MorningStar

It is important to remember aging gracefully isn’t about trying to look like a 20-something. It’s about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it. Luckily, experts offer a few commonsense tips for helping us live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even our parents did. Also, it is worth noting that mortality rates have increased from the average age of 47 for men and 48 for women in 1900 to older adults now reaching into their eighties, nineties and upward. Therefore, if we are going to live that much longer, we might as well do it as healthily as possible. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and functi...

The National Council on Aging explains superfoods are not a distinct food category but are minimally processed foods that are nutrient dense. They typically contain healthy fats and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other compounds known to promote good health and prevent illness and disease. The NCOA says many are plant-based but some fish and dairy products are also superfoods. Experts say while superfoods are a great addition to seniors’ diet, there is not a single one that provides everything we need so it is important to eat a variety of nutritious foods every day. One outstanding superfood is dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are generally inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores. Leafy greens are rich in carotenoids and vitamins A, C and K, and may help protect the eyes against oxidative damage as well protect the heart, moderate blood pressure levels and help prevent osteoporosis. As vitamin K can interact with some common blood-thinning ...

MorningStar offers services and senior amenities that focus on important aspects of senior wellness and safety for the best senior living experience. Foundations like physical health, mental stimulation, and a safe community are all held to high importance within our assisted living facilities. Community safety in senior living can be one of the most important things to consider when picking a facility for your parents or loved one. Explore the safety features and protocols that MorningStar practices in their senior living homes below. Fall Safety Unintentional falls are one of the most common causes of injuries for seniors. Some falls can be so bad that many seniors can find themselves in the hospital for serious hip or head injuries. As a senior living community, MorningStar pays special attention to fall concerns and works hard to reduce potential fall risks by keeping hallways clean, lit, and our community staffed 24/7. On top of ensuring the community is clutter-free and creating...

For many older adults, physical limitations are a fact of life. Studies show such challenges can lead to a loss of mobility, a higher risk for falls, chronic illnesses and a need for help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). Experts say working on keeping body strength up during our younger years is helpful because as early as age 35, we begin to slowly lose muscle mass. At age 65 for females and 70 for males, the loss speeds up. The good news is regular strength training can substantially slow down our declining strength and muscle mass loss. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says strength training exercises are important for active older adults. It improves strength and mobility as well as reduces falls, helps maintain bone density and increases a person’s healthy years of life and independence. Strength training is also known as resistance training and differs from aerobic exercises such as running, cycling, or walking. Resistance training includes weightlifting with mach...

The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However, it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria. In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.” The Harvard Medical School explains that our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bact...

Physical therapy is used to help people regain physical function and movement from conditions that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a Physical Therapist (PT) when pain medications are no longer working and you still feel pain; or if you have had surgery and need help with healing. A PT creates a personalized treatment plan for a patient that is designed to reduce pain as well as manage an injury, surgery or chronic illness. The plan utilizes exercises and manual therapy that speeds up healing and recovery which allows the patient to regain function and an improved quality of life. Like visiting any doctor, it is helpful for you as the patient to think about how your condition affects your daily life and what you hope to get out of your physical therapy sessions before your first appointment. Experts say being prepared not only helps you get more benefit from therapy but can assist your therapist in establishing a treatment plan bas...

Doctors explain that a loss of appetite in healthy older adults can be normal; and may just be part of the aging process. However, a decreased appetite resulting in weight loss can be caused by a variety of factors such as cancer and other chronic diseases, medications and even depression. In addition, seniors who no longer seem to enjoy eating could be having problems with their dentures or cavities and should be checked by a dentist. A lack of exercise and slowing metabolism can also cause a loss of appetite. Some seniors report loneliness and eating alone has caused them to lose interest in food. A noticeable loss of weight can have serious medical consequences, even death, and may be a sign of a medical problem that should be evaluated and treated by the person’s healthcare provider. Other signs of poor nutrition can include weakness, loss of balance, dehydration, recurring infections, wounds and fever. These symptoms could be caused by a malnutrition disorder, inflammatory disease...

One of the hardest things many seniors face is a chronic illness or condition that interferes and limits their independence. Burdening our spouse or another loved one with our day-to-day care is not the thing most of us want to do. In fact, it may be the time to investigate assisted living and discover what it can offer to you and your family. Assisted living is not skilled nursing but rather compassionate senior care for the ADLs (activities of daily living). It is based around the person’s needs to ensure they get the proper support to maintain their independence within a community setting. Senior living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide residents with responsive 24/7 caregivers , access to licensed nurses, medication management, third-party care providers and more. Our spacious suites available in a variety of floor plans are meticulously designed with high ceilings, large windows, handicapped-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Each unit is equipp...

Many of us have felt the world is a scary place at one time or another, but studies show the simple practice of gratitude can go a long way toward helping us feel happier and less anxious. In fact, experts say it is linked to mental and physical health benefits like feeling more optimistic and hopeful as well as strengthening relationships, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep and decreasing the risk of depression. However, just like other healthy habits; the practice of gratitude takes a conscious effort. Experts say to receive the full benefits; it should not be saved only for special occasions but rather practiced every day. To begin, we need to understand exactly what “gratitude” is. Erin Wiley, M.A., L.P.C.C., a licensed clinical psychotherapist and executive director of The Willow Center, explains that gratitude is “a positive state of mind evoked by focusing on and appreciating the good in one’s life.” By adopting a positive state of mind, we can concentra...

Studies continue to show that getting enough sleep, following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, managing stress, challenging ourselves mentally and staying physically fit are beneficial for our overall health. Now a study finds it doesn’t take a large amount of physical exercise each day to protect our brain health as we age. The article was published in the journal, Age and Ageing , which showed that as little as 5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily can help keep the aging brain healthy. Experts explain as we grow older, the outer layer of our brain known as the cortex becomes thinner and the brain typically starts producing lower levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which can contribute to cognitive decline. Audrey M. Collins, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Neuroscience at the AdventHealth Research Institute in Florida, explains, “Physical activity is a lifestyle behavior that may play a role in not only the prevention and attenuati...

While we want to let an elderly person in our life know we love and appreciate them, it is tough to find the right gift especially for a loved one in a senior living community where many of their needs are provided for and may have limited space. The goal thereby is to find something that is thoughtful, entertaining, useful, decorative and/or connects them to the family. Simplifying things can be a good place to start. For many seniors, their eyesight is not what it used to be and replacing a remote that both simplifies things by reducing button clutter and makes those buttons larger and easy to read can be a winner. The same goes for digital clocks with a large readout that includes the time, day and month along with simple user instructions is generally a winner. The same goes for a mobile phone as one with less buttons and speed dial access to family can make it easier for those not as technically inclined. A new blanket to use on the couch or on their lap when in a wheelchair ca...

You may have noticed your parents seem to be moving a step slower. They may not be preparing meals and keeping up the house like they once did, as well as falling behind with the home’s maintenance. While aging is a fact of life, for some adults; it means chronic health problems that make it difficult to look after themselves. This can be challenging for adult children wondering if and when it is time to step in and help make decisions. Changes to look for that may be signs a parent needs more help include bruises or injuries from falls, mobility issues especially when a home is not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers, or weight loss and lack of sleep. Moreover, are they still able to safely drive? Other problems can be memory lapses, staying on top of bills or forgetting to take medications. It may surprise you to learn senior living can help a person maintain their independence and get back to living life to its fullest. Experts say however, it may be easier to make the transition wh...

Snoring occurs when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. The blockage causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce the sound we call snoring. Various factors can narrow the airway, including relaxed throat muscles or a backward-slipping tongue. Almost everyone snores at one time or another but for some it can be a chronic problem as well as a problem for their partner. Sometimes it can indicate a serious health issue like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to reduce disruptive snoring. Snoring not caused by OSA can be helped with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, and sleeping on your side rather than your back. Mouth anatomy can also make snoring more likely including a low, thick soft palate that narrows the airway; chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between the nostrils (deviated nasal septum). P...

Many seniors struggle with mental health in retirement. While many seniors find plenty of joy in retirement, the new routine can leave others feeling isolated and uncertain. With age also come major life changes, such as family moving away, new health concerns, and parting with longtime friends or neighbors. Assisted living communities work hard to support the mental health of seniors by ensuring they offer a social community that supports independence and self-discovery while providing the highest level of senior living care possible. Social Senior Living Combats Feelings of Isolation Experiencing a lack of community can cause huge impacts on seniors. Leaving the workforce, experiencing mobility concerns, or feeling less confident in socialization can all impact how a senior feels about the world around them. Finding a senior living community that encourages active involvement will help elders feel immersed in their community and find a sense of belonging. MorningStar Assisted Living...

There is sometimes confusion when it comes to knowing the differences with skilled nursing homes. Of course, there are some similarities. They are both focused on providing care for seniors who may be struggling with their health or in need of assistance. However, there are some major differences, too. To ensure that you are picking the right senior living care for your loved one it’s important to know how to set apart from skilled nursing homes. Skilled Nursing Homes Defined Skilled nursing homes, sometimes shortened to nursing homes, offer round-the-clock medical treatment for seniors who have chronic health conditions that make it difficult for them to live independently. Seniors may also spend time in a nursing home if they are recovering from an intensive surgery or illness that requires more care and attention than they are able to receive at home. Nursing homes are often the option when the individual needs more medical care, but they aren’t necessarily in need of hospital atte...

Many of us experience a mid-morning or late afternoon slump in terms of energy and need a little bite of something to give us a lift. While experts say snacking can be a good thing, it is important to do it with healthy options. They emphasize the best snacks are low-sugar and nutrient-rich; and provide energy as well as support overall health. Snacks rich in fiber and protein help keep us feeling full. Foods to avoid are ultra-processed and high in calories, fat, sodium and added sugar. Some examples of healthy snacks are smoothies. They can be made with fresh greens, your choice of milk and fruit. Along the same line is a cup of low-fat yogurt topped with fresh or frozen, thawed berries. If you don’t like yogurt, a cup of cottage cheese with fruit is a good alternative. Kale is one of the healthiest leafy, green vegetables; and kale chips are a fun way to enjoy it. Moreover, they are very easy to make on your own. Prep carrots, celery and other raw veggies in advance to dip into humu...

The Mayo Clinic explains bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, pressure injuries and decubitus ulcers, are an injury to the skin and the tissue below the skin. They are typically caused by long-term pressure on the skin and most often occur in bony areas of the body such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. People who are most at risk for bedsores are the elderly and those with medical conditions that prevent them from changing positions or moving; or spend much of their time in bed or a chair. Most bedsores can heal with treatment but some never completely heal. One complication of bedsores is cellulitis, an infection of the skin and surrounding soft tissue. The condition may cause the affected skin to change color and appear inflamed. Infections from bedsores can also attack the joints or bones, and damage the functionality of that area of the body. A rare, but life-threatening, complication of bedsores is sepsis. Experts say to avoid bedsores, change positions frequently, take...

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can come on slowly but as the disease progresses, a spouse or other family members may find themselves struggling to communicate with the person. It is important to remember while symptoms vary and every person’s progression differs depending on the stage and type of dementia they have, a sad reality is many families have difficulty finding effective ways to communicate. Experts say the best piece of advice is to be “patient with ourselves as caregivers.” Like other challenges in life, it may require you to tailor your communication in a way that can help you connect with the person, while at the same time, respecting their dignity. However, Carol Podgorski, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester, warns, “Dementias are progressive and degenerative brain diseases that can last for over 10 years. Communication strategies vary by the stage of the disease as well as other factors, including language abilities, sensory function, rela...

There are many benefits to a good night’s sleep. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a clinical neuroscientist, explains, “Our physical brain and body have limited energy, and like a cell phone’s battery, wear out and need recharging.” She says a full night’s sleep contributes not only to an increasing lifespan but to its quality. Unfortunately, too many people have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Ironically, Dr. Leaf declares the best way to fall asleep is to not worry about falling asleep. While easier said than done, she suggests it may be helpful to spend time outside during daylight hours to help reset your circadian clock. In the evening hours, make a point to do things that allow you to wind down. A few minutes practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises right before bed is another tip. Other ideas include focusing on positive thoughts when you wake up. Think about things you have to look forward to that day and seeing those you love. Experts say, if possible, get out first thing in...

If a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. Retirement communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as providing meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receive extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat a...