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...