MorningStar

Normal aging brings about a decline in our physical abilities that affect strength, stamina and speed - all associated with declining muscle mass. Harvard Health Publishing explains that there is not much decline in our muscles between the ages of 20 and 40; after age 40 there can be a decline of up to 1% to 2% per year in lean body mass and 1.5% to 5% per year in strength. Mobility is key to protecting our independence. Along with losing muscle mass, other common problems in older adults include poor reflexes and balance, and loss of flexibility. Fortunately there are things we can do to encourage a healthier, safer aging process. One of the first things is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. One prevailing myth many older adults believe is physical activity will lead to injury or a fall. Experts say the actual truth is too much sitting causes muscle loss and decreased flexibility. For older adults, it is more important to exercise regularly to compensate for bodily changes in hormones an...

Moving a loved one into assisted living is never an easy decision. We often grow very close bonds with our senior family members that experiencing them move to a new location can feel devastating. Readjusting to senior living is a tough experience for everyone involved. If you are focused on staying in touch with your loved one this blog will outline some creative ways to keep the connection strong and flourishing. Pick a Senior Living Community Close to Home Many families consider great assisted living options near them when looking for living arrangements for their loved one. Many families like to remain in close proximity. With over 30 senior living communities across the U.S., MorningStar Senior Living is a great option for families looking to remain close to their parents or grandparents. Schedule Regular Phone Calls with Intention It is true that we all have such busy lives. Sometimes it’s hard to always carve out time for long talks. Your loved one in assisted living looks forw...

Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease and can become a serious problem if allowed to go untreated. The disease attacks the tissue at the base of the teeth, called gingival tissue, and causes swelling and inflammation. It occurs when food particles and other substances are left on the gum line where sticky plaque and hard tartar forms at and below the gums. Dr. Tien Jiang, assistant professor in oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says with the correct oral care gingivitis can be controlled with proper teeth brushing and routine dental cleanings. If left untreated, inflammation from gingivitis can lead to an irreversible form of gum disease called periodontitis, and damage the tissue and bones supporting the teeth. If your dentist suspects periodontitis, they can use x-rays to see how far the disease has advanced. Studies have linked inflammation of the gums to a higher risk of many serious diseases including heart, stroke and dementia. Poo...

Moving into assisted living is a major life step. Seniors moving into an assisted living community want to create a space that feels like home. Since this is a new path, many families may wonder what is best or necessary to pack when moving into a senior living apartment. Keep reading to see a fail-safe list on what to pack when moving to MorningStar in Des Moines, Iowa. Furniture Many senior living communities are actually non-furnished. This is true at MorningStar Senior Living. Seniors should be able to feel like they’re curating a space that feels special to them. Moving into a blank space also allows room for seniors to bring some of their favorite pieces of furniture that reminds them of home or other heart-warming memories. When planning to move to senior living, take stock of the bulky furniture you or your loved one plans to bring into their new spacious senior living apartment. Sentimental Keepsakes The joys of moving into an un-furnished senior living apartment is that you g...

Statistics from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and other sources estimate Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to fraud, errors, and abuse. Experts caution anyone on Medicare is at risk for fraudulent charges and examples include: Billing for services or supplies that were not provided Providing unsolicited supplies to beneficiaries Misrepresenting a diagnosis, a beneficiary’s identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services Violating the participating provider agreement with Medicare by refusing to bill Medicare for covered services or items and billing the beneficiary instead Offering or receiving a kickback (bribe) in exchange for a beneficiary’s Medicare number Requesting Medicare numbers at an educational presentation or in an unsolicited phone call Routinely waiving co-insurance or deductibles Experts say fraudulent schemes are growing and there aren’t enough agents to keep up...

Staying active in our senior years is important. This is especially true for seniors who may have mobility concerns or deal with medical issues or flare-ups. While relaxing is nice, it’s also great to move our bodies in meaningful ways. If you’re curious how you can stay active in senior living, or if you want to help a friend or loved one, keep reading to know what some of the best exercises are for seniors in assisted living communities. The Important Benefits of Exercise for Seniors Regular exercise provides a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors in assisted living . Seniors who move their bodies experience better moods and feel healthier overall. Healthy weight management is strongly correlated to exercise. Gentle exercise, or low-impact exercise, includes a range of chair yoga, stretching, walking, and mobility exercises that are easy on joints and require less muscle strain. Being healthy and active doesn’t have to include pushing your body to its limit...

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night’s sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is like being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat ...

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways. Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth. For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for. Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat. Additionally, our medication care management services seem to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed accurately and on time. Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more. Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year about 3 million older people are treated in emergency d...

While Mother’s Day and Father’s Day occur in May and June each year, grandparents have their special day in September. To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, Grandparents Day is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. In 2025 it will occur on Sunday, September 7th. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year. For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids. Research also shows that a close, involve...

Since it is true our brains may not function as well as they did when we were younger, not all brain changes are a sign of Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. It may simply be a sign that as our bodies move slower with age, so do our brains. An AARP article highlighted memory problems that can be a part of normal aging as well as problems that should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider. One example discussed was the difference between getting lost or confused in a familiar location as opposed to getting lost the first time you go to a new place. Experts say the former is concerning and could be a sign of a problem as it goes beyond normal aging. Also, if you find yourself forgetting where you are at times or how you got there, tell your doctor. Another worrying sign can be repeating the same story or asking the same questions over and over again. The person probably doesn’t remember repeating themselves; if they did, they wouldn’t do it. This is why if a...

Residents of the MorningStar Senior Living communities include veterans from all branches of the military and we are honored to serve them. As a MorningStar team member eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.” When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living; we are pleased to direct them to a “Financial Concierge.” These financial services experts have the knowledge to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annually...

We know balance exercises protect older adults’ safety and stability by preventing falls as well as helping maintain independence. The Harvard Medical School explains keeping arm strength should also be a goal for seniors. The fact is as early as our mid-thirties, arm strength and overall muscles start to decline and continue to do so around one percent each year thereafter. Once we reach our sixties, experts say arm strength is declining by as much as 3 percent each year, and not only reduces our range of motion but increases our risk for injuries. Functional strength improves quality of life, and having a strong upper body is important. Maintaining and/or building up arm strength benefits our bones and balance as well as prevents falls. Experts point to two important muscles that control our arm movements: biceps, the muscles located on the upper arm; and triceps, the muscles at the back of the upper arm. Both sets of muscles help us lift, carry and push. Improving arm strength is ea...

All too often people think of over-the-counter drugs (OTC) as being safe and not having the side-effects or drug interactions their prescription drugs might have. Experts say this attitude could put you at risk as many OTC drugs are not as harmless as we think, especially for older adults. AARP cited a statistic showing as many as 178,000 hospitalizations a year are caused by a reaction to OCT medications and adults 65 years and older were more commonly harmed. One reason older adults are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes are many already take several prescription drugs. A report from the Lown Institute, a non-profit organization, reported nearly half of adults 65 years and older take five (known as polypharmacy) or more prescription drugs daily. Another 20 percent over 65 take 10 or more daily. This increases the risk of interactions when taking OTC medication for pain relief, stomach issues, allergies or other needs. In addition, the AARP article explains as we age, our bodies los...

If you are at the point in life where you are not as stable as you used to be, have balance problems, arthritis or leg weakness; a mobility aid such as a walker could help keep you moving and lessen your chance of a fall. The first thing to do is work with a physical therapist or your healthcare provider to discuss the best type of walker for your personal needs and comfort. There are several fit points to consider as well as styles. One common choice is a standard walker with four rubber-tipped legs and no wheels. Experts say it provides the most stability but has the drawback of having to pick it up to move. Other choices include walkers with wheels. A two-wheel walker has wheels on the front and can be helpful for those who have trouble picking up a standard walker. Four–wheel walkers may help those very unsteady on their feet but can be a bit less stable. This type of walker has the option of a seat for those that need to rest often. Another important step in getting the proper wal...

Statistics show cataracts affect approximately 24 million Americans and is the leading cause of blindness throughout the world. They occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy due to the breakdown of its proteins, resulting in blurry, hazy or less colorful vision. Age is the primary reason for cataracts and typically starts around the age of 60. As they take a long time to develop; many people do not notice the gradual blurring of their vision. Individuals with diabetes may experience the problem at a much younger age. If during an eye exam your doctor mentions you have the start of cataracts, they may tell you it is not to the point where surgery is required; but may recommend increasing the strength of your prescription eyeglasses. If you are told the problem is far enough along to warrant surgery keep in mind it is a routine procedure. However, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks to determine if it is the right time for you. There are a few signs t...

While there is a lot of data on how lifestyle habits impact our health, a study published last year reinforces a link between ultra-processed foods and the increase in a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes. The study from the University College London analyzed the intake of ultra-processed foods and health outcomes in more than 310,000 Europeans over a period of ten years. This deserves attention as our country’s research shows “about 60% of daily caloric intake for Americans comes from consuming ultra-processed foods.” Moreover, according to the CDC, the number of Americans with diabetes or prediabetes continues to rise. They state 38.7 million people or 11.6 percent of the population has diabetes, and another 97.6 million people aged 18 years or older (38 percent of the adult U.S. population) has prediabetes. Researchers say the problem with ultra-processed foods is they include additives and/or industrial processed and novel types of fats, proteins and carbs a home cook wouldn’t use. ...