As more and more seniors watch friends and relatives move into senior communities, many wonder if it is the right step for them. While obviously a decision of this magnitude should be carefully made, there is data showing the majority of seniors in retirement communities are happy they made the move. In fact, studies further indicate seniors in such communities tend to live longer. One report from the United States General Accounting Office (GAO), states “seniors who choose to live in retirement communities live 1.5 to 2 years longer than seniors who choose to retire in their homes.”
Researchers explain that many communities offer seniors a higher quality of life with their wide range of activities including physical fitness classes, group games and other entertainment opportunities. Also, we all know maintaining a home can be stressful and even more so as we age, while senior communities provide a virtually carefree lifestyle. Independent living and assisted living communities seamlessly provide the chance to interact and socialize with like-minded people in the same stage of life, making it easy to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Again, studies find “seniors are 22% more likely to live longer and lead more fulfilling lives if they're given the chance to socialize with others.” Moreover, researchers say active seniors have better immune systems and a lower risk of dementia; and that loneliness can lead to a greater risk of high blood pressure, depression and early mortality. At MorningStar of Pasadena, we offer all the comforts of home with 115 stylish senior apartments with graciously appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, billiards room, fitness center, gardens, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For exceptional independent or assisted living, Pasadena, CA seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a destination for successful aging. 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 independent and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. Source: retirefearless.com/post/do-people-in-retirement-communities-live-longer
0 Comments
Too many older Americans used to exercise with some frequency but somehow life got in the way, and they now feel out of shape. Whether you used to exercise or never formally did, doctors say it is not too late to start and you will be better for it. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, please consult with your healthcare provider.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says deciding to become active is the best thing you can do for your physical as well as mental health, and is a big step toward helping you stay independent as you age. They recommend seniors do some type of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or fast dancing, at least three times a week (for a total of 150+ minutes per week). In addition, include some type of weight bearing exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups or weight lifting two times a week. Your optimal weekly workout should be a combination of cardio and muscle strengthening exercises along with exercises to improve balance and flexibility. The NIA offers tips on how to safely start exercising. They say after getting the go-ahead from your physician, start slowly. If you need, begin with only a few minutes a day and build from there. Listen to your body as pushing too hard early-on can lead to injury or end up with you getting discouraged and quitting altogether. They say you should include a warm-up and cool-down period and to be aware of your surroundings if exercising outdoors. Bring your I.D. and carry your cell phone, tell others where you are going and when you plan to be back, and stick to areas with other people around. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the type of activity you plan to do. At MorningStar of Kirkland, our 55+ community features a fitness center, sport courts and pool as well as offers wellness programs, activities, and other amenities to help seniors be their best. Newly opened in March, our 151 contemporary senior apartments are available in a variety of floorplans and configurations. For more information about exceptional senior housing in Kirkland, WA, please contact us or visit our website. Since 2003, MorningStar Senior Living has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God, to value all seniors, and to invest generously in our team. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer. For many, retirement means an end to a long career and a busier lifestyle. As relaxing as that sounds, research shows it is important for people to continue to feel actively engaged regardless of their age. One interesting and fun way to do it is with a hobby as they are a good way to keep our brains sharp, relieve stress and anxiety, and lessen obsessive thoughts and preoccupations.
One example of an all-around hobby is gardening. Not only does the person benefit from their labor in the form of flowers, fruits or vegetables, experts say gardening offers physical and mental benefits. These include reducing stress, giving the person a sense of achievement, getting out into fresh air and staying fit. If you are worrying about the physical work involved in gardening, there are tools and methods designed to make it easier. Raised beds eliminate the need for bending and kneeling on the ground as does vertical gardening that keeps things at arms’ reach. Another hobby beneficial for seniors is playing a musical instrument. For instance, when playing the piano, the hands and brain have to coordinate. The bilateral (two-sided) movements fire neurons all over the brain and stimulate a whole range of brain functions that provide numerous benefits. If you aren’t musical, consider knitting as it offers the same two-sided movements along with the satisfaction of creating a baby blanket for a little one or a pair of socks for a homeless shelter. Working on jigsaw puzzles, coloring, birdwatching and photography are all calming, brain stimulating, fun activities. Experts say many hobbies do not require a commitment, and if at first you don’t find something to keep your interest, give another one a try. If you are looking for memory care, independent living or assisted living, Pasadena, CA’s MorningStar community may be your answer. We offer seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as wellness programs and activities to enjoy life to the fullest. Located in the commercial and cultural heart of the San Gabriel Valley, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. To experience MorningStar of Pasadena up close, contact us to schedule a visit to our senior apartments. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, memory care and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is quoted as saying that walking is "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” Many in the medical profession agree. While it is universally acknowledged that any exercise is beneficial to our overall health, walking offers some unexpected advantages.
A study from a group of Harvard scientists concluded that walking seems to counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes. The project involved looking at “32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much the genes actually contribute to body weight.” Within the group of participants who walked briskly for an hour a day, researchers found the effects of the weight-promoting genes were cut in half. Another surprising result of walking is it was shown to actually diminish a person’s sweet tooth. In a recent study out of the University of Exeter, researchers found walking appears to curb cravings for chocolate and other sugary treats. Their study showed even 15 minutes of walking a day could reduce the habit of eating sweets when stressed. While doctors recognize any physical exercise is beneficial to reducing the risk of breast cancer, an American Cancer Society study found women who walked seven or more hours a week “had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.” Researchers say walking helped decrease a woman’s risk for breast cancer even when she had an increased risk due to obesity or supplemental hormones. Other studies show walking helps to reduce joint pain and lubricates and strengthens muscles as well as boosts the immune system. At MorningStar of Hillsboro, our vibrant 55+ community is designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Along with beautiful studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom senior apartments, we offer a whole host of amenities, wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers. 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/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing maybe when the person stops recognizing you. This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless. When we take time to visit a family member (in person or via video call) in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.
However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how we can be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way? Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand? In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level. At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued. Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parents or spouse. If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture. Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present. For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on. It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person. At MorningStar of Pasadena, our goal is to offer the best senior living Pasadena, CA offers, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care at MorningStar. MorningStar of Pasadena’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior apartments Pasadena, CA 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, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. Many people believe growing older is awful and that everyone in their eighties is sickly and depressed. However, in psychologist Katharine Esty’s fourth book (published when she was 85) 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. Looking for one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR offers? The new MorningStar of Hillsboro provides residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home has 141 stylish seniors apartments in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to live life to the fullest. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information, virtual tour, list of amenities, and floorplans. 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 best retirement and senior communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer. Source: cnbc.com/2020/10/03/why-people-are-happier-in-their-80s-86-year-old-psychologist.html While MorningStar may be new to Kirkland, MorningStar Senior Living has been serving seniors for 18 years. We have 40+ communities operating or under construction throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar at Silver Lake in Everett. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to introduce you to the finest senior living Kirkland offers.
MorningStar of Kirkland is an independent living community in the idyllic Totem Lake area, and we offer direct access to both private and public walking paths and are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. We are also less than a mile from the 4th ranked hospital in WA, Evergreen Health Medical Center, and the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of The Village at Totem Lake are minutes away. With 151 fashionable senior apartments, you are sure to find a floorplan that suits your needs. Each apartment has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops, private patio or balcony, storage space and more. For peace of mind, all apartments have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems; and we offer secure, underground parking. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service helps to keep life simple. Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of luxury amenities. Amenities include chef-inspired meals, an indoor pool, bistro/bar, fitness center and studio, salon, art studio and other indoor and outdoor venues. In addition. we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed for residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual connection. And in case you were wondering, we are pet friendly. Please visit our website to learn more about our new community as well as MorningStar’s commitment to serving seniors, the local community, and others across the globe. MorningStar of Kirkland provides 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. At MorningStar of Pasadena, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”
We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced. Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day and a private dining room is available for special meals with family and friends. As a resident of our senior apartments, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes. Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods. MorningStar of Pasadena also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health. Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats. For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes. Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. For trusted senior living Pasadena, CA seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further 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 to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers. Walking is an exercise we can do while hanging out with friends and/or enjoying the sounds of nature while achieving a good workout. We can do it from right outside our home or by exploring parks and nature areas around us. It doesn’t require special equipment, although experts say you do need a pair of good walking shoes and appropriate clothing including sun protection. As always, before beginning any new exercise, please consult with your healthcare provider.
The Harvard Medical School says walking may be “one of the most powerful ‘medicines’ available. It can help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even keep your memory sharp.” Evidence also shows short walks can be as beneficial as longer ones. In fact, just 30 minutes a day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Maintaining good posture during a walk is important in avoiding injuries. If you lean forward or hunch, it can cause backaches as well as make breathing more difficult. Experts say extend your spine as if it is being lifted from the crown of your head. Don’t look down at your feet but rather keep your gaze about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. To get the feel of your spine upright, place your thumbs on your lower rib and fingertips on your hips. Now as you straighten your spine, notice how the distance between your fingers increases. If you have sciatic pain, experts say regular walking can be a good exercise because it spurs the release of pain-fighting endorphins and reduces inflammation but also offer some tips to keep you safe. These include shortening your steps, remembering to maintain your posture and slowing your pace. Your healthcare provider should have other tips to help. MorningStar of Hillsboro, one of the newest retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR is now open to residents. We offer 141 spacious apartments in a choice of floor plans and configurations along with an array of luxury amenities and hospitality services. Residents can keep moving with our swimming pool, fitness center, and strolling paths as well as the nearby Tualatin Hills Nature Park with over 4 miles of trails. In addition, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center and Tanasbourne Town Center, offering shopping, restaurants and entertainment are minutes away. Please contact us today about Move-in Specials on our senior apartments and stay connected with us on Facebook. 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 senior living roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/walking-for-health-sep2015-test As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking.
Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard - affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not all that uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.” Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover, older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins and other harmful substances including drugs from entering the brain, which may account for some memory problems. Sleep medications are one of the common medications that can be problematic. Over-the-counter sleeping aids can contain anticholinergic drugs, which are known to impair cognitive function, and some prescription sleep drugs diminish activity in parts of the brain involved in transferring short-term memories to long-term memory. Pain medications can additionally result in memory problems. The good news is once patients stop taking sleep or pain meds, modify the dose or replace the drug with a better option, many of the problems go away. MorningStar of Pasadena is proud to offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our community offers a wide selection of independent living and senior apartments in a variety of floorplans. Residents enjoy all-day dining, fitness center, billiards room, community kitchens and outdoor areas along with wellness programs and activities which promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. We are committed to provide the best senior living Pasadena, CA offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community. 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. Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2022
Categories
All
|