Seniors often brush aside the thought of moving into a senior living community as they believe it would be too costly, but in many cases it is much more affordable than it looks at first glance. The reason for this is people are not factoring in all of the services, amenities and other tangible and intangible benefits provided by community living.
For example, if you need assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), you may already be paying for daily in-home care that in itself can add up. Experts estimate the rule of thumb for assisted living vs in-home care is if a person requires more than 40 hours per week of paid home care; assisted living may be a better bargain. Not to mention, you may need to factor in things like home modifications that need to be done to the home in order to safely live there. Structural changes like replacing a stairway, adding stair lifts, constructing a wheelchair ramp, or replacing a bathtub with a walk-in-shower can be costly, and often takes away from the homes resale value. There is also the aspect of no longer needing to shop for, and prepare meals. At MorningStar of Pasadena, our Executive Chef provides home-cooked meals using the freshest of ingredients including super foods known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Another all too often overlooked value to senior living is the social aspect. Community life lends itself to making new friends and participating in activities as much or as little as a resident likes. For peace of mind, each of our apartments has an emergency call system. At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community, our 149 spacious suites are ready to move-into and offer high-end finishes, kitchenettes equipped with microwave and refrigerator, premium cabinets and counter tops, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. In case you wondered, we are pet-friendly but ask that you check our pet policy. As a resident, you will enjoy carefree living with resort-style amenities and services dispensed by our dedicated team who feel privileged to serve. For unsurpassed independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA, please visit our website for contact info and availability.
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Researchers say a future of hip or knee “replacements” done without surgery may be on the horizon. By employing a combination of drugs and stem-cell therapies, it may be possible to “repair cartilage before osteoarthritis sets in or an operation is needed.”
Osteoarthritis, commonly afflicting the elderly, is a degenerative disease attributed to "wear and tear" but can also be caused by earlier sports injuries, obesity and other trauma to the cartilage around the knee, hip or shoulder joints. Experts explain the loss of cartilage, which does not have its own blood supply or nerves, limits its ability to mend itself and is the major cause of joint pain and arthritis affecting over 32.5 million people in the U.S. In 2017 alone, there were 754,000 knee replacements done and 448,000 hip replacements. Michael Longaker, a professor of surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and co-director of its Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, explains the goal of his research is to not wait for osteoarthritis to develop, but to halt the degenerative process so people never need to have a joint replaced. His team’s focus is on programming stem cells to become cartilage cells. Other researchers are working to develop drugs that stop the progression of “wear and tear” on joints. Researchers are also looking at methods to “effectively deliver new cells and compounds” as well as designing materials to help new cells integrate with existing tissue. Scientists admit they still have a ways to go before they will have alternative therapies in place but remain optimistic. MorningStar of Pasadena is a vibrant 55+ community offering seniors the finest independent and assisted living in Pasadena, CA. Our home has 149 bright suites in a range of floorplans and configurations, luxury amenities and concierge services for carefree retirement years. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing. Source:wsj.com/articles/a-knee-or-hip-replacement-without-surgery-its-on-the-horizon-11631196055 Many seniors are realizing 55+ communities offer a lifestyle of comfort and security by combining the privacy and independence of one’s own space along with a community of peers in the same stage of life. If you are thinking about a move to a retirement community, senior living experts offer some tips on how to find the best fit for your needs.
One of the first things you may want to consider is location. Is it close to medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and local parks? In addition how important is it to be near family and friends? Experts say even if you are in good physical shape, you may want a place with wide doorways and grab bars to accommodate any limitations you may encounter in the future. Does the apartment need to have a balcony or patio? How many bedrooms do you need, and how many bathrooms? Is the area within your budget? If not experts say there is no point falling in love with an apartment you cannot afford. Also ask about what type of security the community offers such as key cards, locked doors and people on staff all hours of the day. Finally check out the amenities and activities. If you love to swim, is there a pool? Do you want a place that serves alcohol, has a salon and social clubs where you can hang out with friends and relax? Answering these types of questions is a good start to determining exactly what you are looking for in senior housing. The newest addition to senior living in Hillsboro is MorningStar of Hillsboro, opening in late 2021. Loaded with resort-style amenities and concierge services, residents will enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Along with restaurant-style dining, indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues, we offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to meet residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. Visit our website for more information on one of the finest retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR, and ask about our FOUNDER'S CLUB SPECIALS – SAVINGS Up to $5000. Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This vaccine is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort. Medical professionals say now is the time to get a Shingrix vaccine. When it first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot. The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.” If you are looking for the finest senior housing Kirkland offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Kirkland is a new 55+ community scheduled to open in late 2021. Residents will enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for contact info, list of amenities, floorplans, photos, and map as well as information about MorningStar Senior Living. We proudly provide 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. If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Kirkland, WA’s Morningstar community may be your answer. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine Experts say medication management is an important preventive measure to avoid potential serious health hazards for seniors. As many older adults take multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements to treat different symptoms and health conditions, they are at a greater risk for medication mix-ups. Research indicates “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”
Polypharmacy is the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year due to adverse, or harmful, drug events. While these episodes are usually preventable, doctors acknowledge it can be confusing keeping track of daily dosages and special instructions such as to take with or without food or the time of day, etc. If an elderly parent or grandparent is taking several medications, healthcare providers say it is a good idea inquiry about their medication management. One sign they may not be organized is if they have medications stored in different locations throughout the house, and old, outdated prescriptions are mixed in with current ones. You can start by gathering all medications in one place, remember it is best to store them in a cool, dry location, and set aside any outdated medications for proper disposal. Write down the names of the drugs, dosages, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Also include herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. Bring the list to the next visit to their primary care physician and ask why mom or dad is taking it, how long they will be on it, and do any medications present a dangerous interaction with another drug they are on. MorningStar at River Oaks will be in a class of its own once we open later this year. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none in our senior living communities across the U.S. Offering assisted living and memory care, our range of services include 24/7 caregivers, medication managers, a complement of wellness programs and more. Please contact us for information regarding our beautiful new home. In many parts of the country, extreme weather has made it a very challenging year especially for older adults and people suffering from many chronic health conditions including asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Not only have areas experienced record-setting heat waves but many have also had to deal with poor air quality due to wild fires, to the point of people asking themselves, if it is safe to go outside.
Extreme hot temperatures can be deadly as recently reported by the Harvard Medical Publishing website. They report on disturbing statistics showing more than “a third of all heat-related deaths in the US and worldwide have been attributed to climate change. In the US alone, heat is responsible for an estimated 5,600 deaths annually.” Smoke from wildfires has been widespread and can irritate the eyes and lungs, and worsen some medical conditions. The Oregon Smoke Information site says, “People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.” Doctors say people taking certain medications such as diuretics as well as the elderly have to be careful about retaining adequate fluids in their body during periods of extreme heat. High temperatures can rob the body of essential minerals in the blood called electrolytes and can be especially dangerous for people with heart or kidney disease and diabetes. Records from Medicare report hospital admissions during heat waves of two or more days are most often the result of “heat stroke, sunstroke, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and acute kidney failure.” Dehydration and exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms include heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, and muscle cramps. Searching for one of the area’s top retirement communities? Hillsboro’s new MorningStar of Hillsboro has everything you could want from stylish apartments, to amenities, hospitality services, and location. Our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort with 141 apartments in a range of configurations and floor plans. Onsite amenities include a pool, fitness center, art studio, indoor and outdoor dining venues, beautiful nature areas nearby and our own strolling paths to promote a healthy lifestyle for active 55+ seniors. Visit our website to learn more, and while you are there fill out the online form to connect with us. Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/extreme-heat-staying-safe-if-you-have-health-issues-202108062563 Many people believe growing older is awful and that everyone in their eighties is sickly and depressed. However, in 86-year-old psychologist Katharine Esty’s fourth book called, EightySomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness, she strongly dispels this notion. In fact, her research found elderly adults are happier and hold a more positive outlook than most of us thought. Esty explains, “The stereotypes that people have in their minds about old age are just completely wrong.” She adds, the type of activities people in their eighties are doing is stunning and many are pain-free, living full productive lives.
It turns out a lot of octogenarians are still working full- or part-time jobs, or finding fulfillment in doing some sort of volunteer work through their communities or church. Esty says having a purpose in life, regardless of age, gives a person’s life meaning. In addition, most 80-year-olds have already experienced loss and hardships in their life and have developed coping mechanisms to better deal with difficulties. The majority of octogenarians also reported feeling less anger, worry and stress than they did when they were younger; and while they may have some regrets, most had come to terms with their decisions. Lastly, the contentment 80-year-olds express about their lives is they recognize time is short and should not be wasted. MorningStar of Kirkland’s goal is to provide the best senior housing Kirkland offers, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our new community will open later this year and offer enrichment programs to stay active and engaged in life physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities and beautiful common areas including an art studio, bistro bar, outdoor dining, swimming pool, sport courts, and gardens. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information, virtual tour, list of amenities, various services and floorplans. MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent 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 call for more information about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer. Source: cnbc.com/2020/10/03/why-people-are-happier-in-their-80s-86-year-old-psychologist.html The entire month of October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Started in 1985, the National Breast Cancer Awareness month began as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Breast cancer survivor and former first lady Betty Ford kicked off the week-long event. The symbol of the pink ribbon was introduced in 1992 and sponsored by the Estée Lauder cosmetic company, which handed out 1.5 million ribbons. It is still used today to promote awareness and to support survivals and those who died from the disease.
The month-long activities are designed to increase awareness and raise funds for research, and educate the public about breast cancer and the benefits of early detection. This year many cities are excited to have the chance to hold public events again, and will closely follow the CDC, state and local guidance and regulations. For the safety and wellbeing of participants, events will be held at outdoor venues and include safety protocols such as hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, and contactless engagement options onsite. The National Breast Cancer organization reports 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime; and is the leading cause of death from any cancer for women. Statistics say a man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833. Dr. Jennifer A. Harvey, Professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging; Co-Director, UVA Breast Care Program; Division Director, Breast Imaging, offers a few suggestions to mitigate a woman’s risk. This includes breast feeding and minimizing the use of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. She also recommends maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and exercise. Check with your doctor regarding any questions or concerns and follow guidelines for mammogram exams. The American Cancer Society reports in the past several years, treatment advances have improved survival rates with a 5-year survival rate of 99 percent for women diagnosed in Stage 1. MorningStar at River Oaks is looking forward to our grand opening later this year. In terms of memory care and assisted living, Houston’s newest community boasts 85 graciously appointed suites for assisted living, and another 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Ideally located, we are bordered by River Oaks, West University, The Texas Medical Center, Montrose, Downtown and the Galleria. Visit our website for more. Source sbi-online.org/endtheconfusion/Blog/TabId/546/ArtMID/1586/ArticleID/467/What-Can-I-Do-to-Reduce-My-Odds-of-Being-Diagnosed-with-Breast-Cancer.aspx: 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. The excitement is building as MorningStar of Hillsboro looks forward to welcoming residents by the year’s end. Sure to be one of the most sought-after retirement communities in Hillsboro, we offer 141 fashionable apartments and a range of amenities. These include indoor and outdoor dining venues, pool, amphitheater, art studio, salon and fitness center among others to promote a healthy lifestyle for senior residents. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers. While we know exercise is good for us, certain ailments can make it more challenging for some seniors. However, you may want to be mindful of advice from the Harvard Medical School that says, “Regular exercise promotes an older adult’s ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” In fact, study after study has found exercise offers older adults a longer, healthier, and happy life; but before you begin, please check with your doctor on the best exercise for your level of fitness.
Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and chair yoga are especially good for seniors as they offer lots of benefits and are easy on the body. With water aerobics, the natural buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints and it can improve balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga puts less stress on the body than regular yoga and can easily be adjusted to the level of fitness for each person. It too offers many of the same benefits as water aerobics. An easy to start exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or skills is walking. While it can be done almost anywhere, studies have found walking on a nature trail offers physical exercise as well as a calming influence to the spirit. Another good exercise for seniors is Tai Chi. According to the Harvard Medical School, it is shown to “strengthen the heart, improve balance and flexibility, slow the onset of dementia, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and more.” Other exercises for older adults include using resistance bands or doing Pilates to develop core strength and improve balance and flexibility. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Kirkland WA’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Opening in the fourth quarter of 2021, MorningStar of Kirkland will offer hospitality services, luxury amenities and plenty of chances to exercise including a swimming pool, fitness center and studio, sports courts and more. Our 151 spacious apartments are available in a range of smartly-designed floorplans and configurations, with lots of windows, in-suite washer/dryer, and private patio or balcony. Visit our website for further information, and to ask about our Reservation Special. MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent 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 senior living Kirkland, WA has to offer. |
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