Parc At Duluth | Parc Communities

May 2, 2012

Berries Shown to Reduce Cognitive Decline in Senior Women

A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology has connected the consumption of berries rich in flavonoids with a reduction in cognitive decline. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements, berries can help fight the inflammation and stress that scientists have linked to early weakening of cognitive functions.

Gathering information from over 120,000 women aged 30-55, the study began in 1980, and participants’ dietary habits were monitored every four years until 2001. Between 1995 and 2001, the women’s cognitive function was monitored twice a year.

Researchers found that the women who ate more flavonoid-rich berries like blueberries and strawberries had slower cognitive decline by almost 2.5 years. Those who consumed flavonoid-rich foods had less cognitive decline overall also.

Those performing the study say that while they took many factors into account, some connections may be linked to the participants’ results. One example included the idea that those who eat more berries may be more likely to exercise regularly.

Parc Communities knows that many factors contribute to a healthy body and mind. From playing video games to stay fit to eating right, our communities offer our residents options to stay healthy and live happier lives.

Offering independent and assisted living options, Parc Communities our senior living options are tailored to each residents’ individual needs. We invite you to contact our office to schedule a visit. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

March 26, 2012

Ante up! Parc at Duluth’s Weekly Poker Night

Thursdays at 7pm, Parc at Duluth’s residents gather in the second floor game room for our weekly Poker Night! Though our residents are serious about having fun, the weekly poker get-together is a chance for our residents to begin the wind down to the weekend with a little time together and competition.

Disguised as just having fun, our residents know their brains are getting a workout from this competitive card game. Studies have shown that any game or activity that forces us to think in a way that we normally wouldn’t helps our brains constantly build new connections. This means everything from playing the Wii to participating in a recreational game of poker can help engage the brain in new ways and fight the symptoms of memory loss.

If you’re new to poker, here are the top scoring hands in descending order:

Royal Flush: Ace, king, queen, jack, and 10 card all in the same suit.

Straight Flush: Any five cards in sequence all in the same suit (Example: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 all of hearts)

Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same number or denomination (Example: all four 8s)

Full House: Two cards of one number and three cards of another number (Example: three 6s, and two kings)

Flush: Five cards in the same suit, do not have to be in number sequence (Example: 2, 6, 9, queen, and ace all of spades)

Straight: Five cards in number order, do not need to be of same suit

Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same number

Two Pair: Two cards of one number and two cards of another number (Example: Two 4s and two kings)

One Pair: Two cards of the same number

For more information on the activities and events scheduled at Parc Communities, make sure to check out our monthly calendars. You can also stay up to date on the latest events and happenings at Parc by finding us on Facebook and Twitter. Contact our office if you or someone you know may be interested in a tour of one of our luxurious communities.

January 19, 2012

Is Your Brain Healthy? Study Shows Low Trans Fat Diets Help Keep Minds Sharp

While we have reported that brain engagement is of utmost importance in senior brain health, a study performed at Oregon Health and Science University and published in the journal Neurology shows that older individuals perform better on cognitive tests when they have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B, C, D and E in their blood. Individuals with higher levels of trans fats in their blood performed worse than their similarly aged counterparts.

Researchers were looking into the role nutrition plays in keeping an aging brain healthy. Of the 104 individuals involved in the study, the average age was 87 years old. The study shows that while trans fats are known to be a bane on cardiovascular health, they are also detrimental to brain health as well.

Parc Communities offers restaurant-style, fine dining with fresh, healthful options to help our residents maintain a balanced diet for better brain vitality. Along the same lines, studies have shown that brain engagement through activities like games, puzzles, and a regular exercise regimen are also important. To help our residents maintain the best quality of life, Parc Communities offer engaging and community-building activities like bridge club, ballroom dancing, and creative projects. Health is also a top priority at Parc which is why we offer a multitude of fitness and wellness activities like tai chi, water aerobics, and Ageless Grace®.

Study author Gene Bowman, an assistant professor of neurology, says that this research helps assert the notion that “trans fats are a big no-no for brain health” and emphasizes the importance of focusing on health for both the body and the brain. Parc Communities’ Duluth and Piedmont locations provide fun and interactive activities and events that help our residents build new friendships and stay healthy including regular outings to local restaurants and happenings.

Whether it’s a healthy diet, a regular exercise routine, or a community of friends, Parc Communities stand behind the motto, “Live Longer. Live Better.” Providing residents the finest quality and service is our passion, and what we love to do every day.

For more information about our community, contact our office. You can also connect with Parc Communities on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in senior living news.

January 13, 2012

This Weekend at Parc Communities

Parc Communities work with residents to provide an activities schedule that allows our seniors to take part in everything from exercise groups, special interest groups, to stay-at-home social activities. Check out our weekend:

This weekend Parc at Duluth residents can enjoy humor and music with Harry Cooksey this Friday evening. On Saturday, residents can choose from movie night or Wii activities at 7:30pm. Sunday offers varied religious services in the morning and shopping in the afternoon.

Parc at Piedmont residents have the chance to come to “Wine and Chit Chat” before entertainment from singer Raquel Bustos. On Saturday, weekly BINGO is at 1:00pm followed by a viewing of “The Jewel of the Nile” at 7:00pm. Sunday involves a trip to the Stand Theatre to see “The Odd Couple.”

Walking Club, Learning LAB, and Functional Fitness classes are all also part of the Parc Communities activity schedules. For those who would like to view the full calendars, visit the Duluth and Piedmont Calendar pages.

You can also stay in the loop with the best Parc events by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.

December 30, 2011

Parc at Duluth Celebrates Eight Years as Area’s Premier Senior Living Community and the addition of Assisted Living Residences.

Parc at Duluth, the area’s Premier Senior Living Community, celebrated its eighth anniversary with a black tie gala honoring long-time residents and employees.

General Manager, Jan Robbs presented bouquets of roses to thirty-five residents who have lived at Parc five years and more. In addition, seventeen employees were recognized for their fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth years of service with the company.

‘It’s the people that make this community such a wonderful place, said Jan Robbs, it’s clear that our residents love living here and our employees believe it’s a great place to work.’

Parc Communities President, Roy Dickson, was also on hand along with Parc residents to toast the milestone. Parc also introduced plans for adding assisted living to the community in early 2012.

Parc at Duluth’s Assisted Living option will feature spacious, senior apartments and Parc Community features similar to those currently available to Parc’s Independent Living residents with the added benefit of specialized care to individual residents. Parc believes the addition will allow more flexibility to residents so that they can continue to enjoy the community throughout their retirement years.

For more information about our community and to learn how Parc might be a benefit to you or a family member call today at (770)-622-6880.

About Parc Communities: Parc Communities (Parc) is an Atlanta, GA, based company that develops and operates upscale senior living communities for retirement age seniors in the southern United States. Parc is dedicated to providing residents with a premier senior lifestyle, and has established itself as the leader in care-oriented Atlanta retirement communities for seniors.

Parc Communities currently owns and operates two Atlanta-area retirement communities in the Duluth/Johns Creek and Marietta/East Cobb areas of metropolitan Atlanta, with plans to develop additional communities in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southern United States. For more information on Parc at Duluth, please visit our website at duluth.parccommunities.com.

December 22, 2011

Parc at Duluth Residents Donate Two Hundred Pounds of Canned Goods to Berkley Lake Elementary School

Atlanta Retirement Living Community Supports Food Drive to Improve Lives of Area Students and Enhance Residents’ Well-Being

Duluth, GA, December, 22, 2011- The residents and staff of Parc at Duluth collected and delivered over two hundred pounds of canned goods last week to support the drive benefiting Berkley Lake Elementary school’s less fortunate students and their families. Additionally, Parc at Duluth’s Resident Association made a monetary donation to further contribute to the cause.

Berkley Lake Elementary School is geographically situated in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the area; however, the footprint of the school district also includes low income areas. Of the school’s 1,144 students, 60% are participating in the free lunch program. For some of these children, the meal they eat at school is their main sustenance for the day.

The staff and teachers of Berkley Lake started a food pantry to help these children and turned to the Duluth community to magnify their efforts. Judy Young-Doering, Assistant General Manager of Parc’s Duluth campus says the senior community’s outreach will carry on beyond the holiday season, “We will continue to collect canned goods through the remainder of the school year and hope that in some small way we have made a difference to a family in need.”

As an independent senior living and assisted living (coming mid-2012) community known for its chef-prepared restaurant style meals, Parc at Duluth understands the positive impact proper nutrition can make in the lives of Berkley Lake Elementary’s students. Parc Communities is not only helping to fulfill a need, but is also enriching its residents’ lives by strengthening their involvement in the community.

About Parc Communities: Parc Communities (Parc) is an Atlanta, GA, based company that focuses on the development and operation of upscale senior living communities for retirement-age seniors in the southern United States.

Dedicated to providing residents with the premier senior lifestyle, Parc Communities has established itself as the leader in service-oriented Atlanta retirement communities for seniors. For more information on Parc at Duluth, please visit our website at duluth.parccommunities.com.

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November 16, 2011

Study Reveals Continued Importance of Brain Engagement in Senior Health

Over the years, multiple studies have highlighted the importance of elderly individuals maintaining an active mind and body. Not only does exercise help seniors maintain physical health, but it can also help ward off memory problems and even Alzheimer’s later in life. While it’s common knowledge that a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen keeps people young, exercising your brain and spending time reducing stress as you age is just as important.

The combination of mental exercises, stress reduction, proper diet, and regular exercise seem to be the key in keeping seniors healthy in body and mind. Researchers say memory exercises and brain teasers like crossword puzzles keep the aging mind agile, while stress reduction techniques like stretching and relaxation exercises help preserve memory.

In a study released at an American College of Neuropsychopharmacology conference, participants ate five small meals a day that were rich in whole grains, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats which kept blood glucose levels even, helping to provide a steady source of energy for the brain. Physical fitness in the form of daily walks also helped keep Alzheimer’s at bay by strengthening the brain against the loss of brain cells and increasing oxygen and nutrients delivered to the brain.

Parc Communities prides itself on providing a community for active seniors with fun and engaging activities and luxurious amenities. We provide all the necessary components that researchers suggest to help maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul in adults over 55.

Our amenities and activities include daily fitness classes like Zumba® and Ageless Grace® and engaging games including poker, Rummikub®, Scrabble®, and even Wii™ video games! We also take regular outings to restaurants, museums, and performances among other places and events.
Along with fitness and brain-teasing activities, Parc Communities offers the best in dining services with delicious meals prepared by our on-staff executive chefs. An entrée at Parc’s restaurant-like dining facility can include rainbow trout, pork tenderloin with apples, or boneless short ribs.

Our calendar includes relaxation and stress reduction in the form of yoga and other relaxing group activities like our Wine and Chit Chat afternoons.

Parc Communities employees believe that life is meant to be enjoyable! We try to provide our residents with the best in luxury senior living including engaging and stimulating activities and events. We invite you to visit a Parc Communities location to get a glimpse of our spacious and beautiful apartment homes as well as why our residents enjoy living the Parc Life.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact us. You can read about Parc on our website and keep up with the latest news and updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter.