The Essential Benefits of Daily Reading

May 6, 2025

The Essential Benefits of Daily Reading

What’s the name of the last good book you read? Is there a particular topic you enjoy? A special genre? Maybe you like books of poems, whodunit mysteries, or even fantasy tales. Recent studies have found that it’s not important what you read, but it is important for you to read every day.

  • Reading Battles Mental Decline and Dementia – A study in 2021 found that, regardless of education level, daily reading slowed cognitive decline in study participants. It’s believed that brain-stimulating activities like reading increase the gray matter in the superior temporal cortex of our brains. Gray matter plays a role in cognitive function.
  • Stress Reduction – It’s been shown that reading fiction has a positive and immediate impact on mood and emotions. In a series of experiments with high-schoolers, daily reading lead to improved mindfulness, optimism, and happiness and reduced depression, anxiety, and negative emotions over five weeks.
  • Improves Sleep – Reading a printed book before bed may help you fall asleep more quickly, wake up less often, and sleep for longer than people who go to bed without reading. Reading offers relaxation, calms the mind, and, if part of your regular nightly routine, helps the body prepare for sleep.
  • Increases Analytical Thinking Skills – For example, as you read a fiction book, the unfolding story encourages your mind to anticipate what happens next. You predict and make guesses. The brain is trained subconsciously to improve problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, which will carry over into everyday life.
  • It May Help You Live Longer – Those who read live up to two years longer than those who don’t read. The benefits of stress reduction as well as increased brain function are two of the ways reading contributes to our overall health. A study at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago relayed “frequent cognitive activity across the lifespan has an association with slower late-life cognitive decline.” This also contributes to a longer life.

As little as 30 minutes a day of reading contributes to an increased lifespan. The length read correlates to the length of longevity.

Exciting Landscaping Improvements this Spring

Spring landscaping at The Retreat at Church Ranch brings even more beauty to our grounds. In the last week of April, we planted 53 Winter Gem Boxwoods, primarily along the west property line. Four Spartan Junipers were interspersed throughout the hedge to add vertical interest. Additional Boxwoods are being planted along the south fence line and at the south gate entrance.


Along the east-facing trellis attached to the Peace and Happiness pergola walkway, you’ll now find four new climbing rose bushes: two Lady Red, one Yellow Rose, and one variegated variety. Near the "Water Goddess" sculpture, we planted four Korean Privets—two on each side—to frame the feature.


In the first week of May, a horticulturist from CSU will visit to advise us on plant selections for the mounded garden, helping us maintain our certification as an official Monarch Butterfly Waystation. In June, we will plant about 40 Indian Grass and Lavender plants along the north fence line.


Be sure to notice the beautiful Eastern Redbud blooming in the southeast corner and the two Western Redbuds flanking the new green bench along the north fence. Two more Redbuds have been added to either side of the black gate in the northwest corner. We will continue making your grounds and walk more beautiful as funds allow.


NOTE: We know gardeners are living here and invite your suggestions and comments!

A group of elderly people are standing next to each other.

Improve Balance by Walking

Balance is one of the senses we often take for granted — until we lose it.
In our 50s and 60s, we may notice that our bodies feel less stable. Gradual changes linked to aging — such as loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility, slower reflexes, worsening eyesight, and even certain medical conditions and medications — can affect our sense of balance.


The good news is that you can improve your balance with simple, everyday activities. Walking, for example, is an excellent way to build lower-body strength — a key component of maintaining good balance. Walking is not only a safe and accessible exercise for most people, but it also contributes to aerobic activity goals while helping you stay steady on your feet.

  • A well-designed walking plan should safely and gradually increase your physical activity, focusing more on minutes than miles.
  • If you're new to exercise, start slow and steady. Use a cane or walker if needed, and as you build strength and confidence, gradually add more minutes to your walks.
  • If you're already active, choose a walking plan that aligns with your fitness level and adjust as needed. If it feels too easy, challenge yourself by increasing your time and distance or incorporating hills. Aim for at least 150 minutes of walking per week.
  • For those who find walking especially challenging due to health issues, consulting with a physiatrist or physical therapist can help you explore alternative options. (From Harvard Medical School Publications)

RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS

5/1 – Annita

5/12 – Dolores G

5/21 – Sue R

STAFF BIRTHDAYS

5/8 – Shon W

5/17 – Crystal R

5/30 – Emily R

A group of people are raising their hands in the air.

RESIDENT OF THE MONTH

Ellen W.

Welcome New Residents

Armella D

Bea J

Ron S

The Long Straw Club

For the past 20 years, The Long Straw Club has been a cornerstone of our assisted living community, offering a deep and thoughtful exploration of the spiritual, emotional, and psychological dimensions of aging. Originally founded by noted gerontologist Robin Avery, the club has been guided by a diverse array of wisdom teachers - including rabbis, priests, ministers, and other spiritual leaders – who have helped members navigate the later chapters of life with insight and grace. Today, under the esteemed leadership of Lloppón Rinpoche, the Long Straw Club continues to foster meaningful discussions, personal reflection, and a sense of shared wisdom among its members. Please join us on the last Tuesday of every month.

MAY HOLIDAYS YOU HAVE HEARD OF – AND THOSE YOU HAVEN’T

  • May 2 – National Play Your Ukelele Day
  • May 3 – National 2 Different Colored Shoes Day
  • May 4 – Star Wars Day
  • May 5 – Cinco de Mayo (also National Hand-
  • Washing Day)
  • May 6 – National Nurses’ Day
  • May 7 – National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
  • May 9 – National Magnetic Alphabet Day
  • May 11 – Mother’s Day
  • May 13 – National Frog Jumping Day
  • May 14 – National Jump Like a Chicken Day
  • May 16 – National Bike to Work Day
  • May 17 – Armed Forces Day
  • May 18 – National Visit Your Relatives Day
  • May 22 – Sherlock Holmes Day
  • May 23 – National Lucky Penny Day
  • May 25 – National Tap Dance Day
  • May 26 – Memorial Day
  • May 27 – National Grape Popsicle Day
  • May 30 – International Hug Your Cat Day
A banner that says hello may with flowers and butterflies
A nurse is giving an elderly woman a cup of coffee.

Do You Need To Improve Your Self Esteem?

April 24, 2025
Do You Need To Improve Your Self Esteem?

Time to Focus on Improving Communication

March 10, 2025
None of us can skip communication in our daily lives. Whether at work or at home, we talk with others in the hope of getting our needs met and sharing a connection. Some people are natural and open communicators while others need some help along the way. Here are some suggestions to ease the way and help everyone get along a little bit better. Assume Positive Intentions – when talking with family, friends or coworkers, try to avoid becoming immediately defensive. Believe the other party is working to improve the situation and striving for a positive outcome. Although it can be hard, try to be receptive to the idea someone is trying to convey even if they don’t go about it in the best way. Be Clear and Concise – take a moment to prepare your thoughts before speaking or responding. For clarity, limit yourself to dealing with one individual topic at a time. Also, using too many words or fancy language can distract from your intended message and the listener may stop listening. Use Active Listening Skills - which means you listen to understand what is being said and not in order to respond. Paraphrase back to the speaker what you thought they said to make sure you understand before you form your response. Ask open ended questions, not yes or no questions. Watch Nonverbal Communication – these include facial expression, gestures and tone of voice. Be aware of the message you’re sending, such as crossed arms which convey defensiveness or lack of openness. Don’t look at your watch or phone which conveys impatience or the desire to be elsewhere. Use a calm reassuring tone of voice, even when emotions are running high. Email and Texts are Tricky: Use Caution – as these have no tone of voice, they are easier to misconstrue. Whenever possible speak to someone in person or by phone. Written messages are one of the most important times to assume the best intentions of the other party.

Staying Healthy This Winter - Tips to Follow

February 26, 2025
Getting sick is never fun and when the weather is cold and dreary, getting sick seems to feel even worse. We all know the general rules to follow to stay healthy and stop the spread of illness, but it never hurts to see a few reminders. 1) Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. Wash your hands regularly using soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water isn’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2) Make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking enough water each day boosts your immune system and helps fight viruses. Studies show any hydration is better than none, so if you don’t like water, drink something you do like such as coffee, tea or juice. 3) Up your Vitamin D intake - low levels can make you susceptible to illnesses and negatively affect your mental health. Sunshine is one free source of Vitamin D. You can also find it in butter, milk, cheese, yogurt, egg yolks, some mushrooms, fatty fish and canned tuna. 4) One of your immune system's first lines of defense is your SKIN. Avoid cracked skin to keep germs, bacteria and viruses out by applying cream or lotion. Limit overly hot showers as they dry out skin. Make sure to apply moisturizer afterwards. Also, don’t forget to apply lip balm. 5) Stay up to date on recommended immunizations like flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia. 6) Continue to eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Including garlic, ginger, and additional citrus fruits may also boost your immune system. 7) If you get sick - SLEEP. During sleep, important immune processes happen to help your body heal and recover. That’s when proteins that target infection are released and your body has a better fever response.