn’t swim.

When Garry Wright moved his beloved wife of more than 30 years into Villa at Terracina Grand, a memory care community in Naples, Florida, he never imagined how challenging it would be. "We were as close as any two people could be," he says. "I think anybody that puts a loved one in a memory care community, regardless of how nice it is, feels guilty."

Garry's not the only one. Caregiver guilt is one of the most common and natural emotions you can experience when moving a loved one into a senior living community like memory care, assisted living, or even independent living in some cases. "There's no school for this," he says. "Nobody knows how to do this. You just do what you feel is right for you and your loved one."

Although you might not be able to avoid feeling guilty, there are ways to cope with these emotions when they arise.

Designed with older adults in mind, senior apartments are a great option for your loved ones who no longer want to maintain their own home, but who don’t yet need the support of a senior living community. Senior apartments are often convenient one-level units that cater to older adult safety by featuring carpet and grab rails throughout the space.

When searching for a senior apartment, you’ll want to visit a number of locations in your selected area. There are so many variables that it pays to visit at least half a dozen options before you make a final decision.

Here are some key questions you’ll want to ask each community during your visit.

Back in the day, there was nothing better than gathering the family around the radio for a prime-time show. Before television took over, radio dramas and variety shows were a special source of family entertainment. Actors' voices and sound effects filled the airwaves while imagination filled in the blanks, creating the so-called "theater of the mind."

That’s the nostalgic era that’s being re-created by a group of 15 residents who call themselves The Timber Pines Players Group. This resident-led group of men and women who live at The Residence at Timber Pines, a senior living community in Spring Hill, Florida, all have a special fondness for the radio shows of yore.

If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand what residency agreements are, how they work, and how they can influence your decision.

Here are the basics that you’ll find with most agreements. Keep in mind that the specifics can and will vary from community to community. Be sure that you are fully informed of all the details before signing on the dotted line. When faced with this important step, many older adults consult their attorney to make sure they understand and agree with all the agreement provisions.

Preserving our independence is important to all of us, especially as we age. Some older adults become concerned that the move to a senior living community means forgoing the freedom they currently have in their life. Fortunately, a senior living community doesn’t signal a loss of independence, but provides assistance when needed so your loved ones can focus on the things they enjoy while providing peace of mind for their family.

“Moving into senior living, you have people around you that have gone through similar experiences as you,” says Robin Katchuk, Executive Director at Royal Palms, an active senior living community in Largo, Florida. “It’s all about lifestyle. Making the move makes things easier for you.”

The holidays are a wonderful time for gathering with the family and celebrating the season. When visiting with your aging loved ones, you may notice some of the early indicators that they are ready for the additional support found in a senior living community. Recognizing these signs sooner, rather than later, can help you avoid making hasty living decisions due to unexpected emergencies.