MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Pumpkins are often associated with autumn traditions, but they’re far more than a seasonal decoration in retirement communities. For men’s health, pumpkin and its seeds provide nutrients that can be especially beneficial for the prostate. With prostate issues becoming more common as men age, paying attention to diet is one simple way to support long-term wellness. Pumpkin seeds, sometimes called pepitas, are rich in compounds that promote prostate health. They contain plant-based chemicals known as phytosterols, which may help reduce the size of an enlarged prostate and support normal urinary function. This is particularly valuable for older men who experience discomfort related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that causes the prostate to enlarge. Zinc, a mineral found abundantly in pumpkin seeds, plays another important role. Adequate zinc levels are linked to healthy prostate tissue and strong immune defenses. Because the body does not store large amounts of zinc, includ...

The phrase “active adult living” often gets tossed around, but what does it actually mean? For today’s seniors in assisted living Boise , it’s more than just a catchphrase. It reflects a lifestyle centered on independence, vitality, and opportunities for growth. Far from being about slowing down, it’s about staying engaged and thriving in new ways. Active adult living emphasizes choice. It gives older adults the freedom to design their days around what brings energy and fulfillment rather than limitation. That might mean picking up a new hobby, participating in fitness classes, or simply enjoying the flexibility to socialize without the responsibilities of home maintenance. At its core, this lifestyle focuses on three main areas: Wellness and fitness Regular access to gyms, yoga sessions, and walking groups keeps the body moving. Wellness programs often include nutrition workshops, balance training, and meditation classes. Staying physically active helps maintain strength, mobility, an...

Breathing is something we rarely think about until it becomes difficult. For older adults, lung strength is especially important when cold and flu season approaches. Stronger lungs can mean fewer complications from respiratory illnesses, quicker recovery times, and greater comfort in everyday activities. The good news is there are practical, natural ways to give your lungs extra support. One of the most effective strategies is regular physical activity in assisted living Boise . Gentle, consistent movement helps keep the lungs flexible and strong. Walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics encourage deeper breathing, which trains the lungs to work more efficiently. Even short bouts of activity can improve lung capacity over time, making it easier to fight off seasonal illnesses. Breathing exercises are another powerful tool. Simple routines like pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing can expand lung capacity and improve oxygen exchange. These techniques are easy to learn, can ...

You only get one body and, when you’re getting up there in years, you want to do all you can to keep it healthy. While some factors can negatively impact your immune system (like stress and sleep deprivation), you can also take steps to ensure it’s performing its best for you. By taking a few extra steps, you can help keep yourself as healthy as possible this flu season. Eat a Balanced Diet Eating a healthy diet full of the right nutrients is one of the best things you can do to keep your immune system up to par. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin C and beta carotene, can give your immune system the extra nutrients it needs to fight infection. Try to eat plenty of lean protein as well, which can include both animal sources (chicken, beef, fish) and plant-based sources (legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds). Your body needs amino acids for its natural immune response, and proteins provide them. Exercise Exercising regularly is important for so many reasons...

Simplifying and downsizing your life can be an emotional experience. You might be moving to a new place, such as senior living Lakewood , or just want to downsize your possessions. Either way, decluttering can make you feel liberated, so here are a few tips on how to make that process easier and more manageable. 1. Start Early and Take It One Step at a Time Decluttering your whole house in one go can feel like a daunting task, so instead, start early and give yourself enough time. It is also recommended to take it one room at a time and not to rush through each stage. Break things down into manageable steps, even smaller ones like just a closet or a bookshelf. This way, you will have enough time to process through all of your items, especially those with sentimental value, and keep stress at a minimum. 2. Sort and Categorize As you begin to go through your belongings, categorize them as you sort. This will give you an idea of what you are working with and how to tackle each pile: Keep:...

When you’re considering a memory care Lakewood community for your loved one, it’s only natural to be curious about what to expect in such a setting. These communities are a great choice for residents who need assistance because of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory disorders. A good memory care community will also be a peaceful, secure, and nurturing environment for residents. But to be sure of that, it’s important to know what you should expect. A Specialized Environment with Safety Features Assisted living is designed to meet the special needs of their residents. The layout of the facility will be very different from a regular assisted living community in order to eliminate sources of confusion and keep residents safe. You’ll find secure entrances and exits to keep out uninvited guests and prevent residents from wandering. The space will also be designed with easy navigation in mind, with clear signage and visual cues to help residents stay oriented. There are also usually ple...

Brains like routine, variety, and small wins. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can help seniors in assisted living Lakewood stay focused, recall names more easily, and feel more confident with daily tasks. Families can join in, turning practice into a shared habit that supports both memory and mood. Try a few of these simple exercises and rotate them through the week. One-minute categories Pick a letter or theme and list as many words as you can in sixty seconds. Example topics: fruit, tools, cities, or words that start with B. Aim to beat yesterday’s score by one. Memory tray Place eight small items on a tray. Look for thirty seconds, cover them, then name the objects. Level up by putting them back in the exact order or adding one more item. Step and spell March in place while spelling common words, reciting months backward, or naming animals. This trains attention and balance together. Stand near a counter for safety. Number–letter switch Say or write A1, B2, C3 up to Z26. Next time, st...

Downsizing works best when seniors in senior livingLakewood and their families plan together. The goal is not to keep or toss everything. The goal is to keep the life you want easy, safe, and meaningful. A clear plan protects energy and preserves the stories attached to special things. Agree on the purpose and pace Start with a short family meeting. Decide why you are moving, what must come with you, and the date you want to be finished. Choose work windows of 45 minutes with a break. This keeps joints happy and prevents decision fatigue. Keep safety at the center Set up a steady work zone with a sturdy chair, bright light, and a non-slip mat. Wear supportive shoes. Families can handle ladders, heavy boxes, and trips to donation drop offs. Seniors steer the decisions. Helpers supply the muscle and the labels. Use a simple, fair method to choose Try the Five S test for each item: Safety, Size, Sentiment, Spend, Suitability. Safety: Does keeping this create a trip risk or cluttered walkw...

Arthritis often begins quietly. A little morning stiffness. A joint that feels sore after a short walk. Small signals like these are worth noticing, because early care helps prevent bigger problems later. What arthritis looks like early Pay attention to how joints feel during everyday tasks in assisted living lakewood . If simple movements like turning a doorknob, opening a jar, or rising from a chair start to feel awkward or uncomfortable, your joints may be asking for care. Symptoms are usually gradual with osteoarthritis, while inflammatory arthritis can flare more suddenly. Common early signs Morning stiffness that eases within an hour Achy pain after activity that settles with rest Tenderness when pressing around a joint line Subtle swelling or a sense of fullness in the joint Clicking or grinding sensations, called crepitus Reduced grip strength or trouble with fine tasks Pain that worsens in the late afternoon or evening Signals that suggest inflammatory arthritis include swelli...

Good balance is not about doing tricky moves. It is about teaching your body to react a little faster and stand a little steadier. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can make walking, stairs, and getting out of a chair feel easier. Before you begin, clear a small space, wear supportive shoes, and stand near a counter or sturdy chair in your assisted living lakewood apartment for light support. Sit to stand Sit tall in a chair with feet under your knees. Lean slightly forward and press through your heels to stand. Step back until you feel the chair and sit with control. Start with 8 to 10 repetitions. This builds leg strength, which is the base of balance. Heel to toe walk Stand at the counter. Place one foot directly in front of the other so the heel touches the toes. Walk 10 to 15 slow steps, then turn and return. Keep your eyes forward. This improves stability on narrow surfaces like curbs. Weight shifts Stand tall with hands hovering over the counter. Shift your weight to the right foot ...

If you’re looking for a way to improve mental and physical health and feel happier in your retirement communities , you might consider picking up a new hobby or returning to an old one. Any enjoyable, interesting activity that takes focus can offer many health benefits. A creative or physical outlet can keep your mind, body, and mood in better shape. Simple pleasures are important for all of us, but they can have added significance in senior years when structure, enjoyment, and accomplishment are essential for well-being. A hobby is something that can be done alone or with others, indoors or out. Whichever activity you decide to pursue, the positive effects on health and wellness will have you feeling better in mind and body. Try something new for fun and for your health Gain mental stimulation and increased brain function Improve emotional health and self-esteem Stay connected with others and prevent isolation Feel calmer and less anxious Reduce the risk of chronic disease Increase ov...

You’re probably missing your loved ones in assisted living more than ever these days, but staying in touch has never been easier. You just have to know what to do. If you’ve never used a smartphone, video chat, or social media, this post will teach you some easy tools you can use to feel more connected. Don’t be overwhelmed. You don’t have to become a tech whiz to stay in touch these days. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can use some digital tools to strengthen your relationships, find new hobbies, and even make your life a little easier and safer. Get Comfortable With the Basics If you’re not yet confident using a smartphone or tablet, start by familiarizing yourself with the features you’ll use every day: Calling and Texting. Screens can be large and fonts enlarged to make devices easier to read and understand. Spend some time figuring out how to send a basic text or video call using FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Email. Email is useful for sending and receiving long messages...

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep (or staying asleep), you’re not imagining it. Age can certainly affect sleep for older adults. You may be waking up earlier, feeling sleepy during the day, and/or having trouble dozing off in the middle of the night. Although some changes to sleep are normal with age, there are things you can do naturally to help your body get the rest it needs. Follow these eight simple tips to improve sleep for better health in retirement communities : 1. Get on a Sleep Schedule Establish a sleep schedule that you can follow every day (even on weekends). Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your internal clock. 2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual Give your body time and cues to wind down at night. Start a bedtime ritual that helps you relax reading a book, listening to music, gentle stretches, and warm baths are all good examples. Avoid reading the newspaper or watching television in bed, especially if the program involves the news. The...

Water exercise is a great form of low-impact movement in the heat of summer. Relaxing in the water cools the body, lowers stress on the joints and offers seniors a chance to get stronger, improve balance and have some fun. Pool workouts or lake exercises can be gentle or challenging depending on the individual’s fitness level. The easiest way to get in a workout is by water walking. Find a pool or spot in the lake where the water is waist deep. Walk forward and backward taking long strides while keeping the abs tight. Moving against water creates twelve times more resistance than air, but the water supports the body and takes pressure off hips and knees. Start with fifteen minutes and work up to thirty. Aqua aerobics is a class commonly found in senior assisted living Lakewood communities . The teacher leads participants in arm circles, knee lifts and easy kicks while music plays. Hand weights like foam dumbbells or pool noodles are sometimes used for upper body resistance. If there is...

Age thins the skin and saps moisture making the delicate covering of older adults prone to burning, discoloration, and inflammation. Seniors with sensitive skin often avoid wearing sunscreen due to stinging ingredients or goopy texture. The answer is a combination of timing, protective barriers, and skin-friendly formulas so you can experience the outdoors in comfort. Reschedule outdoor chores in assisted living Lakewood to before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when there is less ultraviolet radiation. Mornings are ideal for gardening or an early evening walk in the neighborhood to get your vitamin D dose without subjecting sensitive skin to intense midday sun. If errands must be done during the high UV hours, walk or stand on the shaded side of the street. Clothing is your first line of defense. Choose lightweight long sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts that advertise UPF 50 on the label. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50 means ninety eight percent of UV rays are blocked but the materia...

Older adults in senior living Lakewood burn fewer calories and have less muscle mass, which make it more difficult to lose weight. Medical issues also may reduce the ability to exercise vigorously. Staying at a healthy weight can keep you moving and help prevent chronic diseases. Here’s how to manage your weight by using the right balance of nutrition, light activity, and a positive attitude. Eat more protein. Aim for about twenty to thirty grams of lean, complete protein at each meal. Older adults need more protein per pound of body weight to maintain muscle. Good sources include eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, and fish. Protein is more filling, so you’ll be less tempted to snack on junk food later. Select high fiber carbohydrates. Foods like whole oats, quinoa, and lentils help you feel full and satisfied for longer. These low glycemic index carbs digest more slowly, which can help you avoid blood sugar spikes and reduce cravings. Adults should try to eat at least twenty five grams of fib...

As temperatures soar this summer in senior living Lakewood, make sure you do not just drink water to stay hydrated. You can find water in many fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with minerals and are naturally low in calories. Hydrating foods are ideal for seniors who want to reach their fluid intake goals and who may become bloated from drinking too many pitchers of plain water. Try these delicious and refreshing foods on hot days: Watermelon is an obvious choice for summertime hydration. In fact, it is almost 92% water. Watermelon is also a good source of potassium, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Keep a bowl of bite sized chunks in the refrigerator. Snack on watermelon throughout the day or combine it with fresh mint leaves to make a quick and easy slushie. Cantaloupe and honey dew are also high in water and may be easier to digest. Add hydration and flavor to regular water by slicing half of a cucumber and placing it in a pitcher of plain w...

When you’re wandering around the aisle of a drugstore, the shelves are lined with different types of multivitamins for seniors. We see them everywhere; they claim everything from a better memory to stronger bones to, you guessed it, boundless energy. But are these one pill taking care of all your vitamin and mineral needs and are they the right ones for you? The simple answer is, it depends on your diet, your health and the prescription drugs you are taking. If you’ve lost your appetite or you are eating a restricted diet in assisted living Lakewood , multivitamins may be a good idea. A classic example of the former is vitamin B12, since our ability to absorb it decreases with age, due to a decrease in stomach acid production. A vitamin B12 deficiency could cause fatigue and nerve issues. However, a multivitamin with 100 percent of your daily value can prevent this issue. Calcium and vitamin D are a good example of supplements that can increase your bone density. However, high levels o...

Keeping track of medications can feel like a full-time job. One bottle in the bathroom, another on the kitchen counter, maybe a few extras in your purse just in case. It adds up fast. And when prescriptions change, doses shift, or new vitamins get added to the mix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s the good news: with a little organization in senior living , your medications can stop being a daily stress and start feeling like something that runs smoothly in the background. Start with a full inventory Gather everything: prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, supplements, and vitamins. Check for duplicates or expired items. Lay it all out in one place to get a clear picture of what you're taking. Create a master list Write down the name, dosage, purpose, and time of day for each medication. Note any special instructions, like “take with food” or “morning only.” Keep a copy in your wallet or on your fridge in case of emergencies or appointments. Use a pill organizer Choose a weekl...

Radishes don’t usually steal the spotlight. They’re often tossed into salads as an afterthought or left sitting on the edge of the veggie tray. But if you’re looking for a way to support liver health without overhauling your diet in senior living , this crisp, peppery root might be one of the simplest tools you have. The liver does a lot of behind-the-scenes work. It filters toxins, breaks down fats, and helps your body absorb important nutrients. As we age, it becomes even more important to support this hardworking organ with foods that are gentle, nourishing, and full of helpful compounds. Radishes support natural detoxification Your liver’s job is to filter out waste and chemicals from the body. Radishes are rich in compounds like glucosinolates and anthocyanins that help the liver do its job more efficiently. These compounds encourage the production of enzymes that support detox and protect liver cells from damage. They’re high in antioxidants Antioxidants fight off free radicals t...