As You Age, it is More Important than Ever to Get Routine Medical Care

Medical experts say while people of all ages should keep up-to-date on recommended health screenings and vaccines, it is especially important for seniors as they have an elevated risk for health problems. Due to the pandemic, statistics show many seniors put off routine medical care, and doctors want them to start scheduling those appointments if they haven’t done so by now.

Under the umbrella of preventive health services, an annual wellness exam is on the top of the list. This visit is used to check blood pressure, weight, and body mass index as well as discuss current medications, level of exercise and diet. Your doctor may ask about your home life to make sure you are getting the care you need.

While it was important to get your COVID-19 vaccine, doctors say don’t forget your flu vaccine this fall. Doctors also recommend seniors get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to help prevent pneumonia.

Older women should get screened for breast cancer as statistics show 40 percent of new breast cancers are in women 65 years and older. Colorectal cancer is another important screening for seniors as 60 percent of new colorectal cancer cases are in adults 70 years and older. Doctors say by age 50 people should get their first screening, and then as recommended by their healthcare provider. Other age-related screenings include diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and bone density test.

MorningStar’s new senior community in Kirkland offers stylish, no-maintenance apartments, a variety of onsite amenities, and a broad community of friends. Located in the beautiful Totem Lake area, we have direct access to both private and public walking paths and are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. The top-ranked Evergreen Medical Center is a couple of blocks away and Seattle only 20 minutes to the southwest. We encourage you to contact us about the newest independent living Kirkland offers and be sure to ask about our Pre-open Specials.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please call for more information about the finest independent living Kirkland, WA has to offer.

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...

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...

Research Shows Humans May have the Potential for a Longer Lifespan

The Medical News Today recently reported on an interesting study published in the journal, Demographic Research, and conducted by the University of Washington, which indicated a likely rise in human longevity by the end of this century. Worldwide we have seen a rise over the last several years of a half a million people, referred to as centenarians , living past the age of 100 years old. Today the new focus is on those living past 110 years old who are referred to as “supercentenarians.” Up to now the oldest known person in the world was a French woman with a recorded age of 122 years old when she died in 1997. The University of Washington longevity study used “updated longevity data in the International Database on Longevity (IDL), established by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock, Germany.” The study included 1,119 people recorded as supercentenarians from ten European countries along with Japan, U.S. and Canada. They additionally included records of al...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog