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...