Friday, June 27, 2025

Managing Hormonal Changes Through Lifestyle Choices


Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, especially as we age.

While they can feel overwhelming at times, simple lifestyle choices can make a real difference in how you experience those changes.

You don’t have to accept feeling off-balance—you can take small steps that help your body feel stronger, more stable, and better supported every day.

Here’s how thoughtful daily habits in assisted living Glendale can ease the transition and improve overall well-being.

Focus on Balanced Nutrition

What you eat plays a major role in hormonal health.

Choosing foods that stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation can help minimize symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and weight gain.

Key foods to add into your meals:
  • Leafy greens and colorful vegetables
  • Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil
  • Lean proteins, including fish, chicken, and legumes
  • Fiber-rich grains like quinoa and oats
Limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive caffeine can also support steadier hormone levels.

Prioritize Regular Movement

In retirement homes, exercise isn’t just good for your heart and muscles—it’s essential for hormonal balance too.

Physical activity helps regulate insulin, cortisol, and even mood-related hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

You don’t have to commit to intense workouts.

Simple, sustainable activities work wonders, such as:
  • Brisk walks
  • Yoga or stretching routines
  • Gentle strength training with resistance bands
Communities like senior living Glendale AZ often make it easy to stay active with group fitness classes tailored to different energy levels and needs.

Support Sleep Health

Hormonal health is deeply tied to sleep quality.

Poor sleep throws off cortisol and melatonin levels, leading to increased stress, lower immunity, and difficulty regulating other hormones.

Good sleep habits include:
  • Keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
  • Limiting screen time an hour before bed
  • Creating a dark, cool sleeping environment
  • Practicing calming routines like reading or meditation
Even small improvements in sleep can noticeably ease hormonal symptoms over time.

Manage Stress Mindfully

Chronic stress triggers imbalances in many hormone systems, particularly cortisol and adrenaline.

Mindful stress management is one of the most powerful tools you can use.

Simple strategies include:
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Gentle meditation or prayer
  • Spending time outdoors in nature
  • Connecting regularly with supportive friends or family
Taking even five minutes a day for intentional relaxation makes a big difference over time.

Listen to Your Body

Finally, no two people experience hormonal changes the same way.

Stay tuned in to how different foods, activities, and habits affect you personally.

Track patterns if needed, and don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for personalized guidance when symptoms feel challenging.

With the right lifestyle foundations in place, it’s entirely possible to move through hormonal transitions with greater ease, strength, and peace of mind.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

What to Look for When Choosing a Senior Living Community


Choosing the right assisted living Glendale AZ community is a big decision.

It’s not just about finding a new place to live—it’s about finding a place that feels like home, supports your lifestyle, and offers peace of mind for the future.

Whether you're searching for yourself or a loved one, knowing what to look for makes the process less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.

Here’s what really matters when touring and evaluating options.

A Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere

First impressions count.

When you walk into the community, pay attention to the energy:
  • Do the staff greet you warmly?
  • Do the residents seem engaged and happy?
  • Is the environment clean, fresh, and comfortable without feeling overly clinical?
It should feel like a place where you or your loved one could truly relax and thrive.

Care Options That Match Your Needs

Not all communities offer the same types of care.

Consider what level of support is needed today—and what might be needed in the future.

Some important services to ask about include:
  • Assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, medication management)
  • On-site healthcare access or partnerships with nearby providers
  • Memory care options, if cognitive support might be needed later
Choosing a place that can adapt to changing needs prevents the stress of having to move again later.

Meaningful Activities and Programs

A full calendar of activities shows that the community values engagement and quality of life.

Look for a range of options that fit different interests and energy levels, such as:
  • Exercise classes tailored for seniors
  • Art and music programs
  • Educational lectures and book clubs
  • Group outings to museums, parks, or local events
Staying active socially and mentally is just as important as physical health.

Dining That Nourishes and Satisfies

Food matters a lot more than people sometimes realize.

During your visit, ask if you can sample a meal.

Pay attention to:
  • Menu variety and nutrition
  • Special dietary accommodations
  • Flexibility around mealtimes and dining choices
Shared meals also offer important social opportunities and help build community.

Location and Accessibility

Proximity to family, doctors, and familiar neighborhoods can make a big difference in comfort and connection.

Check if the community offers easy access to transportation for medical appointments, shopping trips, and outings.

Communities like retirement homes Glendale often prioritize convenient locations, allowing residents to stay close to what matters most to them.

Transparent Pricing and Financial Options

Before making a final decision, make sure you fully understand the costs:
  • What's included in the monthly fee?
  • Are there additional charges for higher levels of care?
  • What happens if financial needs change over time?
The best communities are upfront about costs and happy to walk you through different options to fit your budget and future planning.

Choosing a senior living community is ultimately about quality of life—finding a place that offers security, independence, and joy at every stage.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Mindful Spending: How to Build a Budget You Love


Creating a budget doesn't have to feel like punishment.

In fact, when you approach it mindfully, budgeting becomes a powerful tool to help you live the life you truly want—without guilt, anxiety, or second-guessing.

Mindful spending is about paying attention.

Where is your money going?

Is it supporting your values and your goals?

Or is it slipping away on things that don't actually make your life better?

Here’s how to build a budget in senior living Glendale AZ you can feel good about.

Start With Honest Observation

Before you make any changes, spend a full month tracking every dollar you spend.

Don’t try to fix anything yet.

Just notice:
  • What categories dominate your spending?
  • Are there any surprises?
  • Do certain purchases feel rewarding, while others feel wasteful?
Gaining real awareness is the first step toward taking control.

Define What Matters Most

Mindful budgeting starts with clarity around your values.

Ask yourself:
  • What do I want more of in my life?
  • What expenses bring me joy or improve my health and happiness?
  • Where does my spending feel disconnected or impulsive?
While in assisted living, maybe you cherish weekly dinners with family, but realize subscription services you rarely use are draining your bank account.

Aligning spending with your values makes cutting back in less meaningful areas much easier—and much less painful.

Build a Flexible, Personalized Budget

Forget one-size-fits-all templates.

A mindful budget is customized to your life.

Yes, you’ll cover essentials like rent or mortgage, food, and transportation.

But you’ll also intentionally set aside money for:
  • Travel and adventure
  • Hobbies and passions
  • Health and wellness
Charitable giving or causes you care about

Labeling these categories clearly keeps your budget from feeling like a list of bills—it becomes a plan for building a life you love.

Leave Room for the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable.

Your budget needs flexibility to handle emergencies and celebrations alike.

Set aside a "flex fund" each month for:

  • Surprise birthday gifts
  • Car repairs
  • Last-minute opportunities you’d hate to miss
Mindful budgeting isn’t about saying no all the time—it’s about being ready to say yes to what really matters.

Adapting Your Budget in Retirement

As people transition into later stages of life, priorities change.

Many seniors shift focus toward experiences, health, and convenience.

For those moving into retirement homes Glendale, budgeting may mean reallocating funds from home maintenance toward travel, wellness programs, and personal enrichment activities.

Mindful spending continues to be powerful in retirement—it simply evolves to match new values and goals.

Building a budget you love isn’t about restriction.

It’s about conscious choice.

It’s about crafting a life where your money supports your dreams, your peace of mind, and your future.

Friday, June 20, 2025

OTC Drugs and Seniors: Potential Risks


All too often people think of over-the-counter drugs (OTC) as being safe and not having the side-effects or drug interactions their prescription drugs might have. Experts say this attitude could put you at risk as many OTC drugs are not as harmless as we think, especially for older adults. AARP cited a statistic showing as many as 178,000 hospitalizations a year are caused by a reaction to OCT medications and adults 65 years and older were more commonly harmed.

One reason older adults are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes are many already take several prescription drugs. A report from the Lown Institute, a non-profit organization, reported nearly half of adults 65 years and older take five (known as polypharmacy) or more prescription drugs daily. Another 20 percent over 65 take 10 or more daily.

This increases the risk of interactions when taking OTC medication for pain relief, stomach issues, allergies or other needs. In addition, the AARP article explains as we age, our bodies lose muscle and gain fat, which slows down the process of getting rid of medications. One of the organs responsible for processing medication is the kidneys, which start to work less effectively to filter and eliminate waste causing medications to build up. Aging livers also work less effectively to break down medications.

Common OTCs like acetaminophen (generic name for Tylenol) can cause damage to the liver. Ann M. Hester, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Highland, Maryland explains overuse of acetaminophens is the leading cause of deadly liver failure. Seniors on blood thinners should be aware that ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) OTCs drugs may result in stomach bleeding and ulcers. Moreover, doctors no longer recommend people take a daily aspirin as a preventive measure toward heart disease as it too may cause stomach bleeding.

People with high blood pressure should be aware that decongestants containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine like Sudafed can increase blood pressure. It can also cause problems to combine an OTC pain reliever with a decongestant as it too raises blood pressure putting the person at risk for a stroke; and men with prostrate issues are at risk for urinary problems. There are other OTCs that seniors should be wary of so before you take one, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our community is devoted to the care of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our comprehensive care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care facility in Colorado Springs.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Benefits Available for Eligible Veterans or Surviving Spouses


Residents of the MorningStar Senior Living communities include veterans from all branches of the military and we are honored to serve them. As a MorningStar team member eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.”

When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living or memory care; we are pleased to direct them to a “Financial Concierge.” These financial services experts have the knowledge to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annually.

The National Care Planning Council estimates up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance. These benefits can be used toward care in a memory care community such as MorningStar at Bear Creek. Visit our website as we have a whole page explaining the benefit, a quick 5-minute test to see if you qualify, and our contact number for more answers and information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, professional dementia care in Colorado Springs and we are here if or when you need us. Every aspect of our community caters to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Pueblo has to offer.

Monday, June 16, 2025

Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery


Statistics show cataracts affect approximately 24 million Americans and are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world. They occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy due to the breakdown of its proteins, resulting in blurry, hazy or less colorful vision. Age is the primary reason for cataracts and typically starts around the age of 60. As they take a long time to develop; many people do not notice the gradual blurring of their vision. Individuals with diabetes may experience the problem at a much younger age.

If during an eye exam your doctor mentions you have the start of cataracts, they may tell you it is not to the point where surgery is required; but may recommend increasing the strength of your prescription eyeglasses. If you are told the problem is far enough along to warrant surgery keep in mind it is a routine procedure. However, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks to determine if it is the right time for you.

There are a few signs that may make it easier to decide if you want to do the surgery. These include having a hard time driving at night and not being able to read or watch TV because of the cataracts. Double-vision and seeing colors as faded or yellowish are other signs. Another reason it may be time to schedule the surgery is the cataracts are making it difficult for your doctor to do a thorough exam of your eyes.

One of the best ways to slow down cataracts is to wear sunglasses with UV protection and to quit smoking. If you see “halos” or can’t handle glare while driving at night, stop driving after dark. Experts say cataract surgery has a high success rate but it can take anywhere from two to six weeks to fully recover.

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides individualized dementia care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our 48 suites include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans; and our home is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our compassionate community and approach to care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek memory care brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving memory care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Caring for an Elderly Loved One Can Impact Physical and Mental Health


Caregiver burnout is a real thing. Experts estimate 61 percent of the country’s 48 million caregivers are working outside jobs along with acting as a caregiver. In a report titled “Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated,” from AARP and S&P Global, two-thirds of respondents said they had at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.

The survey reports 84% of respondents said caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Another 27% of working caregivers said due to their workload “they were forced to go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours.” Others complained their employers seemed to be more understanding of child care leave than they were to employees who had to take time off to care for a parent or other elderly family member.

Respondents said beyond holding down a job, they were putting in at least six hours a week of caregiving for a loved one. Tasks include everything from assisting with the actual physical care of a loved one to taking the person to doctor visits, grocery shopping, and serving as an advocate for the person to ensure they are getting the proper care.

Other studies support the findings of the AARP survey as they too found participants reported difficulty in balancing work and caregiving; and the negative impact it can have on physical and mental health. In 2023, a study found almost half of all caregivers spent between 10 to 29 hours a week caregiving. More concerning is that many caregivers are neglecting their own health stating they have no time to exercise and are not keeping up with their routine annual physical and screenings. In fact, forty-one percent of caregivers report low overall well-being, which is 32% more than non-caregivers.

This is why assisted living can be a lifesaver for both the elderly person and the family caregiver. Not only do residents have their care needs met but they can also take advantage of all the benefits community living offers. Now when family members visit, they can just enjoy each other’s company.

At MorningStar of Billings, we strive to be the best independent living and senior living in the area, and we take the well-being of our residents very seriously. Our all-inclusive community offers all the amenities, services and enrichment programs to help residents live life to the fullest. For those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have suites devoted to individualized, compassionate memory care. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.


Sources:
aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2024/working-caregivers-report.html
guardianlife.com/reports/caregiving-in-america