MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others. The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease. They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake. A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision. Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars. Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done. Many pr

The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports approximately 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and 44 million have low bone density, meaning they are at risk of developing the condition. One in two females and up to one in four males will be affected by a broken bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Medication, calcium, and vitamin D and K can help strengthen bones. In addition, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass, an important lifestyle habit is to introduce weight-bearing exercises into your daily routine. The Harvard Medical School publication explains even if you have already had a fracture you should be staying active.* They explain the risk of another fracture is very high, so you want to do everything you can to lessen the chances of that happening by increasing your bone density. Weight-bearing exercises can reduce the risk of a fall as well as reduce the risk of fracturing a bone if you do fall. The publication cites an

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of getting shingles sometime in your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk in

For many, retirement means an end to a long career and a busier lifestyle. As relaxing as that sounds, research shows it is important for people to continue to feel actively engaged regardless of their age. One interesting and fun way to do it is with a hobby as they are a good way to keep our brains sharp, relieve stress and anxiety, and lessen obsessive thoughts and preoccupations. One example of an all-around hobby is gardening. Not only does the person benefit from their labor in the form of flowers, fruits or vegetables, experts say gardening offers physical and mental benefits. These include reducing stress, giving the person a sense of achievement, getting out into fresh air and staying fit. If you worry about the physical work involved in gardening, there are tools and methods designed to make it easier. Raised beds eliminate the need for bending and kneeling on the ground as does vertical gardening and pot gardening that keeps things at arms’ reach. Another hobby beneficial fo

It is no secret that aging brings with it changes many of us experience including not being as sharp as we were when younger. Many seniors say they find it more difficult to multitask, have trouble recalling names and finding the right word. Some complain about a decline in their ability to concentrate, absorb, process, and remember new information. On the positive side, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says studies have found various strengths of seniors such as having a wider vocabulary and a greater depth of understanding of the meaning of words than younger adults. Moreover, most are capable of learning new skills (it may take longer), and forming new memories. Another advantage older adults have over their younger counterparts is a wealth of life experience and accumulated knowledge. However, researchers are trying to figure out why some seniors stay cognitively healthy longer than others, and if our lifestyle habits protect our brains as we age. For now evidence shows certai

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become. And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into a senior living community, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives. At MorningStar at River Oaks, our assisted living offers five levels of care. Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family. For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system and is smartly designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents. Assisted living also includes housekeeping, laundry services and full access to all onsite amenities. Our holistic approach to senior living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassion. We also recognize that it is important for ou

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change. Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence. Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together. Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar at River Oaks provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by the resident and their family. MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer su

It is not just an activity that helps you get from point A to point B. Walking represents one of the most effective activities that enhance both mental and physical health regardless of age. Many historically renowned figures such as Henry Thoreau, Thomas Jefferson, and William Wadsworth considered walking to be one of life’s most therapeutic activities. For many seniors, walking is the most accessible physical activity, which is why walking is a good alternative to running. Running does a better job of working out the body, but it can cause joint and muscle pain that many seniors cannot endure as they grow older. Walking is much more gentle on vulnerable parts of the body, such as hips, knees, and ankles. The exercise requires less exertion, while at the same time giving the heart enough of a workout to encourage better blood circulation. At the MorningStar senior housing community in Kirkland, Washington , walking is the most popular physical activity for our residents. Walking is ea

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the CDC says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show nearly half (48%) of US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts believe about 70% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or are at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work hard

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and can live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy but require assistance in their daily lives. Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with routine chores that need to be done when owning a home. At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an a

Seniors require personal care that differs from the personal care needs of other family members. This makes it difficult to categorize your senior loved one’s personal care needs into a one-size-fits-all strategy. When the time comes to consider a move from an independent lifestyle to an assisted living lifestyle, how do you make the right decision that benefits your loved one while not sacrificing privacy? The answer lies in choosing senior housing at MorningStar of Kirkland, Washington. The Seattle metro area boasts an impressive selection of senior living communities. However, MorningStar of Kirkland is the only senior housing community in Kirkland and beyond that offers a place for a senior loved one who one day might need to transition from an independent lifestyle to a lifestyle that consists of more assisted living services. At MorningStar of Kirkland, we offer three distinct lifestyle options, which include independent, assisted living, and memory care. Your senior loved one c

Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results. For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a dedicated commitment at any age, but it is especially important for older adults to prevent the development of diseases and illnesses. Exercise plays a vital role in determining health, as both aerobic and anaerobic exercise routines enhance the strength of mental and physical health, Seniors benefit from heart-healthy exercises such as walking and cycling, as well as joint and muscle-building weightlifting routines. Although exercise plays an important role in determining health, it is not as effective unless you integrate a nutritional diet into your daily routine. When you think of a nutritional diet, the first thing that pops into your mind probably is incorporating vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables into each meal. Yes, fruits and vegetables deliver essential vitamins and minerals, but a certain beverage also contributes to following a balanced, nutritional diet. We are talking about tea, but not just any type of tea. At our senior housi

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person’s needs change and it is important to recognize and address those changes with appropriate care. Along with meeting basic needs, experts say care providers should treat the whole person by creating an environment that allows them to feel independent and safe. The Alzheimer’s Association says determining the best care options can be tough and offers some advice on how to ensure the person has the services, programs, and caregivers in place for the best possible quality of life. The first step to any decision regarding care is to honestly evaluate your loved one’s needs. Also, to whatever degree possible, it is recommended you include them in any decisions. Another thing to remember is during the early stages of the disease the person may be able to live independently but in the middle stages, 24-hour supervision is needed. Additionally, around-the-clock care is much more demanding in the later and end stages. Primary points to consider incl

For many seniors, there comes a time when they feel they are not living life on their own terms, and routine, day-to-day activities start becoming more difficult. To determine if assisted living is the right choice for a parent or another loved one, experts say you need to consider the amount of care they require daily. If it is more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) with in-home services or in an independent living community, yet they don’t need 24-hour medical care and supervision, assisted living is the ideal option. People often confuse assisted living with nursing homes; however, they are not the same thing. Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care while assisted living provides help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) to enhance residents’ quality of life within a residential setting. While some families may experience sticker shock when first learning the cost of assisted living, you need to consider everything it includes. For example, Mor

At MorningStar of Pasadena, our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents. We do this through hiring a staff that feels privileged to care for seniors as well as providing a broad range of care and hospitality services and resort-style amenities. Here are the highlights of our senior community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. We start with all day, restaurant-style dining with meals inspired by our own Executive Chef. When it’s time to get your hair done or treat yourself to a pedicure or manicure, visit our onsite salon. If an after-dinner activity sounds good, meet with friends in the game room. Also, our fitness center makes it easy to get to the gym. Other amenities include a bistro, community store, billiards room, theater/chapel, courtyard and raised garden beds. For the most active seniors, MorningStar of Pasadena offers independent living suites in a range of floor plans and configurations. Independent living is perfect for those who do

Whether you reside in a senior housing facility in Kirkland, Washington, or live independently in a home or an apartment, exercise is one of the key components to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies indicate following an exercise regimen can help prevent the development of aging-related diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Exercise also benefits the heart, as well as enhances the circulation of blood throughout the body. You should experience an improvement in balance and coordination, as well as reap the benefits of a healthier mental state. One of the many ways our MorningStar senior housing community in Kirkland helps residents maintain strong health is by offering several exercise options. The key is to participate in low-impact exercises that go easy on vulnerable joints and muscles. With that in mind, yoga and tai chi represent two of the most beneficial low-impact exercises for older adults. Both types of exercises achieve a balance between meeting

Research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20-year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73. The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower number of flavonoid-enriched foods. Researchers found a significant difference bet

Dogs are capable of helping their human friends in several ways. Some canine breeds are trained to sniff out bombs and drugs at airports, while other breeds can detect the onset of an epileptic seizure moments before it happens. Rescue dogs enter dangerous locations to find and extract victims of natural disasters. During a recent Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel segment on HBO, a reporter described how a few select canines help visually impaired outdoor enthusiasts rediscover the joy of long-distance running. For seniors living in Kirkland, Washington, dogs provide other benefits that enhance the quality of life. Canines provide seniors with a sense of safety and security, which becomes a major issue as we enter the golden years. Dogs are loving companions that accompany seniors all over town. They reduce stress and anxiety, which correlates with a significant decline in blood pressure. Our furry best friends also help their senior companions retain balance and coordination while they e

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia shouldn’t give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis. As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity that seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover, it is worthwhile to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and upward. In fact, studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.” Spending decades working in t

For exceptional independent living, memory care or assisted living, Pasadena, CA area seniors are encouraged to learn more about Morningstar of Pasadena. Our leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community. In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as provides some background on our company. For instance, our home page offers a great description of our community, a map showing our location as well as a Gallery of pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to welcoming spaces and beautiful design. Our home page also has a button to Amenities that describes many of the community’s luxury amenities. Clicking on Suite Amenities highlights the comforts within our well-designed suites. Our spacious suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, and you can view specifics by clicking on the 360° Tour. We also encourage you to view the vide

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues. Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do no

We all want our loved ones to lead long, healthy lives so why not encourage them when birthdays and holidays come around. One suggestion is to buy a loved one a fitness watch. The marketplace has a wide assortment of watches as well as sensor devices to measure daily footsteps to keep you motivated. Moreover, they come in many price points and offer a variety of features. Research shows measuring your daily activity improves your fitness level and can help people with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease boost physical activity levels. JAMA Network Open published a finding which reviewed 38 randomized clinical trials with 4,203 participants. They stated that “interventions with wearable fitness trackers were associated with significantly increased physical activity levels after approximately 15 weeks. Devices such as pedometers or trackers that count steps were associated with greater levels of physical activity in about 70 percent of the studies examined.” Another healthy gift idea