MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Ever notice how falling asleep feels harder after spending time on your phone, tablet, or watching TV late into the evening? It might not just be a coincidence—blue light could be the culprit. As we age, getting a good night’s sleep becomes even more crucial for maintaining overall health, and understanding how blue light affects sleep patterns can make a big difference in how well seniors rest. In assisted living Lakewood, helping residents achieve restful, high-quality sleep is a priority, and managing blue light exposure has become a key part of that approach. What Is Blue Light and Why Does It Matter? Blue light is a high-energy light emitted by electronic screens—think smartphones, tablets, computers, and even LED lights. While exposure to natural blue light during the day can boost alertness and mood, too much artificial blue light in the evening can throw off your body’s internal clock. Why Seniors Are More Sensitive to Blue Light As we age, natural changes in our sleep-wake cy...

Who doesn’t love the sweet, juicy burst of flavor from a fresh strawberry? But beyond being delicious, strawberries are a surprisingly powerful ally in managing inflammation—a key factor in many health conditions. For residents in senior apartments Lakewood , incorporating strawberries into your meals can be a fun and flavorful way to support better health. Why Inflammation Matters Let’s talk about inflammation. It’s your body’s way of responding to injury or infection, kind of like a red alert. While short-term inflammation helps you heal, chronic inflammation sticks around longer than it should. And that’s where trouble starts—it can contribute to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or even cognitive decline. The Anti-Inflammatory Superpower of Strawberries Here’s why strawberries deserve a spot in your kitchen: Loaded with Vitamin C: Strawberries pack a serious punch of this antioxidant, which fights free radicals and reduces inflammation. Bonus: Vitamin C also supports your i...

Have you ever wondered how much of your health is influenced by your family tree? It turns out, genetics plays a significant role in shaping everything from your hair color to your risk for certain conditions. Here at our assisted living Lakewood community, we love diving into conversations about health and wellness, and understanding genetics is a fascinating piece of the puzzle. What Do Genetics Have to Do with Health? Your genes are like a blueprint for your body. They carry instructions for how your cells grow, develop, and function. Some of these genetic traits are harmless (like your eye color), while others can impact your health. For example, conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or even certain cancers can run in families because inherited genes influence them. But here’s the good news—your genes don’t determine everything. While they might set the stage, your lifestyle choices still play a leading role in shaping your health. Understanding Your Family Health History Have ...

Retirement is often thought of as a time to relax, but for many seniors, it can also bring unexpected challenges—like how to stay active, engaged, and focused on personal well-being. That’s where a good self-care routine comes in. Prioritizing self-care can help seniors in senior living Lakewood feel their best, both physically and mentally. Why Self-Care Matters in Retirement After years of work and responsibility, retirement is a chance to put yourself first. A thoughtful self-care routine can: Support Physical Health: Regular movement and balanced meals keep your body strong and energized. Boost Mental Well-Being: Taking time for hobbies and social activities reduces stress and promotes happiness. Provide Structure: With more free time, routines create a sense of purpose and consistency in your day. 4 Steps to Building a Routine Creating a self-care plan doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s how to get started: 1. Start Small. Identify one or two areas where you’d like to foc...

If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to support heart health, it’s time to give beets a second look. These vibrant, earthy vegetables are packed with nutrients and have surprising benefits for cardiovascular health—especially for residents in assisted living Lakewood . They’re easy to add to your diet, versatile, and, believe it or not, delicious when prepared the right way. Why Beets Are a Heart-Healthy Powerhouse Beets might look humble, but they’re loaded with good-for-you nutrients like potassium, folate, and antioxidants. The real star, though, is their nitrate content. Once consumed, nitrates convert into nitric oxide, which works wonders for your cardiovascular system: Improved Blood Flow: Nitric oxide helps relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to circulate. Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that beets can naturally reduce systolic blood pressure, the “top number” in your reading. Boosted Stamina: With better circulation, your body gets more...

The holiday season is a time for giving, and nothing says “I care” quite like a handmade gift. In senior living Lakewood , crafting isn’t just a fun pastime; it’s also a way to create meaningful presents for loved ones. These simple Christmas crafts are perfect for seniors looking to add a personal touch to their holiday giving. Festive Mason Jar Luminaries Mason jars are versatile and easy to transform into charming luminaries. Seniors can fill them with fairy lights or candles, then decorate the outside with holiday stencils, snowflake stickers, or even glitter. These luminaries are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere at home or gifting as festive décor. Handmade Ornaments Decorating the tree feels extra special with ornaments crafted by hand. Simple salt dough ornaments are an excellent choice. With just flour, salt, and water, seniors can mold shapes like stars, trees, or candy canes. Once baked, they’re ready to be painted and personalized with names or dates. Holiday-Themed To...

As the days get cooler and the air turns crisp, many of us start to feel the effects of fall on our skin. For seniors, dry skin can become especially noticeable and, at times, uncomfortable. But the good news is that with just a few simple tweaks to a routine, it’s easy to keep skin feeling soft, hydrated, and healthy throughout the season. Tips for preventing dry skin: Switch to a Gentle Cleanser The first step to preventing dry skin is using a gentle, moisturizing cleanser. Many soaps and face washes can strip skin of its natural oils, which are important for keeping moisture locked in. A fragrance-free, creamy cleanser that’s formulated for sensitive or aging skin can make all the difference. Our resident Anne loves her gentle cleanser—she says it keeps her skin feeling clean and soft without any dryness. And the best part? It’s a small change that really goes a long way as temperatures start to dip. Use a Thicker Moisturizer Twice Daily In the fall, it’s worth switching to a richer...

Thanksgiving is a time for delicious food and family gatherings, but when dietary restrictions are involved, meal planning can feel tricky. Luckily, it’s entirely possible to make classic, flavorful dishes that everyone, including seniors in senior apartments with specific dietary needs, can enjoy. Simple, senior-friendly Thanksgiving recipes: Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast If a full turkey feels like too much, try a tender, herb-roasted turkey breast instead. It’s easier to cook, easier to carve, and perfect for smaller gatherings in senior apartments Lakewood . Plus, turkey breast is leaner, making it a great option for seniors watching their fat intake. Ingredients: Turkey breast, olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Directions: Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and herbs, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 350°F for about 1.5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish is simple, delicious, and naturally low in ...

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in later life can be overwhelming, and friends play a critical role in offering emotional and practical support. Knowing how to be present for a loved one during this difficult time requires sensitivity and thoughtful action. Below are a few ways that you can effectively support a senior friend diagnosed with breast cancer. Offer Emotional Support One of the most important things you can do is to simply be there for your friend. Many seniors diagnosed with cancer may feel isolated or anxious about their future. Offering a listening ear can provide much-needed comfort. Encourage open conversations without pushing too hard. Your friend may not always want to talk about their diagnosis, but just knowing that you're available can be reassuring. In communities like senior assisted living Lakewood , emotional support groups may also be available to help individuals cope with the emotional toll of breast cancer, allowing you to guide your friend to addi...

At our senior living Lakewood community , we’ve seen how lifelong learning can dramatically enrich the lives of our residents. Learning doesn’t have an expiration date, and staying curious, engaged, and open to new experiences can make all the difference in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, mastering a skill, or diving into a subject that’s always intrigued you, the benefits of lifelong learning go far beyond intellectual growth. Staying mentally active through learning can have profound effects on cognitive health. Studies show that continued education and mental stimulation can help delay memory decline and improve overall brain function. This doesn’t mean you need to enroll in formal classes (though some of our residents do!). It can be as simple as joining a book club, trying out a new craft, or learning how to use the latest technology. In our assisted living Lakewood community , we regularly offer engaging activities like lectures, ...