MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Most of us know, in order to lose weight, we need to cut carbohydrates and fats in our diet as well as reduce our daily intake of sugar. While that might sound really restrictive and boring, dietitians say there are still plenty of tasty choices we can enjoy eating to maintain or lose weight. Foods found in the produce aisle of the grocery store are some of the things that can be eaten almost without restraint, and will help with a person’s weight loss. Dieticians explain non-starchy vegetables are one of the foods you can eat a lot of and not worry about putting on weight. Starchy vegetables include potatoes, peas and corn and are higher in calories. Along with the many vitamins and minerals we get from veggies like broccoli, kale and mushrooms, we also get fiber, which can help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings for junk food. If you don’t like vegetables, there are many ways to make vegetables taste better such as spraying with olive oil and lightly grilling or servi...

Respiratory health plays a critical role in overall well-being, especially as the lungs naturally lose some efficiency with age. Yet, seniors can adopt several proactive strategies to maintain healthy lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory conditions. For older adults living in wellness-focused communities like senior living Kirkland , these habits often become part of daily routines, helping residents breathe easier and live more actively. Let’s explore the most effective ways seniors can support lung health and boost respiratory function, even with age-related changes. Ways to Enhance Lung Health Incorporate Regular Physical Activity Daily movement is essential for keeping the lungs strong. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming, and yoga improve lung capacity and strengthen the heart and circulation, which are closely tied to respiratory function. Sitting exercises and light stretching still provide meaningful benefits for those with limited mobility. In many communities, grou...

It’s no secret that staying mentally engaged is essential as we age. One increasingly popular way to boost cognitive health is through language learning. While puzzles, reading, and games are often recommended for seniors, learning a new language offers a deeper and more dynamic form of brain exercise. Language acquisition taps into multiple cognitive processes at once—memory, attention, reasoning, and creativity—offering a range of mental benefits. In settings such as senior housing Kirkland , many residents engage in language classes or online platforms designed specifically for older adults. These programs support cognitive health and provide opportunities for social interaction and personal enrichment. How Language Learning Enhances Brain Health Boosts Cognitive Flexibility Language learners develop the ability to switch between different ways of thinking—whether it’s understanding new grammar or recognizing cultural nuances. This kind of mental agility strengthens problem-solving ...

There are a number of entertaining activities that are good for older adults’ health, and dancing is certainly one of them. Studies show dancing regularly can help maintain strong bones, work the heart muscle, relieve stress; and is generally safe for all ages. It can improve posture and muscle strength as well as balance, coordination and gait, which all help reduce the risk of a fall. Another thing about dancing is it engages every part of the body from the hands to the head, torso, legs and feet. There are lots of low-impact aerobic dances to choose from including ballroom, salsa, jazz, tap and martial arts style of dance; or chair aerobics for those who are not as steady on their feet. Classes can be found at senior centers, community education classes, churches or schools. If you live in a senior living community , find out if they hold dances or classes; and if they don’t, try and start one. Dancing not only helps people stay fit but provides enjoyment, entertainment and sociali...

Rainy days can be the perfect excuse to spend meaningful time indoors with family. At senior living Kirkland , residents love the chance to create lasting memories with their grandchildren, regardless of the weather. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers visiting, here are some creative ways to keep everyone engaged and entertained on a rainy day. Dive Into Arts and Crafts A little creativity goes a long way, especially with children. You don’t need expensive supplies—gather paper, markers, and scissors, and you’re ready to go. Fall-themed crafts like leaf collages, greeting cards, or hand-painted rocks are always a hit. Residents at senior housing Kirkland often enjoy making simple crafts with their grandchildren that they can display proudly on shelves or walls. Tip: Try crafting bookmarks together using ribbons, stickers, and colorful paper. It’s a small project, but it’s something they can take home and use every day. Bake Together for a Tasty Reward There’s nothing quite like th...

Just as the rest of our body ages, so do our eyes. Older adults often complain of dry, teary or tired eyes and may have problems driving at night, experience flashes and floaters or need glasses to read. As we grow older, we are also at a higher risk for serious eye diseases that can impact our vision. One of the most serious eye diseases is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among people aged 60 and older, affecting nearly 20 million Americans. The risk of developing AMD increases with age and if you are 75 or older, your risk is 1 in 3. Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. Experts say while it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them. You are at a higher risk of getting AMD if a relative has had it or you are Caucasian, ...

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year. For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provides a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids. Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can inc...

When the cool autumn breeze starts rolling in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with cozy, functional pieces that keep you warm while looking stylish. At senior living Kirkland , we see how much joy residents take in layering up and embracing the textures and tones of fall fashion. Whether you're enjoying outdoor walks or staying cozy indoors, there are plenty of ways to dress for comfort and style this season. Layer Thoughtfully The enchantment of autumn fashion is found in the art of layering. It's about combining different textures and fabrics, like draping a gentle cashmere cardigan over a breezy cotton shirt or matching a sturdy denim jacket with a snug flannel. Layering allows you to effortlessly adapt to the fluctuating temperatures that come with the changing seasons. One resident, Helen, swears by her wool shawl, saying, "It’s perfect for those chilly mornings, and I can toss it off if it gets too warm." Tip: Stick with versatile base layers lik...

For outstanding assisted living, Pasadena, CA area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely. By defining health and wellbeing holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care. As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident. We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile station ensures accurate...

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...

While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. Dementia is typically irreversible but th...

If your mom or dad has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into an assisted living community is the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable. However, as much of the task of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet. Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parents see treasures and memories. Begin by creating a list of things your parents will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep. If something is hard for them to part with, help them to think of a ...

MorningStar Senior Living has been serving seniors for over 20 years. We have 40+ communities operating or under construction across eleven states including six in California. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to tell you more about MorningStar’s independent living, memory care and assisted living in Pasadena, CA. MorningStar communities are trusted for their excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our dedicated team understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our time and talents in service to others; and recognize the professional and personal satisfaction this calling brings. Our company was started in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, Founder/CEO, who wished to “cast a new light” on senior living by creating senior housing that felt like his grandmother’s house –true homes filled with light, love and compassion. To accomplish this, we are inspired and em...

Experts caution belly fat, a visceral fat that surrounds the organs, raises the risk for several common diseases. These include type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, heart attacks and heart disease as well as high cholesterol and liver disease. The journal, Circulation, explains even if your BMI is within normal range, the risks associated with heart attacks and excessive levels of belly fat are higher than normal. The Mayo Clinic defines an unhealthy level of abdominal fat in women to be a waist circumference of 35 inches or higher. For men, it is 40 inches or more. While it can be hard to lose belly fat, research suggests a multi-faceted approach including a healthy diet and consistent exercise; along with several other lifestyle changes should help make a difference. Your diet should include lean protein from foods like beans, salmon, chicken and turkey, Greek yogurt and nuts. While carbs are always blamed for weight gain, experts explain it has more to do with the type of carbs...

While losing weight is tough, for many of us, the real battle is keeping the weight off. Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, D.C., explains there is a growing body of evidence showing that when we focus on higher-quality nutrition, not only does our weight improve but also our health. Changing to a diet with more vegetables and fruits means you will take in fewer calories than you previously did, allowing weight loss to naturally take place. An improved diet results in better health. One of the biggest problems with “dieting” is that a person too often focuses on calorie content without regard to nutritional value.” Experts say this makes sticking to a calorie restrictive diet harder. Once we include nutritional foods in our day-to-day diet, it makes us feel fuller and even lets us eat more while taking in fewer calories. Another thing about a life-long nutritional diet filled with fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins and whole fo...

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks offers all-inclusive, holistic care to those with memory impairment and provides all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need. While a secure area, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. When a family comes to MorningStar at River Oaks looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response ...

While there is a long-held belief memory loss and aging are inevitable, it is now known we can help keep our brains sharp. Studies have shown our brains continue to build new connections, and engaging in activities that challenge us can lead to sustained brain development and offer new ways to approach challenges. The most effective puzzles and games linked to a reduced risk of dementia are those requiring critical thinking, problem-solving and memory recall. Patrick Porter, Ph.D, a neuroscience expert and founder of BrainTap, explains “These activities stimulate the brain by challenging it to find patterns, make connections, and think creatively. They require mental flexibility and encourage the brain to adapt and reorganize neural networks, enhancing cognitive reserve.” To get the most benefit from mental activities, the experts say it is best to vary the type of games we play. Shifting from games that rely on speed, rapid decision making or memory help strengthen and tap into multip...

Many older adults, especially those in assisted living communities, are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be. This puts them in danger of a fall, and a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However, before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs. As AgingCare.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise.” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily liv...

Chronic pain is a common issue as we age, affecting mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. Managing this pain effectively is crucial to maintaining independence and well-being. Fortunately, various strategies can help seniors manage chronic pain while improving daily function. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Working closely with a healthcare provider is the first step in managing chronic pain. They can evaluate the cause of your pain, whether it’s due to arthritis, neuropathy, or other conditions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Regular check-ins ensure the treatment is effective and any necessary adjustments are made. For residents in senior housing Kirkland , many communities offer on-site healthcare services that make regular consultations with doctors more accessible, ensuring that pain management plans are up-to-date and personalized. Medications for Pain Management Medications are often part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Over-the-count...