MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends. Problems contributing to loneliness in seniors are that they no longer work outside the home and social circles begin to shrink with the passing of spouses or friends, and family members moving away. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites studies showing seniors who say they feel socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease associated with loneliness. For many seniors the answer is moving to a retirement community where they find comfort, wellbeing and security as well as companionship. The experts at AgingCare.com say one of the biggest advantages of senior living (aside from rec...

Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living , which is specifically designed for adults 55+. The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. Senior living communities like the new MorningStar of Mission Viejo allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. Now under construction and scheduled to open in May 2023, we will offer stylish floor plans for independent living in a variety of sizes and configurations. Each suite is designed for your every comfort and comes equipped with a kitchenette, handicapped-accessible bathroom emergency call system, and private heating and air conditioning. Basic cable TV and utilities and housekeeping are included. With a focus on community and wellness, residents will enjoy five-star meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and served in multipl...

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are ...

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you must be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice. Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. Other things to look for include name rec...

Instead of feeling sad about moving from a home that perhaps is too large or costly for you to care for, think about moving into a smaller apartment or condo as the start of a new adventure. However, to do it right, you should be organized. Experts suggest you only take with you the things that bring joy and find ways to get rid of the rest. If that piece of advice still finds you with way too much stuff, then take a moment to picture how you want your new life to look. Is it a sleek, minimalist décor or more like a smaller, compact version of your present home? Some simple solutions to help you decorate your new apartment include bringing with you or buying multi-purpose furniture. This could include upholstered storage benches or cubes, nesting coffee tables, extension desks, and sized-down sofa and chairs more suited to a compact footprint. Attractive baskets and storage bins also help to make a small place feel more organized. If you want to use some of your current furnitu...