MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Carrots are more than just a crunchy snack; they are a superfood packed with nutrients that can significantly benefit senior health, particularly eye health. Including carrots in the diet can help protect vision and prevent common age-related eye problems. Let’s explore how this vibrant vegetable can enhance the well-being of seniors in assisted living and retirement communities . Rich in Beta-Carotene Carrots are well known for their high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A essential for maintaining good vision. It helps protect the surface of the eye and can prevent eye infections and other serious conditions. Regular consumption of carrots can ensure that seniors get an adequate amount of this vital nutrient, supporting overall eye health. Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. The antioxidants found in carrots, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, play a...

Maintaining good health is crucial for seniors, and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of common illnesses. Residents in assisted living Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood can benefit from various strategies to stay healthy and active. Regular Health Screenings Regular health screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of common illnesses. Seniors should have routine check-ups with their healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Regular screenings for osteoporosis, vision, and hearing are also crucial. These check-ups can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Vaccinations Vaccinations play a vital role in preventing illnesses in seniors. Flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, and shingles vaccines are particularly important for older adults. Residents in senior living Lakewood should ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations to pr...

Mindfulness practices have become increasingly popular for their numerous health benefits, especially for seniors. Incorporating these practices into daily routines can significantly enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. For those in memory care Newport Beach, mindfulness can offer a simple yet effective way to maintain mental sharpness and emotional health. Understanding Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This mental state can be achieved through various techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement such as yoga or tai chi. These practices help reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote a sense of calm, which is particularly beneficial for seniors. Benefits of Mindfulness for Cognitive Function Mindfulness practices can enhance cognitive function in several ways. Regular practice has been shown to improve attention, memory, and...

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you most likely understand the challenge of introducing changes into their day-to-day routine. One big change, which can be stressful for all involved, is when a family decides it is time to move a parent or another loved one into a senior living community offering memory care . A Place for Mom’s website warns families it can take a while for a loved one to adapt. They encourage the family to take an optimistic view about the move, and help the person focus on the positive aspects of the community, talking up the programs and activities, quality of care, and the social interactions. Moreover, rather than spending time second-guessing your decision, remember you carefully searched for the best place for your loved one and now you need to trust the experts at the community. A few of the tips to help your loved one’s transition is to fix up the suite much like their old home, adding family photos and other favor...

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being. In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as is regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into most every aspect of our lives. While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite. Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance. A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed. Doctors re...

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of  dementia shouldn’t give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis. As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity that seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the si...

If you are an older adult who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues. Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them...

For outstanding assisted living, Hayward, CA area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely. By defining health and wellbeing holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care. As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident. We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile station ensures accurate...

Exploring herbal supplements can be a fascinating journey into natural ways to boost brain health. For those of us enjoying life in memory care Lakewood , incorporating these supplements can be a simple yet powerful strategy to enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. Let's dive into some popular herbal supplements and how they might help. Ginkgo Biloba: Nature's Brain Booster Ginkgo Biloba has been around for ages and is often praised for its brain-boosting benefits. It's believed to improve blood flow to the brain, helping with memory and cognitive speed. Tip: Try adding Ginkgo Biloba to your daily routine. Many people find that consistent use can help keep their minds sharp. Bacopa Monnieri: The Memory Enhancer Bacopa Monnieri, a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is known for improving memory and attention. It's a fantastic choice for staying mentally agile. Tip: Bacopa can be enjoyed in various forms, such as capsules, powders, or even as a tea. G...