MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

When spring rolls in with blooming flowers or fall hits with drifting leaves, many seniors sneeze, sniffling, or rubbing itchy eyes. Seasonal allergies aren’t just for kids and teens. They can show up later in life or become more noticeable as immune responses change with age. The good news in memory care is that there are plenty of practical ways to manage symptoms while still enjoying the outdoors. Recognize the symptoms Allergy symptoms often mimic a cold: sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, and fatigue. The key difference is that allergies don’t come with a fever and tend to stick around longer. Pollen could be the culprit if symptoms always appear during the same season. Know your triggers Pollen is a major one, but mold, dust, and grass can also be problems. Try to track when symptoms flare up — is it after a walk outside or while gardening? That information helps doctors suggest the proper treatment or prevention steps. Keep windows closed during high pollen days It c...

Bones tend to get less attention than muscles or joints, but they’re just as important when it comes to staying strong and independent in assisted living and age. Many older adults worry about fractures or falls, especially after hearing words like “osteopenia” or “osteoporosis” during a routine checkup. While medications are available, several natural, everyday strategies can help protect bone density without a prescription. Weight-bearing movement is essential Bones respond well to movement. Activities like walking, dancing, hiking, or using light hand weights help signal the body to keep bones strong. Even short daily walks around senior apartments Lakewood can make a difference. If walking isn’t an option, try chair exercises with resistance bands or simple standing routines near a support bar. Get enough calcium Calcium is the foundation of strong bones, and getting enough from food is essential. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources, but leafy green...

Cataracts are a common part of aging, and for many older adults in assisted living Lakewood , cataract surgery is something they’ll face sooner or later. The good news? It’s one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed today. Still, it’s normal to feel a little nervous before any procedure. Knowing what to expect before and after can help ease some of that worry. Before the procedure First comes the eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will check the severity of the cataract and confirm that surgery is the right option. You’ll also get measurements taken to determine the correct lens implant. For seniors in assisted living If you take medications, especially for blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor might give you specific instructions on how to manage them leading up to surgery. On the day of the surgery, the procedure is outpatient, which means you won’t stay overnight. Most people are in and out within a few hours. You’ll be given eye drops to numb the area and medication t...

Staying active in assisted living Lakewood isn’t about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. For senior men, fitness is more about feeling good, staying mobile, and keeping the body strong enough to enjoy everyday life. Whether it’s walking the dog, gardening, or chasing grandkids around the yard, regular movement helps maintain independence and energy. Start with walking Walking is one of the simplest, most effective exercises for older adults. It boosts cardiovascular health, supports joint mobility, and improves balance. A 20- to 30-minute walk can do wonders most days of the week. For those just getting started, even short walks around the block count. Add strength training Muscles naturally decrease with age, but strength training helps slow that loss. Light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like wall push-ups and chair squats can help maintain muscle. Aim for two to three times per week, giving muscles time to rest in between. Focus on flexibility Stretchin...

For those managing diabetes in assisted living Lakewood , finding a snack that’s both tasty and healthy can feel like a bit of a balancing act. That’s where blueberries come in. These little berries are more than just a sweet treat; they’re packed with nutrients that can support stable blood sugar, heart health, and memory. And they’re easy to add to almost any meal or snack without much fuss. Why blueberries? Blueberries are naturally low in sugar compared to many other fruits and are rich in fiber. That fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which is key for keeping glucose levels steady. One small handful can satisfy a sweet craving without causing a spike or crash. Rich in antioxidants These berries are also loaded with antioxidants, especially a type called anthocyanins. That’s what gives them their deep blue color. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels, which is especially important for older adults with diabetes. Heart-friendly b...

There’s something comforting about a warm, home-cooked meal in assisted living Lakewood , but food is more than just fuel or flavor. It plays a powerful role in how our brains age, especially for older adults. What we eat can help protect memory and focus or slowly chip away at them over time. The brain needs the right nutrients to stay sharp, and luckily, making brain-friendly choices is easier than most people think. Start with healthy fats. The brain is nearly 60 percent fat, so it makes sense that it needs healthy fats to function well. Foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and avocados provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain cell communication and help reduce inflammation. These fats may also lower the risk of cognitive decline over time. Add color to your plate. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, which protect brain cells from damage. Think berries, leafy greens, carrots, and beets. These foods are rich in vitamins like C and E, which he...

Let’s discuss sunscreen. It’s easy to think of it as something you grab before a beach day, but it’s a key part of daily skincare, especially as we age. Older skin becomes thinner and more sensitive over time, making it more vulnerable to sun damage. The good news is that picking the right sunscreen in senior livingLakewood doesn’t have to be overwhelming. First, pay attention to SPF. For aging skin, dermatologists typically recommend SPF 30 or higher. That’s strong enough to block out most harmful UVB rays. SPF 50 is a safe bet if you will be outside for extended periods. It gives added protection without making things too heavy or greasy. Look for broad-spectrum formulas. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the sneaky ones that cause long-term aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburns. A sunscreen that covers both keeps your skin safer in the long run. Ingredients matter, too. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titaniu...