The Insider’s Guide

Now in my 60's (proudly stated), I have realized that convenience and accessibility are essential to me. I never used to think about driving to the gym, out to shop, or dining with friends. However, now I do, and many friends my age do, too. I like a certain proximity to my residence and do not enjoy driving any distance at night. I also enjoy socializing with people my age. We are all figuring out our active, pro-aging lifestyle together, and many like me enjoy keeping busy.

Downsizing or relocating can seem challenging, but I have found new and exciting options for rental housing at my age. I recently had the opportunity to visit Connery on Providence, a new ‘inspired adult living’ community off Providence Rd in the heart of South Charlotte. I didn’t have a clear understanding of what that truly meant until I saw it for myself. Let me just say – Wow! It’s close to so many things I love to do; great shopping at nearby Southpark, fabulous area restaurants, several private country clubs like Carmel, Quail Hollow and Myers Park, and just a short drive to Uptown Charlotte and plenty of green space and sidewalks to walk my pups, Dottie a Mini Bernedoodle and Ollie, a Wheaten Terrier. I’ve lived in the Charlotte area for many years and love it because of the endless things to do.

When I had the chance to visit Connery, what stood out to me most was the attention to detail at every turn. I found so many spaces where I could relax and spend time connecting with others who have some of the same passions as me, like fitness and self-care. Connery sets the bar with exclusive amenities – an expansive pool, beautiful guest suite, and yoga room. The thought of living somewhere where everything is taken care of opens so many doors to spend more time traveling and with family and friends. Did I mention that they have an actual spa room with a steam room, sauna and large heated plunge pool that will make you feel like every day is a vacation?

Connery has some of my favorite places just around the corner like Café Monte, Veronica Beard, Eileen Fisher, Matcha Café Maiko, Whole Foods, and Total Wine. When you visit Café Monte a can’t miss option are their beignets. Whenever I’m looking for that perfect outfit, I can always find it at Veronica Beard. They have such a great selection of smart, stylish clothing. If I’m looking to indulge, you can’t miss the Strawberry Sando at Matcha Café Maiko; it is an out-of-body experience that you’ll thank me for

later. Total Wine is always my stop to pick up a nice bottle of wine when I’m headed to a dinner party with friends. I could go on and on, but I hope this gives highlights the list of my favorite things.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new home, visit Connery and meet Jenna and her team there. They were all so welcoming and you can tell have a real passion for what they do. If you’re looking to move to the Charlotte area, don’t think too long because I think this place will fill up fast and I don’t want you to miss out! Gotta run, heading out to lunch at Restoration Hardware, another great spot to eat nearby. Hope to see you around town soon!

- Jan, @silver_isthenewblonde

Biohacking Therapies

Biohacking seems to be all the rage lately, but what is it, what does it do and how can it benefit you? What are some of the latest and greatest technologies to help our bodies perform at optimum levels and recover from some of those older injuries that just don’t seem to be going away? Maybe the fountain of youth is closer than we think!

As our bodies mature, there are many therapies and treatments available to help us, but with so many options out there, it can be difficult to understand their differences and what benefits they offer.

Let’s take a look at four biohacking therapies, how they work, and how they can help you.

PMEF Mat

One of the options available at Connery in our spa for residents to use for those with chronic pain or acute symptoms from a recent injury, is the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) mat which offers a non-drug solution for your pain.

Unhealthy cells typically have a lower electromagnetic charge. However, by directing small amounts of energy to a specific part of your body, PEMF therapy restores normal cell function and produces a wide range of benefits.

To make the most of this treatment, all you have to do is lay on the PMEF mat or place it on your affected area, and the mat does the rest of the work.

PMEF Benefits

pain relief
improved circulation
better mood
increased immunity
improved healing from injury or surgery
reduced stress
reduced fatigue

Red Light Therapy

Low-wavelength red light can help improve your skin’s appearance by targeting the mitochondria in your cells, which are the cell’s primary power source. Giving the mitochondria more energy allows the cells that make up your skin to work more efficiently.

For this treatment, you will either lay in a full-body LED light bed for a certain amount of time or receive targeted treatment by a practitioner using a device with panels of red lights.

Red Light Therapy Benefits

reduces inflammation
increases blood circulation
reduces wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars
improves rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema

Sauna

Grab your towel and head to the sauna at Connery to soak up its anti-aging benefits. Sitting in this room heated to 158° – 212° helps to raise your skin temperature, inducing heavy sweating and higher heart rates.

The higher temperature also helps to widen your blood vessels, increasing circulation.

Sauna Benefits

eases pain
improves cardiovascular health
reduces stress
may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.

DNA Methylation

Let’s take a closer look at anti-aging in the cells.

DNA methylation is a reaction in the body where a methyl group is added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. When this small molecule is added, it can regulate the genes responsible for preventing different types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and lung.

DNA Methylation Key Facts:

Promotes regular gene expression, preventing diseases that result from dysfunction.
Can be improved by adding B vitamins, folate, and choline to your diet.
May be used to determine early disease risk.

Try a Biohacking Therapy Today

Whatever your aging-related concern, there is likely a therapy available to help treat it. Whether you want to improve your skin or ease your pain, there are actionable steps you can take to increase your well-being and make this time in your life the best yet.

References

Funk R. H. (2018). Coupling of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy to molecular grounds of the cell. American journal of translational research, 10(5), 1260–1272.

Yang, X., He, H., Ye, W., Perry, T. A., & He, C. (2020). Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain, Stiffness, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Patients With Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Physical therapy, 100(7), 1118–1131. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa054

Chaves MEA, et al. (2014). Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. DOI: doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142519

Lee, S., Park, K., Choi, J., Kwon, J., Lee, D., & Shin, M. et al. (2007). A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: Clinical, profilometric, histologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluations and comparison of three different treatment settings. Journal Of Photochemistry And Photobiology B: Biology, 88(1), 51-67. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2007.04.008

Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1-30. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413

Locke, W., Guanzon, D., Ma, C., Liew, Y., Duesing, K., Fung, K., & Ross, J. (2019). DNA Methylation Cancer Biomarkers: Translation to the Clinic. Frontiers In Genetics, 10. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01150