Recent studies suggest while some memory decline is inevitable with aging, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain and enhance memory function as well as our overall brain health. The US News & World Report says one of the things we can do is to routinely be physically active as studies show it provides a lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer's disease.
They explain physical activity optimizes blood flow to the entire body including the brain and helps keep our memories sharp. However, the type of physical exercise is important and should include a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio such as power walking, running, biking or swimming. (Before beginning any new exercise, experts say check with your healthcare provider.) If you worry about forgetting things, Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, says for most of us it is normal. He states all of us forget things like where we put our keys or when our doctor appointment is, which is typically not a reason for concern. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are different and cause more consistent memory problems that have a debilitating effect on a person's quality of life. Along with physical exercise, other strategies to improve and protect memory include challenging our brain by learning new things, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Dr. Williams says adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night as it “allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia.” Opening soon, MorningStar of Hillsboro has 141 spacious apartments in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Our luxury amenities ensure carefree retirement years with plenty of ways to exercise both the body and the brain. Amenities include a swimming pool, art studio, fitness center, life enrichment room, resident garden beds, wellness programs and activities. Please contact us to learn more about the newest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers. MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living Hillsboro OR has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/memory-decline-isnt-inevitable
0 Comments
At MorningStar at River Oaks, we are committed to provide the best senior living Houston has to offer, and our beautiful new community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ wellbeing and safety. One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers. This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance. Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors.
Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe. In fact, a National Institutes of Health study found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many as 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly. MorningStar’s med managers will oversee both the ordering and supervised administration of a resident’s medications. Each MorningStar at River Oaks assisted living suites is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system. In addition, all have handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and in-suite washer/dryer. Of course, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways. The Reflections Neighborhood, our memory care area, is designed to encourage our most tender residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely. We offer memory care suites in a range of studio and one-bedroom floor plans. Memory care residents are also able to safely enjoy the outdoors with an enclosed courtyard. Please visit our website to learn more about our unsurpassed senior living community. You will discover we also offer residents a wealth of luxury amenities as well as wellness programs and activities designed to keep you active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers. Looking at retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR? We encourage you to consider MorningStar of Hillsboro, a 55+ community located in the highly desirable AmberGlen area. Scheduled to open soon, we offer seniors a carefree lifestyle where we handle all the maintenance and you enjoy resort-style amenities, concierge services, and the opportunity for a community of friends.
Our contemporary styled community offers 141 smartly designed apartments that maximize space and provide plenty of storage in various configurations. Studios are about 475 - 573 sq. ft.; and one-bedroom with 1 or 1 ½ bath start at 545 sq. ft. and go up to 911 sq. ft. in a choice of lay-outs. Two-bedrooms are available in 1 or 2 bath options from 811 to 1219 sq. ft. All units offer a choice of balcony or private patio. You will be impressed with the interior of our apartments as each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops as well as an in-suite washer/dryer. Other features include private heating & air conditioning system, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry services keep life simple and give you time to start new adventures. Our location in vibrant Hillsboro is ideal for seniors as the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center is close by as are the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center. Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the serene beauty of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are nearby, making it easy for residents to get out and enjoy nature. MorningStar of Hillsboro is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which operates senior communities throughout the Western US. We invite you to discover the many advantages independent living offers, such as predictable budgeting, wellness programs, built-in companionship and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. Onsite amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining indoor and out, swimming pool, art studio, fitness center and more. Visit our website for contact information and to look at our full list of amenities and floor plans. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer. If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.
The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. MorningStar at River Oaks is a new senior living community providing 85 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents, and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. If you are looking for the finest senior living Houston has to offer, we encourage you to contact us for more information. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers. Not only is physical exercise good for our heart and cognitive health but it can help older adults stay steady on their feet. Studies show regular physical activity can reduce the risk of falls in older adults at a high risk of falling by nearly one third.
Experts explain certain kinds of exercise helps increase muscle mass and bone strength as well as improve balance and coordination, fight off osteoporosis, and reduce the risk for fractures and broken bones. Some of the best exercises are known as weight-bearing, which require a person to carry their weight and work against gravity. Examples include walking, dancing, hiking, climbing stairs, jogging and playing tennis or basketball. Doctors say if you can manage it, increasing your pace during aerobics, jogging and power walking make the exercises even more effective at strengthening bone density. Resistance exercises also work against gravity and help build muscle mass and improve bone strength. Strength training with weights, weight machines or resistance bands are all examples of exercises that “rely on muscle contractions that tug on bones to stimulate them to bulk up.” Along the same line, impact exercises such as jumping jacks and walking or running uphill have been shown to improve bone density fairly quickly. Healthcare providers say to be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you're taking medications that slow your coordination or throw off your balance. According to the Surgeon General, your optimal goal should be at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, preferably daily. MorningStar of Kirkland is now open and offers active adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our senior apartments' many amenities include beautifully prepared, nutritional meals; swimming pool; sport courts; fitness center and studio; and a variety of wellness programs and activities. For more information on the newest senior housing in Kirkland, please visit our website. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers. Looking for the best assisted living Houston offers? The new MorningStar at River Oaks provides residents a full range of care services, like dementia care, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our residential home is filled with spacious, beautifully appointed common areas both inside and out including a bistro, theatre/chapel, fitness center, salon, sky terrace, and courtyards with a fireplace and BBQ. Delicious meals created by our Executive Chef are served all-day in our full-service dining room and a private dining room is available for special dinners with family and friends.
However, our stylish design does not stop at the door of our private suites. Each one offers a range of features including quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, wall-to-wall carpeting, floor-to-ceiling windows, large closets and in-suite washer/dryer. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with an emergency call system to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms. Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. All assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with the Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Access to a licensed nurse is available onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock. We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically re-evaluate care plans and make changes as needed. Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more. We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services. At the heart of our community, and what we are most proud of, is our team of loving, responsive caregivers who feel privileged to serve. Please visit our website for contact information about senior living. We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Houston has to offer. While practitioners have known for centuries the calmness and peace yoga brings into their lives, science has finally caught up with real evidence of its benefits to our brains. Studies show yoga elevates levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAGA), which helps regulate nerve activity and is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
The Harvard Medical School journal writes, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Their evidence comes from several studies that used MRI and other brain imaging technology. Researchers found participants who practiced yoga regularly had a thicker cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, than participants who did not practice yoga. This could be significant because as people age, this is one of the areas in the brain that typically shrinks. As the older yoga practitioners had less shrinkage than non-practitioners, researchers say it suggests yoga can “counteract age-related declines in memory and other cognitive skills.” Other benefits of yoga include helping individuals lose weight, sleep better, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels to improve diabetes. It also helps people gain flexibility and muscle strength around arthritic joints and reduces the pain associated with the condition. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Kirkland’s MorningStar community may be your answer. MorningStar of Kirkland is proud to offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle in our retirement communities to help live life to the fullest. Our new community offers a selection of independent living apartments, luxury amenities such as indoor and outdoor dining venues, pool, sport courts, art studio, and fitness center to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/intermediate-yoga Tai chi is one of the best-known martial arts as well as one of the oldest as it was developed around 1670. It has been used throughout the centuries to help balance the body and mind and recently has gotten positive press for being a good arthritis workout. In fact, several years ago, a study from the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, found that “tai chi could specifically reduce the pain and physical impairment of people with severe knee OA.” In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a “Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Program.”
The Scope, a blog produced by the Office of Communications at Stanford Medicine, published a study in 2018 declaring that tai chi can reduce the risk of falls. The multi-institutional clinical trial “assessed the effectiveness of two proven exercise interventions — tai chi and a multimodal exercise program — which were compared to a control intervention of stretching.” The study consisted of 670 participants aged 70 and older with a high risk for falls based on limited mobility or a history of falling the previous year. Each was randomly assigned to take part in twice weekly, 60-minute exercise sessions for 24 weeks of tai chi balance training, multimodal exercises, or stretching. Study results were based on monthly self-reporting from participants on incidences of falls, and then confirmed with follow-up appointments and medical records. As reported in JAMA, the study found tai chi to be more effective in reducing falls during the six-month period. The data showed “152 falls occurred among 85 participants in the tai chi group, 218 falls among 112 participants in the multimodal exercise group and 363 falls among 127 participants in the stretching group.” At the MorningStar of Hillsboro 55+ community, we know that staying active is good for all of us regardless of age. Along with resort-style amenities and services, we will offer a range of wellness programs that benefit the health of our residents. Please visit our website for contact information about independent living and to learn more about the newest senior living in Hillsboro, OR. MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer, MorningStar may be the place for you. Sources: taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-does-tai-chi-for-arthritis-work/ scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/09/13/tai-chi-may-help-prevent-older-adults-from-falling-a-study-finds/ A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle.
Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall, even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as gardening can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility. Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting an herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to those suitable for your region. Planning your garden is a big part of the fun and involves critical thinking in deciding what to plant and how to care for it. In fact, studies show that with the physical aspect of gardening and the critical thinking skills involved in planning it, you may lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project. MorningStar of Pasadena offers stylish independent living and assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. To ensure the comfort and wellbeing of residents, we offer resort-style amenities and services with beautiful common areas including a fitness center, bistro, theater, restaurant-style dining, and raised garden beds. Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living in Pasadena, CA. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers. A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.
Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Pasadena provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite mean immediate help is at hand. MorningStar of Pasadena also provides seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs. MorningStar’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. Please contact us for more information. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living Pasadena, CA offers. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer. Sources:aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medication-management |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2022
Categories
All
|