MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Over the last couple of decades, researchers have found brain-training games may help improve attention levels, logic skills, and memory as well as enhance cognitive function in healthy subjects. Shaheen Lakhan, MD. Ph.D. FAAN, a physician-scientist and clinical development specialist and founding neurology department chair and curricular dean at California University of Science and Medicine writes the following: “The brain is just like a muscle - it thrives on exercise! As a neurologist, I'm thrilled by the incredible potential of brain games to help people flex their mental muscles, activating underused brain circuits to sharpen cognition and skills like focus, speed, and memory.” Experts say effective brain games include Sudoku and crossword puzzles. With crossword puzzles, cognitive skills used include recollecting past verbal knowledge and memories. Sudoku relies on short-term memory, which is often one the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease, and requires the player to look ahe...

There comes a time in the lives of many senior citizens when they feel a need for a more carefree, comfortable retirement without all the responsibilities that come with home ownership. If you are looking for senior living, your next question may be what community is right for me . As some of your decisions will be based on personal needs, it is important to know senior living communities offer a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of predictable budgeting, built-in companionship and restaurant-style dining as well as wellness programs and activities. Moreover, as a resident, if your health needs change and you require daily senior care, you are already familiar with all that senior living offers. Assisted living is tailored to those seniors who wish to receive the daily care services they need to maintain their independence. They too flourish with vibrant programs and a sup...

For years, doctors have been advising their patients to include aerobiotic exercise in their daily lives. Among the many benefits, research shows regular cardio activities improve brain health by increasing the volume of the regions that control memory and thinking. Recent studies also find weight training appears to increase cognition as well as prevent the development of atrophy in regions related to Alzheimer’s disease that could delay or prevent the onset of dementia. Dr. Isadora Ribeiro, PhD, a São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) doctoral fellowship recipient at the School of Medical Sciences (FCM) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, writes, “Weight training can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which support the growth and survival of neurons. It also improves cardiovascular health and cerebral blood flow, all of which are important for maintaining br...

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 probl...

Studies show people who keep good personal health records enjoy better health. Researchers say it may be due to the fact the individual as well as their caregivers have a better understanding of their overall health. Moreover, quick access to a person’s medical history helps care providers make better informed decisions regarding needed care. John Hopkins Medical explains a good way to start organizing your medical history is to write down the name and contact information of all your healthcare providers. Be sure to add what role they play in your care. In terms of paper medical documents, they say paperwork older than a year can be filed away. Current records should be kept where they are easily accessible. These should include a family medical history of grandparents, parents, siblings and other pertinent relatives. Your personal history should include all current medical conditions and how they are being treated. Additionally, include past surgeries and procedures as well as hospita...

Imagine being freed up from the many chores homeownership requires and having the time to pursue your various interests and hobbies, to travel, or spend more time with family and friends. Communities like MorningStar at River Oaks can provide just that and more as we offer a wide array of services including housekeeping, tasty meals and other luxury amenities. Our maintenance crew handles all repairs both inside and out as well as routine chores like the care of our beautiful outdoor spaces. This means as a resident, you will not be faced with unexpected maintenance bills, and instead enjoy the security of predictable budgeting. Assisted living residents also receive the personalized care they need for the ADLs (activities of daily living) to enable them to live life as independently as possible. Medication management services help seniors keep on track with their prescription drug usage. Transportation services to and from doctor visits and routine health screenings make it easy to k...

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are critical for good health. They provide our energy and maintain healthy skin and hair, build muscles, and boost our immune system among others. The body needs twenty amino acids, of which; nine are called essential amino acids and are not manufactured in our bodies but provided through diet. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Foods that contain all of the essential amino acids are known as complete proteins and are found in a variety of foods including red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, quinoa, chia seeds and buckwheat. Experts explain animal proteins are the most easily absorbed and used by the body. Foods that contain some of the essential amino acids are referred to as incomplete proteins and include things like nuts, seeds and beans, some grains, and fruits and vegetables. If you do not eat animal foods, you should eat a large va...

Our brains go through both structural and functional changes as we age, which can cause a decline in our cognitive abilities and memory. Moreover, certain lifestyle factors as well as genetics can accelerate the aging process. Carrie Ditzel, PhD., director of geropsychology and neuropsychology at Baker Street Behavioral Health, explains, "Much like muscle and that old saying 'if you don’t use it, you lose it,' using your brain can help protect it, to an extent, from some typical memory decline and slowing." So, what should we do to help keep our brain as healthy as possible? Experts say it is helpful to routinely engage in stimulating, challenging activities as well as to keep moving. Rather than just looking at exercise as something to aid in weight loss, it should be something we do to keep our bodies running better and help us feel more energetic. Choose exercises you enjoy including senior friendly ones such as Tai chi, yoga, swimming or hiking/walking. Studies al...

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains diet plays a large role in the aging process. To optimize our own health, they recommend we start by understanding the different food groups (published by the USDA); and how each one helps form healthy eating patterns for a particular age group. Experts say diet is one aspect of healthy aging and is especially important for seniors who are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes as well as conditions related to loss of bone and muscle mass such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Other aspects of healthy aging include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep. One of the best food groups that encourage healthy aging is vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates. These include dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, and starchy vegetables; as well as legumes (beans and peas) that are also found in the protein food group.   The NIA reports f...

When dieting, it is best to shy away from fried foods, foods loaded with empty carbs and sugary foods. Dieticians say that still leaves a lot of tasty food we can eat without feeling guilty. At the top of the list are non-starchy vegetables of which there are many ways to prepare them to ensure they are both satisfying and tasty. If vegetables aren’t your favorite food, it may be you are not creative enough in preparing them. A simple suggestion is to give your veggies a quick spray of olive oil, add seasoning and a few cloves of garlic. Either roast or air fry to give them a punch of flavor. If you love dips, think about switching up from heavy-caloric dips to ones using salsa or low-fat yogurt. A list of veggies nutrient-dense and light in calories includes broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, sprouts and kale. If you want fruits, the best to eat are watermelon and cantaloupe, most berries and kiwi. Beata Rydyger, a registered nutritionist based in Los Angeles, says “Along with t...

MorningStar at River Oaks is not just another senior living community. Our differences start with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing generously as we proudly serve those who first served us. We also have a team that is empowered in the MorningStar culture of Radiance, which emphasizes customer service excellence and development of true servant-leadership. These devoted staff members understand the rewards of working with seniors and love the ways in which they learn from them. Along with their efforts to enhance quality of life for residents, our community offers a full array of resort-style amenities and activities. These include a wide range of fun and/or meaningful ways to stay engaged each day. From enjoying a movie, working on a craft in the life enrichment room or flexing your brains in a competitive game of cards, MorningStar at River Oaks is the perfect place to comfortably age in place. All-day, restaurant-style dining means you can follow your o...

Endocrinologist Kendall Moseley, MD, medical director of the Johns Hopkins Metabolic Bone & Osteoporosis Center, says most women do not know anything about their bone health. A recent survey from the National Osteoporosis Foundation backs up that sentiment finding around 94 percent of women do not worry about their skeletons. However, they add they should, as one in five women under 30 already have osteopenia, which is a step above full osteoporosis. The good news is there are things you can do to protect your frame and avoid the things that are not good for bone health. Experts say our bones constantly break down and rebuild every 10 years resulting in a new skeleton. The problem lies in the fact that after the age of 30, our bodies start to lose more bone than they make. Women’s estrogen levels also begin to drop around 30, which is another protector of women’s bone health. An unbalanced diet or severely restricting calories in an effort to stay thin or lose weight can be anothe...

As today’s seniors are living longer than ever, it makes sense to consider whether to age in place in their own home or take advantage of the benefits offered by senior living . While many older adults say they wish to stay at home, the reality is in some situations it may be impractical due to the burden of home maintenance, mobility issues and declining health. For more active seniors, community living offers a carefree lifestyle with predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. To make an informed decision regarding one’s choices, it is important to know the real cost of living at home, receiving in-home care or residing in a senior community. If you are currently living in your own place and think senior living communities are way more expensive, consider the following. Living in a home or apartment can mean a monthly mortgage or rent payment and homeowners or rental insurance. Property taxes are also a cost for homeowners. Monthly expenses often include utility bills for elec...

The US News & World Reports, states, “More than 6 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease according to the Alzheimer's Association. More than 11 million family members care for someone with dementia, while others with memory issues live in assisted living communities , nursing homes or memory care units.” The decline of a person with Alzheimer’s disease slowly worsens over time; and it is not always easy for family members to recognize their loved one needs additional support for both their safety and daily living activities. Healthcare providers say a community setting may be called for if the person exhibits subtle behavioral changes in personality, declining health and an increase in confusion. Incontinence is another reason families turn to memory care. Moreover, the family caregiver should be considered as increasing needs can lead to caregiver burnout. Also, memory care provides peace of mind if your loved one is no longer answering their phone or replyin...

One often overlooked benefit of moving to a senior living community is the idea of built-in companionship. It solves the problem of not having to organize and travel to activities in your area. Also, inclement weather doesn’t stand in your way from getting together with friends or watching a movie, attending worship services or laughing over a game of trivia. Loneliness and feelings of isolation in the elderly are common in the US and not surprising as 27% of Americans 60 and over live by themselves. A 2023 survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging showed one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) felt isolated from others (29% some of the time, 5% often) in the past year. Experts say this can be problematic as research shows older adults who express loneliness have a 32% increase in the risk of stroke and a 29% increase in heart disease. Other problems include a disruption in sleep, higher blood pressure and increased stress levels. It can also be a predictor of functional decline an...

As we age, protecting our health is more important than ever. We know older adults tend to experience severe symptoms and complications from many communicable viruses and diseases, and can have a harder time bouncing back from them. Being vaccinated lowers the risk for serious illness, and in extreme cases death; and the side effects of vaccines are typically mild and temporary. While Medicare covers the cost of vaccines for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, many seniors are not always sure if or when they need to get another shot. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 years or older get an annual high-dose flu vaccine if available as they suffer the most from the disease. There are two types. One high-dose flu vaccine contains an antigen called hemagglutinin and has 3 to 4 times as much flu virus antigen as a standard vaccine. The other has an ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond better to the virus. If you are over 65 and susp...

An article from the Medical News Today reports oranges may be the new apple a day remedy. They mention a Harvard study showing a daily orange may do more than just provide a juicy dose of vitamin C — it could also help protect our mental health. The study found a connection between consuming one medium orange daily with a 20 percent decrease in the risk of developing depression. Researchers say the lower risk is due to the effects oranges, and other citrus fruits, have on the beneficial gut bacteria called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Participants who reported feeling depressed were found to have lower levels of this bacterium. Researchers say the bacterium seems to influence the production of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with regulating our mood. The large study tracked 32,000 middle-aged women from 2003 to 2017; and throughout the extensive time frame, discovered only citrus fruits seemed to help stave off depression. A later study found similar...

Statistics show glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it is important to know that in the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. This is why Medicare says half of the people who have the disease do not know they have it. The best way for someone to know if they have glaucoma is to get screened for it through a dilated eye exam with visual field testing. For seniors on Medicare, the program covers one glaucoma screening each year for individuals at high risk. The National Eye Institute wants the public to know early treatment of the disease can stop the damage and protect your eyes from serious vision loss. People most at risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes, a family history, African Americans over the age of 50 and Hispanics aged 65 or older. As stated earlier, glaucoma in the first stages does not generally exhibit symptoms for most people. Later on, symptoms include the loss of side (peripheral) vision and blind spots, and without treatment ...

Medical professionals worry far too many people do not use over-the-counter (OTC) medications according to stated directions. The most commonly used OTC medications are for pain management, allergy treatments and to reduce the symptoms of flu. US News & World Report conducted a survey of more than 350 pharmacists nationwide from chain, independent and hospital pharmacies regarding their views on patients’ compliance with OTC drugs. The results showed 9 out of 10 pharmacists agreed consumers believe too many myths about OTC medications. The list of some of the most commonly-held misconceptions includes: It’s okay for children to take adult OTC medications as long as the doses are reduced. It’s okay to double-dose OTC medications when I forget a dose. Natural or organic supplements are safer than other OTC medications. The bathroom is a good place to store OTC medications. It’s okay to take OTC medications after their expiration dates. It’s okay to cut, crush or chew OTC pills. Brand...

Moving from your current home to a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) such as a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care, can be a complex, emotionally-charged decision. Seniors worry they may lose their privacy and freedom of choice; or weaken their bonds with friends and family. Other concerns include: is it a smart decision financially, will the move increase their stress, and are they really ready to move? To address these concerns, hearing from actual senior living residents is helpful. Age Wave, a company specializing in issues related to the aging population, surveyed how older adults feel about senior living. It examined the decision-making process including priorities, hopes, concerns, and questions of those surveyed as well as conducted interviews with residents and management in senior housing. The first topic the survey looked at is whether a senior’s current home is in reality the best place to retire in. Age Wave said results show a move...