Relief for Seniors as More and More are Fully Vaccinated

It is a big sigh of relief for more and more seniors as they get vaccinated and are able to once again make plans to reconnect with grandkids, family and friends in person. The CDC reports it is safe for individuals who are fully vaccinated (after a period of 2 weeks) to visit others who are fully vaccinated or visit unvaccinated low-risk family members from a single household indoors without masks.

The extended time apart has some grandparents worrying the grandkids may not feel as comfortable with them as they once did. Despite regular Zoom and FaceTime calls, we know it is not the same as hanging out together face-to-face but experts say it should not take much time at all for relationships to feel more natural.

There is still a precaution on traveling distances to visit family but many medical professionals feel it is just a matter of time before the CDC approves airline travel for fully vaccinated people. Current guidelines say vaccinated people still need to wear masks and maintain social distancing when with unvaccinated people from more than one household or with anyone at high-risk for severe illness from COVID. They say avoid medium or large-size crowds. If you are exposed to someone with COVID, it is not necessary to get a COVID test unless you have symptoms.

Many seniors are happy to emerge from social isolation and are slowing considering doing the things they did before the pandemic. Following guidelines, some are going back to church, attending exercise classes, resuming their volunteering, or starting to eat out again. Across the board, seniors say the sense of relief and reduced anxiety feels great and they cannot wait to get in some real hugs.

At the MorningStar of Pasadena 55+ senior living community, we provide a relaxing, carefree lifestyle for our residents. Offering independent living and assisted living, we are proud of our warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior living Pasadena offers.

Comments

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s...

Older Adults and Bone Loss

The Mayo Clinic explains our bodies constantly absorb and replace bone tissue. When a person has osteoporosis, their body is removing old bone but not keeping up with making new bone. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include bone fractures, lost height, curved back, sudden back pain and gastrointestinal problems. However, many people have no symptoms, and it isn’t until a bone fracture or a bone density test (measuring the proportion of minerals in the bones), do they learn they have osteoporosis. A step above osteoporosis is osteopenia, which affects approximately half of Americans over age 50. It is important to work with your doctor if your bone loss has progressed to osteoporosis as there are medications that can help build stronger bones. In addition, you can help increase bone strength with a healthy diet of foods high in calcium, vitamins D and K, and protein. Foods containing calcium include dairy and soy, fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. Additionally, many foods ...

Hosting a Senior-Friendly Book Swap Event

For book lovers, there’s nothing better than finding new stories to dive into and sharing favorite reads with friends. Hosting a book swap event is a fun, budget-friendly way for seniors to exchange books, explore new genres, and connect over a shared love of reading. Choose a Cozy, Accessible Space The first step in planning a book swap is choosing a comfortable, accessible space. A common room or a cozy corner in senior living Kirkland is ideal. Arrange seating in a circle or create small areas where people can gather, sit, and chat. Add a table or shelf for displaying the books, so everyone can browse easily. Decorating with a few simple touches—like tablecloths, flowers, or even book-themed decorations—adds warmth and excitement. A welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone to relax, explore, and enjoy the event. Invite Participants to Bring a Book (or Two) The beauty of a book swap is that everyone contributes! Ask each participant to bring one or two gently-used books they’re read...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog