MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

As we age, our bodies become less and less resistant to long-term damage. When we are young, breaking a bone is usually resolved within several weeks in a cast, without many complications or lingering issues. However, falling and breaking a bone as an elderly person can have far more serious consequences. It takes longer to heal, and can also lead to the development of chronic pain. One way to prevent this as a senior is to safely practice exercises that improve and maintain your balance and walking steadiness. This will help you be better able to catch yourself if you do stumble; and give you more strength to cope with any injuries if you do fall. Keep reading to learn more about how to improve your walking steadiness as a senior in assisted living in Lakewood . NOTE: You can try these exercises barefoot or with sneakers, just be sure you always have someone to spot you when doing any kind of exercise. Walk The Invisible Tightrope Your spotter should stay right behind or beside you fo...

As a senior, it can be a struggle to find ways to hydrate that are enjoyable and easy. However, with green tea, not only are you getting a lot of water content, but you are also getting all the benefits that this kind of tea can provide. So if you are a senior living in Lakewood , keep reading for more valuable information about all the amazing health benefits of green tea. Green Tea Wakes up Your Brain The naturally occurring caffeine content of green tea can be a great way to help promote alertness. This can help your brain support the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are used to help balance things like mood, memory, reflexes, alertness, and more! Plus, norepinephrine is also a hormone, which can work twice as well for helping regulate your mental capacities. So next time you are feeling a bit tired, slow, and/or run down, the caffeine from green tea could be a great way to get out of a funk. Green Tea is Full of Antioxidants Free radicals are toxin...

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care. Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into a community which offers assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future. Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Boise ha...

While practitioners have known for centuries the calmness and peace yoga brings into their lives, science has finally caught up with real evidence of its benefits to our brains. Studies show yoga elevates levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAGA), which helps regulate nerve activity and is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety. The Harvard Medical School journal writes, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Their evidence comes from several studies that used MRI and other brain imaging technology. Researchers found participants who practiced yoga regularly had a thicker cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, than participants who did not practice yoga. This could be significant because as people age, this is one of the areas in the brain that typically shrinks. As the older yoga practitioners had less...

Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies also age and can no longer work as efficiently and effectively as they used to. Sometimes, this can lead to certain conditions that cause chronic pain. This pain can be a huge detriment to your overall quality of life, and can also contribute to mental health issues like depression. However, if you are looking for natural ways to manage pain as an elderly person, then keep reading for more information on the best natural pain relief options available for any senior in assisted living in Lakewood . Hot and Cold Therapy A hot water bottle or heating pad can be a great way to soothe deep aches from conditions that cause joint pain. Heat can promote increased blood flow and loosening of muscles and other tightened areas that are causing pain. Alternatively, a skin-safe cold pack can help with painful, swelling pain. If you have painful areas that become swollen, cold therapy can help minimize that swelling and inflammation. Always keep in mind that hot ...

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others. AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among p...

Practicing proper hygiene as an elderly person is a huge key to helping maintain your overall health. However, even if you have all the perfect products that meet your individual needs already, it may be a bit of a conundrum to choose between a hot or cold shower. Both can have great benefits; so if you are a senior living in Lakewood , keep reading to learn more about whether a hot or cold shower could be right for you. Cold Shower Benefits Cold (but not too cold) water, while it can be harmful in certain situations, can actually provide a lot of benefits in a safe and controlled environment. Some of these benefits can include: Increased blood flow/improved circulation after turning off the cold water. This is because of the body’s natural reaction to cold. When you start a cold shower, more of your blood rushes to your inner organs to protect them from potential damage/shut down from becoming too cold. However, in order to warm up again and regulate your temperature, your body will s...

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”  Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.  It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and frie...

MorningStar of Mission Viejo’s goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of a dementia disease. The path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. In addition to MorningStar of Mission Viejo’s independent and assisted living options, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 30 memory care suites. The area is specifically designed to be secure but still allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings. Also, given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss. As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to carin...

Along with assisted and independent living, Hayward, CA’s MorningStar community provides compassionate and loving memory care to 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 of Hayward’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 ...

How long has it been since you really made the effort to learn something new? As we age, many of us can get stuck in a rut. However, opening our minds to new ideas and trying new activities can provide seniors with a renewed interest in life and help keep the brain sharp. The choice of hobbies and activities for retirees is endless and includes dusting off old skills or learning something entirely new. Things like painting and drawing classes can be done in person or online. The same goes for listening to lectures, joining a book club or writing workshop, and learning a foreign language. If you need more computer skills or would like to know more about social media, join a class and get started. If you have always wanted to play an instrument, what are you waiting for? Neuroscientists and music teachers say it is never too late to learn. Scot Hawkins, a piano teacher in Silver Spring, Md., says, “Ability is low on the list of what's required for adult students. Instead, attitude — ...

The Skin Care Foundation reports 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 to have an annual 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 an...

We all understand the value of independence but as we grow older, many seniors are faced with physical and mental limitations that make them feel it may be threatened. Independence is one of the few things seniors want to feel they still have control over; and is important as it is closely tied to self-worth and a sense of achievement. Experts say well-intentional families can sometimes create bigger problems by becoming overprotective toward mom or dad. This can result in the senior becoming more fearful than the situation warrants, and erode their self-esteem and confidence. Another problem threatening a senior’s independence is when adult children talk to the parent as if they are a child. Even the most conscientious caregivers can sometimes baby the person way too much or pressure them to do what they think is best. Just as we do not want people telling us what to do or intruding into things we are not ready to share, you need to respect your parents’ privacy. When mom or dad’s wis...

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports about 14.7 million seniors live alone. We know various causes including chronic and worsening health conditions, hearing loss, no longer driving, mobility issues, loss of a spouse or other loved ones can result in loneliness and isolation for older adults on their own. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States, and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.” They cite statistics showing social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death, and rivals those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Moreover, studies find social isolation is associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. The CDC also warns loneliness is linked to higher ri...

Located in the East Bay region just 25 miles south of San Francisco, MorningStar of Hayward is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree. Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match. MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, si...

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging cause seniors to process new information slower; judgement and reasoning powers remain largely intact. Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as ...

According to the US Census Bureau’s statistics, there were an estimated 56 million adults ages 65 years and older, accounting for approximately 16.8% of the nation's population as of 2021. An aging population means the number of seniors who require help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) will continue to grow as will the necessity for assisted living communities to address those needs. The National Center for Assisted Living, a non-profit organization representing assisted living facilities across the country, explains, "Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.​” So how do you decide the best fit for yourself or a loved one when it comes to an assisted living community? Experts say begin by researching who regulates assisted living in you...