MorningStar Independent Living Blog

  Psychologists suggest that true happiness lies somewhere between always seeing the sunny side of life to feeling things will inevitably end badly.  While many of us believe being an eternal optimist is the best way to see things, research shows that being somewhere in the middle is actually the best path forward. Ronald Siegel, an assistant professor of psychology, part-time, at Harvard Medical School and medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Positive Psychology, explains, "Better than cultivating an artificial optimism is to see the situation and the world realistically."    Siegel says automatically assuming a positive or negative view of something limits our ability to build resiliency and to figure out solutions to our problems.  He counsels to “have the faith in yourself that you'll be able to rise to the occasion and deal with whatever comes your way, whether it's good or bad fortune." Adopting a realistic view avoids deluding...

In addition to the types of food we eat, dieticians say it is also important to pay attention to portion size when attempting to shed a few pounds as it will help us reach our goal.  When trying to diet, sticking to nutrient-dense, relatively low-calorie foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and poultry are your best choices; but no matter how healthy a food is, you still should not overconsume.   This is where portion control plays a part.  Amy Gorin, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats, a collection of curated meal plans, grocery lists and nutrition tip sheets, explains that while foods like almond butter and dark chocolate are good for us, they should be eaten in moderation and in proper portions.  In other words, the bottom-line is a large chocolate bar should not be consumed in one sitting.     However to complicate matters, experts explain that in many cases, strictly following portion s...

  While there are a number of senior living options in the area, MorningStar of Pasadena stand out as one of the best.  Formerly the Fair Oaks by Regency Park, our senior living community is now under the management of the MorningStar Senior Living Company.   At first glance, you may not think that makes much difference but MorningStar was started in 2003 based on a unique mission statement, principles and philosophy.  As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Out of this vision, came a mission statement that still guides the way we deliver service to our residents:  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 ...

  If you have gotten tired of the constant maintenance and repairs that home ownership requires, it may be time for a change.  Perhaps you feel like your social life has shrunk since you retired, or maybe you have recently suffered the loss of your spouse and are lonely.  Many seniors who have felt like you do have discovered the advantages of 55+ senior living communities like MorningStar of Pasadena, and have not looked back.   To start with, senior living means never having to worry about mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or coming up with the money to replace a furnace or air conditioning system.  Seniors also say they enjoy living in a community of people around their same age and who share many of their same interests.  At MorningStar of Pasadena, residents have opportunities for new friendships as well as to participate in a range of activities as much or as little as they like.  We additionally give residence security of knowing someone is...