Several studies are showing links to our dietary habits and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that a hybrid of two diets, the DASH diet that helps reduce high blood pressure and the Mediterranean diet that improves heart health, may protect our brain health.
Known as the "MIND" diet, which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, the diet consists of lots of natural plant-based foods while limiting red meat, saturated fat and sugar. Based on observational studies, research suggests that following the MIND diet can “reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 53 percent as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory.” One category of food at the top of the list is green leafy vegetables with a recommendation of at least six servings a week in dishes such as salads. The diet also includes one serving of other vegetables daily. MIND’s primary fruit is to eat berries at least twice a week. Red meat is reduced to less than four times a week, cheese to less than one serving per week, while poultry and fish consumed twice or once a week respectively. Other recommended proteins include nuts and beans. Oil should be mainly from olive oil and butter or margarine reduced to less than a tablespoon a day; and fried or fast food eaten less than once a week. MIND includes a glass of wine a day but limits pastries and sweets to less than five times a week. The Mayo Clinic says study results also found you do not have to strictly follow the diet to gain benefits. For example, “adults in the study who followed the diet most closely (an average score of 9.6 points out of 15) saw the biggest drop in their Alzheimer's risk, the ones who scored in the middle (7.5 points) still cut their risk by over a third.” At MorningStar of Pasadena, our many services and amenities include 5-Star dining. Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch and include the freshest, healthiest ingredients. In addition, our nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for residents to self-manage. We offer 149 bright suites for independent living, assisted living and respite care (short recuperative stays). For trusted independent or assisted living Pasadena, CA seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. MorningStar of Pasadena provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Pasadena, CA has to offer. Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/15-simple-diet-tweaks-cut-alzheimers-risk/art-20342112
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If you are retired, you probably have more time on your hands so why not try something new or something you have always wanted to do. This should include adding a physical activity to your daily routine as studies find many adults 65 years and older spend up to 10 hours a day sitting or lying down. Some of the best exercises for seniors are Nordic walking, swimming, golf, tai chi, and yoga. Experts say focus on improving your strength, balance and flexibility and check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.
In addition, you may want to include activities or hobbies that bring you into social contact with others. This can be done by taking a class online or in person. Suggestions include joining a book club, learning to play an instrument or taking an art or photography class. Retirement means more time to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in the types of food you prepare. It can be lots of fun and help you eat healthier and save money. Take the challenge by learning to cook foods from around the world, and then share the fruits of your labor by inviting family or friends over. Birdwatching is a hobby that ties in several objectives. You get out into nature, which has been shown to lower anxiety; learn something new and get physically active. Moreover, if you join a birdwatching club, you get to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. For anyone wanting to improve their photography skills, shooting pictures of birds is a good way to do it; and the hobby offers a great activity to do while traveling. Other enjoyable hobbies, which can help seniors cognitively, include putting together challenging traditional jigsaw puzzles or 3-D ones. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, trivia games, chess and other brain games are also mentally challenging. Another hobby becoming more popular with seniors is online gaming that can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Pasadena, CA’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Pasadena. MorningStar of Pasadena proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.
For instance, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However, it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get home or how to perform routine tasks. It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. Another example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically gets worse. A study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.” Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks has secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care. 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 memory care or assisted living Houston has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at River Oaks. Source: activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports millions of older adults fall each year—resulting in more than 34,000 deaths. Of those falls, 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries; and one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. With these alarming statistics, experts say it is important for seniors to know their risk for a fall including whether they are taking medications associated with an increased risk.
The first step is to talk to your doctor to see if you are taking one of these medications, as medications are a common reason for falls. Furthermore, experts say adjusting or making a change in medication is the easiest thing to do to help prevent a fall. If it is determined you are taking a medication known to cause light-headedness, dizziness, sudden drop in blood pressure, or chronically low blood pressure or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), you and your healthcare team can regularly re-evaluate your need and dosage. Another way to mitigate your risk for a fall is to do exercises designed to improve leg strength and balance. In addition, be sure to get an annual eye exam and update your glasses as needed. Lastly check your home for trip hazards (keep clutter out of hallways and stairways) and install grab bars and better lighting where needed. For exceptional independent or assisted living, Pasadena, CA seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar. At MorningStar of Pasadena, we know your independence is important, and our goal is to make it easier for you to maintain it. Our maintenance-free lifestyle provides a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals and enjoy your precious retirement years. Visit our website for more information, and if you have further questions, please give us a call and don’t forget to ask about our retirement homes Move-in Specials. MorningStar of Pasadena proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. Sources: dailycaring.com/10-medications-that-cause-falls-use-with-caution/ cdc.gov/falls/index.html Pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy) is used for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia to alleviate feelings of boredom, loneliness and helplessness. Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard trained geriatrician and author of “The Eden Alternative,” said bringing in children, plants and animals helps to invigorate long-term care by “incorporating companionship, a sense of purpose, variety and spontaneity into the day-to-day experience of aged care residents.”
While studies show therapy dogs and other animals are useful in stimulating social interaction and easing agitation in dementia patients, experts say it should be done with specially trained pets to get the most benefit. Moreover, the animal should be matched to the setting as well as to the person. Pet therapists say dogs are generally the easiest to train as they are comfortable interacting with a variety of people. The benefits of animal therapy to dementia patients include the unconditional love and acceptance animals freely give out as well as the physical touch from the pet contact. Also, these relationships do not require much in the way of communication skills, which are often difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say other benefits of pet therapy include an increase in physical activity and an unexpected improvement in a person’s appetite after a visit from an animal as well as an overall calming effect. At MorningStar at River Oaks, our goal is to provide the best senior living Houston has to offer, which includes compassionate, loving memory care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our unique approach to memory care is designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss. By leveraging the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as animals, we strive to heal and comfort our most tender residents. In addition, MorningStar at River Oaks provides stylish assisted living suites with an array of luxury amenities, wellness programs, and care services for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website 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. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Houston has to offer. Sources: verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677 tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/conu.2011.37.2.222 Has your elderly parent spent a lot more time alone during COVID-19 and now appear to be having difficulty taking care of themselves or managing their home as they once did? For many families, the last two years have underscored the fact that their elderly loved one is not getting on as well as they did before the pandemic; and may need additional help with the activities of daily living.
We know the decision to move a family member into a senior living community is a big one. Seniors can be resistant to moving, and many hate the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them. However, it is an important thing to consider whether your parent’s current living situation is meeting their overall physical and safety needs; and if it doesn’t, it is time to start the conversation about the need for change. One important thing to look for is if your loved one has had one or more falls over the last several months. The CDC reports every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. Every year, about three million older adults are treated in an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall. In addition, does their home have stairs they must use, or do they have a problem getting up from a chair or out of bed. Also, take a good look at mom or dad’s appearance. Are they looking disheveled or is the house looking neglected? If mom or dad does need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and would benefit from more socialization, MorningStar at River Oaks is a trusted senior community. Our home offers private suites available in a range of configurations and floorplans; and residents receive 24-hour Care Managers, access to full-time licensed nurses, medication management, care plan reviews and other services. Amenities include all-day dining; life enrichment room; fitness center; sky terrace; bistro; salon; theatre; and underground parking. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia individualized memory care. For the area’s finest senior living, Houston seniors and their families are encouraged to contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar at River Oaks proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Houston has to offer. Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at River Oaks are designed to offer seniors 24/7 personal care with a wide range of wellness services targeted to their needs. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, explains in many cases, today’s communities may be a healthier, safer alternative for many elderly adults. Along with giving residents the help they need to maintain their independence, residents and families get peace of mind knowing someone is always around to lend a helping hand as well as all the benefits derived from the social connections offered by community life.
A Place for Mom cites several studies, which shows the extensive services and programs offered by assisted living can aid seniors in avoiding many commonplace problems affecting the elderly. Getting the proper nutrition is one of those things as many elderly people struggle with meal prep and cooking, and for those who are no longer driving, buying groceries can be challenging. At MorningStar at River Oaks, our Executive Chef specializes in creating tasty, nutritional meals designed to delight our residents. Another problem many elderly adults have is managing medications properly. In fact, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists estimate people aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year so it is no wonder many seniors get confused. However, experts warn skipping doses or taking too much medication can result in deadly consequences and unfortunately too many seniors end up in the hospital each year due to medication “non-compliance.” For this reason, MorningStar offers medication management to our residents. Perhaps most importantly we provide a full range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents engaged mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Our holistic support allows residents to enjoy their golden years and live as comfortably and as safely as possible. Please visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living Houston offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” 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. If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks may be your answer. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age.
Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people, who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests, can improve their cognitive health. Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.” Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health is to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged. MorningStar of Hillsboro is a 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and as much or as little social engagement as you want. Our range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers. 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. Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714 Especially on birthdays and holidays, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in an assisted living community by letting them know they are very special to us. To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.
You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit. Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game. You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or to start a new one. If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together. If they love listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together. If they love sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help them get them ready to mail. If they love to be pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure. If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink. Bringing your kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will give the resident pleasant memories long after the little ones have gone home. However, do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits. If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big. Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community. Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents, but we know they always look forward to seeing their family. Our new community has beautiful and inviting common areas to enjoy with visiting family and friends. For assisted living Houston seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at River Oaks, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place. 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 for more information about the finest assisted living Houston has to offer. |
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