We all know it is important to exercise to stay healthy; but what do you do when an older person you love is a confirmed couch potato and doesn’t want to change. While they are not alone, surveys show only 39% of people over 65 meet the recommended amount of activity each week; it is better to be one of those who do. Add to that, the older people get, the number decreases even more.
The U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services' Health.gov site defines an inactive lifestyle as spending less than 20 minutes each day engaged in moderate intensity exercise. Examples of moderate intensity activities include a brisk walk, dancing, aerobics, and bike riding. The CDC’s guidelines for adults over the age of 65 is to do 2 ½ to five hours a week of moderate-intensity activity or 1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. If someone is physically unable to meet these guidelines, they suggest doing some type of regular physical activity in accordance with their abilities. One way to get an older parent or other loved one to start moving is to get them to take a walk with you. If you live in an area with inclement weather, do it at your local mall. If they love flowers or would enjoy growing vegetables, help them start a garden and volunteer to work with them a couple of times a week. Another way to encourage activity is to help them find an exercise buddy. Other ideas include setting up YouTube exercise videos designed for their ability level such as chair yoga and stretching exercises, tai chi or beginner aerobics classes. A fitness watch is a good motivator as it lets them see their daily progress. Experts say avoid being too preachy but let them know they will actually have more energy the more they move. They explain the bottom line is for the person to find something they enjoy doing but to remember you can’t change their mind. Before beginning any new exercise, they need to consult with their healthcare provider. Please visit the MorningStar of Kirkland’s website to learn about our new independent living community. To ensure carefree retirement years, we offer 151 maintenance-free apartments as well as a variety of amenities and hospitality services. Please ask about our Founders Club Benefits valued at $5000.
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While you want to show mom or dad your love through a thoughtful gift this holiday season, it can be tough to figure out one. If they live in senior living that provides for many of their needs or in an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up major space or already has it.
This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy. If they haven’t gotten an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice-operated. Alexa can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use. Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain, a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep, or a light-therapy lamp to help with the dark days of winter. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids. If you are looking for the finest assisted living in the Houston area, consider the new MorningStar at River Oaks. Our all-inclusive senior living community offers a range of luxury amenities found in high-end resorts, while providing all of the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every private suite is smartly-designed to maximize space and include floorplans in one and two-bedroom configurations. All have high-end finishes, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, lighting, and safety features such as full, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please visit our website for more and ask us about our Move-in Specials. Excitement is building as MorningStar of Kirkland finishes the final touches before opening our doors to residents. If you are looking for the finest senior living community in the area, we invite you to contact us for detailed information.
In addition please ask about the “Founders Club Rewards” available for early depositors. Exclusive benefits include one-half off your rent during your birthday month in the first year as well as one-half off the community fee and $750 reimbursement toward moving expenses. In addition you will be invited to attend exclusive Club Member Events. Another benefit includes a $100 gift certificate to our onsite salon that can be used toward haircuts, manicures and pedicures. As MorningStar of Kirkland’s wide range of amenities includes professional massages, our Founders Club Rewards also include a $100 gift certificate toward a relaxing massage. Under the direction of our Executive Chef, we offer a five-star, all-day dining service. Our restaurant-style meals are served in one of our attractive venues including a stylish main dining room, our Treehouse outdoor restaurant, or in our intimate, private dining room. As one of our early depositors, you will receive ten complimentary meal coupons so you can invite your family and friends to join you for a delicious meal. Other perks include priority suite selection from among a choice of smartly-designed floor plans and configurations. Apartments range from 475 sq. ft. studios, to one-bed, one bath units up to 732 sq. ft., and a variety of two-bedrooms with a choice of one or two bath and as large as 1138 sq. ft. All come with a choice of private patio or balcony. At MorningStar of Kirkland, we consider serving seniors to be our calling by giving seniors the best carefree retirement years. Our 55+ community will open at year’s end and offer a great selection of independent living apartments, concierge services and luxury amenities including a pool, spa, fitness center, and more. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about one of the finest seniors living in Kirkland. We look forward to hearing from you. As we age, it is important to stay up-to-date with our health care including routine screenings as many diseases do not show signs of symptoms until the problem is harder to treat. Screenings also allow your physician to compare today’s readings to past tests to look for concerning signs. However medical experts estimate over half of all adults over 65 are not currently with the recommended screenings.
In many cases our age determines the type of screenings we should get. Some tests are recommended once a year, while others, like a colonoscopy, may be based on past test results and/or on the advice of your doctor. Common screenings include annual cholesterol tests to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Cholesterol tests can help “determine your risk for the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).” Your blood pressure should be checked each time you visit a healthcare professional, and if readings are high, it should be monitored. Mammograms are important screenings that help detect breast cancer. Current recommendations for women 40 years or older with an average risk of breast cancer is to have an annual mammograms. For others with a higher risk, consult with your doctor. Other types of screening for seniors include annual skin checks to look for signs of skin cancer and bone density tests to check for loss of tissue and bone, which might indicate early signs of osteoporosis. As we age, annual vision test screen for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Hearing tests can help seniors get the help they need if there is a problem. Talk to your doctor about which ones they recommend you get. MorningStar of Pasadena is a 55+ community with a range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Visit our website for a full list of amenities and photos as well as links for pricing and availability to the most trusted independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA. Source: bethesdahealth.org/blog/2021/11/09/health-monitoring-devices-and-apps-for-seniors/ Kirkland, WA is located on the shores of Lake Washington just north of Bellevue and is known for waterfront parks, stunning views, art galleries, boutique shopping, and dining. It has been rated as one of the best places to live in Washington; and is a great place for retirees to start their new adventure.
While in close proximity to Bellevue and Seattle (less than a 30 minute drive), Kirkland shares none of their busyness. Rather the laidback city has a lot going for it. Seasonal events year-round including the Summerfest, Kirkland Uncorked, Octoberfest, and events like Crossing Kirkland ensure a vibrant sense of community. Local beaches include Marina Park located in the heart of downtown, Waverly Beach Park, Houghton Beach Park, and Juanita Beach Park. In fact Kirkland’s extensive park system makes up 25 percent of the beachfront property allowing residents to appreciate the beauty as they swim, play volleyball, picnic or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Seattle skyline. The Bridle Trails State Park alone provides residents and visitors alike access to 25-miles of hiker and horse-friendly trails. Take a leisurely trip to the nearby Woodinville Wine Country, home to 118 wineries and tasting rooms. The area includes the oldest winery in Washington, the historic Chateau St. Michelle as well as microbreweries, distilleries and cider mills. Sperling's Best Places rated Kirkland as one of the most pleasant places in Washington for its temperate weather. Average highs in July are around 76 degrees and January’s winter lows around 36. The area gets on average 4 inches of snow a year and 41 inches of rain. Another thing that makes Kirkland attractive to seniors is the medical facilities including the 4th ranked hospital in Washington, The Evergreen Health Medical Center. If this sounds good, you may also be interested in the newest senior housing Kirkland offers, MorningStar of Kirkland. Our independent living community provides an array of contemporary smart, floorplans; luxury amenities and hospitality services as well as onsite strolling paths and nearby nature paths. Please visit our website to learn more about “Founders Club Benefits up to $5000.” A lower blood pressure is healthier and may save your life. High blood pressure (HBP) can lead to heart disease and is linked to one of the leading causes of death in Americans. To understand blood pressure, experts explain the top number; Systolic Blood Pressure is a measurement of the force exerted by your heart each time it beats on the walls of your arteries. Your bottom number is Diastolic pressure, and measures the force exerted by your heart between beats on the walls of your arteries. Also you should know experts recently lowered the numbers for what is considered high blood pressure.
The Mayo Clinic states a normal blood pressure is <120 mm Hg over <80 mm Hg and an elevated BP is 120-129 mm Hg over <80 mm Hg. Doctors consider Stage 1 hypertension to be in the range of 130-139 mm Hg over 80-89 mm Hg and stage 2 hypertension over ≥140 mm Hg and ≥90 mm Hg. The mm Hg stands for millimeters of mercury. HBP is called a silent killer as there are no symptoms, and the CDC estimates 1 of out 3 people with it don’t know they have it. In addition as we age, our risk increases so doctors say it is important to have your blood pressure routinely checked. Home monitors are good options for older adults who are trying to keep their blood pressure under control. Healthcare professionals say it is important to talk to your physician about strategies to help lower your BP. They say even small changes like reducing your salt can result in a drop of five or six points; and just losing 2 lbs. can decrease your numbers by 1 point. Looking for a 55+ community in vibrant Pasadena? With 149 spacious suites, we offer seniors a choice of independent living or assisted living. Our independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping and more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Along with independent living and assisted living, we offer respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more on the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers. aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/blood-pressure.html?intcmp=AE-HEA-CND-BB-LL3 Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful with whom you trust. Like all things there are good and bad informational sites on the Internet, especially medical one.
Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site. The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization. Looking for the best senior housing in Kirkland? Meet MorningStar of Kirkland, a new 55+ senior living community scheduled to open at the end of 2021 and designed for carefree retirement years. As a resident, you will no longer worry about home maintenance as we handle it all both inside and out as well as an array of onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for contact information and to take a look at our many photos, selection of floor plans and a list of amenities. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where MorningStar of Pasadena is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which takes a unique, holistic approach to retirement communities. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve; and hold true to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.
Our company has thrived and expanded since our conception in 2003, when Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger’s started the company with the intention to “cast a new light” on senior living. From there our mission statement reads: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. Even the name MorningStar has meaning regarding the kind of home we want to offer residents. Mr. Jaeger explains, “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force—even more, a name that spoke to the passion I have to bring loving care to seniors.” The name—MorningStar—comes from a verse where Jesus said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). At MorningStar of Pasadena’s 55+ community, we offer 149 spacious independent living and assisted living apartments in a range of floor plans and configurations. Newly renovated and refurbished, our amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; bistro; community kitchens; billiards room; poker room; club room; fitness center; concierge services; scheduled transportation; and more. For assisted living residents, wellness services include 24-hour care managers, full-time licensed nurses (on call 24/7), electronic health records, exam room, OT/PT room, pharmacy, medical transportation and more. As a resident, you will have opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax and play in beautiful surroundings. Please visit our website for information on the finest independent living and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. Browse through our online pictures and then use our quick links to set up a tour to see our home firsthand. A couple of decades ago, psychologists started studying the science of “Awe,” defined as an overwhelming, self-transcendent sense of wonder and reverence that allows a person to feel part of something bigger. A sense of awe can be inspired by nature, music, art, political events and other activities that provide a person with feelings of joy, wellbeing and calm.
One way to experience this type of wonder and calm is to take an “Awe walk,” where you intentionally shift your attention outward rather than inward. The journal Emotion published a study in September 2020, which showed taking awe walks can reduce stress and boost mental health. During weekly 15-minute walks, half of the 60 and older group was instructed to try and experience the emotion of awe as they walked. The other half just walked their 15 minutes without any further instructions. Participants took photographs of themselves during their walks and afterward filled out brief surveys describing the emotions they felt including an assessment of their sense of awe. The group was encouraged to feel awe detailed “significant boosts of positive prosocial emotions such as compassion and gratitude over the course of the study.” Experts say it is easier to experience the emotion of an awe walk if you do it in a place with new sights and sounds such as taking a hike on a nature trail or looking at a panoramic view from a skyscraper. Remember to turn off your cell phone and approach the walk with fresh eyes. Recommendations include taking a few relaxing deep breaths before you start, be aware of your feet on the ground and listen to the sounds around you. While you walk, every once in a while, focus on something around you that really inspires you, i.e. the color of sky, a mountain in the distance, the sparkle of the water on a lake, etc. The MorningStar of Pasadena 55+ senior living community provides a relaxing, carefree lifestyle for our residents. We proudly offer independent living and assisted living within a warm, loving environment filled with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Refreshed & renewed, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers. 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, Hillsboro, OR’s MorningStar community may be your answer. MorningStar of Hillsboro is honored to offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our new community offers a wide selection of independent living apartments, luxury amenities such as indoor and outdoor dining venues, pool, amphitheater, art studio, and fitness center to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/intermediate-yoga |
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