MorningStar Independent Living Blog

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain. Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we al...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, autumn is the perfect season for outdoor walks. At senior living Kirkland , we encourage our residents to take advantage of this beautiful time of year to enjoy the health benefits of regular outdoor activity. Walking offers more than just physical exercise—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and boost overall well-being. Boosts Physical Health: Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints while still providing a great cardiovascular workout. It helps maintain mobility, improve circulation, and build muscle strength. Many of our residents here enjoy taking daily strolls around our scenic pathways, which keeps them active and energized without the intensity of other forms of exercise. Supports Mental Health: Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. There’s something about the cool autumn air and vibrant foliage that brings a sense of peace and relaxation. One of our residents share...

Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age. Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees, and spine lose the most flexibility. He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over." Of course before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your loc...

Finding the perfect senior living community can be a big decision, not just for you but for your loved ones as well. At senior living Kirkland , we often hear families say they felt overwhelmed initially, but the process became easier once they knew what to focus on. Here are a few important things to consider when choosing the right community. Care Levels and Services Offered: One of the first things to evaluate is the community's range of care options. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted care, or specialized memory care, it's essential that the community offers the services that fit your current needs—and has the flexibility to adapt if your care needs change over time. We've had several families who initially came in for independent living but appreciated knowing they could transition to higher levels of care if needed. Community Atmosphere: The feeling you get when you walk into a community is vital. Does it feel welcoming? Are the residents a...

Maintaining strong social connections as you age is one of the most powerful ways to support overall health and longevity. Numerous studies show that seniors with rich social lives feel happier and tend to live longer and healthier lives. Here’s how social interactions can positively impact your well-being and contribute to a longer life Emotional Support Reduces Stress Having solid relationships with friends, family, or community members provides emotional support that can buffer against stress. Chronic stress is linked to an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. Social interactions help regulate emotional stress, leading to improved mental health and a more robust immune system. For seniors living in senior housing Kirkland , social events, group activities, and shared meals provide opportunities for meaningful interactions, contributing to overall emotional well-being. Social Engagement Promotes Physi...

Regular breast self-exams are an essential part of proactive healthcare, especially for seniors in senior housing . As the risk of breast cancer increases with age, staying vigilant about breast health can lead to early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help seniors perform a breast self-exam safely and effectively. Know What's Normal for You Before starting a self-exam, it's paramount to know how your breasts usually look and feel. Changes can occur naturally with aging, so note any usual lumps, textures, or differences in shape. As you age, breasts may feel less firm, and skin may become thinner, which is normal. However, new changes such as lumps, swelling, or discharge should be noted. Visual Inspection Start by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any visible changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Changes in the nipples, such as inversion or unusual discharge, are also cruc...

As technology becomes an essential part of daily life, scams targeting seniors are unfortunately becoming more common. At senior living Kirkland , we prioritize the safety of our residents, especially when it comes to protecting their finances. Seniors are often seen as more vulnerable, which makes education and awareness crucial. Here are some practical tips to help you stay vigilant and protect your financial information from scammers. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls Scammers often impersonate legitimate companies or government agencies, asking for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or credit card numbers. Be cautious of unexpected calls, and never share personal information over the phone unless you know you're the caller's identity. One of our residents mentioned how she received a call from someone pretending to be from her bank. Luckily, she remembered our tips, hung up, and called the bank to verify the situation. Tip: Scammers may pre...

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute the most common reason for a pacemaker is when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia), or it pauses, causing fainting spells or other symptoms. The device also prevents or treats a too fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia). For patients with heart failure, a pacemaker is used to help the heart chambers beat in sync, and enable the heart to pump blood more efficiently. Pacemakers use low-energy, electrical pulses to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, and the type of pacemaker you get depends on your situation. A traditional pacemaker sends electrical pulses through wires (or leads). It is placed in the chest or abdomen; and wires are connected to electrodes inside one to three heart chambers. This type of pacemaker includes single- and double-lead pacemakers, or biventricular pacemakers also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. A newer version of the pacemaker is a wireless pacemaker without ...

Halloween can be a fun and festive time, no matter your age. At our senior living Kirkland community , we love seeing our residents get into the spirit of the season—whether it's through decorating, enjoying seasonal treats, or spending time with family. However, safety is always a priority, especially for seniors, and a few easy steps can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration. Decorate Thoughtfully: Decorating for the season is always exciting, but it's important to avoid any tripping hazards. Make sure pathways are clear when placing pumpkins, decorations, or lights around your home. One of our residents shared that using flameless candles instead of real ones in her jack-o'-lanterns made her feel much safer while still enjoying the season's glow. Wear Comfortable Costumes: If you're dressing up, choose costumes that are easy to move around and don't obstruct your vision. Lightweight costumes are perfect for indoor festivities, and simple acc...

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain. Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones...

There has been much in the news lately about Vitamin D including how much we need each day and the fact that far too many people may be deficient. Medical professionals say there are not many foods high in Vitamin D so relying only on what we eat can be challenging. It is estimated close to half of all Americans are deficient in D; but without a blood test, it is difficult to know for sure. Vitamin D is good for us as it contributes to bone health by aiding our bodies with absorbing calcium and phosphorus. It additionally helps nerves carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body as well as fights inflammation. A food high in D is rainbow trout. Dieticians say one 3-ounce serving contains 645 IUs, which is more than the daily recommended serving for adults. Other foods high in D include salmon, which is high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, egg yolks and canned tuna. Mushrooms grown under UV light also have a good amount of vitamin D. Another source is food fortifi...

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. Memory care communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as provide meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receives extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat and ...

MorningStar’s senior living in Pasadena, CA includes different options. If this is something you might consider, we encourage you to take a closer look at the many benefits of moving into an independent living community . While some seniors feel strongly about remaining in their homes after retirement, other seniors are very happy to have discovered the advantages of community living. To start with, for many seniors the family home starts to feel very empty once the kids have moved out. In addition, you are still stuck with all the upkeep and maintenance of the home including yard care and the costs of repairs and replacement. Senior living on the other hand, means no more concerns about maintenance inside or out. An independent living community also offers the security of predictable budgeting, which allows you to know just what your expenses will be as most are included in your monthly fee. It also solves another problem many seniors face - loneliness. As we age, older adults can...

The Parkinson’s Foundation reports there are almost one million people in the United States living with Parkinson's disease; and that number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. However, they say the actual number of people with PD is likely to be higher as many cases go undiagnosed. The Mayo Clinic explains Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Currently there is no cure but medications can improve symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may also improve symptoms. Parkinson’s symptoms typically start slowly, and one of the first things a person may notice is a slight tremor in one hand. Called resting tremors, they occur when the person’s hands are at rest, and the first tremors may only be the shaking of one finger. It is important to note that not all tremors are caused by Parkinson’s and you need to consult with your healthcare provider to see if it is Parkinson’s or somethi...

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude. Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.” Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medici...

The Harvard Medical School published an article discussing how patients rated AI’s information next to real doctors’ advice in terms of empathy. Following up on findings from the ChatGPT survey showing AI to be more empathetic to patients, the author, Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing, says there is most likely more to consider. Currently AI does tasks such as “drafting doctor's notes, suggesting diagnoses; helping to read x-rays and MRI scans; and monitoring real-time health data including heart rate or oxygen level.” Shmerling points out while AI’s surveyed responses were longer than the doctors, there is more to it than the “amount” relayed to patients’ including how accurate and up to date the information is. Another thing to consider is the answers AI provided were not tested for fabrication. Therefore, experts advise it is probably premature to rely on AI answers to patients’ q...

When a grandparent or another close family member or friend suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it can be difficult for children to understand, especially if they are very close to the person. Most likely they have questions and concerns regarding the disease and may be struggling with a range of emotions including sadness and confusion. They may not know how to act around the person anymore or be frightened by the “strange behavior.” Having grandma or grandpa call you by mom or dad’s name or asking the same question again and again are just some of the strange things kids see happening to a beloved grandparent. They may worry Alzheimer’s is contagious and it is important they know it isn’t but rather a degenerative disease that happens in the brain. If the person lives with them, teenagers may be embarrassed to have friends around due to the person’s behavior, and sometimes children withdraw from the person or lose patience. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests sit...

It is worrisome to notice changes in a spouse, parent or another loved one’s health. If those changes involve the person’s memory, thinking or behavior, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The Alzheimer’s Association explains while you may be unsure on how to best approach the issue, these changes could be a sign of a significant health concern. They offer the following advice on how to sort through the changes. The first thing is to think about what is causing your concern and how out of the norm is it for the person? Then consider what else may be going on in the person’s life such as changes in their physical health or other stress factors that could impact their mental state. Remember depression and diabetes can cause changes in a person’s mental acuity. Now take a look at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Do these common signs seem to be in line with the type of things you are worrying about? If they do, you may want t...

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of support. For older adults who are still homeowners, senior living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to a senior living community provides an extra layer of security as well as easy interactions with people in a similar time of life. Moreover, communities such as MorningStar of Pasadena offer the kind of independent and assisted living seniors depend on with a broad range of services including delicious, nutritional daily meals. Senior living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones. In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contri...

When a couple’s health experiences are different, and one is healthier than the other, that person may assume the role of caregiver. As time evolves, the needs of the chronically ill spouse may become more complex and require daily care. This can be difficult for the healthier spouse, and even impact his/her own health and well-being. To ensure both parties have an opportunity for the best quality of life; an assisted living community may be the answer. While leaving a family home and transitioning to community life is a big change, the transition is easier for the person with a spouse or partner by their side. Marissa Kirby, NHA, CHC, CHPC, and vice president of compliance at NEWGEN HEALTH, LLC, explains, “In many cases, particularly when a couple has been married for many years, the ability to live together can make or break their decision on whether or not to move to an assisted living facility .” Many assisted living communities like MorningStar at River Oaks welcome couples; where...