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 health 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 adults—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 of wellness: exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, and hydration.

Exercise

Exercise is fundamental to Plaza Life. 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. However, 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 wellness. This includes offering meaningful programs that promote creativity, collaboration, giving back, relaxation, and spirituality. This active form of socialization has been shown to reduce loneliness, depression, and boredom. 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 about The Plaza Life Protocol, or to book a tour, contact our friendly staff at The Plaza Assisted Living.

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 science 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 muscle loss, bone density, coordination, mental health, and disease. 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, increase bone density, and improve coordination, greatly enhancing overall health. Resistance 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 wellness. This includes offering meaningful programs that promote creativity, collaboration, giving back, relaxation, and spirituality. This active form of socialization has been shown to reduce loneliness, depression, and boredom. 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 about The Plaza Life Protocol, 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 an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, 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 older adults to develop a healthier social life has been shown to reduce the impact of stress. Meaningful 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 adults. 

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

    1. Develop a healthy social life by engaging in group activities

    1. Engage in consistent aerobic exercise 

    1. Perform resistance training three to four times a week

    1. Practice mindfulness-based stress reduction

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

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 on The Plaza Life Protocol, 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 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 for 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.

SETTLE INTO SENIOR LIVING WITH CALM & CONFIDENCE

Going from life at home to life in senior living can be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether it’s a move to independent living in Honolulu, assisted living, or one of the many retirement communities in Hawaii, you can follow these steps to feel at ease. 

Embrace your feelings
Relief, anxiety, optimism, stress. There’s a full spectrum of feelings that can arise as you transition your loved one into senior living. And guess what? It’s perfectly okay to feel whatever you feel. Embrace your emotions rather than resist them, so you can empathize with your loved ones as they process the change.

Talk openly, listen intently
With all senior care options, questions and concerns will likely come up. Make sure to talk honestly and caringly with your loved one and, more importantly, make them feel heard. A nurse or staff member can always assist you with any issue and can help you both feel comfortable. 

Explore their new home together
Senior living communities in Hawaii have so much to offer. Get to know the home together: stop by the common room, introduce yourselves to neighbors, tour the facilities, check out all the amenities, review upcoming events and programs. An afternoon of exploration will help turn anxiety into excitement.

Meet the support network
Among the best aspects of Hawaii senior living is that residents are often there for each other. So encourage your loved one not to be shy. Meet their new neighbors before helping them move in. This is one of the most reliable ways to help the transition. Make sure to also introduce yourself and provide contact info to caregivers and nurses. This will not only be comforting to you, but will reassure staff knowing they can reach out if anything comes up.

It’s all alright
We all process change differently. But, as you get your loved one settled into senior living, you can relax knowing you’ve made the right decision. Health hazards and difficulties will now be diligently attended to, dining and cleaning are all taken care of, and a new social life is just beginning. Your loved one will now be completely at ease—and you should be too.

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.

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.

The Gift of Memory Care

Hali'a Memory Care Webinar

Best Friends, Cherished Memories and so much more...

Many approach the possible placement of a family member into memory care with a sense of guilt and worry. This Hali’a Memory Care Webinar will addresses common family concerns, but also describes the often surprising benefits of memory care for the person living with cognitive loss. Research has shown that “the brain loves company,” and the socialization and engagement that can come from an assisted living setting can be therapeutic to the person with dementia and foster feelings of friendship and community. In addition, strategies about memory care placement are provided, including when to consider a move, and how best to do it.

This webinar presented by David Troxel, MPH.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

David Troxel, MPH is co-author of six influential books on dementia care including The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care. He is the dementia care consultant to The Plaza Assisted Living and its Hali’a Memory Care Program which practices the Best Friends Approach. David adds insight and humor to his presentations and will allow for a Q & A session at the end of the webinar for attendees to ask questions and gain further insights into dementia care today.

CHANGES IN OUR COMMUNITIES