MorningStar Independent Living Blog

National Diabetes Awareness Month is in November and is the time for educating and raising awareness and funds for both better treatments and a cure. This year’s focus will be on prediabetes and preventing diabetes. The CDC reports more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes (around 88 million people), and of that number, the majority is unaware they have it. In addition every 21 seconds someone is told they have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association says the disease causes more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS combined each year and the related health care costs are $327 billion. In November, communities will team up to bring attention to the disease and provide education on how to recognize and prevent the disease. The Association raises awareness and support in several ways including the Tour de Cure and the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and other events.  Their site also has lots of ideas of how to “create your own fundraiser.” Some ideas include hosting a trivia or ga

If you have been told by your healthcare provider you have high cholesterol, you probably have also been told you will need to watch your diet. The best way to do this is to consume foods that can help lower your LDLs, which are the harmful cholesterol-carrying particles that contribute to artery-clogging atherosclerosis.   Scientists explain how different foods can help in different ways to achieve this purpose. One type is food containing “soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation.” Other foods known to be beneficial for lowering LDLs are polyunsaturated fats, and foods with sterols and stanols, which have been shown to absorb cholesterol. For 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber, start your day with a bowl of hot oatmeal or a cold oat-based cereal. Later meals can include barley, whole grains or beans to provide additional soluble fiber. Nutritionists say most Americans only get around

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.     Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators.  A health

In the event of a medical emergency or illness, to file income taxes, or apply for state or federal benefits, experts say it is helpful and maybe even lifesaving for seniors to have their paperwork in order. Important documents to have available to a family member or trusted friend include property deeds, history of financial income and medical information. For example, Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney, explains if your parent is eligible to apply for veterans’ benefits or Medicaid, they will need proof of past income and financial resources.  If you are the designated person, start by helping your parents compile a record of their bank accounts as well as sources of financial income including pensions, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts. In addition help them organize information regarding savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts. File these documents along with all property deeds and titles to vehicles in a home safe where they ar

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.  Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil,

The New York Times published a recent study, which adds to the growing evidence that the time of day we exercise may affect how we benefit from the exercise. The study involved a group of men who were at high risk for Type 2 diabetes; and suggests at least for some, there is a more effective time to exercise each day. For this particular group, researchers say it was more beneficial to exercise in the afternoon rather than mornings. They found afternoon exercise increased the men’s metabolic health and resulted in an improvement in controlling blood sugar and losing belly fat.  Research has shown in both animals and people that quality of health is influenced by the chronology of our day. The reason is the body’s tissue “contains a kind of molecular clock that chimes, in part, in response to biological messages related to our daily exposure to light, food and sleep.” Our “cellular clocks” calibrate as to when we do normal biological jobs such as divide cells and refuel, and responsibl

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need.  To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget, and the location. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion.  When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple o

At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we want you to know independent living means much more than simply a change in your housing. We think of it as a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals, and to get down to the business of really enjoying your precious retirement years.  We are located on the east side of Hillsboro in the highly sought-after AmberGlen neighborhood, minutes from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the Tanasbourne Town Center shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues.  Our community specializes in offering a full range of hospitality services that frees you up from the drudge of daily chores and obligations. We provide housekeeping services and take care of maintenance, inside and out.  In addition, residents will enjoy chef-inspired, all-day dining and enrichment activities to engage the mind, body, spirit and social connections. Imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursu

Known as the “Minimalists,” Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn spend their time helping people to learn to live with less. They say a typical house contains as many as 300,000 items; and their advice is to rid yourself of items that do not add value to your life. While obviously easier said than done, if you are an older adult who is trying to downsize for a move to senior housing , the following tips may help.   One suggestion is to start by decluttering; not only does it give you more space in your new home but living around clutter has been linked to anxiety and stress . When you throw away or donate stuff cluttering up your home, it gives room for the things you really like. Less stuff lightens your load and helps you get into the habit of buying things you don’t need. Not only does this mindset save money, but Fields Millburn explains, "Understanding the why behind simplifying gives us the leverage we need to begin to let go and helps us understand what is excess.” The

Excitement is building as we get closer and closer to the opening of the new MorningStar of Kirkland 55+ community. Located in family-friendly Totem Lake area, our 151 fashionable independent living apartments are available in a range of floorplans and configurations. Each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops and an in-suite washer/dryer. Units offer private heating & air conditioning, storage space, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service ensures you have plenty of time to pursue your interests and hobbies. The vibrant community of Kirkland, WA is a great place for retirees. Activities and events include outdoor concerts, a popular wine festival, art galleries, whale-watching tours, and a number of superb cafes and restaurants along the beautiful waterfront with views of the Seattle skyline across the Pudget Sound. In addition to the fantastic dining, spend a day visiting local win

Even if you have already moved into the “senior” category of life, medical experts say it is not too late to improve your health and mobility, and one of the best ways to do it is to walk. This was the findings based on the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial, which included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89. Participants consisted of people who were not regularly exercising and fairly frail.   The participants were divided in half with one group assigned to daily walking and strength and balance exercises. The other group attended educational workshops and were introduced to gentle stretching routines. “After 2½ years, the volunteers in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” LIFE’s researchers say the results could have b

While most of us love to snack, nutritionists say making poor choices can impact our overall diet and negate the effort we make with healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Lauri Wright, chair of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida, explains snacks should not only satisfy hunger but add to our nutritional intake. Moreover keep in mind data suggests up to a quarter of our daily calories come from snacking.  Add to that while our metabolism decreases around 2 percent as we age and we require 150 fewer calories per day each decade after age 20, our nutritional needs do not. Snacking on foods high in sugars and sodium can contribute to a steady weight gain over the years.  Nutritionists recommend consuming foods low in calories but filling, and to limit yourself to around 100 to 150 calories. Afternoon snacks high in protein such as yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese allow you to feel fuller longer. Studies found those who ate high-protein snacks

Today’s seniors are living well into their mid-80s and beyond, and many are healthier and more active than their parents and grandparents were in their later years. In fact many consider retirement to be the time to start new adventures and perhaps a new lifestyle; and what better place to do it in than beautiful Pasadena, CA.   Livability.com says Pasadena’s commitment to green and healthy living combined with historic preservation and a culture that goes well beyond the basics makes it the kind of place residents benefit from and appreciate. Besides being known for the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, the city is highly walkable as well as offers lots of public transportation. It has more restaurants per capita than Manhattan, and at the same time, abundant green spaces and family-friendly parks.  One standout is the thriving Old Town, an eclectic, historic district spanning 22 blocks and featuring more than 300 businesses. The restored buildings are from 1875 to 1949 and offer locals an

We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health.   In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, to have a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.” A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity.  Before you begin walking, talk to your heal

While we know exercise is good for our hearts, doctors say it is also good for growing and fortifying strong bones and halting age-related bone loss. However like most things, there are exercises more effective at keep our bones strong, enhancing skeletal fitness and preventing or mitigating the effects of osteoporosis.  Physicians say weight-bearing exercises that stress our bodies more than our normal, everyday activities are the best for bone health; but before you begin, please consult with your healthcare provider. One good weight-bearing exercise is tai chi, a low-impact, slow-motion exercise. The Harvard Health Publishing notes it can be “described as ‘meditation in motion,’ but might well be called ‘medication in motion,’ as growing evidence shows its value in treating or preventing many health problems. One such study in Physician and Sportsmedicine , reports “women, who did 45 minutes of tai chi a day, five days a week for a year, enjoyed a rate of bone loss up to three-an