MorningStar Independent Living Blog

There’s something deeply rewarding about learning where you come from and discovering the stories that make up your family’s history. Genealogy, the study of family ancestry, is an exciting journey that connects you with generations of relatives and sheds light on the lives of those who came before you. For seniors, exploring family roots can bring a sense of pride, belonging, and personal discovery. Start with What You Know The best way to begin a genealogy search is by collecting information from what you already know. Write down names, birthdates, places of residence, and any details you remember about parents, grandparents, and other relatives. If you’re unsure about certain dates, try reaching out to family members who might remember, or look through old family documents and photos for clues. In many senior housing Kirkland communities, residents often gather to share stories and memories, helping each other fill in gaps. One resident, Evelyn, discovered the year her grandfather ...

Did you know half of women and up to a quarter of men in America over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis according to the Harvard Medical School. To prevent bones from weakening, the National Institute of Health says exercise is key to keeping bones strong. If you are taking prescription drugs, you should read the fine print that comes with your medications to see if you are taking any drugs that can lead to bone loss, increase your risk of a fall, and/or increase your risk of breaking a bone. Steroids, blood thinners and thyroid medications as well as drugs used to treat acid reflux, depression and some antibiotics are just a few of the medications known to interfere with bone health. The Mayo Clinic suggests that to aid in the prevention of bone loss, weight-bearing exercises should be part of your daily aerobic activities. Weight-bearing exercises involve your bones supporting your weight. Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines...

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult. Also, their metabolism slows down so they need fewer calories than before. Therefore, the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is more important than ever. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA Food Patterns or the DASH diet, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier. They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road. Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. MorningStar Senior Living of Hillsboro is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are full of fresh ingredients from high...

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...

Strength training isn’t just for athletes—seniors can benefit immensely from it, too! Building muscle strength helps with balance, mobility, and overall confidence. And the best part? Strength training doesn’t require a gym or heavy weights. Simple, safe exercises at home can make a big difference in how you feel and move every day. Here’s a guide to strength training in senior living Kirkland with easy exercises that are gentle on the body yet effective for boosting strength and endurance. Why Strength Training Matters for Seniors As we age, our muscles naturally start to weaken, which can affect balance and make everyday activities a bit harder. Strength training can counteract this, helping to: Improve Stability: Stronger muscles support better balance, reducing the risk of falls. Boost Energy: Building strength can make daily tasks, like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, feel easier. Support Bone Health: Strength training puts gentle pressure on bones, which helps maintain...

Identity theft is the illegal use of a person’s Social Security number, credit card or other personal information to commit a crime. According to a report from Javelin Strategy & Research, identity fraud cost Americans $43 billion in 2023, and this is likely only a fraction of the true cost as these crimes are often not reported. Given these shocking numbers, financial service providers and consumers should be as vigilant as ever about protecting personal identifying information. Although financial institutions are doing what they can to protect our personal information from those who wish to fraudulently use it, we can also take steps to protect ourselves. The first tip is to never give your bank account and Social Security numbers to people over the phone. Many scammers claim to be from your bank or a government entity and tell the person they are trying to protect them, when in fact they are doing the opposite. Remember the Social Security office or your bank is not going to cal...

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially during times of transition or change. For seniors, guided meditation can be a powerful tool to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. Meditation doesn’t require any special skills or experience, just a quiet space and a willingness to relax and let go of tension. It’s a wonderful way to improve mental well-being, sleep quality, and overall happiness in senior living Kirkland . Why Guided Meditation? Guided meditation is especially helpful for beginners, as it involves listening to someone’s voice, either in person or through an audio recording, that gently leads you through relaxation techniques. A guide can prompt you to breathe deeply, focus on calming imagery, and let go of anxious thoughts. For seniors, guided meditation offers structure, making it easier to focus and relax without needing to “figure out” meditation on your own. Residents in senior housing Kirkland often enjoy group meditation s...

When we were younger most of us were lucky enough to take our mobility for granted. We didn’t have to think about whether we would be “able” to physically do a routine task. However, as we grow older, our bodies can encounter physical limitations that threaten our independence. Experts say protecting our mobility requires attention and the “use it or lose it” mantra is a fitting one. Lifestyle choices and exercise as well as diet and preventive care can help keep us stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina The Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School defines mobility as the ability to move purposefully as you go through your day, and is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. It requires a certain amount of physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Mobility allows seniors to do everyday things like get out of bed each morning, climb a set of stairs and bring in groceries from the car. Poor mobility causes proble...

The Skin Care Foundation reports that the most common cancer in the US is of the skin and strikes one in five people by age 70. The good news is 99 percent of all cases are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough. However, to spot skin cancer, we need to look for it, which is why doctors recommend adults to do a routine skin check once a month and have a skin check with a dermatologist at least once a year. Since we are the best ones to notice any changes in our skin, it helps to know what to look for. Experts explain skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, and warning signs are associated with the different types of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (also called basal cell skin cancer) is the most common type of skin cancer accounting for 8 out of 10 cases. Basal cell cancer starts in the basal cell layer (the lower part of the epidermis). The Mayo Clinic explains that squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and...

There’s something truly magical about creating something from scratch—especially when you’re working with clay. Pottery is more than just a craft; it’s an immersive, hands-on hobby that brings joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment. For seniors looking to dive into a new, creative pastime, pottery offers endless possibilities, from sculpting unique pieces to crafting functional items like bowls or mugs. Why Pottery Is Great for Seniors Pottery combines creativity with a bit of hands-on work, making it a perfect activity for those looking to try something new. Working with clay has some surprising benefits, including: Stress Relief: There’s something soothing about molding clay. The repetitive, tactile nature of pottery can help calm the mind, allowing you to focus on the present and forget about worries. Improved Dexterity: Manipulating clay strengthens hand and wrist muscles, which can be especially beneficial for seniors looking to maintain flexibility and dexterity. Reside...

MorningStar of Pasadena’s goal is to provide the finest assisted living in Pasadena, CA , and we understand that deciding which community is right for you is a big step for a senior. This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and to inquire about availability. In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floor plans, and more. Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Resources” tab. Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (you must be at least 55 years old). You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure. FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty health care provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do prov...

Study after study reports elderly people who are pet owners, say they are the better for it. According to a Forbes magazine article, the number one benefit pets provide seniors with is “unconditional love.” A whooping eighty-three percent of surveyed participants agree, and another 73 percent said their pet makes them feel loved. The good feelings pets give to seniors were even high in those who live with others. Other surveys of seniors found pets gave them a sense of purpose. Others said they derived joy just from interacting with a pet even if they didn’t own it. Some seniors expressed that they enjoy having a pet visit their home or interact with one while visiting family or friends. In terms of what animals were most popular, dogs were a somewhat higher choice than cats; but some seniors had both. Experts say most people other than someone with very limited mobility can become dog owners. However, before you make a commitment to a dog; it makes sense to research breeds that do n...

Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude and giving back. For many seniors, volunteering can be a meaningful way to feel connected and engaged in their community, bringing joy not just to others, but also to themselves. Even if it’s just for a few hours, volunteering offers a chance to make a difference and share kindness during the holiday season. 1. Helping at Local Food Banks or Pantries Food banks and pantriesping hand. Many food banks offer low-impact tasks, like sorting and organizing donations, that are perfect for seniors. For those with mobility limitations, some food banks even have seated positions where volunteers can pack food items. One of our residents, Joe, loves volunteering at the local food bank every year. He says it’s a rewarding way to connect with others, and he’s proud to be part of something so impactful. By the end of the day, he always feels like he’s made a real difference. 2. Serving Meals at Soup Kitchens Serving meals at a local soup kitchen is another meani...

Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia. The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to explain your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital shoul...

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks provides compassionate and loving memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. MorningStar’s comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey. Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From ther...

Looking for a simple, tasty way to support gut health? Kiwi is a delicious choice that offers impressive digestive benefits! Packed with fiber and natural enzymes, kiwi can help ease digestion, promote regularity, and keep your gut happy. For seniors, maintaining a healthy digestive system is important for overall wellness, and kiwi makes it easy to enjoy some extra digestive support. Here’s how kiwi supports gut health: How Kiwi Benefits Digestion Kiwi is packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps keep the digestive system balanced. It also contains a unique enzyme called actinidin that aids in breaking down protein, making it easier for the body to digest certain foods. Here’s why kiwi is such a powerhouse for digestion: High in Fiber: The fiber in kiwi helps keep things moving smoothly, which can prevent constipation. Fiber also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome. Natural Enzymes: Actinidin, a unique enzyme found in kiwi, assists in digesti...

Trying to find thoughtful gifts for an elderly parent or grandparent can be a challenge. If they live in a senior community that provides for many of their needs or an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up a lot of room or already has it. This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy. If they haven’t gotten a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice operated. They can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set ala...

An advance 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 will 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 care p...

MorningStar at River Oaks is proud to be a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which celebrates 21 years serving seniors. We were conceived by Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger, who wanted to make a dramatic change in senior living . His mission to: Honor God, Value Seniors and Invest Generously in Our Team are core values that are important to Christians as well as those of other faiths, and still prevail today. During our 21 years, we have been honored to serve over 15,500 residents and manage a dedicated team of 3,000 across 11 states in 40+ communities. Throughout our brand has earned a reputation for bringing integrity and depth of purpose to senior care. Ken explains: “As we reflect on our 21-year history and marvel at what God has done…as we look to the future and see the opportunities before us…a few things are clearer than ever. What seniors need is what we all need: significance, value, love. Our roots are as firm as ever. And the mission we’re on, we’re on it together: to se...

A study published in the journal Neurology reports analyzed data from more than 4,500 people participating in INTERSTROKE, a large international case-control study of patients who have experienced a stroke. One of the findings from the study is “people who slept less than five hours a night on average were three times more likely to have a stroke than those who got seven hours of sleep — the recommended minimum for adults.” They also found sleeping more than nine hours a day accounted for a two-fold increase in risk for stroke. Doctors say the study is in line with other research linking poor quality of sleep to high blood pressure as well as impairments to blood vessels, both risk factors for stroke. A director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine at Northwestern Medical School, Dr. Phyllis Zee, explains things like fragmented sleep and sleep apnea impact a person’s ability to regulate metabolism, blood pressure and inflammation as well as increasing the risk of diabetes, he...

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the upcoming holidays. When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over-stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia. Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting. The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer's disease so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them. They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner. If you are visiting your loved one at a memo...

Foot health plays an essential role in maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall well-being, especially for older adults. As we age, issues like reduced circulation, joint stiffness, and conditions like diabetes can affect foot health, leading to pain or mobility challenges. At senior living Kirkland , care programs focus on preventive foot care to help residents maintain independence and avoid common complications. Here are some of the most effective practices for healthy feet in seniors. Regular Foot Inspections to Catch Early Issues Seniors are encouraged to inspect their feet daily or have a caregiver assist. Spotting problems like swelling, sores, or ingrown toenails early can prevent more severe complications. This is particularly important for residents with diabetes, as minor injuries can easily turn into infections if unnoticed. In senior housing Kirkland, wellness checks often include foot inspections to ensure that any minor issues are quickly addressed. Comfortable, Suppor...

Retirement offers the chance to slow down, reflect, and explore new ways to nurture your well-being. At senior housing Kirkland , many residents find journaling a meaningful way to connect with their thoughts, process life events, and even discover new interests. Whether it’s a gratitude journal, a memory log, or creative writing, journaling can support mental, emotional, and cognitive health. With just a few minutes a day, the benefits can add up in surprising ways. A Daily Dose of Mindfulness Regular writing can foster mindfulness by providing a space to slow down and organize the chaos of daily thoughts. For seniors, journaling serves as an opportunity to reflect on the small moments of joy and the challenges of life with greater clarity. Many older adults begin their day by recording three things they are grateful for or by documenting a recent favorite experience. This practice aids in nurturing a positive mindset and redirecting attention away from stress. Tip: You don’t need to ...

At senior living Kirkland , we’ve seen firsthand how small changes to a daily diet can make a big difference in overall health. One of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to support wellness is by adding apples to your routine. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients, apples can help fight inflammation, improve digestion, and boost heart health. Whether you prefer them fresh, baked, or blended into smoothies, apples are a smart addition to any meal plan. Natural Inflammation Fighters Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces chronic inflammation, which can worsen arthritis, heart disease, and other age-related conditions. Adding apples to your diet can help your body combat swelling and joint pain naturally. Some of our residents at senior housing Kirkland love keeping apple slices and almond butter on hand as an easy, anti-inflammatory snack. It’s both nutritious and satisfying and a great way to stay on top of wellness goals. Tip: Keep the peel o...