Category: News

Social media use has been on the rise among seniors for years. In the U.S., nearly 59% of adults over the age of 65 are online and 46% of those individuals are on at least one social network. Another statistic shows that at least half of online adults have a Facebook account. While nothing replaces quality time in-person together and face-to-face connections, studies show that social media use can benefit seniors’ physical and mental health in many ways. Here are five of those benefits:

1. Staying close with family

Social media platforms like Facebook and technology like Zoom, can be a helpful substitute for in-person contact and have been a great way for our residents to keep in touch and strengthen bonds with family members who are busy with work and school. We’ve often seen this apply to younger relatives who are more accustomed to social media and texting, rather than traditional communication methods like phone calls.

2. Making new friends, staying in touch with old

Facebook is also a way for seniors to make new friends and find people in their age group with similar interests.  It provides ways to connect with long-lost friends from childhood and restart meaningful relationships. Since socialization has been proven to help reduce loneliness, isolation and depression symptoms, social media and the use of technology was instrumental to many of our residents when visitation restrictions were in place during the pandemic.

3. Sparking civic engagement

Engaging on social media is an effective way for seniors to feel more connected to the world and maintain a sense of purpose. Social media campaigns can catalyze political and social movements around issues, like prescription drug costs, racism or climate change. And using YouTube or Nextdoor can help seniors feel personally involved and provide a way to engage with issues that matter to them.

4. Providing educational resources

Platforms like Twitter allow users to follow different news outlets and keep up with current events, and some social media accounts are dedicated to keeping the public educated about scientific breakthroughs, cultural happenings and historic discoveries. Social media can also offer users access to subject matter and experts from all over the world.

5. Becoming self-advocates

The availability of information online on various diseases and disabilities has led to more seniors being able to make health care decisions independently. Opportunities to speak directly with medical experts and peers often provides the necessary resources and confidence for seniors to weigh in on a variety of matters such as their own healthcare, local politics and community happenings, and can also provide a forum to ask questions so they can better advocate for themselves.

Seniors also need to be aware about maintaining their privacy, avoiding scams and being careful with how and what they share. Check out online resources that offer guidelines for good social media practices.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale is equipped with innovative technologies to keep residents connected, engaged and secure in their new home. These technologies allow team members to support resident safety while providing attentive, professional services and health care. We also prioritize helping families stay connected with their loved ones, whether across the country or just across town.

Visit our website (soprislodge.com) to learn more about how our programs and services keep residents engaged, safe and living life on their terms in a healthy communal setting where support is the norm.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale is situated on the western edge of downtown Carbondale, near the True Nature Healing Arts center and the Rio Grande Trail, offering residents a comfortable respite in a quaint Rocky Mountain town. The interior design will incorporate some of this mountain, relaxed vibe. 

While the architecture for the campus was handled by Z-Group Architects of Aspen, interior design touches were managed by Cherie Storm, owner/principal of Storm Designs, also from Aspen. The interior design concept for Sopris Lodge emulates a homey, residential style of design that diverges from traditional hunting lodge décor. It’s a contemporary aesthetic featuring warm interiors and touches of wood, leather finishes and hair on hide with natural light and sweeping views.

Cherie specializes in high-end residential and commercial design, and she worked closely with the Z-Group on creating a comfortable, classy and appropriate design for Carbondale. 

For the independent and assisted living interiors, the design includes a camel, brown, blue and cream color scheme with rustic touches to make the space both intimate and inviting for residents and visitors. Inspired by the local landscape, the design also includes rural charm of mountain living with natural elements, fabrics and materials.

The furniture in the independent living foyer and lounge is leather, with hair on hide, fur and sheepskin details used for the pillows. Other features include a wood treatment in the bistro, metal detailing, light fixtures that resemble quaking aspen leaves, abstract artwork, and a cozy hearth room with an oversize double-sided fireplace.

The Sopris Lodge memory care neighborhood includes wider hallways, designed to mimic city streets, lined with movie memorabilia and vintage ski posters.

To highlight what Sopris Lodge offers future residents, the community has staged three model apartments, one each for independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale offers an enriching lifestyle and access to care in a relaxed, Rocky Mountain setting, where team members are committed to helping residents live well and age well. Give us a call at 970-340-4460 today to learn more about our exciting new community!

JoAnne “Jo” and Edward Anderson are a Colorado-based couple who’ve reserved one of the independent living apartments at Sopris Lodge at Carbondale. These new residents will be a great addition to the Sopris family.

Fifteen years ago, when the Andersons moved to the Ranch at Roaring Fork, they felt like they had “died and gone to heaven!” Coming from Tucson, Arizona, where they spent 45 years working in education and raising their two daughters, they were drawn to the area’s natural beauty, access to outdoor amenities and friendly locals.

They were surprised to discover that unlike Arizona, where senior living communities were plentiful, there were no local options for senior housing. This prompted Jo—an active member of the town’s Senior Matters board—to start a coalition and advocate for a senior living community in Carbondale. Jo gave speeches in support of the project at packed town council meetings as plans moved through the approval process.

The Andersons think Carbondale is a wonderful environment for a senior living community and a fabulous location within walking distance of great restaurants, the Recreation and Community Center, stores, arts venues and hiking trails. It’s also conveniently located near some of the Andersons’ favorite passions: Edward, a former teacher and administrator at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, is an avid fly fisherman, while Jo, a former high school business teacher and entrepreneur turned yodeler/country-western singer, loves performing on stage. In fact, she hopes to bring her one-woman show to Sopris Lodge to share with her new neighbors.

The Andersons visit Sopris Lodge weekly and have watched the community take shape from the beginning, which they say has been healthy for them both emotionally and psychologically. They’ve also spent the last few months downsizing their four-bedroom home and taking time to say goodbye to their household belongings in preparation for their next move.

“We’re so blessed that we have the option to make this decision to move to Sopris Lodge for ourselves,” said Jo. “With friends and family who have moved to independent living communities, we found that you really become family. You can live with dignity for the rest of your life and that is critical to feel secure. It’s like living on a cruise ship that never leaves the dock. Everything is provided — you just have to be happy.”

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. Give us a call at 970-340-4460 today to learn more about what our exciting new community can offer you!