A Healthy Diet for Older Adults

The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned with ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet.

Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).”

Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 55 stylish suites for assisted living and another 24 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins, CO.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html

Learn More About Assisted Living

While assisted living has been around in the U.S. for the last several decades, some people are still confused as to what it means. Senior living communities that offer assisted living provide long-term housing for seniors to safely age in place. As it is not skilled nursing care, assisted living residents are overall active and independent, but may need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. As a resident, you get 24/7 care and nutrition, daily meals as well as benefit from a range of wellness programs, the company of fellow residents and staff, and peace of mind knowing help is at hand if needed.

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA NCAL) reports assisted living is a fast-growing sector of senior living with over 800,000 Americans currently residing in an assisted living community. Experts say in some cases, depending on the level of services provided, in-home care can actually be more expensive and doesn’t offer all the services and amenities found in many assisted living communities.

Homes like MorningStar of Fort Collins provide residents with much more than supportive care. Our Life Enrichment programs offer physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement with creative ways to stay active and productive as we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

MorningStar of Fort Collins is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for our residents, made possible by a dedicated team who understands the highest expression of living is to share their talents, time and energy with others. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/assisted-living

Stretching Exercises are Good for Any Age and Fitness Level

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our beautiful senior living community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to provide the best assisted living Fort Collins has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please see our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

MorningStar takes tremendous 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.


Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

Your Community’s Beauty Salon and Barber Services Can Help You Maintain Your Grooming Routine

Moving to a retirement community comes with perks such as getting to spend more time pampering yourself. Before, meal preparation and household chores may have kept your schedule tight with little room to make appointments at a salon for a hair trim or pedicure. With the mundane tasks out of the way, relaxation at the on-site salon is within just a few steps. 

Keeping up with regular hair care is a common worry when transitioning to a retirement community. It can be hard to leave a trusted beautician or to schedule transportation to visit every so often. Maintaining regular grooming routines adds a boost to your self-esteem and confidence. Not only will a salon visit make you feel well-kept and beautiful, but stylists can offer advice to keep your hair looking its best by recommending salon products and helpful tips to aid in maintenance and promote overall hair health. 

Keeping up appearances isn’t just prioritized for women. A clean shave, hair care, and nail treatments are also offered for our male residents in senior living at MorningStar. As we age, it can become difficult to keep up with shaving and those hard-to-reach places. Your safety and comfort is of our utmost importance, which is why our salon specialists are trained in all areas of hair grooming and upkeep and would be happy to help.

MorningStar retirement communities recognize the necessity of qualified beauty professionals to serve our senior living community. MorningStar at Arrowhead uses fully licensed and talented cosmetologists that can maintain your usual hairstyle or help you to discover a completely new you! Typically the salon is open two to three days a week. It is a full-service salon, including hair and nail services for both men and women.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Moving to a Retirement Community in Glendale, AZ? Here is a Suggested Packing List

It is important to have a sense of familiarity in your new home when making the transition to a senior living community. Some communities offer furnished suites within retirement homes, but it can actually be homier to be surrounded by your own personal furnishings and belongings that hold sentimental value to you. MorningStar in Glendale, AZ recommends that retirement residents bring along their own items that function emotionally and functionally. While you may not have room to bring everything, here are some things to not leave behind when embarking on your move to a retirement community.

Priceless artifacts such as photos and childhood memorabilia are important things to pack when furnishing your new retirement home. Ask a loved one to compile photos into a photo album so you can always have these memories within arm's reach. Creating shadow boxes is a fun way to display keepsakes that you have collected throughout your life. Get together with a close friend or relative to help build and display these time capsules within your new environment. 

It’s easy to forget our mundane objects and things we use every day such as personal care items. Packing your favorite bath products will help to make your new home feel more familiar and is a nice way to relax after moving in. Be sure to pack glasses, toothbrushes, and hair care as well. While MorningStar retirement homes in Glendale, AZ do have an onsite convenience store that can supply most necessities, special body care items should be heavily considered in your packing process so you do not have to miss out on your favorite product or wait for a replacement.  

Entertainment materials are also important to have within your retirement home. Whether you pack cards, board games, movies, or books, these familiar things will help keep you preoccupied and help you decompress after a long day of socializing with others in the retirement community. Not only are they good to have around for personal use, but for hosting visitors as well. Watching a movie with grandchildren is a great way to bond and discourage restlessness. Hosting a game night with other residents is a creative way to break the ice with your neighbors and new friends.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our senior living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Companion Living Fosters Joy at MorningStar

Regardless of age, isolation drains us of our purpose and excitement towards life. Having a close partner or friend nearby while adjusting to a retirement community helps one feel less alone while embarking on a new journey in life. Companionship Living within retirement communities eases the transition of moving to a senior living community and relaxes the financial burden on individuals and families. MorningStar at Arrowhead recognizes the importance of friendship and community and is pleased to offer Companion Living within our retirement homes, assisted living, and memory care.

What is considered a companion? At MorningStar, a companion is defined as any person that holds a strong bond with you that you spend a lot of time with, such as an intimate partner or spouse. Alternatively, suites can be shared by close friends of the same or opposite sex who simply enjoy one another's company and who complement each other well. Perhaps there is someone you have enjoyed past travels with or someone that shares your same interests and ethics that you find as a good roommate.

Besides maintaining close friendships, there are other benefits that come with Companion Living in retirement communities, such as cost-effectiveness. Perhaps the cost is what is holding you back from the decision to move to a retirement community. With Companion Living at MorningStar at Arrowhead, the expenses of a suite can be split between two unrelated people. MorningStar retirement communities in Glendale AZ have floorplans ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites that are spacious for roommate situations. Furthermore, if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our Companion Living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Finding the Best Care for a Loved One with Dementia

Searching for memory care for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our one-story residential home is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in assisted living dementia care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community.

Does Your Mom or Dad Have Serious Memory Problems?

If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time.  Medical experts recommend doing some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is.  You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parents.  

Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms.  This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with your parents about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam.   

Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm.  Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask.  Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing.  However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw.  

At MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating, and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. Every aspect of our memory care assisted living addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in memory care assisted living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional dementia assisted living.

Overcoming Occasional Lapses in Memory

Every so often most of us find ourselves in a quandary wondering where we put our glasses, cell phone or car keys. As we age, these and other annoying problems like forgetting names of people we just met or forgetting the time of an appointment begin to happen. Lydia Cho, a psychologist and neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, says, "These moments may seem like an unfortunate part of aging, but they can happen to people of all ages.” She says it is important to not get too stressed out about them as there are a few things we can do to mitigate occasional lapses in memory. However, more serious memory loss should be checked out by your physician.

Often upon meeting someone, we get more involved in the greeting, our surroundings and looking at their face than making the effort to remember their name. To help remember a person’s name, experts recommend making a connection to the name by repeating it back. Then try to associate the name with that of a celebrity, friend or movie character. You can also connect the name to a place or use a rhyming word. 

Another area many of us have experienced memory lapses is with things like “did we turn off the oven?”, or “forget to lock the door?” Cho says this forgetfulness generally occurs because we did not fully engage in the task. Rather they were done in an absentminded way without really thinking about them. She suggests setting up a common location for easily misplaced items like your keys on a table near the door. For other items not used frequently, focus on where you put them and say to yourself: I am putting the “blank” in the drawer next to the coffee pot.  If you think you will still forget, take a photo. 

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We offer support to residents as well as their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/managing-memory-slip-ups

Independent Living Offers a Care-Free Lifestyle

Looking for the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies, and to do more than just dream about exciting adventures? Independent living offers a refreshing change of lifestyle and gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to the endless chores and maintenance associated with homeownership. Other often overlooked benefits include built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. 

Independent living communities may differ but many let you enjoy the comforts of home along with an array of luxury services and amenities. These may include housekeeping, transportation, onsite salon and fitness center, and meal plans. In most, residents can lead a lifestyle as active or relaxed as they choose.

At MorningStar of Billings, we allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. For the most active seniors, we offer 32 private, free-standing cottages in 2-bedroom, two bath configurations. Each cottage has a one-car garage, fireplace, full kitchen and high-end finishes in floorplans from 1112 to 1236 sq. ft. We offer another 72 stylish independent living suites in our main building with several one and two-bedroom options.

While our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our independent living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. Moreover, if the time comes for a more formal arrangement, you will be familiar with MorningStar of Billing’s assisted living and memory care, and as a member of our community, you will receive priority access. 

MorningStar is conveniently located on the west end of Billings, and while it boasts a country setting, it is close to shopping centers and the medical community.  We are situated on a large campus in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood that offers views of the Rockies.  In addition, Billings has four golf courses and is just minutes away from the historic city of Red Lodge, Montana that offers a whole host of both winter and summer adventures.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar of Billings’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Dogs and Cats Offer Seniors Love, Emotional Support and Affection

Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms.  In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress.  Also, during times of loneliness, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.   

Pets can teach seniors to live in the here and now as they do, and dogs and cats are great at offering their owners unconditional love, emotional support and affection.  Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life.  Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr?  Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.   

Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.”   In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing.  However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal , think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses.  Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need?  

At MorningStar of Billings, we provide a true “home” for our senior independent living, assisted living and memory care residents.  We also recognize the relationship that exists between a senior and their pet, which is why our community is pet friendly.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information regarding our pet policy and to learn about our various amenities, services, and support we offer to our residents and their families.   

MorningStar takes tremendous 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 our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy.  The World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.”  Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”  

Furthermore, studies show the most harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines.  Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis resulted in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong drugs prescribed.  

However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all of the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption.  

Medical professionals say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss.  The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment.  

Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it.  If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend.  Also ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable.  Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better, remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team.  

At MorningStar of Billings, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, and we offer all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. Our beautiful community has a variety of floor plans for both independent and assisted living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services, availability and pricing.  

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings.