MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

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 causes 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...

As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air of fall sets in, seniors, especially those in assisted living Lakewood facilities , need to pay extra attention to their immunity. The transition from summer to cooler months can sometimes challenge the immune system, but nature, in its wisdom, provides seasonal foods packed with nutrients to help us counter these effects. For residents in senior living Lakewood communities and those under memory care Lakewood programs, incorporating these fall foods can be a delightful way to boost immunity and savor the season's flavors. Pumpkins : These orange delights aren't just for carving! Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for a strong immune system and is particularly beneficial for seniors. Enjoy roasted pumpkin, or add it to soups for a warm, nutritious meal. Sweet Potatoes : Like pumpkins, sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene. They are also a great source of fiber, ...

Senior living communities offering assisted living such as MorningStar of Hayward are designed to offer seniors 24/7 personal care with a wide range of wellness services targeted to their needs. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, explains in many cases, today’s communities may be a healthier, safer alternative for many elderly adults. Along with giving residents the help they need to maintain their independence, residents and families get peace of mind knowing someone is always around to lend a helping hand as well as all the benefits derived from the social connections offered by community life. A Place for Mom cites several studies, which shows the extensive services and programs offered by assisted living can aid seniors in avoiding many commonplace problems affecting the elderly. Getting the proper nutrition is one of those things as many elderly people struggle with meal prep and cooking, and for those who are no longer driving, buying grocerie...

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, MorningStar of Mission Viejo may be your answer. Along with beautiful surroundings, we provide an extensive range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more. When a loved one needs more care than they can get in their own home, it may be time to start thinking about a move to assisted living . If your family is new to the concept of senior living and all it means, please know that MorningStar will work with you every step of the way to help you make informed decisions, and make the eventual move-in process easier. To start with, we understand that for your parent or elderly relative, the move is a major lifestyle transition, which is why we approach each move-in with great sensitivity. One way we do this is to try and nurture a relationship from the start that reinforces the positive aspects of community life and tries to help the person envision the many possibilities of a new adventure. Once your family puts down a de...

At MorningStar of Hayward, we want you to know independent living means much more than simply a change in your housing. We think of it as a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals, and to get down to the business of really enjoying your precious retirement years. Our community specializes in offering a full range of hospitality services that free you from the drudgery of daily chores and obligations. We provide housekeeping services and take care of maintenance, inside and out. In addition, residents will enjoy chef-inspired, all-day dining and enrichment activities which promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursue your own interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, or volunteer in your community. Along with beautifully landscaped grounds and courtyards, we have an outdoor dining deck and strolling paths to enjoy the outdoors. A fitn...

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older. There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering f...

Once mom or dad has made the decision to move to an assisted living community, you will want it to go as smoothly as possible and this includes helping them choose the right place to meet today’s needs as well as the next 5 to 10 years. In some cases, a move to an assisted living community is precipitated by a worsening medical condition or an injury due to a fall and the time to mentally prepare oneself is short. This is why MorningStar of Boise has a guide to help families navigate through such a momentous change in a senior’s life. Googling senior living in the Boise, ID area will bring up quite a few hits, so experts recommend narrowing down the candidates to 3 or 4 communities that offer assisted living . Start with reading reviews from families and residents’ themselves to see what they say about the place, and then consider location, price and amenities. Touring a community is a real eye-opener and the Internet offers many tips on what to look for during your visit. At MorningS...