Moving to a senior community is often a family decision. And it's a win-win when the right one is made. For seniors, it's the opportunity to participate in a full, stimulating and engaged community...and for adult children, it's the peace of mind knowing that their parents are living life to the fullest. This blog post is part of our 2015 series about exploring housing options together as a family.

With the holidays approaching, there is no better time for family observations…and a family conversation. Have you noticed that your parents are overwhelmed by household chores, don’t have the energy they once had, seem concerned about driving in the snow or missing their friends who have died or moved away? You’re not alone. Most adult children spend an inordinate amount of time “worrying” about their parents.

The holiday season is a time for many of us when our thoughts turn naturally to bringing joy to others, especially children, seniors, and families in need.

Many faiths include giving back as part of their holiday traditions. For Jews, performing a mitzvah means to do a good deed, or charitable act. Many Jewish people even have a tradition of volunteering on Christmas Day. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or are just reflecting on the end of another year, December presents many opportunities for volunteer service.

On November 12, members of the senior leadership teams from New England Baptist Hospital and Hebrew SeniorLife gathered for HSL’s Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting provided an opportunity for the two teams, together with HSL’s Board and Trustees, to discuss the preferred provider agreement that was signed in July 2013 and highlight the many successes.

In 2004, ABC News journalist Dan Harris experienced a panic attack while reading the news on Good Morning America. This led him down a path of exploring the connection between our mind and our bodies, ultimately finding meditation as an answer to quieting his “internal narrator.” Dan wrote about his journey in the best-selling book 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Works – a True Story.