MorningStar

As we age, many of us may feel like we lost a step or two in terms of our cognition and memory skills. However, just as there are things we can do to improve our brain health; there are things we should avoid to protect it. To start with, some of the same things bad for our physical health are bad for our mental health such as lack of exercise and poor diet. Moreover experts say we may also be missing some lesser known causes that contribute to a decline in cognitive health and impact our chance for better and happier aging. One of those things is too much negative thinking. The AARP reports several studies have found older adults who are more prone to negative thoughts and spend more time ruminating on slights and grudges are more likely to show a decline in memory and cognitive thinking. Researchers reported study participants who engaged in more negative thinkers had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain, the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease. While we all experienc...

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 look into assisted living and learn 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 of Littleton provide residents with responsive 24/7 caregivers, access to licensed nurses, medication management, third-party care providers and more. Our spacious suites are designed with handicap-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and wall-to-wall carpeting in a choice of studio, or one- and two bedroom floorplans. Each unit is equipped with a kitch...

Despite a long-held belief that more men are affected by and even die from heart disease, the American Health Association says we now know that is only half the story. Recent studies show more women die from heart disease than from all forms of cancer. Perimenopause and post-menopausal women are at the most risk from heart disease, and the older they get, the higher the risk. Doctors say the drop in estrogen that occurs in women during and after menopause is why older women have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Robin Noble, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN, explains before menopause, estrogen has a vasodilatory effect on the vascular system. This anti-inflammatory effect fights against the development of the type of inflammation that causes cardiovascular plaques. Once a woman’s body experiences a drop in estrogen, it creates problems such as higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure and an increase in visceral fat - all linked to plaque buildup and hardening of the arterie...

Seniors can often feel anxious before moving into assisted living . For many, they have spent their life up to this point living on their own, with a loved one, or with their families. It can be intimidating to start this new chapter. But, you don’t have to do it alone. At MorningStar Senior Living you will meet friendly neighbors and staff that will strive to make you feel right at home. As a community, we believe in the power of community. Here are a few tips to help you make lasting friendships in assisted living. Introduce Yourself The simplest way to meet new people is to introduce yourself. It’s likely your neighbors will want to meet you upon your move-in, but for others in the community, the first step to the road of lasting friendship is to say hello and share a little about yourself. A warm smile, a compliment, or asking someone if they’d like to join you for coffee is a great idea when trying to make new friends in your senior living community. Join Community Activities and ...

Many seniors say they want to live active lifestyles. While it is true that seniors in assisted living may have decreased mobility, assisted living communities regularly advocate for senior friendly exercise options that are easy and low-impact. Whether you are in your room alone, or with a group at MorningStar Senior Living , you can begin to see a healthier version of you with these simple activities. Chair Exercises Active assisted living homes take pride in offering exercise options for seniors. Chair exercises are great because there is low commitment, but a huge reward for seniors. Chair exercises are perfect for seniors to improve mobility and build strength. Exercises like leg lifts, arm raises, and gentle stretches are a few things seniors can do if they are experiencing decreased mobility or feel anxious about utilizing machines at a gym. Yoga and Stretching Exercises for Seniors At MorningStar Assisted Living, seniors love participating in our free exercise classes. Yoga and...

Retirement offers seniors a lot of time to slow-down, relax, and contemplate their wants and goals for the rest of their lives. While many seniors still remain active, they now have the time to learn new hobbies and skills. Senior living communities are great places for seniors to learn about their passions and interests. Whether you want to explore these hobbies alone or in a groupo, MorningStar Senior Living encourages every one to try some of these easy hobbies for seniors! Bird Watching Seniors find bird watching a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to spend some time outdoors, but bird watching can even be done with friends or in a group. It doesn’t take much to begin to feel connected with nature. Just grab a pair of binoculars and an easy bird guide and you can begin to identify all sorts of birds right outside your home. The relaxation and excitement is enough to keep seniors feeling energized and amazed. Puzzles and Board Games Table-top games don’t have to be bor...

Falls among senior citizens are all too common, and in many cases, threaten a person’s independence and way of life. Injuries from falls include to the head, hip fractures, and in extreme cases lead to death; and poor balance is one of the reasons people fall. Experts explain a person’s balance declines with age due to loss of sensory elements, the ability to integrate information and issue motor commands; and loss of musculoskeletal function as well as poor vision and inner ear problems. Certain medications and common medical conditions in older adults can also cause problems. Balance begins to decline in midlife, starting at about age 50. In one study, adults in their 30s and 40s could stand on one foot for a minute or more. By age 50, the time decreased to 45 seconds. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) explains maintaining good balance as you age and learning about fall prevention can help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities. Targeted exercises like w...